O/[?] John T. Gray
V50267 HMCS HURON
c/o G.P.O. London
England.

Dear Mother;

I was overjoyed to recieve a letter from you today. I also recieved one from Jeanie. They were both written in Dec. but it was still great to hear from home. It takes quite a while for the mail to get here. I am glad that you had a good Christmas. I didn’t do too badly myself considering everything. I was at sea at the time.

By the way, I have had two ships since the last one you knew about. I am on a Canadian ship now. I like it O.K.

You should begin to get an allotment of $15. per month starting at the end of March. At least the pay-bob told me you would. I have quite a time getting used to this money. You can have your pounds, shillings, and pence I prefer Canadian money. It’s much more sensible and handy.

If it isn’t too much bother I would appreciate it if you would send me some shorts (B.U.D’s) when my allotment starts getting to you. I can’t get any here at all. If you get them, send quite a supply. I need them medium size, or 32 if you get nice striped cotton ones. I might add, as a hint, that the boys (and I) like cake very much. We don’t hate chocolate bars either or Canadian cigarettes. However, I insist that you use only what money I send on me. I don’t want you to spend any more than half of it on me. You need it yourself. Use what you want, then think about me. I think I will double what I send home some time soon. I would still get four “quid” a month over here.

We are supposed to serve two years over here so I won’t be home, I suppose, for two years unless my ship has to come to Canada for repairs. We may be back within a year. I sure hope so. I would like to see some neon lights, and decent shows. I would like to eat something besides Fish, chips, and sausage for a change. That’s all that you can get in restaurants here. You know England is about 15 years behind Canada in nearly every way. In fact most places are, I find, except U.S.A.

Well girlie, I must close now and have tea before going on watch. I will write again soon. Tell Marjorie to stand by for a letter.

Your loving son
John.

[Editor’s note: The letter was dated from the envelope’s censor stamp date of “7/3/44”.]