Hut 6, A Division

Epsom, Surrey

24/9/18

Dear Mother,

Just received your letter enclosing $10.00. I was certainly glad to get it as I want to buy a pair of light boots to go on my sick furlough with, they cost about 30 to 40 bob for a good pair but they are worth it. The last pair I bought when I was in Blighty did me 14 months and then Sydney gave them to one of the boys after I had gone out this spring. We get the heavy ammunition boots issued which weigh about 3½ lb. each and have plates on the toes and heels as well as nails, quite a difference when one remembers the 'swanky' boots we had when we joined up.

I was not long enough in France this time to get a very big balance saved up in the pay office. I shall just have enough to take me on my leave or I should not have sent home for money. I made my last balance spin out over a year. Sydney was wild at me for sending home for money but I don't think he knew that I had ever remitted money home. I am saving money now as my only dissipation is tea and buns and an occasional game of billiards or a trip to the pictures. I still do a lot of reading but I do not get as absorbed as I used to.

I had quite a long letter from Dad the other day. He seems to be nearer the line but of course the danger zone is anywhere within 10 or 12 miles of the front now. I have seen the time when we could buy all kinds of wine, coffee or eggs off the civvys within three miles of the front line. When I got wounded last the nearest civvys were eight miles and not many of them. That was near Arras.

Well dear I hope you are well and fairly happy. I am feeling fine.

Love to all,

Jack

P.S. Send all letters to Mrs. Row. Next stop for me will be 11th Reserve Battalion.