From: France
25 Jan. 1918

Dearest Mother & Gladys -

Your letter of Dec. 23, came there in very good time and reached me on Jan. 9. This letter of yours was opened by the censor - in fact nearly all the Canadian letters in that mail had been opened. I think this is the first time that has happened. Nothing was touched though. There was your letter, a sheet from Harold and a couple from Gladys, also a clipping from East and West.

In my last letter I sent you a couple of post card photos which I hope you get and like. We had to say goodbye the other day to those French folks with whom we had been staying & I believe they were sorry to see us go - in fact, the old lady seemed almost on the verge of tears. We certainly had a very comfortable time of it while there.

Reveille used to be at 6:30 a.m., but she would always be up before that to call us and would always have a hot cup of coffee for us before we went out. This coffee is a great joke around here. We also get it at noon, in the evening and before we went to bed. They are great people for their coffee, the French. And it is not the same as what we get at home. They always grind the coffee berries just before they cook the coffee. They make it good and strong and black, but I rather like it. Ah well, I may be able to see these people again, who knows?

Just now, I am at the guns again and am in a fairly comfortable dugout. Weather now is very mild and the ground is very muddy. I am feeling real well. Hope you and Gladys are well and that Gladys gets her exams alright this coming Easter.

Yours affectionately,
Gordon