London
Jan 17. 1918

Dear Friend,–

I am ashamed to write to you now Mary, after such a long delay. I suppose you had given up all hope of hearing from me again, but I have been on pass for two weeks now, going back tomorrow so I made up my mind that I would get it written while I am here, I never seem to get time to answer all my correspondence when I am in France. You know it always seemed so hard to write cheerful letters after the Passchendaele scrap and I never like to write letters that seem too dry, all the news I could think of then was about old pals and you would see that in the casualty list anyway. I am the only one left on the fighting strength now of the seven who were in the same tent at Borden. But I met a lot of the old boys down at Sandling last Sunday. It was just like home with all the old chums of 1915-16 there but some of them will soon be going back to France again.

Well Mary I have had a dandy time over here. I spent a few days here at first then went down to Hastings and Sandling over the weekend. Then took a trip to Glasgow and had the time of my life it beats London in every way, the people are more hospitable and better looking, I just came down here last night, I have to leave tomorrow at 6:00 AM for France, – just wish I had another two months. The Angus girls (Barclays cousins) gave me a fine time and I certainly enjoyed my time in Glasgow but I have to forget all about that in a few days and get down to  “Hun-strafing” again. I expect lots of mail when I go back.

I suppose skating is in order just now eh? Wish I was back for a few nights but I dont expect such luck for awhile yet.

How is your Uncle standing the winter weather this season? Remember me to Annie and Jim. I cant give you much news this time as I havent had any Can. mail for a long time, I will get most of my Christmas letters when I go back.

Write when you get time and give me all the news.

Best regards
Your Old friend,
Dave R