14/7/42

Dear Folks:

Well here is Tuesday night. Tomorrow I am going up to London to meet Bill who is getting a weeks leave. I have finally caught with him and got a message through. I went down to see Wimp who wasn't so far away but did not manage to see him.

I have gotten fairly well acclimatized to the regiment over here now. I have been out on one scheme and will be on plenty more. It is quite a different way of living and it would be tough in a severe climate. Over here it keeps cool but not too cold. We have only had a couple of days rain since I came but I guess the fall is the rainy season. We may get into billets for the tough weather.

I have written several letters by ordinary mail. Barbara has the air mail ones and she can tell you the latest dope and when these start coming they will be fairly regular I expect. I was sorry to hear that both Ma and Pa hadn't been well but in Barbara's last letter she said that you were feeling better, for this I am extremely glad. The war news isn't very good. Well all I can say is that if they open a front they will find the Canadians in fine shape, especially the infantry who are tough as nails. My apprenticeship should end in September but if a big push comes in I may get a whack at the Hunie first.

Bill and I will be doing London tomorrow. It will be quite strange to us but I imagine we will get a kick out of going around together again. This life isn't so bad apart from homesickness. All the boys would like to get it over with and get back to Canada, but they don't want to go back without licking Jerry and I think they can do it. Our area is quiet as can be, it seems as far removed from war as Canada.

I walked 2 1/2 miles to a quaint English church service on Sunday. It was quite impressive. The church set in centre of churchyard and well surrounded with trees and roses. Side entrance and queer shape. I imagine the church engaged more of my attention than the rector, who wasn't too brilliant.

I have been able to get some fresh milk lately which has been a real treat. My batman—named Ledoux—is good friends with a milkmaid. I brought quite a few chocolate bars so that I trade and am glad to. We have a lot of French in the battery and they seem good fellows. They aren't the same as the fellows back home who haven't much use for these boys who have come over.

Capt. Kidd from our unit married Beaverbrook's daughter the other day, which wasn't bad for the old regiment was it?

Well this is all the news so here's hoping you are all fine and lovely.

Your son,
Elmer D.