June 30, 1941

Just a few lines to let you know that I am still alive and well, as usual. Since last writing, we have moved out of our billets and are at present roughing it on a common lying about twelve miles from our billets. I was rather lucky, as I was left behind for a week as a rear-guard. This proved to be a real snap and most of my time was spent at the local swimming pool. I really got a lovely coat of tan which would do credit to our Native Sons. Last night my week was up and I joined the boys in the field.

I rather like camping out as long as the weather is fine, though the mosquitoes and midges are rather too numerous for comfort. You will have to excuse this scribble, as I’m writing between slaps at biting insects. We are really roughing it this trip, as we are sleeping on a ground sheet in a wood of Scotch pines. There are about three inches of pine needles and broken branches all over the ground. This makes it difficult to keep your blankets and clothes clean. However, we have a swim parade every day or two, and usually go to a nearby town situated on the Thames. This is a lovely place for a swim and a bridge spanning the river provides a splendid diving stand. Apart from the dirty camping site, I like the present set up very much, as we have more time for camp sports.

Among other things, we play considerable horse shoes and I’m still undefeated champ. I understand that on the first, we are to have a sports day with good prizes, so perhaps I will be able to collect a little spare pocket money. I went to see Liulf last week as I heard he had moved into a town near us. I had a little luck and as a result located him without difficulty. He was in fine spirits as his delayed trades pay had just come through, leaving him a fat balance in his pay book. He tells me his job is head welder with trades pay of 50 cents a day from now on.

I received letters from both you and Dad last week and was glad to hear that all is well. I was a little worried over the crops, as I understand you have had a very dry windy spring.