Abbotts Barton Hospital
Canterbury Kent

March 16/16

Dear John

Received your letter of March 2 also Gussie’s of Feb 28 this morning. Was very glad to hear from you both. That trout fishing that you wrote me about looks mighty inviting, believe me.

Have just come in from a stroll around the town and Cathedral and am waiting for tea. Am feeling OK now. That was such a bum post card of myself that I sent you the other day that I’m enclosing a snap shot the nurse took the other day, also of a group of us who have adjoining wards. The snaps were taken at the door of the building. You can see by them how fit I am. Miss Hiley was in to see me today with a letter of introduction from you. Her sister is in the office. Am getting well as fast as I can old man, and though my letters may not sound cheerful at times, I’m not downhearted. Am having a good time and feeling fine. The boys are a pretty jolly bunch here. I heard one story the other night. “A lady went up to the colonel of a kilted battalion while they were on parade, and asked him if he would mind telling her what the men had under their kilts. The colonel didn’t answer her directly, but turning to the troops gave the following orders, ‘Shun, about turn, ground arms.’

Another story was about an incident in Flanders. A staff officer was going up a communication trench when he met a private dashing down. The officer called “Why do you run” and the Tommy gasped as he went by “Because I haven’t got any wings sir.

Well I must close. Much love to you all at 17 Elm

Your loving brother
Douglas