July 4. 1942

Dear Mother:

Perhaps I mentioned rumours that we might be leaving. There is apparently no truth in them for the rumoured date was today. I guess we are here indefinitely and must reconcile ourselves to that. The course is so long now that much of the enthusiasm I had before enlistment and at manning depot has vanished.

I passed Bowden where Bunny is to be stationed on my way from Edmonton. It looked to be a particularly desolate spot although it make lack some of our winds and resultant dust.

Our hockey rink has been hard-surfaced and will soon be equipped with four tennis courts. I think the station has already laid in a supply of racquets and balls.

This past week has been the easiest week I’ve had yet. I had a mild form of ‘flu, the kind that might keep me home for a day in civilian life, and consequently stayed in the hospital from Monday night until Friday morning. I might not have gone up to the hospital at all had I not been slated for canteen orderly for two nights which meant extra work from 6 to 11 each night.

Yesterday and today I was excused all roll-call and duties and had a slack time sunbathing and sleeping. I should report on duty tomorrow but intend to continue the present state of affairs long enough to miss church parade.

I hope the flood conditions have now passed their peak. I don’t know how it could have been so severe with such little snow.

Many happy returns of the day for your birthday.

With love from
Tony.

[Note: Transcriptions provided by collection donor.]