Dear Mother:

Bramshott, Jan 31st, 1917

Just received yours of January 14th tonight. This is the first Canadian mail in which I received so few letters, yours was the only one. I think I wrote you a few days ago but it is pay night and there is no use of going to bed early as some one is sure to come in late and try to act the disturber. Jimmie is here ok carry on much the same as before. I told you before that we are now in the 5th Canadian Reserve Bn. Formed from the 169th,95th,and 92nd. It is a Scotch battalion and I may be wearing the kilt in the spring. It is too cold now. We’ve had a week of almost Canadian weather, pretty hard frost, nearly all the taps are frozen and water is very scarce. There isn’t much encouragement for superfluous indulgence in too much of it as it is as cold as ice.

Carman wrote me a letter descriptive of the work of the entrenching Battalion he is with but most of it was obliterated by the censor. I noticed Al Posliff’s name in the list of Canadian casualties (wounded) yesterday. He was principal of Wingham Public School. Carman saw him several times over there and also Harry Bellamy. I wonder how it is they haven’t heard from him since he went to France. You can never tell what they can do with the men but there are many mistakes, I’m sure, especially with parcels. There isn’t much to write about here. I’m having a fairly good time considering everything and my appetite is the best it has been for years. I seldom miss a meal except when I’m hurried for breakfast. I was over to Witley on Sunday and saw George Clark, one of Steve’s old pals at the O.A.C. The 56th battery from O.A.C. has been broken up, part going to the 55th and the remainder to the 66th. I was trying to transfer to the 56th but the different reorganizations seemed to have knocked me out. If I get time I’m going to borrow a kilt and have my photo taken. Even if I don’t get a kilt I’m going to get a Scotch glengarry for wearing when I’m out in the evenings. Give my best regards to all.

Yours with much love, Cannon