R.H. Gray Lt., RCNVR.
Box 517, ℅ F.M.O. KILINDINI,
B.E.A.
OCT 8/43

Dear Phyllis,

I got one of these from you the other day which seemed to get here fairly quickly so I shall try one the other way. Thank you for your Christmas present (last years) which arrive the other day while I was still in the hospital. It was late but very welcome. I was glad there was no food in it or it would have been badly spoilt. The cribbage board went into use the first day and I lost twenty cents to my roommate in the hospital. That is only five cents Canadian money so it did not break me. Mother has been telling me about your stay in Nelson. I am so glad you were able to make it as its good for Mother & Dad. – [blacked out words] (I was about to say something I shouldn’t.) How is Jane? You say she is very cranky. I cannot understand that as she never looks it in her pictures. I trust Ed is not working too hard. He must have enjoyed his holiday.

Love to you all,
Hampton.

[postscript at top of page:] These things are much too short. I can never get going with what I want to say.