Jan. 26/45

Dear Aunt Edna and all,

I have just returned from a week's leave, and as we're having perfect arctic weather outside I'm finally getting caught up on my correspondence. We have six inches of snow and with the dampness, it's too cold to be funny. Right now I'm comfortable in my own room with a fire on, but an hour after I'm in bed the fire goes out and I lay there shivering until morning-dreaming of the good old central heating days.

I went on a week's course, down in the Midlands, just after New Year's. It was a bombing analysis course, and while there I met a New Zealander I had known back in Canada. We went on leave together to London, and had one swell time. We went through Westminster Abbey and saw a great many interesting things. Some parts of it were blitzed and there were quite a few things we couldn't see. We walked around the Parliament buildings but could not get inside as they were having a natter on. We also had a look at No. 10 Downing St. We then went to St. Paul's Cathedral which also has unfortunately been blitzed. We went down in the crypt and saw the tombs of the famous men-Wellington, Nelson, etc. Also a great many other things which are too numerous to mention. We went up to the whispering gallery which practically gave me the creeps. A guy stands about a hundred yrds. away and whispers in a soft voice and you'd swear he was standing beside you. We then went to the Tower of London which is very old and Historic. There was quite a few of us shown around in a group by the beefeaters.

We also took in a couple of theatres while there which the English go for in a big way. I'd just as soon see a good movie myself. There were quite a few U's going off, which really shakes you. All you hear is a bang, which shakes the building about, and then the rumble afterwards-they travel faster than sound. We can see the flame from them at night when we're on a do over there. I haven't done a trip for ten days now so hope this weather will soon be clearing.

Had a letter from Dad (typewritten of course) last night who is expecting quite a business in Wadena this Spring. From the sound of things he should be doing o.k. too.

Also had a letter from Pauline Coulson who is stationed an hours ride by train from here, so shall be seeing her in the near future.

Well folks, must get into my icebox and get a few winks. At the rate the Russians aer going it shouldn't be too long before I'll be seeing you again.

Lots of love,
George

P.S. Almost forgot to thank you for your Christmas parcel. It arrived in perfect condition-chicken included, just a few days before Xmas-thanks a million. George.