H.M.S. Gloucester
Aug. 17th
Dear Mother.
V. many thanks for your letter. I am awfully pleased to hear Ted has got a job – & how topping for him being down at Salisbury with Jim & Topher. I wonder what sort of job he will have – kind of adjudancy I expect.
No- the weather is still awful up here – everyday it still rains & thunders.
Yes I saw about Donald Black, awfully sad I think and was that Geoffrey or Desmond Gabb who was killed? I can’t remember whether he is out there or not. Will you send me the Blacks’ address- because I should like to write to Stephane.
Heaps of fellows I know in the Naval despatches in to-day’s paper. We’ve had one or two letters from fellows out there – and they say it’s perfectly ghastly the fighting, & the ships – especially the destroyers are in action of some sort, practically every day. I always wish we could have started out there now & had some fighting – everyone is getting so fed up with this waiting game here.- but somehow we keep remarkably well & cheery-
There now I nearly forgot- tho’ I remembered it & had been thinking about it when I started this letter. Your birthday on Thursday – so I wish you very many happy returns of the day – & may God keep you for many many more birthdays.
With ever so much love to you all from ever your loving son
Paul
