H.M.S. Illustrious
c/o G.P.O. London,

Dear Phyllis, Ed, and Jane.,

It is now, I am afraid, some time since I last wrote to you. This tropical heat makes me feel very lazy and you never feel like sitting down and writing. I answered your letter asking me to be Godfather. I was delighted naturally and was even more delighted when I got the letter telling me I had been an absent Godfather at the christening even though you had not heard from me. I asked all around to see what my duties would be and I find that I must see that she is brought up in a proper fashion. So be careful won’t you and don’t drop her on her head anymore. But I really am glad. I only have one set of pictures of her but I hope to get more soon. The parcel you sent Phyllis has not arrived yet but thanks just the same. I hope it gets here as you mentioned putting some underwear in and I really need some. I keep wondering if you have moved yet into a more suitable home. I hope so as it gets a bit of a nuisance living in an apartment I should think. How are Len and [Mye?] doing. Give them my regards and congratulations please. Also remember me to Beth Norris and Alison. As you will see I am at last on a ship and am much happier. We all feel that at last we may be able to do something worthwhile. And besides the farther on we get the better chance we have of getting home sooner. I got two letters from Pauline and Mother today. It was nice to hear from them. I have not heard yet whether you were all able to get down to Nelson over Christmas. I hope so as they would feel so much better and less lonely if you did. Pauline tells me she is getting marries in June. I hope he is a good chap because he sure is a lucky one. All our cousins in N.W. and Van. seem to be joining up. I wonder if you ever see anything of them. Are they not in Edmonton or something. But I suppose you find it a bit difficult to entertain now. I felt very badly to hear about Betty Grimes and her husband. Its a shame really because she is a good type. I am sorry I missed your Birthday, Phyllis. Anyway it is maybe not to late to congratulate you. I am going to close now and am sending you all my love. Keep sending pictures of Jane.

Love,
Hampton.

[Editor’s note: The envelope’s postmark has been used for dating the letter.]