21 Windsor Road
Doncaster
April 6 1916

My dear Gertrude.

I write from home once more. arrived safely yesterday afternoon. We fortunately had a fine day for getting the boys off & travelling.

I think I wrote to you on Monday. Tuesday was of course a very cut up day - fortunately very fine too. We put in more or less normal lessons until twelve and then the boys packed their play boxes before dinner, all their trunks having to be ready for five. Being on duty I had to take them for a long walk in the afternoon. Six or seven miles - quite hot. A pretty walk most of it over roads I had not explored before. A rather rowdy tea afterwards - then Cooke relieved me for an hour whilst I rushed off to St Peter & collected the last of my things to take to Mrs Blake's for my packing.

At 7.15 we had the breaking up assembly - a few remarks from Mr P the reading of the terms marks & the fiving of a few special prizes (chess tournament - dormitory order etc) & then I took the upper boys across to St Peter for the last time - cooke & I had summer & then went in for 30 minutes to say good by to the Bentleys & at last at 9.30 I got away to my packing - having arranged for the man to call for my box at 8.

Got up at 6 & finally strapped my box & cycled to St Mary's in time for prayers at 7.15. the first hatch of boys for London & the south left at 8.10 by break for the station, in charge of the Miss Chew - Mrs Cooke & the Norwich boys left an hour later & my lot an hour later still. I had 6 but I dropped 3 at Wymondham 20 minutes later where we all had to change, the other 3 coming half way north with me & changing.

I got home safely at 4.30 an hour later but a pleasant journey. Just past Lincoln an aeroplane swooped down low over the train & came to ground in a field alongside.

I cycled up from the Station found Muriel & Father at home - Mother out at the Church working party & Poppy of course at the office. Father had had a telegram earlier in the day & has to report in London at the Y.M.C.A. headquarters on Friday - & he looks quite a lot better than the last time I saw him.

Had a quiet evening indoors - only going out to the garden to see the search lights at work at the Air Depot - At ten oclock the electric lights timed gradually twice- the Syn Zepps were about - & later a policeman came & told us to put all our lights out, so we went to bed by candle lights - the candles wells screened. However the Zepps did not get very near altho they were at Hull.

Have done little to-day went down town with Muriel Tues morning I cashed my cheque My first pay (except Mr Burton's small amount) since leaving Berlin & I am afraid it is all earmarked for payment - in fact I will hardly get through next term without borrowing from Muriel again. Paid my tailors bill. This afternoon I cycled round by the common- great aerial activity. Ten machines & hangars to every one they had when I left - & quite a member of permanent brick ones being built. Muriel & her friend Millie Wood (the singer) took little Betty Morris to the picture show & they all came in for tea. I undertook a short game at hide & seek with Betty afterwards.

Ian was writing this morning asking for your address. He has had one of their buttons mounted for you. There is no further word from Robin another of his platoon have developed measles, so his release from quarantine will be delayed again. He may go to Cambridge for his training when he does get over.

I have nearly read a whole book through to-day - rather a record after only getting through one in ten weeks. This is one of Ian Hay's light but very good "A Knight on Wheels" He praises Kipling a lot on one chapter & especially "The Day's Word" which reminds me that I had a letter from your Uncle in Minaki this week. He talks of possibly coming over the England in July Depends I suppose on the success of his year's business.

Thanks for the stamps you enclosed. Am glad that you are able to get to Mr Hayne's classes especially as they are special adult classes. He ought to be able to make them very helpful and instructive. Fifteen is rather a big number of adults from one church.

Muriel was telling me of some Canadian expressions which Pauline had told her of. One was "Trunking" I told her I had never heard it all & then Poppy said you had used it in a letter to her.I certainly never remember either you or anyone using it.

As you say - was news seems very plentiful these days - there is always something exciting in the papers and one the whole it seems very hopeful news.

Coming back here there are still more signs of the going away of the men folk. Women are now acting as motor men of the street cars as well as conductors. It is not at all a pleasant feeling for a young man to be in civilian clothes.

I must close - Hope you all keep very well. Kind regards to everyone.

With best love
Yours
Jack