France,
August 31, 1918.

My dear Win,

I received your nice letter a couple of weeks ago, but up till now I haven't had a chance to answer it.

You have no idea how hard it is to find time for any letter writing out here, and as a matter of fact there isn't a great deal of news.

There are a lot of things that I would like to tell you but I can't, as we aren't allowed to five away any secrets. Nevertheless, the War is progressing very favourably just at present, and I think that by Christmas time you will see a great change in the situation out here.

I expect to get my leave to Blighty very soon now, as I have been in France for seven months without any leave. I have been with this Battery since last February, and I enjoy the work immensely, although at times it isn't very beneficial to the health. I have had some very narrow escapes during the last few months, and I have learned to respect Fritz's shooting ability.

We have had wonderful weather for the last month, and I hope that it will last as it makes all the difference to one's comfort. I have seen several old Grove boys out here since I came out. I saw Stuart cook in London, and Betty Hamilton and Dick Oliver at camp. They were all well, and Hamilton came out to France to his old Battery again.

I had a fine evening party in London with Captain Marling, Otter Stewart and his wife, Morris and myself. We talked over old times together. Otter Stewart is out here as a Lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion. I saw him a few days ago and he is looking very well. Lelsie is sown at Petawawa this summer with the 69th Battery. He is a gunner, and I think he likes the work very well.

Please give my kindest regards to all, and write again soon.

Yours very sincerely,

Hugh L. McCulloch.