FIT-03

12^th Dec. 1915
41^st Casualty Clearing Station
B.E.F. France

Dear Sir,

As you can see from above address, we are now in France having arrived here over a week ago. We are in a rest camp at Le Havre but don't expect to leave here for our own station until after Christmas. I am now under canvas but as the weather is very mild with an occasional heavy shower, this experience is rather enjoyable. Rest camps are designed for wounded soldiers who are recuperating, and as a base for troops waiting on orders to proceed up the line. We are confined to camp and can only get into town on special pass. This procedure of course is necessary as men are likely to get into trouble when allowed freedom in French towns.

One or two startling incidents occurred here last week in town which brought us face to face with the terrible realities of war but as our letters are censored I must not mention them. We are very well off here considering we are on active service, and our officers who took command of us at Aldershot are real trumps and true gentlemen. No words of mine would be sufficient to express my admiration for the work of the Y.M.C.A out here. I could not imagine what the soldiers would do without such an institution, they cater for the soldiers in every way at no profit to themselves, except the honour of doing good and noble work. I must conclude with a promise to write at any early date and give you further details. Wishing yourself and family and the Staff a very happy Xmas and a bright and prosperous New Year.

Believe me to be
Yours very sincerely
Joe Fitzsimons

P.S. I hope to run across John McCausland out here, but would be obliged if I could get his address.