France
3/12/17

Dear Alice,

Thank you so much for your nice letter of October 30, 1917. It was, as your letters are always, most welcome. I had intended answering it before, but we have not had much time for writing lately. I have just got back to the battery from the Divisional School where I was taking a course on gas. It was very interesting and also a change. I guess by this time Harold is in England, eh. I guess it was a pleasant surprise when he came home on leave again, was it not? Talking of Harold's friend looking like Jock, reminds me. I passed the place where I last saw Jock, a few days ago. It is more than a year ago now since he was killed. Time flies. It is nearly three years now since I left Montreal. It seems almost incredible. Three years of hard facts and experience, conveyed to one's mind sometimes in no uncertain manner. I hope to see Harold and his friend. I am quite sure that we will have lots of news to discuss. What is it you think they will tell me about you Alice? Nothing very serious I hope. So Mrs. Dixon has another son now. Well things are looking up. Good luck to them.

I am awfully sorry to hear your news about Jim Beaconsfield. I only wish like you, that it is not true but I guess it is all right. Jim and I were great friends Alice as you know. It is too bad, but I suppose it can't be helped. So you think I am rather well known. Well I know quite a number of the boys in various units, although I don't remember anybody in the 69th Battery, unless they came out here as a draft. In your letter Alice, you ask which one of my sisters is Julia. Well there is the one you used to call the proud sister, if you remember. It is not that one, so I guess it is the stout one.

If this war had not been on, our plans would have been an actual fact now. I am sure of that. But never mind little friend. Perhaps the next time we make plans they will turn out better. Those scraps and reunions of ours were not too bad when you come to look back at them. The cause of our troubles were mere trifles always and our peace terms pleasant. I am glad you know now that most all the girls and fellows have their little troubles. I know that at one time you used to think we were the only two who used to have a difference of opinion. Now confess Alice, that was so wasn't it. Don't say that you are getting old because you are no older than me you know. I am looking forward to taking up civil life just where I left it when I come back. So don't say that again Alice.

This is the time I should send you a card for Christmas but I am sorry to say that it can't be done. We are in a place where there are none. If I see any later I will send you one. So I will just wish you the very best that I can think for Christmas, New Years and everything else. Also for Ma, Pa and Lily. I had a letter from Syd a few days ago, which I must answer. I guess he will put the winter in, in England.

Well little girl, I guess this is all for now. I will close and write again soon. Goodnight. I hope you have a fine time at Christmas. I have not much to say for myself except that I am still O.K. and dodging along. Don't forget to write again soon.

From

Your sincere old friend
Bob