The Royal Club for Officers Beyond the Seas,
at the Royal Automobile Club,
Pall Mall, London, S. W. 1.
November 3, 1918

Dear Helen,
Sometime last week I commenced a letter to you, but something happened and it has never been finished. But now I'm on leave and will send you this one instead.

You sort of scolded me a short time ago for writing you a short letter, but dear knows it is hard to write any other kind. Remember I have just come off from four months at Sea. All my life has been to do with the Sea and Navy Life. All this is contraband and will be until after the War. Now what else is there to talk about? Nothing, for nothing else happens, unless it's "~". And speaking of "Flu", I understand it is very prevalent in Canada. I had a letter from Halifax last week and they tell me that all the schools, cinemas and theatres have been closed there. Sounds a lot like this country. Only I believe it is worse here. People are dying off like rats. In one town I was in last week, they are so scarce of help for burying the people, that a person is a fortnight dead before they can get time to bury them. Isn't that awful?

I arrived at the 'Club' yesterday at 2.30 p.m. and really thought I was getting the "Flu" myself. I had a fairly high temp. and a rapid pulse, pains in the head, etc. etc. and naturally thought I was in for it, but I'm feeling much better this a.m. But to get rid of it entirely I intend remaining indoors for a couple of days and take plenty of Aspirin and - - - Beef. See? Think of this Helen. I now weigh 160 Ibs. - 15 Ibs.-mQre than when I left Canada. What do you think of English rationing? Yes, every- thing is rationed, except the water and the air. They would have rationed them if they could.

Say, whom do you think I ran into here as soon as I landed? None other than 'Walter Charteris'. Maybe I wasn't pleased - well? His leave is the same as mine. Quite a coincidence, eh? He is looking as fine as silk. .'

Well, Helen, what thinkest thou of the War? "La Fin" is in sight, eh? Mesopotamian phase of it is over any how. What about our Persian pal, - - Austin? Is he going to become Shah of one of the new countries forming down there? Great, isn't it? This terrible time almost at an end. That end is really in sight. The first time in over Four Years. How long can Germany stand alone? How long will she stand alone? This month will answer much, I feel sure. And next Spring - Well-! How long should it take to demobilize? Some job, right there. But big jobs are intricate parts of our present life.

When you answer this, tell me to what extent the present situation is affecting the enlisted boys in Canada. Have the authorities eased off? They have here. And surely should in Canada. What about your brother? Is he still in Canada? Or has he been despatched over here?

Had a letter from Walter the other day and he expects to go to France any time now. And is very keen on it. Was telling me he had "George" down to see him the other day, and said "His Highness" recognized him. Ever the same old boy. I may go down and see Walter this week.

I expect to go to Ireland before next Sunday. Am rather fond of the Emerald Isle. Don't you think so? May not get back there again, though I'm hopeful.

Well, must rattle along. I grant you this letter is not much better than those heretofore. But they're poor even at the best.

How is Sudbury? And how is school teaching? Hope you are still enjoying yourself. What church do you attend? Say, do you know that Navy life is not very conducive to Church going? Since I landed in this country I've been inside one church - once. Naval religious services are a bore. The padre is also - useless. So what's the use? You'll forgive me, won't you?

Same address as ever, Helen. And twice welcome. Hope to have the address changed to "Malone, Canada" soon. No, not fed up. Not I.

Lovingly,
Fred.