No 31.
14^th C.G.H. 17/10/17.

My Dear Mother,

It is I guess, ten days since I last wrote you, except for the note, so I will try to give you an idea of what I have been doing in that time.

Last Wednesday, the inspectors under the new system of messing, came down to go over our books, and believe me, they found us unprepared. Thank goodness my end of it was in the best shape of any. They rather raised the deuce, and I had to dig in and help get all in shape, and it was about 1 A.M. Sunday, when they finished. I did not lose anything by them coming tho, and may have gained something, I will know later.

I have been trying for some time to work an excuse to London, to see Bobbie, so when Ault’s transfer to Orpington, came thro, I worked it so that I got the job of escort. We left here Monday morn., and while I could have been back by midnight, I succeeded in getting it put over till Tuesday midnight.

We missed our connections in London by a very few minutes and it was rather later when we arrived in Orpington, and I had to leave almost at once, to get back to London, in decent time, so did not have a chance to see Lester Jackson, who leaves for Canada any day. Ault is also going back. I expect, and will be quite able to carry on. I think his varicocele is about all that bothers him now.

I wired Bobbie from Orpington, to meet me in Lyon’s Restraunt by Charing Cross Station, between six and seven, as I was afraid I would not be in London in time to catch her at the store. I returned, however before six and found a Lyon’s right at the station, another opposite, a third, down half a block so waited around these till eight, but no Bobbie showed up.

I went & got a room at the hotel, and went to the theatre. In the morning, I did a little shopping & went up to see Bobbie. She had waited till 8. at a fourth Lyon’s just a few doors the other way from the station, & I had missed her.

I then went around and spent a few minutes with Major Clark, & then back & had dinner with Bobbie. She returned to work, and I went to another theatre, meeting her again at 5 P.M. We could not get a meal just then so sat had tea & listened to the orchestra, till six when the law allowed us to eat another dinner, after which we attended the Victoria Palace, right opposite Vic. Station, from which I had to leave, at 9 P.M. So you see I had some busy time, all around.

(I will have to close till to-morrow as it is 10.30 and the prints I finished to-night are ready to lay out, & then I must away to bed.)

It is now Thursday 5.15 P.M., and I have just finished my prunes & cheese. I have been fairly busy all day, but not rushed.

We are taking our gas course now and it is rather rotten. We have to work the mask from the “alert” to complete protection in six seconds. That is going some, but if you take much longer, you will not likely require one at all as the gas they are using now will put you completely out of action in less than five minutes. We will likely have to go over to Seaford, and actually take the gas, two or three times, to be sure of ourselves. Gas is no joke, but a most serious matter and about the worst weapon the enemy has against us.

We have a new bunch of girls in here to cook, and I guess most of the old staff will give up cooking, and go to other work. Our cooking may be some better, but they will have to go some to beat the meals we have had lately. They have been absolutely O.K.

This letter has been rather interrupted. It is now 9 P.M. & I have just returned from town, & the vauderville. Rotten too, but we must have some amusement.

I don’t believe I mentioned in my note, receiving the box containing cookies, chocolates, dates, sugar etc. I enjoyed it very much. Have not tried the drink yet, so cannot pass on it. I have not opened the can of honey or fruit yet either, so don’t know what it contains. I am very much in need of sox, so please send whatever you have, and put named tapes on all, as that helps keep track of them.

I have another touch of hives or scales. Not very bad tho, and I hope to be soon rid of them.

I have, I think, three letters from you, & one from Nert, the two orders have arrived O.K. & came in handy while in London.

I certainly realize the number of letters you have to write, and much as I like to get them, will surely pass up one of mine, so that Nert can get hers.

I am so glad that Mir. was able to get her holidays. I will answer her letter in a week or two. Am really waiting to get a photo of myself, but the camera is to pieces for a few days for repairs & it will be some time next week.

I suppose you know by now that Wilfred Mc Guire, has been awarded the M.M., at least that is the report here. I surely hope it is true.

Stan. Raymond is one silly chump. He does not know when he is well off, and has surely done his share, as it was a much harder life then than now. 

Orders have come thro again for all “A” class men of the A.M.C. to be despatched to their depot at once, but again they have exempted No. 10. I don’t know what the idea is at all, now that they are giving is the gas course, they must have some thing on hand in the line of advanced work for us to do.

That beef was sure good & I would like it occasionally & also tomato soup (canned) some time.

Well Mother Dear, it is nearly ten & I want to read a few moments in bed.

Love to all,
Worth.