12.8.1917
Dear May,
I don’t think there is any news worth writing about this time. Have had fairly we weather lately & our last spell in the trenches was rather uncomfortable as we have not got a fully supply of gum boots yet. Mark Collins is away to England on leave just now, & I have got a sort of idea that I might be getting a week or so’s leave
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to Paris very soon. My luck seems to be very much in at present. Had a yarn to Jack Forbes – he joined up a couple of days ago but is not with our battn. So far I have not seen Mr Anderson’s brother, nor Ernie Blackwood. I have asked Elsie to let me know Ernie’s address when he gets settled down so might meet him any time now. I think I told you he got up to Porthill for a few days.
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The hankies you posted have not come yet but there is still a good chance. The only danger is that the envelope has bust, as they very often do, & the contents been scattered. I have just received my p.c’s I had taken in London, so I suppose the ones I ordered to be sent direct to you will be on their way too. Am sorry they are not better looking but it can’t be helped. Have sent a p.c. to Averil & one to Joan.
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During the next few days I will post you a ring I have filed out of the nose-cap of a Hun shell. The aluminium & brass are off the Messines ridge & the small copper centre is part of a driving band off a shell & is “souvenir de Somme”. It was made in an old Fritz trench that we now hold & the only implements used were a knife, a 3-cornered file & a piece of emery paper. I don’t know about the size but of course that doesn’t
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matter much as it is more a curio than any thing else. It is a great hobby here just now but I don’t think it will last long – it requires rather much patience. Am still enjoying the best of health – can’t land a “Blighty” any how. The other day a few recent arrivals from N.Z. joined our battn & within 12 hours 2 or 3 of them were on their way back to England with lovely wounds that will keep them there for the winter & perhaps get them to N.Z.
Love to All
Len.
