The same village
Somewhere in France
Monday, 1 July, 1918
Letter No. 61
My dear mother,

I was ever so glad to get the letter you wrote last Tuesday; it arrived yesterday and very pleased to think that the one you had received that day bucked you up. I would not have sent the Field Card if I thought you were going to imagine me further up the line, but I was unable to write the day before and thought that you would wonder how it was I had not written. As a matter of fact, they couldn't send me any further up the line than I was prior to being relieved. I guessed that you would be pleased to know that I was out of the trenches; I had to make a special effort to get the letter in the green envelope off as it was very inconvenient to write in the crowded tent and it was raining fast at the time. The reason why Stuart and I aren't in the same platoon is not because we were separated purposely but because the Sergeant Major didn't take the trouble or have the courtesy to ask who were pals and who wanted to be together. But one says ? out here that the [?] when they order one about. Your cakes are jolly fine but there is no need to worry about variety; I really don't know how you manage to make the things you do. I hope you enjoyed the evening at the theatre with [?]. The time will be when I can escort you and dad to a similar place, won't it? I will endeavour not to forget our "wireless" but invariably at noon I am on parade and sometimes I forget about it, my mind being on the work I am doing. My watch keeps jolly good time. I believe the clocks are all an hour fast over here as in Blighty, but the clocks in our village never agree with those of ? so I really don't know whether my watch is synchronised with the clocks at home. I suppose Grandma found the struggle of walking ? for her and now that she has taken to the Bath chair. I agree with you when you think she will not walk again.

I have had quite a pleasant day again. Parades were as usual this morning, the weather has been so warm lately that the soup for lunch has been discontinued. This afternoon I wrote a letter to Luie while watching a new game - name unknown - which is something after the style of baseball and something like cricket. I believe that we all have to play the game later on and it should prove interesting.

When I get back to tea I found the Daily Telegraph sent by Mr. Waller for his long interesting letter.

This evening ? and I have adjourned to one of our favourite spots - in the wood in the chateau grounds - to write letters and read until supper time at 8.30pm. When I am here I like to think I am in the Home Woods at Cuffley; somewhere near home.

There is no more news at present. I might add to reassure you that the recent activities on the [censored]sector will not [?] to go up the line any sooner that I should have had to [?]

[?] reminds me that Stan had a handkerchief of his. The last post had got a wrong address for my letter number [?] are all correct.

Now I must say au revoir until next time,

Give my love to all at home,

With heaps of love and xxxx

from your affectionate son,

Dinkey