Parkhurst
Dec 10/18

Dear Mother:-

Late this week but it seems it could not be helped. I have landed back from Devonshire O.K. and am once more settled down. The next move is going to be a twelve days leave that is coming off in January. I think I am starting it on the 2^nd just after New Year. I could have got leave for Xmas but I might just as well stay and work and let some other fellow go who can get home for the Festive season. I can have a Xmas any day if I have the cash. I may cable home for some but if I do you will have rec’d the wire before you get this letter

If I do go on leave the 2^nd of January I am going to Glasgow to visit an army acquaintance who is now back in civilian life. He wrote me the other day and said I must come as he would accept no excuse. Very good of him I think.

I received several letters this last couple of days. One from you Nov 10^th with an enclosure from Osborn and one of Nov 3^rd with an enclosure from Charlotte Thank them for remembering me. One from Mary dated Aug 1^st which had been returned and she re-mailed it and two from Ruth. Let me explain right now I have been kicking around so much lately I did not send any photos or Xmas Cards as I intended. I will explain you all the reason for such neglect when I get home, not before. If I had sent one I would have to send 50 so I cannot do it at this stage of the game. Give all the relatives my best regards and I will tell them why I neglected them next summer when I arrive. I fully intended to do the job in Nov. but circumstances would not permit.

There is nothing much to answer in your letters so I will just pass them up. We have had rotten weather this past two or three weeks but I suppose we have to expect it now as it is winter time. I don’t know what kind of a Xmas dinner I am going to get this year as I will be here with the Batt Xmas Day. I guess we will have something pretty nice though if money can buy it. Might just as well live as not now the war is over. I suppose the Batt will give us some show of a spread. Well Mother I must close for this time as I am out of wind and kind of sleepy. Best of wishes for the New Year to all and loads of love I am

Your loving son
Harold.

P.S. I am in the best of condition if it is health you are thinking of. H.