France
1-7-17
Dear Everybody.
Sunday again, this time we are not in billets but in reserve to certain units in the line. We are situated in an open field & under canvas. Something new for us in France. The odd part about it is, that we are living in a place, which before Messines Battle, one would hardly dare show his head. Such is war; on one side we see beautiful green fields dotted with splendid old trees, in front Messines ridge, ploughed & torn with shells & hardly a living thing on it, except those human beings living in the reserve trenches, which at one time, used to be the Huns support line. Apparently they haven’t quite forgiven us the capture of aforesaid positions yet, for they seem to grow quite enthusiastic about it at times & simply rain shells on it.
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However, on account of him being on low ground, he is more or less blind, & as a result, his fire is not very effective. I guess you are all still wondering what is going to be the next step, & when. Well, perhaps you know as much as we do, if you don’t, well you know nothing at all. We simply live from day to day, do what we are ordered to do & through it all are quite happy. We have had a good rest, are reorganized & altogether very fit. Weather conditions & everything have been in our favour & I think turned to good account. The general situation is normal, surprisingly so, at times both sides flare up & have a very heated argument for perhaps an hour or two. Then they ease off a little, & just enough rumbling remains to remind us there is a war on, & to annoy us considerably.
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George Wilson arrived in France some time ago & joined up with our 2nd Batt about a week ago. I managed to look him up before moving into our present positions. He is looking tip top & as fit as a fiddle. I am hoping to be able to look him up tonight. I wish he had been posted to this Batt. I could have landed him a pretty safe job if he would have taken it on. There is no doubt about it he is a fine cut of a soldier, & wears his uniform well. If I can find hime I will drop his Mother a line to let her know I had seen him & that he is very fit. Have just had a letter from Kate & very pleased to hear she has not left Walton yet. I am getting my leave on Tuesday 3rd & if she can only hang on a few more days I will be able to see her over there. It would be descent wouldn’t it.
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I was very surprised to hear from George W. that Charl. was in hospital. Kate had not told me anything about it. I knew he was off colour a bit, but did not think he had had to go hospital. Anyhow, as long as it is nothing serious he is better there than roaming those old sand Dunes, so long as there is nothing doing. Have not heard from him for ages. Well now this leave item is the next greatest item for me, & how I am going to spend the time. I guess there is not going to be much trouble about how I am going to spend it, the point is where. I have hearty invitations back to Scotland but it is such a long journey that I may not take it on. London, Walton, Brockenhurst, Tidworth &, sundry little places in & around the little village, will I think,
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keep me well entertained for 10 days. Quite a number of our officers are in hospital in Walton & Brockenhurst & of course one will naturally spend some time with them. Blackheath of course will be H.Q. Have not had any N.Z. mail for some time now, latest to hand were dated 23 April. We hear that there is one in London now. It is just possible that I may get it before leaving here, if not, I will get it sent back to London. With last mail I received a very nice little pot of cheese sent off by you Mary. Have not tasted it for ages, it makes quite a change in our daily diet. We had quite a pleasant little gathering today, the 2nd Otago Batt. invited the C.O. & three of his officers to mess with them at Midday. They are running a Batt. mess & it is quite
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fine, only wish we were doing the same. We did do it as a matter of fact in the winter months, but on account of frequent moves & no suitable buildings being available we were forced to drop the idea. As an idea of how we fared I will enclose the “Menu”. Attached there on is the signatures of all the officers present. I think I have come to the end & will ring down the curtain. I do not intend to do much writing whilst on leave, so do not expect too much. Au Revoir for the present & kindest regards to any who may inquire.
Love to all
Affect
E.S. McIntyre
[2nd Batt. Otago Reg, Officers Mess Menu, July 1st 1917]
