20/7/17
Dear Juliet
Although I have written fairly often to Uncle Julius, it seems a good while since I have written to any of my cousins. I have just received letters from home in reply to some that I wrote after my few days of leave in England. They were all very interested in what I had to tell of my visits to Badsey and to London. Mother was very pleased with the photos, particularly that of myself with the cat, I have forgotten the name of your cat, but your dog’s name is easy to remember.
A letter from Aunt Lottie written at Badsey reached me last night. You have had quite a gathering at Seward House, and although Arthur’s stay was so short, it must have been very jolly for all of you. I should like to have liberty for so short time in that beautiful orchard of yours during the fruit season. We are growing quite a quantity of vegetables in the vicinity of the camp here and they succeed very well too in this warm sandy soil. The work of attending to the gardens is done mostly by men who have returned sick or wounded from the hospitals and are not fit for the strenuous “bull ring” training.
The newspaper has just come in and I notice by the headlines that there has been a fruitless advance in Mesopotamia. Also according to the new Chancellor’s speech, the Germans still pin their faith to the submarine. When the shorter days come the operations of the U boats are bound to be restricted and before next summer our shipping should have increased again.
I have not begun my ten days of “bull ring” yet, but will have to make a start soon. If I get through the 10 days alright I shall consider that the gas has left no after-effects. I am enclosing two £1 notes to cover cost of any commissions I may have to ask you to do for me. I shall probably write to you again soon. Best wishes to yourself, May, Ethel, Uncle Julius.
Your affectionate cousin
Bernard Sladden
