Upper B1 Ward
Katesgrove War Hospital
Reading
28/11/17

My Dearest

Your precious letter did not arrive until this morning. I was beginning to think you were not going to write any more. It is 5 days since the last one & I was getting rather impatient. Dearest if I don't get away from here soon, I guess I will not see any auxilliary hospital, the quack will never have the nerve to send me. I heard of several fellows that he marked aux. but they never got there. They stayed on here about a week, then were sent direct to their depot. I guess that is just about what will happen to me, but I shall not mind my Dearest so long as I can get my leave soon, but it would be nice if I could be with you at Xmas.

Isn't it two years ago this month since I came on my first leave? I was in England six months altogether & in that time I had six weeks at home.

Wouldn't it be great if I could manage it the same this time? Then if your star-reading man proves to be correct in his ideas, I would not have to go back to France, because the war would be over before six months was up. And really if they keep on as they are doing in France, it would not be an impossibility. I had a letter from Mother this morning, she says we are doing quite right to be married Dearest. Perhaps she will be writing to you soon.

I got a Xmas parcel the other day from Mr. Dixon, rather early for Xmas pudding but that did not matter, it was very nice. These moonlight nights are ideal for air raids, but up to now we have been free from them. Hope they will not pay us a visit during this moon.

I saw quite enough of them around Ypres in that week I was there. They used to come over in dozens every night & very often in daylight too. I didn't like it I can tell you, & was never so thankful in my life as when I got out if it.

A new patient came to this ward yesterday from this latest push. He says there were 400 tanks went over in the advance. It must have been a fine sight but I am not at all sorry to have missed it. I met one of the boys who used to be in H.2 D.A.C.

He came to England, gassed, about a month ago, & is at one of the other hospitals in Reading.

Dearest I'm sure they will not let you leave the R.O. while they have any office left. You are indispensible & they know it. I guess everything got in a tangle when I was home on leave last time.

The Sister gave me a nice two hour's job this morning, I think I must have cut up enough lint & cotton wool to last this hospital for the duration. I've just found out what W.A.A.C. means-"Warned against all Colonials". Pretty rough on us, isn't it?

Yes Dearest I could write for permission to our depot, but as I shall have to go there anyway, it will perhaps be better to leave it & apply in person. It would be more satisfactory.

And Dearest, as I can get the licence in any town, I will see about that, I would much rather if you don't mind Dearest.

I will close now for the present Dearest, oh I do hope I can come soon. I do want you so much.

Bye-bye My Darling
Lots & lots & lots of love & xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
from Yours only & forever
Fred