Dec. 30th 1916

Dear Ollie:-

Have been trying to get a chance to drop you a few lines for the last two days but have been busy.  Had ought to be down to the office now.  Have to go on orderly Sergt. Tonight and I have never done it so expect to have some fun.  But let her go they will have to put with my mistakes.  Have been shifted out of the H. 2 Coy.  Would not take any N.C.O.’s so had to get out but am trying to revert to the ranks.  Don’t know how I will make out hope I get it.  Ern Creamer had been here since last night.  He is going home next Fri.  He has his discharge (Happy Boy).  He is the same old Ern.  The first thing he said last night he must pay John that five dollars he owed him.  Said he hadn’t forgotten but when he left he didn’t have it and he said it was no good to make any excuses.  Am sending my watch home by him.  Tell the old man to take it to Garret and get it fixed for Bob.  We are going as a unit and very soon.  Have over 400 reinforcements with us.  John Bor, C. Nichols, Phil Fals and quite a lot more boys we know all from the same Bn. One of our boys who went in the first draft is under the sod.  Poor devil, I thought a lot of him.  Of course we are not sure but am afraid it’s true.  Don’t think you know him.  His name is Archie McDonald. 

Well must quit.  Haven’t done anything but fall in for parades the last few days.  We have had three parades today (and it’s Sunday).  Oh yes, Squire got a box from home tonight.  Haven’t opened it yet.  Too many around.  Will try and write sometime this week if I get a chance.  Expect to be in France before you get this.  Hope so any way.  Haven’t got time to say goodbye.

Jack