R208467. L.A.C. MOORE, J.L.
#436 SQDN. R.C.A.F.
INDIA COMMAND
Jan.11/45

Dear Mom & Dad,

Thanks a lot for your letter of Dec. 23, and for Aunt Nellie's letter. I received them Jan. 7, but I just couldn't get started on an answer. In a way I'm glad I waited, for today my parcels started coming in. I think the postmark on it is Oct. 1. Anyway, it's the one with the soap, razor blades, prunes and raisins in it. It was pretty well smashed but I think everything is here that you sent. The Oxydol was broken and well spread throughout the box , and wherever the box had stopped on the way too, I suppose. In answer to your query, your letter took fifteen days to come, which is the same as the air-forms, luckily, but I would not depend upon it. If you get any recent pictures of anyone you might send them that way. Have you received any of my letters written on stationery and enclosed in a white envelope marked with a lot of security regulations and bearing an 8 anna stamp. If so, how long did they take? Hardly anyone uses airgraphs anymore because these are faster. Also on Jan. 7 I received a lovely photograph & folder from Margaret. I am trying to get mine taken by the station photography section, but haven't done it yet. I think that one you sent out is too bright or something, and don't think I'll send it to her. Also, I got two Christmas cards from Galt and one from Maple & Norm Uhrig. On the sixth I received letters from Aunt Mollie, and Aunties B. & E.. The former was posted Oct. 22 and sent to West Kirby. She had just heard from Jim that I was there. I had been here nearly a week, then. Enclosed was a £ note, as a treat, and all the necessary directions to reach her. I think the money was sort of an insurance against a "lack of funds" excuse by me. By coincidence, along with Aunties B. & E.'s letter and birthday card, was an American dollar bill. I have written them both that I look upon these pieces of currency as reassurances that someday I'll be back where I can spend them. I'm afraid I haven't really answered your letter. By the way, I received on the ninth, yours of the 21st which you forwarded to Jim and so to me. I'll write again shortly. I've got to write Aunt Nellie and Uncle Wallace too. The rain has let up here, but there is heavy frost & fog at times. Firewood is scarce now, too. Would be just as well off in England, ---- better in a way. So long now, Joe.