Witley
Dec 30/16

Dear Hazel -

I rec'd a dandy letter from you yesterday posted on the 14th. I had not heard from you for some time and was delighted to hear from you. It was very interesting and just the kind that I like to get from you. Just one thing that you quite often infer in your letters. You seem to have an idea that it is quite possible that you will never see me again. Now I don't like that idea at all because it is absolutely wrong. I consider that I have an excellent chance of returning from the war and a good chance of returning in as good a condition physically as I am now. Not that I think that the war will be over very soon because I don't think it will. We have lots of men now and one man has an excellent chance of spending months at the front without exposing himself to complete extermination. I don't want you to think that I am going to always keep out of danger if I can but we are taught that a good signaller will never expose himself to the enemy - not because he might be killed but because he would betray the lines of communication that he is working on and that is always our first and only thought - secrecy.

I suppose you will think that this isn't a very cheerful letter - it isn't.

This is a grand afternoon and Mc and I are going to Godalming for tea. I thought I would write a few lines to you before I went as it might be rather late when we get back. All our new years passes have been cancelled now as we have received orders to be ready for France in a few days. However we have been warned before so we don't take the latest orders very seriously. My Private opinion is that we sigs will go to a signalling base but I may be wrong - I often am.

I am sorry to hear that Mary hasn't been well. I hope it isn't worry. I am almost sure that it won't be.

I guess I will have to close this as the adjutant just tapped me on the shoulder and said "you will have to get out of here as the Brig. officer is going to give a lecture to the officers in a few minutes". Rather nervy I'll say but of course I didn't tell him that.

Well Hazel I may finish this tomorrow. There may be some news to tell then - there certainly is none now.

With love
Jack.