France 18/12/16 Dear Sister, I received your ever welcome letter yesterday, the parcel has not arrived yet but it will likely get here allright as it has lots of time yet we are in the trenches yet, but expect to be out for Christmas. The weather is fairly good just now, of course we get, quite a bit of rain and there is lots of mud around, but we keep splashing through it. I had a letter from Lizzie the other day, they are all well out there, I sometimes wish I was back out there it is a little colder than here, but it is not so damp the air is much dryer, but we may get back there yet, I have not seen Bob yet nor heard from him for quite a while. Well I have not very much news this time hope this finds you all well as it leaves me fine. I will close now with wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I remain Your Loving Brother Alex