M.B.C.H., Eng.
8/11/16.

Dear Mother and All,

Well my shortage of letters has been made up, yesterday and to-day. Yesterday I had mother’s of Oct 13^th and 19^th Dad’s of the 16^th, Miriam of the 18^th, Louise Mitchell, Emerson and Floss, also contributed. Then to-day Nert of the 21^st, Gwen Davis, Floss (again) and Art Ronson. So I am faring pretty well.

Sunday, even as I was, writing, I lost my happy (?) home, there was a terrible rain and wind storm in progress, and just at 4.15 one of the boys came in to break the sorrowful news. I went out as soon as I could and rescued my equipment and blankets, but everything was well soaked, and the rain continued. I had no place to sleep and the orderly sgt. was out of camp, so I went straight to the orderly officer and told him how it was, so he said if there was anything I could complain of he would admit me as a patient in a hurry and give me a bed in the ward, but I am perfectly well, so he gave me an order for a bed anyway. Then another fellow on the ward, went and hung a bluff that his tent was down too, and queered me, as the office took the matter up, got dry blankets and gave us over to a sgt. who fixed us up for the night. I stayed till last, as my feet were soaked thro and told the sgt. and asked him if it would be O.K. if I slept in the bathroom on 5, as I was soaked, and had to have a bath. He said sure, and when I got there the sister insisted on my sleeping in a bed, which I did. Honestly tho, I did not rest as well as on the boards, and once I wakened up with a shirt over my head, and in the morning, I had to distribute slippers around, I snored like the deuce and they tried to stop me. At the present time, my equipment is in the bathroom and I am sleeping on the floor with my sheet and blankets. It sure is fine. A hot water (jacket) heater outside my door, and hot and cold water right in the room, (some style,) and I am going to stick right to it, till I get a good room inside. I surely sleep well, and can read as late as I wish. I usually have my light out by 9.45 tho.

Monday eve. I went down town with one of the boys and walked home. It pourd rain and hail, and blew terribly. We had some walk. I go out often now for the exercise. I was weighed and go 153, about four or five weeks ago, I only made about 149 on the same scales, so I am going up some.

Say George Carson is right near me, hope to see him soon. Have heard nothing of Wilf. Simmons yet tho.

I could not resist a box of this stationary, 50 sheets and 50 env. for one shilling and 3 pence. Pretty cheap, Eh? Then I can buy the paper separate. Fine quires for about ten shillings. Of course I should only write one side and will still write you on the other, but I want you to see this. Bought it at Boots the Chemists. They have nearly six hundred stores in England.

I really thought you would get one hundred of those sox. You should have.

Too bad you can’t get a woman. I will be able to do your washing when I get back.

You don’t know anything about rain over there. To-day is the first day for a long time, that we have not had some rain. It is very fine to-night and I would like to be out for a walk, but must do some writing. Walked nearly down town with a little laundry last night, then read my letters and talked till nine and went to bed.

We hear to-day that it is pretty sure Hughes is elected, but no definite results. I hope he will be careful.

I cannot get any particulars about the hospital at Seaford. It has been run by the Imperials and they have apparently had no notice to vacate. Don’t know yet how many of us will go there. I hope all. There was a terrible mix-up as usual, no one to meet our men and no one knew anything about them coming. Glad I did not go. I had quite a row with a No 10. Corp. who is on 5 ward to-day. He will not work and I have been getting coal all week and told him to-day it was up to him. I would not get it. I said now I have refused, the only thing you can do is report me to the sgt. and that is just what I want you to do. He wanted to come to an understanding, did not want to report one of our own men, etc., but I said he had to report me. He went in three times and the sgt. was out. Then said to save me any trouble, he would get it. So I broke him, the sgt. knows him and is on my side. I am to willing to do my share, but made up my mind I would fix him and did. I hope he will soon be off the ward. None of our men like him, but I think we will get along better after this.

I am certainly very pleased that you found Nerta’s ring. I would not have her lose it for anything. It is rather hard to believe tho. That woman must be a wonder.

Batteries are very hard to get here, most of them are American and I have been able to keep in supply most of the time, but am on my second last now, and can’t buy one in Folkstone nor Sandgate, so will be glad to get parcel. The flash is most handy, as we are allowed them to find our way about. I often get into water tho, even then.

If Jack Ross is in England and Wes R. knows the hospital, he may be near me, and I could see him. Some officer’s hospitals right near here, and we have a few here.

Was glad to get clippings. Very sorry about Gordon Southam. Both he and his wife were so nice. After I left, he took command of the 13^th machine gun squad, following Tuckett.

I still keep well as ever and don’t mind the work much now. Then with my, present quarters, every thing is fine. We hope to get in rooms and get all the No 10. men to-gether. My bathroom is very small, just room for me and my clothes.
[sketch of bathroom layout drawn here]
I have my equipment and blankets, under and on the solid seat and lift up the movable one on it’s end, and lie with my head at the door, open the window at the top and put my knotted h’dk’f over my head on acc. of draft. I have always worn it in the tent too.

Well it is 8 P.M. and I must write Floss.

Lovingly,
Worth.

[note at bottom added later by Worth’s mother:]
My Dear Nerta – We were glad to get your letter – also I had one from each of the other children. So you see I am very rich “today”.  I cannot write much as I broke my reading glasses “today” – Smart! - Dad is so much better – “[?]” – A monster red cross meeting [?] - Glad you are enjoying your visit. Will write you some lines again. Love Mother -