Bramshott
Friday Feb 18/1916

Dear Father,

I suppose by this time you have arrived safely and are spending a pleasant holiday. I hope the weather is nicer in B.C. than in this country. It has been raining here quite often lately. We are in quarantine at the present time for measles. George Money took them a week ago last Monday and we have been penned up here ever since. Our battalion is going across to France Sunday. Mac Woods came back from the hospital the other day and when he went up before the Doctor he was turned down on account of his flat feet. He went up the next morning and got thro alright so he is coming with us. We [?] stationed at the base in France for sometime before we go up to the trenchs. There are four or five battalions leaving the same time as us. I haven't had a letter from home for some time now, but had one from Mr. Seeth saying Mother had phoned in saying they are having plenty of snow and that all the trains were blocked and so were unable to get my mail and I'm not able to get theirs. I guess there is more snow this winter than there has been for years and plenty of blizzards. How is the weather out at the coast. I hope you are having favourable weather for going around and seeing the sights.

We are not taking any kit bags with us but are leaving every thing at the base. All the stuff we take with us is supposed to go on the pack on our back and we are certainly having some time getting it packed up small enough. I had a letter from Frank a little while ago and he seems to be getting fine. This winter at College will do him goof and the trip will do you good too as you needed a trip some where.

By the paper this morning the Russians won a great victory over the Austrians. It has been very quiet at the front for the last time, but I think there is going to be a big drive this spring some time as there are thousands of Canadians being moved over to France every week. Jack Wigham is over in France at the present time. He was talking to Mac Woods one night and the next morning he moved across to France. He didn't know till after he had got in that night and moved off the next morning at six o'clock. Justin Cima is in the fifty fourth battalion in the same camp as we are. I have seen him several times and also one of the [?] boys who joined in B.C. Those gloved you sent for Xmas will come in handy now for France as I haven't used them yet. Well Father this is all the news this time. I am sending you a picture that got taken while at Sandling. If [?] Frank's haven't one you can give them this one.

From your loving son
Jim