Prittlewell
Feb 20/18

Dear People

Got leave sooner than I expected & am here with Mrs.Armitage and her mother having a regular time. I get fourteen days this time and have twelve ahead of me still. Had a pretty fair trip over bar getting arrested at Bologne for posing as a sergeant and sleeping with a bunch of Sergeant Majors etc. instead of in an old barn with the privates. Then of course I had to have a few words with the fellow who pinched us and made it a little worse. But seeing that I gave my name as driver Jones RFA No. 417358 hell have rather a hard job to find me wont he, poor fellow he's got a nice soft job down there and I hate to put him to all that trouble, But "war is hell" you know. I am having the time of my life, sleeping in a bed, washing twice a day, eating with a knife and fork going the limit generally. I had a lot against the Army that I thought id let you know when I got the chance but I've forgotten all about it now. There has been an air raid everynight since I came over and the people are sure scared. They talk about it and make it worse. I couldn't tell you before but Fritz bombs back of the line every fine night so we're quite used to raids. It seems different over here though with women and children concerned. I could tell you a lot about Passindale now that I have the chance. It was hell that's all. We had 17 killed & 63 wounded gassed and shell shock so you can judge for yourself. That's in one battery and we were considered lucky. There was more excitement in Vimy for two months after we went over the ridge but not so much down right slaughter. It was just a case of sit and take it. Ive seen big strongmen cry like babies after things quieted down. It's all right while the excitements on. Mrs Armitage asks all the time about you people and Flo's baby. Shes a great sport mother and you'd get along fine together. Say I'm certainly well fixed for money The paymaster at the front told me that I couldn't draw anymore than five pound and gave me a cheque, but I went to mill bank and told the officer there that I had some insurance to pay when I got home here so he came across with 17 pounds so with the money in the bank besides Im like a regular Duke. I got the hip waders just before I left France and boxes up to 6[?]. If you people could only come over tonight we could have a regular time but I guess you're better where you are. Its hard to get meat etc. Mrs. Armitage & I think we'll go out chicken stealing tonight. You don't know how well you are off over there Dad. How is Erma & Billy getting along I'd like a picture of them. Well I'll write you again and tell you how my leave is progressing probably ill be lucky enough to break an arm before its up eh & I hope for the best anyway Mrs. Armitage sends her love and I send heaps of it.

Loving son
Bert