Tuesday July 9/18

Somewhere in France

My darling Mother, Father + Sis

              Again that important event has happened which I do look forward to so much, a letter from home, also one from Carrie. I also received a parcel. Before I go on dear with the manuscript please do not send any more mince pies the last two lots have been spoilt. Next box please drop in an indelible pencil as you cannot buy a decent one over here. Everything else in the parcel was “bon”.

              If instead of receiving a letter next time but just whizz bangs, don’t blame me dears [censored].

              Just at present we are doing working parties digging trenches and as every thing is so dried up it is just like trying to dig up a cement sidewalk. Just at present I have a beautiful array of blisters, big ones and little ones but even taking that into consideration I must admit I am an artist with a pick and shovel. We started out at 3 AM and arrived back here at 11 AM that is the beauty of an early start but just for fun when I wish when I would return to civilized ways of living someone would blow reveille at my door about that time just so I would have the pleasure of telling him to go to that place where they do not have snow.

              Yesterday I had quite an interesting time. I went hunting but instead of taking a rifle I took off my shirt and the fun began. You cannot imagine the satisfaction it gives you to hear them crack but I sure slept better last night than I did the night before.             

              Murray and I are both fine. There is so much I want to tell you and not ask you but when I start to write it starts to leave.

              Remember me to all with best love,

                           Your Loving Son + Bro

                                         Bob

803022

RW Leach

A M Wills.