Somewhere in France

Sunday 9 June, 1918

My dear dad,

The remainder of our "trek" was completed yesterday and altho' I was jolly glad when it was over yet the march was not nearly so bad as that of the day before. Yesterday morning until dinner time I spent getting my "traps" ready resting. Happily our packs were carried on lorries so that the equipment which was worn was not nearly so heavy. At 1 o/c we "struck" camp, ie, took down the tent and dumped them, when rolled, with all the other camp equipment such as .?.. watertanks etc. We started our march at half past one and arrived at our destination at half past six after several halts and one of half an hour for tea. The country through which we marched was not at all bad although not so well wooded as that where we left two days ago, but I was surprised to find the place where I am now so pleasant. This is a very small village and consists only of a few cottages; there is not even an Estaminet and most places no matter how small can boast one of these establishments.

Our tents are pitched in an orchard under the trees and now we have settled down everything looks very comfortable. The cooks are busy watching dinner boiling over a fire and most of the other chaps are lazing on the grass under the shade of the trees or in their tents. One would scarcely credit such a place within eight or ten miles of the line; but then it has not been scarred by the sword of war and is more or less in its natural state.

I slept out in the open, under a tree, with Stuart and two other chaps. The night was warm and I had plenty to wrap over me, altho' my blanket has previously been dumped for the summer months; we all lay close to one another so I slept very comfortably.

Looking back over the experience of the last two days, I have seen many interesting sights and passed through one or two fairly large towns or villages as they are called.

As you know, I was ever so pleased with your letter of the 30th May ‘18. You speak of having received many letters from me, well, I hope you have received all I have sent - this letter is number 36. I should like to know what letters you have received and which are missing. I received a letter from mother and Cyril yesterday; it was dated 3 June. Thank them ever so much for it.

I was rather surprised to hear that Campbell Morgan intended to revolutionize things as far as church management was concerned. I hope that both Wright and Row manage to get exemption. Yes! You will be busy if Uncle Will is at Bournemouth, but take things steadily.

I am feeling very tired as a result of the exertions of the last two days; thus this letter is not up to its usual standard.

Now I must say au revoir,

with love,

from your affectionate son

Bert