5th Company
11th Reserve Batt
Shorncliffe
Kent.

March 7th 1918.

My dear Tom

I was glad to hear from my good wife that you had arrived back safely in Canada, and also very pleased to hear that you had made a call at 566 Balmoral St. Louie & Pops were very glad you called, and I am told on good authority that the young lady that delights in the name of "Pops" actually came to tears because you went away and left her so soon after such a long absence. I must say in her defense that her young man did not seem to realise the greatness of the occasion or what was required of him.

I dropped a brief line to you addressed to the Hospital at Kirkdale near Liverpool, but I expect you had already left there.

Well we have practically finished our training here or at least a few days could put the finishing touches on according to the scheduled requirements, and we are liable to be shipped across at anytime. The big blow is expected at any moment and by all signs and expectations this Spring and Summer should witness the most bloody contest yet staged in the World's Theatre of nation slaughter. Lets hope it will be the final struggle, although signs do not seem to be very propitious.

Now you are back old boy I will be pleased to be kept posted with the most important pieces of news with regard to the Church and its' work etc.

I am keeping in fine trim and have put on a few pounds since I joined up. The only slight sign of trouble has been a little touch of rheumatism that I have felt for a few days about once in 3 or 4 months, but that does not amount to a row of beans. But by the way, I know the Father of the trouble is the long cold buggy drives in the winters across the Western Prairies. So wrap up your knees old boy in the future.

How is Dad & Ma? Of course I expect you found them as usual busy and keeping the people of the Church alive and especially the young folk. I expect they miss Vic Knowlton now that he has a good wife to look after him.

Is Curley the dog still alive or have they laid his sacred ashes to rest? Please remember me kindly to them and the family.

Remember me to any of the boys you come in contact with, and I trust you will find a suitable and congenial work at hand to do, for it is such as you that Canada needs in this age in order that the true and simple and loving spirit of the Christ might be more and more exemplified in the ordinary common duties and acts of daily life. I hope you will feel led to take up again the work of the Church, and find scope in it to meet all the longings of your spirit.

Now I must close at the present with much love and best wishes
Yours as ever
David.