France 14-7-18

Dear Ollie:

Just a few lines to let you know am alive and well.  Had a letter from you yesterday and a box over a week ago.  Also a box from Mother last week.  You say some of the boy’s boxes are opened and stuff taken out.  I have never had any of my boxes opened and am sure haven’t lost many.  Well we are having cold spell here now and quite a lot of rain for a change.  But can’t complain for have a fine summer so far.  It’s raining some now or would try and get you some flowers.  I did think you would care for that kind of stuff.  I suppose if they were scarce we would take more notice of them but there are acres of them in places.  Especially wild Poppies, red as blood, they would look rather nice I suppose in peacetime but don’t think much about it now.  Of course there are dozens of different kinds and colors but I don’t know the names of them, but will try and get you some picked by the moonlight off of no man’s land.  Had a letter from Mother this morning.  Was sorry to hear there had been a freeze but hope it won’t be as bad as it looks just now.

And so the boys don’t like Aldershot and are deserting.  Not enough grub and no blankets.  Poor things!  I feel sorry for them not to have a nice bed and plenty of nice grub to eat.  But I reckon the worst is yet to come for then yet.  Am sorry to hear poor old Bine is not well this summer.  I reckon poor kid is not long for this old footstool.  Well I must quit for this time.  Oh yes on of D. Coy Sgts. Are going back to old NS in a few days as an instructor for the conscripts.  One of the best boys who ever wore shoe leather.  The one and only J.D. McNeil.  You will find his picture in the Bn. book only he was a Capt. then.  I will sure miss him but he sure deserves it for he has not missed a trip in the line since we came over here.  He got the M.M. at Pashendale.  I have seen him in pretty hot places but never saw him in a hurry or when he wasn’t smiling.  Am going to try and get him to run out and see you.  But he is such a queer fish.  I don’t know whether he will go or not.  Must quit

 Love to all

Jack