German East Africa
December 1. 1917

Dear Mother

Just a line to let you know I am still here among the savages and able to do a little work yet also able to eat three squares per day. They are pretty good meals here just now too as we can get plenty of eggs etc from the natives and rations are not scarce like they used to be.

The rain has been keeping clear of this place so far but I suppose it will come pretty soon now. In other parts of the country the rain started three or four weeks ago.

There seems to be a strong rumor of us fellows getting some leave but I dont know yet whether it will come off or not but I am hoping for the best.

I have not got my Xmas parcel yet although I got the letter saying you were mailing it the next day. It should be in time for Xmas all right this year. Some of the girls made mention of my camera. The reason I cant use it is because I have not been able to get films for it. I hope to have some however by the time you get this letter.

The other day I got a paper from home under date of April 7th (my birthday). It evidently has been on a tour for some eight months and was nearly worn out. The inside was quite readable however and I saw a few articles that was news to me.

This nice small writing tablet was given me by a Wpeg. boy who had just bought one before he got this in a parcel so this paper has travelled some as you can reckon up.

Mary seems to be worrying about school etc as per usual but I guess she will come out all right in the end. I can imagine her teaching for the first time if she is still as nervous as she used to be.

Well Mother I had better close for this time and do a little work. So Bye Bye with lots of love to all my friends and relatives (especially all these new ones you have collected).

Your loving son
Harold.