8/6/17
My dear Betty
I think you'll soon be grousing if I don't write to you. Many thanks for your recent letter; I hope the VAD works goes well. Probably with that and various duties at home you manage and keep pretty busy. I had a letter a few days ago from Dorothy Williams who seems very happy as VAD at the NZ hospital at Codford, Wiltshire. She's lucky to get to a place she likes and especially as she is so young.
I hear that Mary hopes to come to Badsey with Baby probably in August. I wonder whether I'll be able to get leave that month or before.
We get some pretty undiluted Yankee accents from the American laboratory attendants. I have decided that their method of replying in the affirmative is almost Teutonic - yes, yep, yah, yay.
Recently all "A" men at the base have gone through a gas course. I had mine last Monday, the CO and I went from here and as it was an all day performance, took our lunch and spent the noon hour picnicking. The present type of helmet is really very excellent and some practice with it is most valuable.
I've heard no more yet about the mobile lab. I don't doubt I shall get it some day, but the last thing to do is to try and hustle the people above in a matter of that sort. If you do, it's 10:1 you get just what you don't want!
Has young Knight reached his home yet? I hope he got across safely and that this people have satisfactory news of him.
We are all enjoying the fine summer weather and watching the crops grow. I turned to and did a bit of "oovin" yesterday, the weeds were going ahead on our patch of vegetables.
Please thank Father for his letter. I'll be writing to him before long.
The news of the success in the Ypres sector is pleasing. I wonder what the scope of this particular offensive is intended to be. I don't think we must look for any deep advances on the map this year now, the Russian hold-up has postponed that sort of possibility. However, most things go well apparently and probably the longer the Bosch holds out, the deeper he will get it in the neck at last.
I had a Folkestone paper from Aunt Lottie a few days ago, so was glad to know she was safe.
We have started playing Badminton here, but it's a very second-rate game compared with tennis, and as a cause of irritation almost licks croquet. However, it is some exercise.
With love to all.
Your affectionate brother
Arthur
