No. 47.
France 30/12/17.

My Dear Sister,

I think I wrote you just after landing in France, and you have no doubt seen the letters, I have written since.

My little stay, at No. 53, which is near Boulogne, did me good, as the Imperial Army, is different in many respects from ours.

Leaving there just when we did, tho, rather upset things a little, as we would have had a pretty good Christmas down there. However we will make up for it, here at New Year’s I hope.

While we were in the Boulogne area, Archie Oliver, had to go to the 3^rd Canadian General Hospital for some dental work, and on enquiry, found that Nellie Wilkens was there. He saw her several times, I believe, but I did not as I was further from No. 3, I think Mildred is further up than that, or even than here, as I heard she was in a Clearing Station.

We are about 40 miles back of the line, near a good French town, and have a fairly large place. Just inside the gate, on one side, is the administration block (a hut), and on the other side, the steward’s stores and linen stores and L.M. office, all in one hut, behind this another hut for clothing stores.

There are eight double huts of the bow-hut style, with kitchen office, etc in the centre, and they are the best I have seen in France. Each will hold about 50 beds. They have (or will have) electric lights, and I think running water – cold only. Besides these there are huts for the nurses and for the officers, also mess room, ablution room etc., for the men. For the present, we will be quartered in tents I think, but they may build huts later.

We are very lucky, getting such a nice little place, as most of the hospitals are still in tents. 53 where I was, is more than half tent. I think No 5 Canadian, is all tent, and No 30, right near us (Imperial) is nearly all tents of course. I think most of them this far back, have huts for their offices and most of the staff.

We seem to be a kind of Talisman against air raids. There was quite a bad one at Boulogne, while we were there, but note a sign of one, since we came here, and before we came, Fritz was over nearly every day. Of course he can’t make us mad by staying away.

I am sorry to say that your parcel has not yet arrived, however I am living in hopes. I had one from Hazel Mae, and another from Quinnie last night. Had a letter from Blighty to-night, saying that one was on the way from there, so I will fare pretty well. We heard to-night from England, that a Canadian mail boat had gone down, but I don’t know what there is in it.

Your loving brother,
Worth.