Sun. Aug. 20/44

My Darling Mother,

It is a cold and dreary morning here with English church music coming over the radio so a very mournfull atmosphere in all. There is a large stone church about half a mile from here where quite a few of the boys are spending an hour. I thought it too far to walk as my leg starts to ache if I get too much exercise. There is still a lot of fluid on the knee which puffs up at the slightest irritation. Am hoping against hope they won't have to drain it off as that is a very uncomfortable feeling. It was drained off once a few days after the operation so I know how it feels. I've had so many needles stuck into me the past few weeks that I feel like a pin cushion.

I attended an English play yesterday P.M. in a town called Harrowgate-about seven miles from here. It was very good as far as English acting goes. They took us in an ambulance so I didn't have to do much walking. I got more kick out of the audience than the play itself. We were in the balconies and could look down on them-a pair of binoculars in one hand and a cup of tea in the other, enjoying themselves immensely.

One of my chums here is an American from Cal. Who came up and joined the R.C.A.F. three years ago. He dived into a swimming pool and hit his head on the bottom and now gets severe headaches-he's expecting to go back to Canada when he's through here. Tomorrow we are going to try to get into Leeds and get a haircut which we both need very badly. The next day I'm going to try to get back to the squadron for the day. The boys tell me there are quite a few parcels waiting for me. The buses and trains are really jammed over here now-people have to line up for hours so am not looking forward to the journey.

There is a guy coming in here this afternoon, who is supposed to be famous at playing the piano. I suppose that will help to pass the day. We spend most of our time reading, writing letters and playing cards with a cup of tea coming in every once in a while. I'm just getting caught up on my letter writing for the first time since I've been in England I believe. I'm also going to try to get next weekend off and go down and visit the Hawksworths.

Have just read Dad's letter for the second time to see if there's anything I could mention here. I suppose he will be home when this reaches you. I had to take the afternoon off the first time I read it but finally got through with all the words understood I believe.

Well my dear ones I guess you will be quite busy for the next couple of weeks. Hope to hear where you are going in the next mail I get from you.

Love to all,
George