Letter 20

Witley Camp

July 8th 1918

Dear Folks.-

Here we are again, how are you all keeping any'ow? Hope you are enjoying yourselves, these days.

I have just got back from Miss Joyes place, that's my friend in Godalming, we went to the museum in Charterhouse school, they have quite a big collection of antiques and curios from all over the world. Some of the old English War equipments were interesting, old armour, Cross bows, muskets, etc. We only had two hours to go over it, I could spend a week there to see everything. We took a walk around the school as well, it was very interesting, it is quite an old school and quite a famous institution. John Wesley, Baden-Powell and quite a few other notable people were educated there. It has an attendance of between six and seven hundred pupils.

At present school is suspended on account of the Spanish Influenza which, as I suppose you know, is pretty bad in England just now, in fact it seems to be spreading all over the continent. There is no signs of it in camp here but quite a lot of schools all over England are closed through it. Tom went with me to Godalming tonight. The people are extremely English, [?], but are very hospitable, they sure give us a warm welcome.

I am pretty sure we are going on leave Tuesday, I've written to Chatham to tell them I'm coming, it will sire be a great change from me, although I'm perfectly happy and satisfied right here. I used to b longing for my leave, but it doesn't bother me so much now, I sure intend to have a good time though.

Last night Tom and I went to Godalming and took in the dance there, had a pretty good time though it was pretty hot for dancing, it has been very warm lately, we haven't had any rain now for a long time the gardens are getting down and a little shower would do a whole lot of good.

A Victoria boy named Martin, moved into our hut the other day he has been over here quite a time. He lived in North Park street and knew Bill Cheeseman, funny thing he is going to Chatham on his leave and his uncle, who he is going to visit lives on Gladstone Rd, too. He know the place well. He isn't going the same time as myself it would be good company for me. By the way, how is Bill Cheeseman making out with his exemption! I hear that most of them that were [?] have been called up. Bill has a pretty good case though I guess he will get up. I think I did right in joining up when I did.

All my bosses here seem to be Victorians, the sergeant in charge of our sub section is a [?], and a good scout too, the Brig-General in charge of the whole camp, Gen Hughes, is a son-in-law of Mrs. Newlings, the old lady in the post office, and then there is Carry, the head of the whole Canadian Army, don't you think that Victoria is well represented?

Glad to hear you have been over to see Mrs Rendell a few times. I ain't getting many letters at present but hope to get more later on, most of them haven't have time to come in answer to those I sent.

It is after 10 P.M so I must close, Your Loving Son

Walter