France 19.1.18 Dear Mother Thank for parcel No 8 & also letters. On opening your letter the first thing that cam to light was that astounding affair of Miss [?]! For a while I couldn't made head or tail of it but eventually I decided it must be a most painful case of shell shock or some similar mental paralysis. I, herewith, offer you my most sincere condolences. Did you read Smallwood's speech in the House (last Sunday's paper I think) it caused quite a sensation out here, for it expressed what has been in the minds of a great many people for some time past. This confounded red tape of authoritism has been spoiling good men every day since the war began. As things stand at present I am going up the line in charge of the troop; both the officer & the sergeant otherwise engaged; but I think there will be an alteration before morning. Every thing has been very quite for the last month or so due no doubt to the bad weather. Much love to you all Cuthbert