The same place
Somewhere in France
Friday Eve, 5 July, 1918
Letter No. 65

My dear mother,

Somehow or other I have been looking forward to the post all day with more than usual expectancy and, just my luck, there was none for me. I had been expecting a letter from dad, but no doubt he has been too busy during the day and too tired by the time he arrives home at night to write.

There isn't much of interest to report today. This morning our platoon was on special training when we did bombing, L.G. firing on the rifle range and finally bayonet practice.

During the afternoon our platoon played 7 platoon at "Pudder", the new game I have mentioned . I could have joined in had I felt inclined, but as I didn't feel quite up to the mark I rested under some trees nearby and read one of Stuart's books.

I have just had a hot bath after the style of the previous one and was glad to have a fresh change of under clothing. I had just about dirtied my last civvy shirt. Unfortunately there has been no opportunity for me to do any washing on my own account owing to the lack of water which is rather scarce here; all water [?] the troops having to be brought here from elsewhere by the transports.

A few more of the old Wimbledon boys from B. Coy have just arrived so I have more of my old pals from the original 8 platoon with me.

This evening - it is now [?] - I have been writing this letter in the old farmyard waiting for Stuart to liven up before I went out into the fields as is our custom. He is having a bath now I believe, but should arrive by this time.

I have had toothache a bit these last two days which has kept me awake a bit at night and been slightly troublesome during the day. If I am troubled much tonight I shall go and see the dentist tomorrow, but I believe it is a slight attack of ?; it won't last long.

Stuart has now turned up "late as usual" - has always [?] but he doesn't care. I am now sitting on a haystack and finishing this letter. The breeze is glorious - can just imagine what it must be like in aeroplane skimming over these fields!

I do hope that you are keeping well and dad too. I am pleased [?] that you have [?] to take a holiday after all. Nothing would please me better than to spend the time with you; it seems such a long time since I saw any of you. What do you think of the recent little success of the Australian and [?] The news and general prospects seem better all round.

Now I must dry up because I've got nothing else to write about.

With fondest love and xxxxx

from Dinkey