19/7/17
It is already practically a week since I left you and I find I haven't written since. I expect Mary sent a postcard to say I was across safely. The journey back was very slow but fairly comfortable, and the trains this side didn't happen to be crowded, so I could sleep at night. I only got to Rouen after midday on Sunday.
At the moment things are very slack, and I have no news of a move. The large number of American doctors now with the BEF, plus the present slump in wounds and sickness has resulted temporarily in leaving quite a lot of people nearly out of work. I am filling in time with a few little investigations and making up some notes, but I shall be glad to get a move soon. My successor here is the Director of the Lister Institute in London, and I have handed over all the regular work now. He has brought a lady bacteriologist with him so is not at all rushed with work.
While I was away there was a change of OC here, a Colonel rather more senior than Marett was displaced from his unit by the coming of Americans to take over, and so he in turn displaces his junior here. We are all very sorry to lose Marett, but fortunately we like the new man very well also.
I feel all the better for my leave, though with the long journey and muggy type of weather I felt tired when I got back.
I met Sergeant Sears of the AVC at Rouen just as I arrived and he was starting for leave; I daresay he will have let you know. Badsey must have a lot of NCOs. The men are a good type for such posts.
I suppose Aunt Lottie is leaving you in a day or two. I hope you'll have good weather for getting in the fruit crops later on. I should judge that you'll manage for labour now to the extent of your ladders etc.
While I was away the Queen was round here and seems to have done a lot of sightseeing.
With love to all.
Your affectionate son
Arthur
