England
August 12, 1918

My dear Gladys,

I guess you'll be wondering about the delay and thinking that I got my old habit back again. Its something a lot better than that though. I started out in the advance you're reading about now but was only in it about an hour or so when I got a piece of shrapnel in the back just below my left shoulder I thought I was a goner as I could hardly breath. The concussion knocked me up again a gun wheel and fell on Vrandenburg who had got it in the legs. I am alright now though and nothing serious was struck except the nerves in my back. They jumped around for two days or more and hurt when I drew a breath. I was on no 1 gun and the whole crew of no 2 and a Lt. Were wounded. Cecil was on no. four and no one was hurt there when I left. Cecil helped carry me to a dressing station while I was there the German artillery prisoners were coming down so his guns had been captured. It was a fine push and I hear the boys are still going strong. I hope Cecil doesn't get it I hated to see him go back. I wish he'd have got as good a one as me. If you were only a nurse we might be talking now eh..I'm glad you're not. This war stuff is not as Romantic and pleasant as it looks Gladys. Those girls in France have to stand sights that often make strong men shudder believe me I wonder what new fellows will be in the push. Macklin was at the base with the fever and never got back. Probably mack Lyons was there. I hate being in bed. I think I'll be able to go around in a couple of weeks though. I didn't get your box before I came away and hadn't had any letters I told the boys to carry on with the boxes so they'll go to a crowd that need them more than me. Thanks very much for it Gladys. I am in a fine hospital and am going to take my time getting better.

The address is :
B. Ward
15th Canadian General
Taplow
Bucks
England

All kinds of love
Bert