Marque 7 No 5 General Hospital
Rouen, France
2/11/17

My Dearest

It is such a shame to keep you waiting so long for a letter, we were on the move for four days with never a chance to write a single line. Then when we arrived at the new front it was WORK with a vengeance. Oh say it was awful up there. I didn't have a decent sleep for four days, we were packing ammunition on horse-back all the time. It is impossible to take a waggon up the line. On Wed. night I got a little too close to a bomb from an aeroplane & a piece hit me in the back. It is nothing to worry about Dearest, more of a bruise than anything, the piece did not go right in, I guess I will be alright in a few days. I am fixed up lovely here, it is such a treat to get away from the line for a while.

Dearest I am not sure whether I sent you a Birthday greeting, I have been all muddled up somehow lately. It is rather late now, but if I did not mention it in my last letter Dearest I wish you many many many happy returns. I met a man from Harold's Coy. at the C.C.S. & found out where their billet is when they come down from the line. It is only a short distance from our Bty. wagon lines. If I get back soon I can look him up, but Dearest don't be surprised if the next letter is addressed from "somewhere in Blighty". Won't that be wonderful? But don't build too much to it Dearest I am not quite sure yet. It would not be any use you writing to the above address, so Dearest don't write until you hear from me again.

Don't worry a little bit Dearest, because I am quite all right & feeling fine. I will write again soon.

Bye-bye for the present Dearest
Lots & lots & lots of love & xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
from Yours only & forever
Fred