West Sandling
April 20, 1916

Dear Edna:

Just a line to say I am leaving old England tomorrow morning at 4 o'clock for France. We sail from Southampton, and probably go to Havre or possibly to Bologne, but I think it will be the former. It is now 10 p.m. and the order has just come in so I must get things together. I wish I could write more but have not time. I hope I may hear from you as often as you can write or feel like writing . You know how much I like to get your letters. I expect England will look good to me next time I see it, but I assure you Canada will look better. Of course I shall not be able to tell you where I am but I shall tell as much as the censor will allow.

I am very glad to get away, though it may be worse where I am going but I did not join the army to stay here.

I shall think of you at the old home where you will be spending a pleasant summer I hope. I may perhaps see your brother Merril over here sometime. I hope the war will be over before he gets to the front though.

I must close now. Just cast a stray thought this way occasionally and take good care of yourself until we meet again.

As ever.

Sincerely, your friend,

Dick