Dear Mother:

West Sandling, March 4, 1917

You will notice that we have changed camp from Bramshott. This camp has a much nicer surroundings. We are nearer the channel and get the salt sea breezes, which are especially strong in March. Hythe is the nearest town and Jimmy and I have been down yesterday and today. It is a nice walk and makes one feel that he can see a little life again. There are good roads and quaint little alleys and bypaths that appear very strange to a Canadian. Folkstone and Shorncliffe are not far distant and the country around is dotted with military camps. I haven’t seen many acquaintances since coming here but no doubt I shall as soon as I have time to get around. There is a possibility we may move to Seafood but no matter where we go always address letters to the Army Post Office. Mail from Canada seems to be very scarce and unreliable of late, but I’ve always got a letter weekly from you, I think.

There doesn’t seem much to write about around here as I’m away from my friends around Bramshott and Witley. I saw Walter Barbour last Sunday at Witley. He always seems to be very glad to see me, and I must drop him a line as I cannot get over to see his so easily. We are a hundred miles from Bramshott.

They are very strict in this camp and "lights out" comes at 9.45. There are extra picquets and guards. They won’t allow soldiers to walk out in riding breeches or private shoes on. It comes pretty hard on those who are fond of "square-pushing" as they call walking out to show off. I’m glad I left all my fancy togs in Canada. I’m keeping quite well and it would surprise you to notice my appetite for such things as stew, gravy, potatoes, which are a luxury over here. I have very little qualms of conscience about what I eat and how I go about it. I hope you are all well.

Love from Cannon.