4 Squadron R. F. C.
B. E. F. France

6/6/17

My Dear Em.

We have had a whole week of the most ideal weather one could imagine. In fact it has been real holiday weather, too nice for anything but vacation and loafing about. One gets a feeling of restlessness and wonders why we are at war at all in such weather.

On the whole I have had quite a busy week. Have done a number of jobs since I wrote last time. I like this part very much and know it much better than I did the Somme and the Encre. It was all new to me and I was just getting to know the place when we left. Up here I do not even need a map as I can recognize most of the towns and villages from memory. First off day I have I shall go over and call on my French friends the Perriers, who were so kind to me when I was here before. I hope they are still there.

Had a letter from Alf the other day. I was very glad to hear from him again as it was over a month since I had written without having heard a word from him. He was very well, with just a slight hoarseness in his throat. He will be alright I think.

Was very glad to get the family letter on Monday also. It was May 8 I think. Things are certainly rushing about our corners. As you say poor Marge. She has no very enviable prospect. And I can scarcely swallow the Frankie Allen dose. I thought they were cousins. Next thing will be Marge or Florence, I suppose. Are both the Hutchinson boys still at home?

I can scarcely realize it but I have been out here nearly 7 weeks. In some ways it seems much longer but in most ways it doesn't anything like it. I am really very happy and most contented. I like the job and ask nothing better than to stay on the job till the war is over, only let it come soon. I wish some of you could come over so that I could see you when I get over on my next leave. By rights it should come about beginning of August, so have no idea when I shall get away. But I really don't care very much about getting away. Of course when I do get to England I shall have a jolly good time but I don't want to chance not getting to this squadron again.

It is just 11.45 p.m. and one of our machines is just returning from the lines. It is as dark as pitch and he is sending down flares and etc and I expect wishing he were once more on the ground. (Night flying is most miserable.)

I have just written a letter to Mrs French. Do you remember my telling you about her when at Oxford? She was the Canadian lady who was over with her son and who was so kind to me both at Oxford and in London. The boy came over on the same boat as I did, and she was down to see him off. I hear to?day that the boy has been brought down and reported missing. I do pity her because they were such pals and always together. He as only about 20 or 21.

I was glad the snaps arrived O.K. It was very good of Mrs Jones to send them. She is a real good sport. Gordon is getting better again, and he and Marjory are down at the seaside before he goes back to flying. The rest of them are all well I think.

Tell Mother I haven't the slightest idea what I weigh nor have I any way of finding out. All I know is that I feel tip?top, enjoy my work, meals and sleep well, so that is all that really matters.

I am up at another job at 8:30 in the morning, so must get right off to bed. As you know I am and was always inclined to be a sleepy head.

Tomorrow I am an escort for a fellow who is doing photography over the lines. My job is to keep above him and keep the Huns off while he does the job. That is, providing the Huns come near enough.

Lots of love for Father, Mother and yourself.
Loving bro.
Wilbert.