France Mar 10/17

Dear Fred and Agnes

The mail has not come for quite while expect it will come in bunches, last night there were about a doz. for our co. and a large number of parcels I here they have started one or two for me Mother and Father seem to be tight about. fixing up some boxes they come very helpful these times we have been marching every day this last four days, we see a great many little towns past through three or four each day and sleep in one will be here for a few days before we move again out brig. is around here, I see a number of boys from Brantford in here, we have lost about five of the 125 this last three times in the line, have not been over the top yet, thats when we get it if they are not careful, have not been in the gas attack, I have been put in sixteen platt a day or two ago, like it better when we go in may not be as good it would have been better to have been in this one first they were out one trip in the line there was some talk of three platts in and one in reserve or carrying party if thirteen is kept in reserve I tonight it will be no better, but time will tell we marched in a driving snow storm yesterday, but it has dryed up to day and frozen hard again makes it better in the line, it was over our boots one time in, but it has dried quick this year but do not want to put in another winter in the line they have a large number of big guns made they will want to play with them before they finish or come to terms, almost give up hopes of ever getting home we past Borden to day he took of his grey felt hat when we past that’s all very well but he does not come and eat with us or sleep near or go to see the front line after this I am going to let the big guns go to grass, the common folks do get in wrong very often I will make a little game of my own and stay at it or near by or close to, we have not been paid for nearly a month and havent any change will get some in a day or two they say well bye bye with love

Yours
Roy

[added at top of first page, date/author unknown: “Sat”; “18.”; “Rec’d. thurs Mar29/17”]