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Moore Barracks Hospital
England, October 12^th/16

My Dear Mother and All,

I did not really intend writing you to-night, I was just going to bed (8 P.M.) after a thoroughly happy hour, but see I have not written you for over a week, if my record is correct, I really thought tho that I had written you since the 4^th.

Since seven o’clock, I have been enjoying my mail of the day. An Observer, Sept 14^th, your letter of the 27^th, Nert’s of the 25^th and 28^th Emerson the 26^th, Floss the 25^th, Gert Bosworth the 27^th, and a copy of “Optometry” letter to Nert, which is O.K.. Now I will spend another pleasant hour writing you, because I thoroughly enjoy writing, hope I always have time.

Thanks for the clippings. Those re the Grahm Case are particularly interesting, as we wanted details.

A report tho not official, is in circulation here, that two Canadian Transports with 600 troops, have been sunk in the Atlantic. We will not know for sure for several days, perhaps never, because I know of one accident which I believe is not known there, but I can’t tell you. But not all those reported killed so soon after reaching the firing line, have died there.

Our first patient, since I went on the ward, died last night. He had been off the ward for some time tho, as they never die there. I was in his hut, either when he died or right after, and only a few inches from him. It was very dim twilight but I could see him, and it did not affect me at all, so I guess I will be all right. I will likely see many. I got him from the table, and as soon as conscious, he partly dressed, and would not keep warm and quiet, took pneumonia, and only lasted a few days, altho they fought hard to save him.

I was unfortunate enough to lose or have stolen (I think the latter, my no 14 pen. I was very sorry as it suited me beautifully, except the size. I of course had to purchase another. Got a no 12 Vest Pocket-self filler (could not get regular filler) and they charged only 15/- ($3.60) as compared with 2.50 in Canada. Some prices Eh? but it was printed on. I will tell Waterman’s my pen is still at home. Wish I had it here. If you have not sent it, when this arrives, please register it, so much safer.

You repeat very little news and I am very glad to get it anyway.

I have not been quite so well, or rather I am all right but have either a species of hives or bites, don’t know which, also my bowels are very bad. I went on sick parade to-day and the M.A. is treating for both, so will surely be O.K. in a few days. Keeping my bowels open, but have to take medicine to do it. Have taken some parafin oil, which they use a great deal here. Perhaps it is the quantity I eat, besides three meals I spend about a shilling a day at the canteen, mostly bananas grapes, oranges (5¢ and peel), a great many apples (2¢ each) and fancy biscuits. But am cutting a good deal of it out from now on.

Nerts order arrived O.K. I have one draft £5 left, cash £2/12/2, Nert’s order and pay at least £1 this week, besides 6s. I have lent.

I will surely be glad to get box, you are right about honey, small jar; 6 or 8 liquid ozs, but send often. Thanks for name of jelly, don’t need it now, eats are so good but may later. Cocoa will be grand, when I can use it but not just now as it would be inconvenient here. When we have a place of our own it will be fine tho. Never heard of it. Very kind of Mrs Leach, will sure write her.

Prayer book O.K. later. Delighted to look that boy up, if near here. There are many Canadian hospitals tho. Several very near here, could walk to them.

The 168^th will be lucky to spend the winter in Woodstock. I felt the way they do, and now want to get out of England. I can wish them no better luck, than that they stay in Canada for ever. I really believe it is the best country to live in. But we were all too comfortable and satisfied. Now we are getting a taste of real life.

A man calls for washing twice a week and it is certainly done very nicely.

I tried to get a pass this week but turned down, so went down town without it O.K.

This is rather rushed, but they lock up at nine.

Heaps of love,
Worth.