France Apr 28 / 17

Dear Mary & M Don Stan

Jack Bruce Ruth & Ivan Wish I was starting over the pond again this is going to take just as long as ever to finish. but hope for the best had a bath to day & clean cloths but my legs ache very bad yet hope to rest here for two or three days I may not get your letter this time by getting sick & getting over here so you see if you could only write a little one oftener they would get divided over more days You wrote the last I have Mar 18th it seems ages & is almost wore out in my pocket but do like to read it M's letter was saying she heard you talking to me in your sleep & it is great to think I am thought off even in dreams I do not know if I told you I got a letter from Vera it was a good one but I have lost it does not stay like yours will try & answer it some time I can not write very well with this rag on my thumb but was anxious to do or write something to you all I write all your names on something very often I can not find the Battery & do not get any chance look long that boy is in I think Vera said 4 Brig 16 Battery that is not very simple or easy to find one man in wish I could though I wish our Batt was out but they are going in again tomorrow or next day

This weather is good for the roads a cold brease it feels quite cold nights we can get some coal near now we take a big oil can & put holes in it & make a stove I am about two days walk from the Batt now so it will be a big step getting back with my legs hope they are better before I am marked duty again lots of fellows get wounded, & make for home OK but I hope I can go home soon & the war over without any my prayers are for this end soon My dear you are a little giant to get along & to have so much to care for it's fine Ivan is good wish I was able to carry & dress etc etc it is a long way to take the little ones up stairs when asleep it has been hard for you my girlie great bunch ‘ah' I have two of M's last letters yet & your last short sweet one will be glad to get the pictures. you must get some week more than one letter from me. am glad you get out as often as you do tell me how you manage to get on with things glad the boys like to go to church hope they can manage to save you lifting some anyway it is lights out dearies
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