RH Gray Lt., R.C.N.V.R.
Box 517,
℅ F.M.O., Kilindini,
B.E.A.
Nov. 14/43

Dear Mother and Dad,

There has been no mail this last week so I won’t have much to say. You get so dopey in this climate that it seems that nothing interesting ever happens. We are all tired of it and longing for a move but when that will come of course we do not know – By the time you get this Christmas will be nearly on us or at least the busy time for you that precedes Christmas. Again I am afraid I have not thought of sending any gifts but I think you will understand that. But I wish you would take one of my cheques and get something for the home and also something for Phyllis and Ed. I would like you to open a savings account for Jane too say about twenty or twenty-five dollars, if she has not had one opened already. If she has you might put something in from me to swell it a bit. I feel I have been neglecting my little niece. I would like you to get something for Pauline, too, please. I don’t know what we sent her for her wedding but I would appreciate it if you sent her something nice from me. She deserves it. – In front of me on my desk are a dozen eggs. We buy them from the boys for breakfast because that meal seems to be getting pretty bad lately. Salty bacon and fried tomato is all we usually get. I remember I used to think fried tomatoes a bit of a delicacy but never again. – The war seems to have settled down for the winter as far as we are concerned but I suppose the big push is liable to come any time. I hope so because I am sure that if we landed in large force Germany wouldn’t be very long in cracking especially since they have taken such big blows in Russia. I hope that something happens soon. We thrive better on good news. In just another month this war will have lasted as long as the last one which is just a lot too long in my opinion. – I got a letter from Aunt Beth the other day and she was saying how much they enjoyed your visit and how well you were looking. I was glad to hear that Mother and I hope that you both are looking after yourselves. Try not to overwork Dad. I know it is difficult without help available. – Well you will know that all my love and best wishes will be with you both over Christmas and may we all be together for the next one.

Much love to you both from your son
Hampton.