16th Batt. Can. Scottish BEF
France,
May 14th, 1917

Dear Mother,

Just a few lines hoping this finds you all in the best health as this leaves me. Well mother dear, this one is a little behind time, but this has been my first opportunity for writing for a few days. As you will see by the address, we have got to France at last, and I'm now at the base. We had a very good journey across the channel, and enjoyed the train ride here immensely, as we are getting lovely weather, and the scenery is the best I've ever seen, although it's too warm just at this time for a full pack. I expect you will be having about the same weather at home, and will have got your spring work done by the time you get this. I got your letter of the 18th of April the day I left England, so it was like having someone to see me off. I expect there will be a little delay now with mail, now I've got over. I am expecting the pictures I promised you, from England, and I wonder if you got the group I sent you from Bramshott. I'm sending one on, to make sure, anyway. Who do you think I got a letter from last week? The Banks; the first I had, but Mrs. B wanted to know if I got the others she sent. Says they wish I was with them again. I was wondering about the parcel you mentioned, that Joe saw addressed to me. I haven't seen it yet. I can't think who it would be from. I was glad to hear Joe got through with his operation, and that it will be the last of it. He would be glad to get back for the seeding. I know, I'm not sure I answered his last letter, but tell him to write, as I will soon. I haven't much to tell you yet, as I haven't seen anything much yet out of the ordinary. G. Wright and some more of our boys got here a week before us and are in a different lot. So you see some of us get split up, but I'm still with the boys I like best. They look after us fine out here, and we don't have the ceremony to go through, which we used to have,.. which just suits us. The French here don't have much to say, except the kiddies, and they know how to yell "Souvenir!". But they sure are glad to see the troupe trains coming up. I haven't got the language yet, but make use of a little dictionary sometimes.

Well mother, I think you do well with the socks you knit, and I know you'll be busy all the time. It seems to me the work done between you and aunt Jessie is very good. I had another box of eats before I came over, and they gave me a lovely time while I was there. Well mother dear, remember me to auntie, and don't forget, I'm always glad when I can write you and get some from home. Well, I'll close now with best love to you all from your loving son,

Frank.