France,
July 15, 1917

Dearest Mother:

Just a few lines tonight as it is getting late. Got back from the rest camp this afternoon, or rather this evening and am glad to be back with the battery again. Found your letters of June 14, 15 and 18 waiting for me, also your parcel containing chicken, butter, maple syrup, etc, along with papers, a letter and papers from Clemmie, and the week's World Wides and Witness. Have just had a lunch for which the chicken came in very good and the butter is fine. Couldn't have kept better. Many, many thanks for all this.

You will have heard by now of the sad news of Arthur Johnstone's death. He was killed on the 8th by a piece of a shell which burst quite near him. He was one of the finest fellows in the battery and one of the most popular and his death came as a heavy blow to us all and while we mourn and sympathize with his people, we feel that his life has been well spent and gain strength from his noble example to carry on the work.

Now I must sign off and turn in. Will write again in a few days. All is well.

Love from your soldier son, Harold