TELEGRAMS: IMPERIAL, HYTHE.
TELEPHONE No.55, 2 LINES.
OWN GOLF LINKS THE HOTEL IMPERIAL
AND HYTHE, KENT.
GARAGE WITH 8 LOCKUPS
IN HOTEL GROUNDS

January 16th 1917.

My Dear Mother,

I have just landed here from away up in the north country. I can assure you I am quite tired out and will be mighty glad of a rest. This is just like home to me. I know these parts fairly well and it is next best thing to Canada to get down here again.

I think I told you last week that I was coming down here as soon as possible for a machine gun course, that is aerial gunnery. I have just arrived, reported at the orderly room and got my billet here. I must say it looks as though I am going to be comfortable. I knew the hotel people so wired ahead and as a result we have got just about the best in the house.

Yesterday afternoon we left the aerodrome at 4.30 P.M. Then we had a long miserable drive in a car in deep snow, to Darlington. We just made our train and arrived in town (London) at 11.30 PM. A most horrible journey in a 3rd class coach. There was a party of 10 of us but only 4 caught the train. The other car was held upon the way, in the snow. I was in charge of the party so felt rather responsible, however the remainder arrived on the next train some hours later.

We had wired ahead for rooms at the Charing Cross, so after some eating we went to bed. Our train left at 9.10 this morning so I had not even time to call up any friends or to do anything.

This afternoon the boys want to go to Folkestone so I will go up with them and show them the way, none of them have been in these parts before, and then I will call on the Reades and find out if Alf is still here.
There are quite a bunch in the hotel. Quite a lot of officers who are taking the course and several others. It is such a nice change from Catterick where everything is so out of the way.

I lost my coat coming down on the train, my perfectly good fleece lined one but I know I shall get it again as I have wired the terminal and they will be on the lookout for it. I shall see about it this afternoon.
I have not heard for just about 10 days but I expect your letters are chasing me about, and I haven't heard from Wpg. since I left Northolt. However I expect all mail has been delayed.

Must close now and have lunch but will write soon and tell you all the news. I am feeling absolutely fit and in most excellent spirits. Lots of love for Father, Emily and self and best regards for Miss Smith.

Loving son
Wilbert