30 Cdn Air Survey Liaison Sec, RCE

Cdn Army England,

17 Jan 44

Dear Jean:

Your letter of the 7th came today, a bit late this week, however, I was pretty busy last night, doing some optical calibrating on the cameras, a job which has to be done when the house is quiet so that there is a minimum of vibration, it is critical work, and was not very bright when we finished about 1130. Yesterday three parcels from you, big ones, with such a lot of things in them, the clock which is a blessing to the whole unit, it seems to be in perfect condition, Sergeant Webster is especially grateful because he used to stay up if he woke after 4am so that there would be somebody to make the reveille at 630. Now he doesn't have to worry, and can sleep till the duty man is aroused by the alarm. The Sergeant is the oldest member of the unit, sort of a Daddy to us all, and has reached the age where he has to get up once or twice during the night, so he used to take on the responsibility of getting the younger lads out each morning. The alarm clock puts the situation completely under control, and the old boy doesn't have to worry anymore. The biscuits were welcome too, and not one was broken. The rouge etc has already given joy to our two YMCA ladies. They are full of praise and thanks for you. Miss Carr, is quite elderly, and a fine person, the kind you would like for a friend. The Morris will be delighted with the lobster, and some of the other things.

Went down to Haywards last Sat on the motor bike, a hell of a ride, both ways, too cold now, and I'm not going on any more long trips on it till Spring. Came back Sunday pm before dark, but we had time to cut another tree, and it is always worth the trouble of getting there, once you are there. Took down the last bit of lemon powder for them, and sure enough there was a jar in your last parcel, so our stock is OK. Like to keep a bit here for hot lemonades, (sometimes with a tot of rum or whiskey), when a chill seems coming on. Margaret H who has such bad eyes, does canteen work part time for the troops in the neighbourhood, but since Xmas has been helping out with the librarian work in a Canadian Hospital which is near there. She is a lovely girl, and rather reserved, it would be nice if she should meet a real good Canadian lad, and fall in love. I feel sorry for young people who will have to live their lives in England. It must be a sign of old age coming on when I think about match making.

Your report on Marys progress for the year is fine. I have measured out her height, 46 inches on the side of the mantel in my office, and made a red mark, with MEA, Jan 45 on it. If I don't get home soon, she will be too grown up for me to assert my parental authority. I look over at the mark, and try to imagine our sweet child standing there, what a blessing she is. Mary is evidently quite outspoken sometimes, Bob Richards was greatly amused when she said to you "tell Aunt Betty Goodbye", when she wanted to go to bed. Hope her next term at school will be better. It probably will.

Glad you have the repairs done on your teeth. I'm not sorry they made them just like your own old ones, I don't want you changed one little bit, you are just right for me. Your account with Dr Graham is certainly reasonable. Keep me posted on the progress of your eyes, will be glad to know when they are completely normal again. You will never need to be outdone when the conversation takes the course of "my operation". Anyway, hope its over for you.

I took the opportunity of telling Mr Hayward that it is all off with his Mill Bay property, I feel a bit guilty now, for having got him worked up on the proposition. Feel that w better forget about it entirely. However I hope one of the Hall's will buy it, for I think that would please Bert. Bill Hall says he doesn't think the place lends itself to dividing, unless it were shared by brothers. Well, for us it was a nice idea, and maybe when were old and rich we can find some cozy little rural place which will suit us both. If the place is sill for sale after the war, when I get back, we could look at it together, and decide together what we think best. We should know them better what our plans might be too.

Bill and I went into town last Friday and had the pantomime party with the Bevans. We both enjoyed the whole event, especially the dinner at Bevans flat, the show itself was not too entertaining for me, and one of those childrens things, which they must gum up with slops and smit to make it entertaining for the adult audience. Even the Bevans said the two comedians were what may aptly be called corny.

The work goes on, the odd bright spot, and we must not lose our attack, and interest.

I hope dear that the rainbow did mean happiness for us, that we will soon be together.

LOVE to you BOTH

....GER