12.6.17
Dear May,
I suppose you are feeling a bit anxious just now but as far as I am concerned there is no reason to worry, as so far I have missed the push & I am not very likely to get into it now, although there is always a chance. When I got back from leave we reported to our unit & were told we had been picked out to stay out of the “stunt”, & we were sent well behind the lines & are here doing just sufficient to keep us out of mischief. A certain percentage of each of the “specialist” departments has been kept out & I am representing the Lewis gunners. It was quite unexpected & my luck seems to be very much in, but I don’t quite fancy the idea of working with a team & then being absent when there is anything big on. They are keeping back mostly the older hands & although I am hardly a veteran yet, I have had as long a run in the trenches as most of them. Of course there is a chance that I might be called up yet. They sent down for
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one gunner the other day & we tossed for it but I lost the toss so am still here. The night I arrived here I heard that some N.Z. nurses were quite near & after some inquiries found that there was one with a name “something like” Looney. About half an hour later I got a note from Min to say she was here & asking me to call. Of course I blew along & found her looking really well & in the best of spirits. I have had a couple of long yarns to her & will probably see her again. Billy Hume is in her Hosp. but hasn’t much wrong with him. Had a bit of a temperature & was sent there for a day or two’s rest & is now helping with the work in the ward. He says he’d be out by now only they are rather shorthanded. I think we are the only two W’siderites who are out of the push, the two Collinses, C Millar, M. Maher & D .Hume are in it but we haven’t heard how they are doing, although they’ve been going some days now. I hope you get all the things I posted while on leave in England. I sent quite a number of packets of p.c’s, guidebooks, war souvenirs, & odds & ends & have arranged for samples of Doulton ware, & 4 photos to be posted to you. I believe they would all go on the same boat except the Doulton & photos, so I hope the boat isn’t torpedoed.
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I meant to do such a lot writing while I was on leave but my time was so short that I had to leave it all till the last day or so, & now I am not sure what I told you, but the p.c’s will just about explain all the sightseeing part of the trip. With the exception of the Torquay set, the Old Curiosity Shop, & the Zepp. I have seen every place I’ve sent views of. If my last letter got through you’ll know what a good time I had at Port Hill, &, just in case it didn’t, I want you to send Elsie some of the best of our local views & groups & also to spend a few bob of my pay on p.c’s or illustrated booklets of N.Z. scenery. They wouldn’t let me do anything or spend anything & I know they would be delighted to get views. They would be glad to hear regularly from you. I think you’ll find Elsie the best correspondent but her sister Connie or their niece Doris (age 15 or 16), would be sure to write you. Doris of course is Charlie’s eldest girl & as she represents a different household you might send her some views too. They think there is no place in the world like N.Z. but beyond a few very old photos & papers that Aunt Annie sent they have practically nothing from out that way. I told Elsie you would post her some views etc so you
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needn’t be frightened to spend a bit on anything you think any of them would like. They gave me a royal time & I want to do something for them because if I have any luck I’ll be back there again before I go home. I don’t think there is any more that I can think of just now. Have just received a parcel from Averil containing a tin of honey & other things. Haven’t sampled it yet but it looks real good. It is the first bit of mail I’ve had for a month but of course things are a little disorganized here at present & I expect a big batch of letters to come any day. Weather continues very hot & every afternoon we go about 2 miles to a canal & spend the rest of our time in the water.
Love to All
Len
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P.S. Glad those Gorebridge p.c’s reached you safely L.
