24 Dec.
On the way to Hankow
Dearest Mother,
Very many thanks for your 2 letters 2 & 6th November, which I picked up at Ichang.
I’ve managed to get away from Chunking for a while & am on my way to Hankow for a drop of leave & hope to get there in time for some sort of a Christmas tomorrow. I must say this trip down has already made me feel miles better – the air is so much fresher & cleaner – I don’t suppose I shall be in Hankow very long – about a week or so – then I must get back again up River. Jolly good trip I’ve had – all most pleasant & have met lots of friends at various places.
Did I tell you that the Admiral did not come up to me after all- he was arranging this Lalor show – so I am really going down to see him.
The River seems much more unsettled down here – it is since this Lalor business – & naturally everyone is rather scared as to whom will be next – and there are a few bandits about.
Lovely weather too we are having – yesterday I sat on deck in the sun nearly all the time.
Am so awfully pleased to hear you are having such a large party for Christmas – and I earnestly hope that you will all forget about my tragedy & enjoy yourselves. I ought to be hearing about now from you & what has been done.
I hear my new gunboat will not be ready till March!!! A most elusive ship!! – . But HMS Widgeon will always find me, & you can alwas put Via Siberia – & R.N.O. Shanghai – in fact I don’t think it really matters how you address them – your letters always fetch up-
my best love to you all
your ever loving son Paul
