October 25, 1944 Wednesday

Somewhere in England

Dear folks,

Please let me use the same excuse you do for not writing. I write Marjorie all the news, and in addition, it is hard to write letters here. Most of them are done in candlelight under conditions not exactly ideal for clerical work. Also I am roaming around considerably within the limits of this island.

I am receiving your letters well now, and naturally am very glad to get every one. I will tell you whatever I need – tho there is really nothing urgent yet. It’s going to be a cold winter, and my own body heat is about all I’ll get. Gloves, a scarf, V-mail forms are good. Soap and stationery are also scarce, but I have plenty now.

V-mail really goes very fast if you have any news to send. Good idea to sprinkle them in with “real” letters.

Ma, I hear you spanked Carlton for a glass of milk that you spilled. If you want to practice flicking a towel, you don’t have to take it out on your son!

The only member of the family I don’t hear from or about is Pa. Now, I am just as interested in him as anybody else and would appreciate an account of his activities. There must be some recent news, or as the army has it, “hot poop” concerning him.

Altho I am exposed to the elements 24 hours a day, I haven’t had as much as a sniffle this fall. I guess only civilized people get sick. I’ll write when I can.

With love,
Wallace