No 16 Canadian General Hospital
Orpington, Kent
Oct 22nd 1917

My dear Ethel

I am expecting a letter from you but will start this and maybe get yours before I finish it.  I was operated on a week ago and have had one of the dreariest weeks of my life – lying here with a rubber tube from my bladder leading into a little tub on my bed and Mr Thomas stitched and trussed up.  So I am not much nearer Canada today than 5 months ago.  Then on one leg there is a mass of [?] to help things along.  I dont see much chance of getting home by Xmas but I hope you will not go to any expense in sending me anything as you will have need of the cash.  You will be back in M.P. by the time you get this and will have decided about staying there for the Winter.  I have not forgotten your present yet but you must wait until I get better.  I must remember the kiddies birthdays better now that have nothing else much to think of.  Most of my time is spent in thinking about you all.  Thank Dot for her letter.  How often I seem to feel her arms about my neck, which I hope will be reality before long not to mention all “your other arms”.  I have also had time to think of all the Damn fool I have been during the last 20 years and all the trouble I have brought to you.  I am now wondering if it was any use enlisting at all.  I have been as long in these hospitals as I spent with the 6th Comp.

My only visitor last week was Amy.  She came on the day of the last Air Raids by Zeps.  Ken got in the Flying Corps. but without the knowledge of his parents and his father came up to town and got him out and it looks now they may try to get him in again.

All the Canadians are leaving Shoreham and [?] has got a job in London it seems but dont know details of that yet.

Well I think I will get this letter off today so Aurevoir with best love to yourself and the children

Your loving husband
Ern