Shorncliffe, Kent
Aug 11^th 1916

My dear Ethel

Your letter of July 15th and 19th arrived this evening was very glad to get them as I had not heard from you for nearly two weeks.

I think I told you Frank and Amy were coming to Folkstone.  They arrived on Sat. last and I met them at the train.  They have not changed much since I saw them last only a little older.  You may imagine we have had lots to talk over I have spent every night with them and they are to stay here next week.  Frank sent me a parcel of cigarettes by mail but some of the thieves around camp seemed to think they had a prior claim so I did not get them.  There are many of us have the same thing to complain of and I have reported it to the officer commanding and asked for a better system for distributing mail.

Can you imagine my surprise when two evenings ago, on the [?] at Folkstone I ran into Johnny.  He had just arrived same morning from Epsom.  I had not much chance to converse with him but he is to seek me out as soon as he is settled here and am looking for him any time.  He looks very well and feels better I think.  He tells me [C?] has lost his right arm.

Have not had my leave yet.  We are taking it in turns by sections and I think I may have to wait a few weeks yet.  I shall remain here until after then and may be sent to France anytime after that.  We are kept working but I am keeping in very good health.  I think I have got all your letters hope you have got all mine.  I write at least once a week and now that you have commenced to receive my letters from England you should have one every week.  I think I told you in my last that you have 60.00 due by 15th of Aug  You dont seem to have got any of my Assigned pay yet.  You know where to write to about this – Plaza Bdgs Ottawa.  Am glad to hear that you think the children are getting on better which is very [remainder of letter missing]