874211 Pte A.S. Hodnett
27th Canadian Batt B.E.F.
2nd Div. Training School France
Somewhere in France
Feby 22nd 1917

Dear Mrs Evans:

Meant to write you before this but really I havent had time. Since landing in France we have been continually on the move. From the address Jim will be able to tell how far we have moved. I never thought I would be able to carry a pack as far as I have. The stuff we bring from England is only half a pack, the real load is put on over here. Remember how we used to grumble about the cold huts in Shorncliffe, well a hut would look like a real palace to me now. At present our quarters is [sic] an old barn opening out into a well used stable yard. I hope the sun never comes out very strong as long as we are here or I fear for the consequences.

Last Sunday we were on the move all day but every once in awhile [sic] either Coombes or I would make the suggestion that we go down to Evans'. It seems strange to spend a Sunday any other place. I know we are going to miss the home terribly. After we have been out here for a few months we will begin to really appreciate what you folks did for us. We will never be able to repay all your kindnesses so just believe us when we say we are truly thankful.

We have not met Mackee or Seeley yet, they are on a head [sic] of us but we will likely see them in a few days or weeks. Dick son of course has gone to the 78th and I'm not well enough on to the positions of the different divisions etc to know where the 78th is. He may be quite close so I'm going to drop him a card.

I think if one wants to have a good opinion of France he needs to keep away from it. Of course these are war times but even that is no excuse for all the dirt and filth around the towns. It must be most unhealthy in hot weather.

We have some great times making ourselves understood. Bill and I went on a shopping expedition the other night. The first thing we wanted was some flannelette for rifle cleaning, we located a shop where such stuff should be sold but how to ask for it was the question. We made all kinds of motions and pointed to every thing [sic] that looked like flannelette which made the clerk produce everything from shoe polish to woolen mitts. I finally noticed a shirt made of flannelette and working on that we got what we wanted. Our enquiry for a towel brought out soap, mitts, brushes, etc.

One of our greatest hardships is that the place seems to be sold out of booze. The strongest drink we can get is a French beer which resembles that stuff they sell in Miniota as 2%. Dont be surprised if both Coombes and I get into the temperance lecturing business when we get home.

Jim was right about the drill over here (of course dont tell him) we are starting all over again. Sloping Arms and Saluting by numbers. Every time I move to a new camp I seem to expect the work to change to something like the actual work in the trenches but I guess a fellow has to go to the trenches to get that, or may be [sic] these yarns we get from the returned boys are a bit far fetched.

Now Mrs Evans I will have to quit or this thing will be stretching out into a real letter. If they would let me write whatever I like I could keep on for an hour or so but there is always the censor to be taken into consideration.

The last night I was at your place I think I left my pocket knife, just hand it to Frank he will be able to make good use of it.

Kindest regards to Jim and the family not forgetting the little Irishman .

Sincerely Yours,

Allan H.