Gunner Hale No. 85519
1st Battery R.F.A.
Canadian Reserve Brigade
Ross Barracks
Shorncliffe

25/5/15

My Dear Alice,

I received your nice long letter this morning. Thanks very much for it. I shall be so glad to get your picture. I guess I will get it this weekend. I see you still remember what I used to say when I was mad about a heart like a brick. But since I have been over here, I have discovered that your heart is now soft and warm. I hope it will always be like it is now for me. I think it will. Don't get impatient child about the war. We cannot do much in France now except hold our own until the Dardenelles have been forced. I guess that will take at least another month from now. When that happens there will be something doing believe me. I don't think we will be back in Canada before next Christmas. So dear Alice, don't expect us too soon. I did indeed take you at your word about separating for a year, but at the time I enlisted, I did not think of that but maybe I will be back within the year. I am sorry to hear that Harold Houldsworth has been wounded. Do you know if it is serious? I hope he will get better again. Dear Alice, Eddie Clift came to see me today. He is just the same as he was in Montreal. He looks well. He would talk a fellow's head off but I was glad to see him again. He asked to be remembered to all the family and the Maburys. It has been a beautiful day and it is a nice night but I don't think I will go to town. I wish you were here. There are some lovely walks round here and it would be fine for a nice stroll. I have not got much to say this time darling but when I get your photo I will tell you what I think about it. I will promise to burn all your letters. I have kept them up to now because when I am by myself I like to read them. But, I could not take them with me to France. Well goodbye sweetheart. Give my kind regards to all at home. I will write again soon.

I remain
Yours with fondest love
Bob XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
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