22/6/16
My dear Father
I think I wrote about ten days ago, but will write again tonight to send my good wishes for your birthday on 25th. After quite a long spell of cold days it has at last warmed up, and today was very hot.
We are very pleased at No 25 at having a change of CO. The change will I think be an advantage from every possible point of view. I know the newcomer fairly well, he was stationed in Rouen in another capacity a year ago, and I believe him to be a man of good ability. That makes such a difference. To serve under anyone for whose methods and capacities one has the greatest contempt is very trying, I hope that is done with.
Cyril’s letters from India have been very interesting reading. I wonder if he may yet get some leave home. Day and night now we hear the faint rumble of the guns, I wonder at what point on the line it is. Last year one heard them only rarely, and the distance hasn’t altered.
I hope Juliet has done well in her exam. I expect the result won’t be known for a few weeks. I know they used to take a good while to get it out. Have you had much news of George lately – are you able to tell where he is?
I have had very little time to get out just lately. This afternoon I watched our hospital team beating No 9 General at cricket. They play on matting on rather rough pitches, but put up some very fair cricket. Regular competitions are held between hospitals and base depots etc in Rouen. We have a German prisoner convalescent from typhoid. I noticed him sitting looking rather amazed at the game. It must be rather intricate if one isn’t brought up with it.
I hear Major Thompson with whom I was at Nantes is getting married this month to a French girl. The engagement, and its “prologue” were interesting and amusing to Mary and me when we were there together.
I still hope for a holiday about August, but have no information making it in any way certain. I’m glad to hear you are going for a little holiday before very long.
Please thank May for her last letter and say I’ll write before long.
With love to all at home.
Your affectionate son
Arthur F Sladden
