Man. Reg. Depot
Shorncliffe, Kent
Dec 3rd 17

Dear Mother,

I suppose you are all tickled to death to hear about Syd being decorated and making Blighty so soon afterward. He was mentioned in "The Times" on the 22nd so it is really confirmed now.

Well dear it will soon be Xmas again, our third away from home and we're all safe and sound so have much to be thankful for.

I have just written a letter to Florence thanking her for her parcel which I received yesterday.

I had a letter from Syd last night. He is getting along fine and seems quite happy. We shall be able to have another photo taken together and send along to you. It is not quite a year since we had the last one taken. I did not know Syd was in hospital in England till Mrs. Row forwarded his letter to her.

Frank speaks as if he were going to get leave this winter and asks for addresses. I guess he does not want to be wandering around London this time on his lonesome. I shall send him Prescott Row's address so he will be O.K. if he gets there. If he had gone there first thing last year he would have got in touch with me a lot quicker, as the Rows always know where I am.

There's going to be a hot time when the Row brothers get together again.

Well hoping you have as happy an Xmas as possible and the children too.

Give my love to all,

Jack