Jan 8-17

Dear May:-

When the flood came your letter must have floated away, as a search for it failed to bring it to light but I will answer it tonight and if I find it later and overlook any important-part I will write again. I am very fortunate receiving letters and although I have not a great number of respondents they all seem to write quite regularly and as hard I try to keep up I find I am always a few behind. I had another nice letter from Erny's mother today which I answered last night. They send me a very nice parcel at Christmas time for which I was very grateful, and speaking of parcels I need not say how much I would like to thank all the folks at home - not forget Lena, Lil and Albert, for the parcels which you sent to keep along the Christmas festivities.

The weather is stormy, and it is raining quite heavy at present, but we expect all the rain to be out of the skies before we go into the front line again and by the way it is pouring now it may happen, but we always can stand just a little more of all these wintry days, because as far as I can see none of our us around here have died through a winter yet.

Our training still continues, and we all know exactly what it means, but outside of the fact that it will end our holiday season I have heard no one grumble yet, and it appears to me that everybody is more or less eager to again be in the fray, and even if we cannot tell you of our whereabouts you will indirectly hear of our little exploits over your morning coffee.

I need not tell you May how pleased I am to hear of your choice of a brother-in-law for us and even if I have not seen George since he was but a boy - I know he is a fine chap, and hope to be home in time to tie a [chord?] on the carriage, but do not wait for me May because it is possible that I may be here for a few weeks yet.

If you would write the figure instead of the word Seventh it may be a better way to address my mail, as I have not been very fortunate in receiving your letters.

I assure you May you need not worry about me being out in the cold or the wet, because quite often I may be making toast over a hot brazier in a big warm dugout when you are trying to picture me in a shell hole or muddy trenches. Nevertheless I appreciate your very kind wishes for my welfare and will certainly keep out of any unnecessary danger.

Remember me kindly to any enquiring friends, and dont let any of them [?] themselves into thinking that I am not having a wonderfully good time.

Lots of love to all.
Bert