Febuary 2nd
C23 Gnr R.H. Francis
“A” Battery R.C.H.A.
1st Field Regt of ?
CAO CMF
Dear Georgia –
Here is a delayed action, Letter is something but lately I’ve been really writing something fierce. With a letter to Muriel, her Dad, Brother and one to her Mother and Sister, A letter to Ray Wellington and a letter to Mrs. Brim (Who’s son is a chum of mine) and now one to you. Mrs. Brim has been good to me for the past three years. She sends cigarettes monthly and I got a lovely parcel from her about a week ago. She has three sons serving abroad in the three services. Fred her son in our Regiment is in the hospital at the moment with jaundice. It’s really a lovely day fairly peaceful with a typical blue Italian sky. I don’t think any of our days are a bit more blue. I haven’t had the chance to write up till yesterday in any quantity for a long while but I guess this will make up for lost time. How are things ???? with you these days? How are the kids? Would you send a snap of them? I’ve been trying to imagine their size but I am willing to bet I’m in for a shock. I can’t seem to realize these was another life at times for it soon will be five years of army in September and four years away from Canada this coming June. Already there is a bit of a bite on 44 and although the end is in sight it’s a long way off yet. I wouldn’t want to disillusion myself anyway for it would be heart breaking. I’m feeling the pinch now and keeping up the spirit is a main state in a numbed mind. However I can’t complain as I am well and before hot weather and Malaria comes I hope to build a little resistance. One eternally battles disease of all types. Hoping this finds you all well and for the kids “I’m waiting for a snap of you.”
Bye for now.
Heaps of love,
Raymond.