France,
Dec. 29th 17

Dear Mother¬ -

Just a few lines hoping they find you all well at home. Things are fine as usual out here, and I'm feeling OK, and still looking forward to the New Year's dinner I was telling you of, and the turkey, of course. We are still having cold weather, but generally manage to keep warm, and I don't think it's so bad as last winter in Bramshott camp and the quarantine. Nobody seems to go sick here, so I guess we're all tough birds that survived Eng. I often wonder how Joe is making out, and if his eyes are better. There won't be any need for him being called up, as he is the only one home. It's good to think that men like Terry will have to come, but I guess that they won't press very hard for men around our district, as they are mostly farmers. Tell Joe I met a man called McIntyre from north of Pelly. I wonder if he knows him. I would like to come across Roland one of these times, but it isn't very often any chances, as the different Divisions are on different sectors of the line. I had a letter from both aunties in Eng. I'm afraid it would not be very cheerie at Sheffield as Hattie lost her husband. They must take it hard, and I guess they would all like to see the end of it all. What did you think of that awful explosion in Halifax? It's a good thing we weren't on the No. 2 Pier this winter. It must have wrecked everything, and lots of people killed. I'm often glad to think of you at home, as there (is) not any chance of anything like that happening (there). Well Mother dear, I'll have to close for now, with best love to you all, your loving Son,

Frank.

And a Happy New Year!