74 RADNOR PARK RD.
FOLKESTONE

Jan 22nd 1917

My Dear Mother,

Have just had a good meal with the Reades so will write a few lines before I have to go back to the hotel.

This is glorious weather. Bright and sharp, and while it is quite cold, one does not mind, as long as it is comparatively dry.

I have been most frightfully busy since coming down here. My day is well taken up and then when I could write or do other things I would like to, I am too tired and too sleepy. The fresh air and breezes off the sea are certainly doing me good. From the time I go to bed until I wake up in the morning at 7 o'clock seems like about 10 minutes. I very seldom wake up at all in the night and often do not even move. The other night I went to sleep in my bath. I haven't always slept as well since I came
back from France.

I think it was the night after I arrived at Hythe that I came in to see the Reades. While there Alfred walked in and while he only had a very few minutes it was fine to see him. He was just as much surprised as I was. I had imagined him in France, and he certainly did not know that I was in this part of the country. He is looking much better than when I saw him last and was leaving that same night for a camp in Surrey. Same camp as Byron Connor was in training at. I hope he writes as often as he can.

My work is most interesting, and I do love it so much. The day's work is really long but it slips by all too quickly. I will soon be here a week now. The hotel is most comfortable, and the people make it as much like home as they can. I knew the manageress from past visits and she does all she can to accommodate us. I am sharing a large room with another chap, who was at Oxford with me and who shares my room at Catterick.

Since coming down I have met so many of the boys with whom I was in training at Oxford and Northolt. It is like meeting old friends as it really is. They are a splendid bunch of boys. Of course most of my friends are now English boys, and it is quite`a novelty to talk to a Canadian. I can now appreciate their little mannerisms and ways which were so evident to my friends when I first came over.

There are over 100 taking this course now. Of course there must be quite a range and a variety. I suppose our most notable pupil is Lord Grosvenor, who is heir to Duke of Westminster. He is just a big, fat good natured boy of about 225 lbs. He has No.1 squad and I have No.2 so I always know just where to fall in, on parade, as I stand behind him, and he can be seen from all over.

I received yours and Emily's of 24th Dec, but none since. I am so glad you are well, and that Xmas is over once again. I am glad you got the cable in time too. I am feeling most fit and am enjoying my work immensely. Lots of love for Father, Em and self and best regards for Miss Smith.

Loving son,
Wilbert.