27/9/17
My dear Father
I don't think I have heard very lately from home, but will write while I have grime. Some days are very full but just now we are not hard-pressed even though one of the officers here is on leave.
News from the Northern sector is very cheering and if the dry weather holds I hope this advance will be pushed a bit further yet. I certainly think we can afford to face the coming winter more cheerfully than the Hun. The only possible source of future trouble would be a complete reversal of Russian policy and even in such an unstable people one hardly expects that, especially at this stage of affairs.
I am very stiff today, was lent a horse yesterday morning and went for an hour's ride before breakfast. I hadn't been on a horse for nearly two years. The farmers round here are well on with their work, beans are a big crop here, and are mostly in, or at any rate stacked ready for carting. Wheat is being thrashed. I've seen several farms where our soldiers are doing it and the stubble lands have nearly all been ploughed. The soil here is stoneless and light, consequently ploughing is easy and quite young boys, and girls sometimes, plough.
I hope George has had time to write and that his news is good. He must be right in this present affair. I expect Cyril has more active times ahead too. With good management the Anglo-Turkish war may well come to an end within the next 12 months. Once Mr Turk is convince the Germans are finally outed, I don't think it will take him long to make up his mind to quit.
I'm sorry to hear Aunt Edith is not well, perhaps her rest in hospital in different surroundings will mend matters. I suppose as a matter of fact she has not the slightest reason to worry over her money matters; her expenses are readily calculable and I suppose she has budgeted accordingly.
Mary writes happily from Porthcawl. She sent me a delightful snap of Baby on the lawn with her hair all blown about. She looks very sturdy and determined about something or other. I hear Mela is likely to be promoted to Unit Administrator, corresponding I suppose to Company Commander.
I hope Juliet will like her life at Bedford College. I was hearing a very good account of the College lately from a London surgeon who knows the place well.
How is the War Savings Association going on in Badsey? There should be a lot of investment from the village this summer and autumn.
With love to you all.
Your affectionate son
Arthur
