R-208467 L.A.C. MOORE, J.L.
4436 S.E., R.C.A.F. STN.
DOWN AMPNEY, GLOS.
ENGLAND.
Dec. 10/45

Dear Mom & Dad,

Please forgive me for not writing but I don't know whether I've been coming or going lately. I got your letter of Nov. 25 on Dec. 3rd, just as I was leaving on a 48. What I thought was to be my last before going to Naples. I'd just gotten one a week before that, under the same impression, on which I hitch-hiked to Blackpool. Johnnie & I spent the fourth & fifth in Littlemore near Oxford at "The Golden Ball", a pub owned by his aunt. I'd not been back at Down Ampney long enough to get a shower and do some laundry before they shoved me up here to Burtonwood which is just outside Warrington, for a special two weeks engine course. I traveled all Friday night and got in here at 8 Saturday morning. I'd no sooner booked in when they told me the school closed down for 36 hours every week-end so they gave me a pass and told me to come back Monday morning. I jumped on a train and got to Aunt Molly's at 3 Saturday afternoon. I managed to do some laundry at Auntie's. Just as I was having tea with Aunty, and getting ready to come back here yesterday afternoon, Joyce & Jim drove up with a couple of their friends. We couldn't talk much because I had to go. I hope to get over next weekend too. Joyce & Jim expect to be there again. I thought Down Ampney was bad but this place is unbearable cold, foggy & damp. Being up here will sort of spoil Christmas because I'll get back just about the 22nd or 23rd and I hadn't sent out all my cards, when I had to rush away, and those parcels Jim sent to Aunt Molly through me will have to wait. If I'm lucky I may get a few days off at Christmas or New Years. If so I will come back up to Aunt Molly's. I don't know what I'll do about presents for Aunt Molly & Joyce & Jim. I suppose I should get them something but where or when I don't know. I'll be busy with this course, till the 22nd. I'm glad to hear about Ray & Margaret. I hope Jim gets out soon. As far as I know, I'm a batchelor again. I don't care much either way in this weather anyway. Goodbye for now. I'll try to write soon again. Your loving son,
Joe.