Shorncliffe, Kent
July 19, 1916

Dear Mother:-

Your letter came to-night. There was an immense Canadian mail to-day and when I saw it I was in hopes that I would get two or three but I was glad to get yours from home. Art Moyer hasn't been around lately but expect he will come soon. Monday was pay day and I drew one pound which came in very handy. Our company is taking a course in musketry bayonet fighting and gas helmets. The gas helmets are very queer things. It is a flannel cap which fits over your head and is tucked inside of your tunic. It is soaked in several different kinds of chemicals and goggles of glass to see through a tube goes in your mouth through which you exhale your wind you breathe through your mouth. Last night about one o'clock we were ordered to stand too or arms as there was air raid on but we didn't see anything of them. We are getting used to these midnight alarms now. To-day was clear and warm and you could hear the big guns in France quite plainly all afternoon. I wish I could have a good meal of strawberries or cherries but we are still getting beans and cheese. We are all looking forward to a nice box of good things. I haven't had any leave yet but don't expect any till we have finished our musketry. If you have any soxs made send them over as I will soon need them. Last week we moved our camp a little way into some tents vacated by another battalion. When you send a box put some cakes in with lots of raisins and currants. This will be all this time.

Your Son Jay.