Div. Cycle Co.
2nd Canadian Ex Force
France
April 29th, 1916
My Dear Mother;
I was so pleased to get your letter yesterday. I have just finished a short letter to Gran in answer to one I received to-day. She is in the best of health, and the Zepps have not been her way. I have not had my leave yet, but it is slowly coming nearer I am not sorry it is so long in coming as I will get over with the good weather. And if it keeps up like it has been this last week it will be great, this week has been splendid, the sun shining all the time, and not a drop of rain. It certainly is a welcome change after the seven months of rain and mud we have had. I have increased my assigned pay to $20 per month, it starts from May 1st 1916 so you should get $20 at the end of May, that is if they send it at the beginning of the month, but I don’t think it is sent before the end, anyway you know when each esignement comes. You remember I tried to do that before, but could not get it through. But this time I have signed all the papers, and got it all fixed up. But to make things absolutely safe you had better write to the Pay office Ottawa and inform them of your change of address. Perhaps it would be better to give Uncle Jack’s, but just as you think, give my unit, and do not forget 2nd Div. I wish you could see us when we are fully dressed we have gass helmets, which we have had no occasion to use so far, gass is going out of date. The latest thing is tear goggles for protection against tear shells, they are shells which make you cry, the tears run down in rivers, but the goggles prevent this. When these shells burst, it is just as though you were cutting up very strong onions. Well that is about all the news I have. I am feeling fine, and hope you are all the same. I hope Father will have a very happy Birthday on Monday.
Best love and thousands of kisses
Eddie
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