Same old address
Jan 23/17

My Dear Betty:-

No 21 received this morning, you must be having quite a winter over there, I wouldn't mind being there to shovel snow for you. Am very glad indeed to hear of your getting the phone, it will make you a good deal less dependant upon others & also save you a good many steps.

You will have noticed in my last letter that I ventured the hope that Hal might help you the phone on account of Mattie, he's a good sort, & I'll promise to pay for the next 6 months. Am glad that Mattie is able to be arround, it will make it easier for you, as well as being better for her. About the matter of commission I would not say much about it to anyone - I am not sure but that the course may turn out something like the one I took in Winnipeg in the way of definite results, then, I do not know yet how it is going to be financially - it seems to cost a lieutenant here most of his pay to live- then he is only given the one allowance for outfit etc, after that he has to keep it up himself & at his own expense. Of course I am going to go through with the course, the training will be alright, but I shall certainly make sure that it will not affect my pay etc. for the worse.

Yes, if I do get the commission it will take me over to France more quickly. As it is we hardly know what is going to happen to the Sergt's who are left in England - most of the 222nd men have gone to France & under the new organization it looks as though they are going to keep the Serg'ts who are left in England for training purposed. I shall certainly be glad when the war is over, & to get back to my little home.

In my last letter, I think I said in regard to the money, to send over $100 ( perhaps you have already send it) it will be wise I think for me to have a small account over here up to now we have scarcely received any pay in England - I should be receiving $20.°° per month but have only received a little more than $20.°° since I left Canada = of course we'll get it some time, but in the meantime it makes it very unhandy.

Am looking forward to receiving your second parcel - after this one I would not send anything in the way of dry-goods for a while, I shall have lots of sox & hanky's! but the shortbread & cake will always be acceptable - the oxo I can get here but chocolate is to dear to procure, so that chocolate & cocoa will be alright.

You will have read of the terrible explosion east of London we heard the report here, but thought of course that it was firing out at sea (which we often hear) I guess it is the worst that has ever happened. I hope to be in London next week on my way to Sheffield for a few days & I may go to see the scene.

I hope dear that you are receiving my letters more regularly now I know that when you do not hear it makes it anxious.

I guess we'll be able to manage the mortgage alright, you'll be able to look after all those things far better than me, when I return I'll stay home and look after the kids while you go down town to do the business etc.

Remember my kindly to Mattie & Hal, your mother, also Gunns. Best love to yourself dear & little girl & boy. Good-Bye & God bless & keep you dear ones.

Yours lovingly
Will

Betty xxxxxxxx
Shirley xxxxxxxxx
Billy xxxxxxxxxxx