6/7/16
My dear Father
I think our last letters just about crossed. We have been extremely busy of late, though in this particular unit it has been ordinary work so far. But after the present slight lull I expect we shall be utilized. The general impression of the course of events so far is quite favourable out here and the situation all round looks full of promise, though I don’t think we should expect such a degree of success as will being the Huns to their knees this year – but I think both their army and the people will begin to see the inevitable defeat ahead, and once that idea is fixed their collapse will be brought much nearer.
I have not had a great deal of personal contact yet with our wounded, but they seem full of good hope and give a sense of feeling that our plans are going well. That was hardly so in some earlier efforts.
I think a great many of the wounded have been transferred to England and doubtless the hospitals there must be very busy.
I cannot gather yet if George’s division has been in action or in reserve, but anyway I believe they are pretty close to the scene of action.
We still hear the guns, though not quite so persistently. There is more spade work now I suppose.
I suppose this is undoubtedly the biggest battle the British army has ever been in and I daresay it will be the longest.
I hope you have later news now of Cyril, I expect he will soon be on duty again if his arm has made a good mend. I wonder if he has had any of the three or four letters I have written him this year.
It keeps cool and pleasant here – a good deal of rain, but that comes most often at nights. Mary and Baby are doing quite well down at Newport. What amazes me is the energy with which Mary takes her about so that they are both a lot in the open, and yet don’t have to stick to the roads. No doubt they both benefit from it.
We like our new CO very well, and it makes a very great difference to existence here. We have become students of the map again lately, and have a very good one here of the present battlefield.
I hope you are enjoying your roses, they should be good now.
With much love.
From your affectionate son
Arthur
