Sling
Monday 17th December 1917
Dear Uncle Julius
Leaving Etaples on Saturday morning our party arrived here via Folkestone and London at midday today. Apparently Torquay Depot is too full to receive us just now and we are accommodated here for the time being. No one seems to know how long we shall be here or when we shall get leave. I hope it won't be long for I don't like Sling and we had heard such glowing accounts of the conditions and treatment of our men at Torquay. En route we stayed at Boulogne (Saturday night) and at the Salvation Army Hostel at Westminster last night. We had a quick run across the Channel and arrived at Victoria Station at about 5.30 pm. A good meal and a bed awaited us at the Hostel and I for my part was quite ready for both.
I am posting you this short screed straight away so that you will know that I have reached Blighty. I do hope leave will be given before Xmas, but there is a rumour that there will be no leave before we go to Torquay.
Sling is keeping up its reputation for cold. This is the first snow we have experienced this winter, but we must expect it now.
I will let you know either by wire or letter as soon as I know definitely as to my movements.
Your affectionate nephew
Bernard Sladden
