France 7th 1917

Dear Mr Irwin. Your letter of Jan. 8th reached me yesterday and was pleased to hear from you. The weather this last 2 weeks has been severe. The coldest for this country since 1881. And it takes us all our time to keep warm. The rest of the Norwood Boys are fine, and have already come in close contact with the Huns when we made a daylight raid on Jan 17th capturing 100 prisoners and some guns. All came back safe and of course has some wild stories to tell about the affair. At present we are out for a rest well behind the lines in a good part of the country the French people are very nice and cannot do enough for us in the way of comfort. The Seow Section has been written up after 17 months good work and only 7 of us retained to do special work and for instructional purposes and now known as the Specialists. Orders today gives me the privilege of putting a Good Conduct stripe on my tunic so you see I am a good soldier. Things look Bright & Posey for the Spring, and we all hope it will be the finish and will soon be home again. Father has been very sick and is at present in hospital in England, but now on the road to Health. Sorry to hear of the death of R.S. Ivey. Regarding your last request I will try and send a little account I do not think it matter as it is public news by this time. Remember me to Mrs Irwin and family.

Will conclude for this time with Kind Regards to all.

I am Yours Sincerely

W. Stares