Aug 28/18

Dearest Mother & Dad

I owe you both a letter for Dad's last letter of two pages came some time ago and Mother's letter came two days ago. Thanks awfully much for them both. You simply cannot either of you write me too often.

I am going to try & tell you what I have been doing for the last six weeks so probably will not finish this letter tonight nor tomorrow night. I'll put in all the details I can remember - without giving names of places etc so that it will all take some time. But first - They tell me you are both fairly well but that Dad is very thin. I hope not and that you will not work too hard either of you (I hear we are moving tomorrow again so I may not go on with this) In any event I have written Steve a pretty full description.

I am enclosing several of Steve's letters to Ethel as requested. They are very nice and quite like Steve. She becomes so enthusiastic over anyone she really likes.

I am also sending you a postcard letter I have just had from Maurice Thornhill's sister.

I have been expecting to go on leave for several days past but unfortunately the leave has not come through and yet it may tomorrow.
There is one happening which has worried me considerably. Three nights ago Rus Hasson - one of my best pals - was killed by a Hun air bomb. He died almost instantly and without being conscious of what had happened. It seems so terribly hard for he had been kept out of our last show and only joined us away behind the line. He was hoping & expecting to become a full major & to go to England on a three months course. In addition to this we have lost Mjr Rimmell and Capt Dait both killed and Mjr Grant missing. Several other officers have also gone but these were particularly my friends. It only leaves Geo Holman, Stuart Hawkins & myself of the line officers original 78th chaps now here with Bryan away on leave so its very lonesome.

Good night for now
G