p.

3. & miserable as it is - the past & more especially the future are very encouraging & fortifying. Im going to bed sweet - I was up at 4-0 am on Wed & Fri - & it will be the same time this Wed - & so I must have 8 hours tonight. I wonder how my ma knows that the war is going to be over in November? Oh dear - if only we could know that she was right. I feel that this move of mine is in the right direction, you know, Lydda may not be nearer to London or Plymouth or Leeds or Bradford in miles & yards - but it is on the way to Port Said or Alexandria from which ports we should embark for England. Anyway, it is nice to think in this way, & I insist on doing so. Goodnight, angel sweetheart. Love, hugs, kisses to you, H.
Tuesday 9 Aug. I have been going round saying goodbye to people this morning. I have been here nearly seven months, which is quite a time to be in one place. The Area Commander thanked me very much, said I had done jolly well, & that the Coy had put up a bloody fine show - & he wished me, & the Coy the best of luck in the future, which was very pleasant of him, really. His Staff Captain thanked me for my invaluable help & cooperation. And so I seem to be getting out of here with a clean nose, as they say - & a good enough reputation. The one thing that worries me now is how much staff we shall be short of in these ruddy barracks & what the damages will be. I also said farewell to Uncle Warburton - & this evening I am having a drink with him & Jack Hopkins. And Dan Christie is coming