291494. C.Coy.
19th Reserve Batt'n
C.E.F.
c/o Army Post Office
London. Eng.

Jan 20 / 17
Seaford Camp
Sussex

My Dear Betty:-

Have just received your letter No 19 telling me of the big snow storm, also you getting the bunch of letters etc from me, I am very glad that you have received them, we cannot count on regular mails these days, & before I forget if you have not already sent that money, you had better see that it is registered, you cannot be too careful. I am getting so tired of this waiting business - the indefinatness of things certainly makes ones sick, I just started in at the Training School & now for nearly two weeks the course had been suspended for some reason or other - if something definate does not materialize in the next week or so I think that I shall insist on reverting to the ranks in order to go to France & take my chance with the rest.

I am so glad now dear that I split & that we piled the wood though it is unhandy digging it out of the snow, yet you know where it is - how is your fuel hanging out? I think you are wise in deciding to be independant of Gunns, though I would call etc just once in a while. you had also better get in the Phone for six months I want you to be as comfortable as possible , perhaps with Mattie being there Hal might offer to help you with it, I would not refuse if he does. You are certainly having your hands full & I wish that I was there to help you - never mind dear when I do get back I hope that we will be able to settle down without the worries, etc that we have had in the past, a man will certainly be able to appreciate his home after an experience such as we are having over here = there are a good many things that we cannot write about but I certainly do wish that many of our Canadian people could be placed for just a month under the circumstances & conditions that hold over here. a sovereign ($5ºº) has the purchasing value of just 12/=now as against 20/= at the commencement of the war, & there are many things such as sugar - butter, wheaten flour - meat potatoes, which are hard to get even for money - certainly you cannot get as much as you want - I'll be content after this with just the plainest of fare - & when I do come home one thing I do want & that is just to stay in bed for the first week or so as long as I like. Then there is the awful darkness which prevails after sun-set & which one can never accustom themselves to. There is a chance of my getting the balance of leave which was broken by being called back, if I do get three of four days I think that I shall go up to Sheffield. About sending parcels, the sox of (socks) will be welcome also a few envelopes, chocolate like that you have already sent , the oxo I can get here cheaper than you are able to send it, don't send anyother kind of candy but the choc - the shortbread also the cake will be fine I have enough hanky's to last me for quite a while I guess that will be all. I have been on the sick list all this week, but am feeling considerably better & shall start in to duty again on Monday (22nd) We are all hoping that the war will be over at least sometime this year but the end seems far off just now - in any case I think it will be near the end of the year before we get home again, in the meanwhile "Carry On" dear & God give you strength & grace to "Keep the Home fires burning" it is not every man by a long way who is blessed with such a partner as I, I know that everything will be alright, & the experience you are getting in these months is going to be valuable to you. Remember me to Mattie, & fondest love to yourself & the kiddies dear Good-Bye & God bless you & keep you

yours lovingly
Will

Betty xxxxxxxxx
Shirley xxxxxxxxxxx
Billy xxxxxxxxxxxxxx