291494 Sergt A.W. Mayse
C. Coy. 222nd Batt'n C.E.F.
Army Post Office
London, England

Shoreham Camp
Sussex
England
Dec 9/16

My Dear Betty:-

Just another few lines with enclosed, yesterday & to day have been wet, but it looks to night as though it were going to clear up again for a while - it certainly is some place when it rains so muddy etc. I hope dear that you receive the Shoreham & London veiws which I sent also Xmas cards, I am enclosing a card with this also a handkerchief each for the kiddies, I do hope dear that you have a Happy Xmas, I wish that I could spend it with you, as it is I do not know where I shall be spending it, I was hoping to go up home today, but it has been delayed for the time being, though it is possible that I may be going Saturday Dec 16th. You will also have received my letter of a day or two ago (perhaps you may get them at the same time) in which I spoke of commission, well the colonel has recommended me for a commission & my name has gone in (to war office) so it should not be long before I have to leave for training etc, I understand that 6 are being recommended from the 222nd & am very fortunate to be one of them, also I believe we are to go right to France for our final training.

About the money I mentioned ($100) I may need this for a time in order to get my outfit & I may when I have received definite word of official notice of my appointment, I may drop a line myself to Mr. R. J. Kennedy if you think it is necessary to raise a loan on Policy. let me know about this at once will you dear?

Of course there is still a possibility of my name not being excepted - but that is not likely - anyway I'm not going to be sure & positive.

When a man receives his commission you know, he receives his discharge from the Army as a Pte or N.C.O., & in turn receives a commission under Royal Warrant = which commission he may resign at any time, It does seem strange does it not how things have turned our for us?

Have not received any more letters since. No.6. & am longing for news of you again, am going to try & get those little Testaments off for the kiddies by this mail. am enclosing some leaves of English Ivy it grows on everything here & it always turns my thoughts to my dear ones at 853 Nassau. Good Night again darling, kisses & hugs to my children & fondest love to you, God bless you dear

your loving husband

Will

Betty xxxxxxxxxx
Shirley xxxxxxxxxx
Billy xxxxxxxxxxx