49.029 - ALS to Edward's mother

TELE 342.

E A R CANADIAN RED CROSS, SPECIAL HOSPITAL, BUXTON, DERBYSHIRE.

March /17 [text cut off] My dear Mother: - I have not heard from you people this week but as there has been no Canadian mail in, could not expect to.

I received the cable alright last Tuesday but had it stolen on me Wednesday morning. The O. C. is doing his best to try

and find the culprit. But it is pretty hard. We had a long talk and they are doing their best. It was stolen out of my tunic pocket while I was at breakfast. Some person must have heard that I had money and immediately acted. That is the reason why have not written to you this week. I wanted to see if it would turn up. You see how careful we must be and the kind of fellows one has to be with.

I had a board the other day by three doctors and I am marked "A3." which is duty in France but not the front line. You know, some kind of work at headquarters where I can keep in pretty good condition. It was what I expected because I am feeling about fit again. They would have kept me in England but they are so short of men in France. I will be getting my leave the end of this week and I gess I had better cable you for some money I will only get ten days. Expect to go

to Scotland and then have an invitation to come back here.

I have met some very nice people here and I have been to Mrs Redd[y?] nearly every day this week for afternoon tea. Tonight I am asked to supper to meet her son who is an officer on leave. They certainly are very good to me and I certainly appreciate it

I had a letter from Reg and he received my parcel all O.K. He seems to be getting along alright. What do you thin[k?] of the advances lately?

We hade a fine sermon by the chaplain this morning and then we had communion. The minister is certainly well liked.

I had a letter this morning from Elsie Sawtell and she is at Southwick in Sussex. She wants me to come down to see them when I can.

Well mother I will have to close and get cleaned up,

With Best love to Father and Bros and sisters.

your loving son Ted.

sorry this is written so rotten but this table riggles and I am in a hurry. R.

I will write all the Ingersoll people who I owe letters soon.