Witley Camp
Feb 11th 1917

Dear Will

I have just got your letter of the 23rd of Jan and it finds me alright did you think I gave you the wrong address to George’s people the address is correct  Some people call it West Hill and some Mt Pleasant but Georges people always address West Hill [?]  I have just written to them asking them if they have got a letter from you.  I left them your address when I was down to see them early in November but you must not be surprised if you dont get an answer for we often have to wait a month for our letters although I have got them in twelve days. I see by your letter that I put Surrey on it I had written a lot of letters the day I wrote yours and I guess I made a mistake the address is Mr.  George Wheeler 7 Calvert Rd West Hill Hastings Sussex England

Sorry to hear of old Mr Frasers Death give my respects to all neighbours and acquaintances Do you know when the 164 is coming over we are soon going over to France we have got our Lee Enfield Rifles and we get our Webb equipment tomorrow and the Battalion is getting its transport of 60 horses and some mules I am in the Transport section and expect to be riding the horses as soon as they arrive it will be nearly all night work in France  Well I am the only one left of the old chaps that left Creemore  Ed Mackay is in the Duties Battalion So is Al Jardine Joe River has been sent to Scotland I think they are going to do garrison duties at home but I am with the Battalion here and if nothing happens will go to France with them  Well I will not talk about Gray and Knight but let them get all they can but look after my interest if you can and I will settle with them when I come back.  I am writing to Cousin Bessie every few days and also George’s people and I will them to write you.  Cousin Polly has two sons over in France they were both home at Christmas Ted Baker has a good job he is Secretary of the London Asylums Union and lives at Epsom.  Well we have to go through gas tomorrow in the trenches we have to wear gas masks and put them on in 4 seconds – the gas is the same as the German use.  Well I have had musketry here and in Canada have gone through a four days course of bomb throwing taken field engineering and putting up barb wire entanglements and as soon as we go through the gas we will be fit for the front and I dont think it will be long before we go the 116 including the two companies of the 157 are away now  Well the weather here has been frosty this last few days but mild compared with Canada I hope you are all well how is Lizzie standing the winter Well I guess I will close from your loving brother

Pte J. Wheeler
No 643035
C. Co 125 Batt
Army Post Office
London
England