Dartford; December 30, 1917

No. 3 Australian Auxiliary Hospital

My Dear People,

Just a few lines to let you know I am getting on alright.

I received your cable of 21st, the day before yesterday and I expect you would get some of my letters from hospital shortly after you sent it. There is no need to send me anything as I have everything I want.

I went to the entertainment yesterday at Crayford given by some of the Vickers workers. I was a first class affair. They gave us what they called "Tea" but was more like dinner and some very good singing. I enjoy these affairs immensely.


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It has been raining a little here today and is fairly cold.

We have Mass here 3 or 4 times a week, but the priest was away at Hurdcott for a few weeks and only came back here a day or so before Christmas.

Hurdcott is the convelescent home and they do massage work there now. I think the 8th training Battalion is shifted to Codford now. I will not go through the 8th Battalion, but will most probably go to the Command Depot at Sutton Veney and from there to France.

My wound is not healed up yet but is getting along very nicely. I go for a good long walk every afternoon trying to get back into a bit of form again. I am a bit afraid my leg will not stand the route marches like it used to. One of the big nerves was cut by the piece of shell and I have a strip of "dead" flesh in my leg which will affect me for a long time and I don't suppose I will ever be quite the same again.

Hoping you are all well.

I remain

Your loving Son and Brother,

Tom.