A Field Hospital
Dec 31st 1916
Dear People
Do not think when you see the headlines that there is anything very serious the matter with yours truly. I have been in hospital since the 26th but in a few days will [loss] been a case of Diarrhoea which there is a good deal of about at present. Where I am now is a good many miles to the rear of the firing line so much so that if there’s any fighting going on it is not heard hereabout but I do not think there is at present. It is along with the Tommies I am there has been about a dozen of us all told & of the whole I believe each has a different dialect. There is some very interesting conversations carried on at times with regard to Egypt England & of course NZ. I do not forget to blow that up you bet. I think I can safely say that the majority of people in NZ. have not the least idea of what has being going on in this theatre or have any conception of what the fellows out here had to put up with during the summer. Although at present & from the start this expedition has been through most uninteresting country if it is carried on will lead us to a very interesting quarter of the globe. However it is hard to imagine what will be done but so far as the enemy we are engaged with I think his part in this war is about played out.
[Page 2]
I have not yet received any mail but there will surely be some waiting me on returning to the Regiment. At anyrate others have had some up there so ought I. What of the boys in France we hear nothing of what is going on out there for all we hear peace may have been proclaimed. Seeing as how this is the last day of the year [loss] been some more close finishes resulting glorious win for the old horses Eh! By the way that Mr Finlay day that you know Jim is the Major of the Regiment. I am in the 10th CMR. Of course I have not yet been long enough with the Reg to find out who is who and did not even get to know many of the Reinf except those in my own Reinf. that went along with and before me would very much like to get back & get a change [loss] all the spare ones I have are up there & unless one of the [loss] has been able to look after them it is [loss] say what [loss] happening then. If they have [loss] bring this epistle to a close it is a work of work trying to find something to write about. Hoping this finds all the little ones and all the big ones in good health. I will ring offf this & write a few lines for old England.
Cheer Oh! Your Affect Brother
Charlie.
[Written at top of Page 1]
Just been before the medics & he says I can return to duty tomorrow or day after. Hope the weather continues fine. By the way I wonder if there is any more knew neighbours. Ch.
