R.H. Gray Lt, R.C.N.V.R..
1841 Squadron,
G.P.O. London.
Jan 8/45

Dear Mother and Dad,

We are now well into the New Year and I hope you will have had your trip to the Coast. I know you both will have enjoyed it and it will have been a great change for you. – At the moment things are not going too well in Europe but Monty is back in there and we can hope for better things soon. – Nothing much is going on here and we are at a dead stand-still at the moment but hope to be moving soon. – I am still acting as Commanding officer and seem to be getting along alright but it is a bit boring where we are and for most people time seems to be hanging rather heavily – still I should be used to that by now as it has been going on for four and a half years. – I suffered rather a blow the other day. I put my fountain pen in a canvas bag with some other stuff in the back of my aeroplane and when I took it out it was broken in half it was quite beyond repair. It is an awful nuiscance and I cannot seem to get another one that does not cost about forty dollars. If you could send me one I would appreciate it but if you do register it. I am sure it will reach me using the above address – It might be possible to send it air-mail. – I have very little to tell you I am afraid – It is quite cold where I am and I wear my Great-coat in the evenings. However there is no snow or ice so it is not really like home. – Much love to you both and to Phyllis and her family. By the time you get this I expect her family will be larger. –

Love from your son
Hampton