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little leave will be granted when the winter is over. There is a rumour that our O.C. said every man who was in the Somme should get leave, but I don't think there is anything in it and I don't expect to get off before next November at the earliest. I can't help thinking though, what a slow time Effie will have while you are away, it is a pity you can't shut up the house and both come over together.

I shall have to close this letter now ---- darkest dark up ----- shall miss my supper. I go to work at seven p.m. now and get home about one. They are closing this Y.M. hut tomorrow and then I don't know how I shall write. I can't write in the hut.

Now I have no fire I use your trench heater which is very satisfactory, I could do with some more fuel but not too much at a time, and should very much like some George Wash. You and all the others have sent me such a fearful lot lately that I am ashamed to ask for anything. We really had a quite successful party on Christmas Day and enjoyed the contents of the parcels immensely. It was the first time I had even really enjoyed Christmas pudding on Christmas Day and that was because it was served as a first course. I must stop with my very fondest love to you all and very many thanks.

I remain, your loving brother, Cecil.

BC Archives, MS-1901 Box 1 File 19 / RUSSELL, Alma M., 1873-1964. Victoria; librarian. / Letters from Cecil Harrow Unwin, 1916 - 1917.