January 9h 1919

Dear Friend Mr Irwin

Just aline to let you no I am well at present Hopping this finds you the same. Well Mr Irwin the time seems long now as the boys are all anxious to get home again we have been marching for 6 days to get out of Belgium in to France near the Railhead but we are still in Belgium at present. But we expect to move before long for the coast. They have started all ready taking the men(?) of the district in which are (?) to be discharged in. So I gave them Kingston to I am not just sure what unit I may got back with to Canada I would like to stay & go back with the 52nd but that’s a long way from where I would get my discharge & I would have to pay my own fare home. But its only the matter of a few weeks till we will all be spread far a part & I think I will go to Kingston, that sure was some letter you sent me. Well Mr Irwin when you write again you post your own address one it as usual as I may be with another unit or on my way to Canada.  So when they open your letter they will no where to send it. We sure have had some wet weather here lately.

I expect to get my last leave at any day before we are separated from this unit. I think I will go to Scotland this time I would like to go to paris but when one can’t speak French there is no comfort in it. Well I think I will close for this one hopping to hear from you soon again I remain yours

Sincerely

pte H.J. McMaster. Reg No 195475

52nd Batt D. Coy

B.E.F. France

Good-Bye