Wednesday Eve
The same spot
17-7-18
Somewhere in France

My dearest mother,

I was very pleased indeed to get your letter written last Friday Eve. Evidently mine seem to be taking a little longer to reach you now. With your letter came one from Stanley, another from Bert Cross and one from Uncle Geo. Bert's letter took a long while to reach me owing to the fact that he has not got my correct address. I should be ever so glad if you would thank him for his letter, which I will answer as soon as possible, and give him my present address. (Don't put in "platoon" please). Uncle Geo's letter was very interesting too and he agreed to push my Comm for all it was worth. Thank old [?] for his nice long letter - he is a real brick to write me such an interesting epistle - I hope to do him justice by way of a reply later on. If Stan gets over the "flu" alright I don't really think that the trip on the river will hurt him and as you suggest there is no other chance of a holiday for him i.e. assuming that there is no Scout Camp or anything of the sort. I am sorry that there is so much worry just now in connection with business; this does more than anything to knock Dad up. Tell him to take things as easily as he can. As tinned fruit is so dear at home please don't send any. I can occasionally get a tin from the canteen at a third of the price you would have to pay. Stuart's people are just as much at a loss as you for variety of things to put in his parcels; but variety doesn't matter a bit - and, by the way, don't forget to bear in mind my injunction not to send stuff if you have to go short. The rations are good as a rule. I have sent considerably more than 20 postcards; evidently the censors have thought fit to scrap a few from time to time - but never mind, I shall soon be able to supply the missing links. I should like a bit of rag and a clean washing glove when you next send me a parcel - no particular hurry. Auntie Jessie's parcel contained some nice things - mince pies, ginger nuts, cake, chocolate, Calvert tooth powder etc. At present I have only had time to send her a field card but must write a short note tonight. I don't get any time to write letters. I'm rushed to death to get them off in time for the post. But I would do anything rather than miss writing home by every available post, any remonstrations from you I am afraid will fall on deaf ears. I know just how much I appreciate your letters not to do my best to write as often as possible to cheer you up. Walter's letter is surprisingly original and good - altogether shows more than ordinary talent and promise. It is quite a good thing he does stick up for himself, within reason, of course. Like you I am longing to get home, but I am sure if I [?] them the meanwhile - which won't be too long (D.V.) - would seem endless and I should feel quite miserable; so take my tip and cheer up - by the way, I should like a photo of you and dad; I have asked for one before; can it be managed? Please don't try and imagine how I try to keep warm any longer - I should think I could keep warm anywhere this hot weather.

This morning our gun team were roused out of bed at 4am to go on a working party which occupied the time until 12 noon. It may seem a [?] which, but trench digging isn't bad fun and we all chat and make jokes together so that the time soon passes. Naturally I was very tired and this afternoon I laid down in the "den" and slept and read the book Isa has sent me - "The American prisoner" by Eden Phillpots. This evening I have been writing this letter and when I have dropped a line to Auntie Jessie's I am going to have a wash - haven't had one today yet - and clean up my rubbish (Oh! I've such a lot!). Now I must say goodbye for a little. Cheer up dearie and don't' worry.

All the best wishes

from your loving

Dinkey xxxxx