15/12/18
My dear Father
Since my last letter I have moved a long way and now am at Doullens, back in civilisation more or less, and in the 3rd Army area. We had a 50-mile road journey on Tuesday. I came via Bapaume across the northern part of the historic Somme battle area - in pelting rain and with heavy skies, it was truly a depressing sight.
I hope now that the election is over we shall hear more about demobilisation. A good many doctors have been sent home already, those who were asked for by Public bodies, but that mustn't be the only condition. Those of us who threw up everything and now have nothing definite to go to are not going to be held out here indefinitely if we can help it. Up to date I haven't considered it would be feasible to get release except on above grounds, but now I think enough time has elapsed and I shall begin to make enquiries. I can get work all right I've no doubt, but I want to get work which will be permanent and give me the best scope. Probably there will be fair openings in the laboratory line, but until we know what measures are proposed and enacted by the coming Health Ministry, it complicates a decision.
I was glad to have your account of the visit to London and your doings there. Please thank Ethel also for her nice long letter which reached me yesterday. Mails have been terribly delayed of late, but I hope for improvement here.
I hope George has better news now to give of Rose; influenza seems on the wane though slow in going.
I have good hopes of leave before so very long (unless better still I get discharge) and shall hope then if not before to make a definite arrangement about my future work. I fear the tendency at home will be for folks to forget that we have all got nearly 5 years on with that amount of experience; also, they will perhaps think us just of the same standing as in 1914 and offer junior work which would have been suitable at that time. However, if they do, their ideas will have to change.
Your local total for the guns campaign is good evidence of the prosperity in Badsey, and I suppose the coming year will still mean a big demand for produce, but I hope prices will come down a bit. The apple trade was little short of scandalous latterly.
Mary is spending Xmas at Dowlais, she is finding life smoother now, but is naturally anxious for some definite news of demobilisation. I hope you'll be seeing her and your granddaughter soon. If I get leave as I hope, I'll bring them down, and if not I know she wants to come before long; I hope train services will improve a bit in the New Year.
At present I have secured part of any empty house for my unit so we are well sheltered. I hope it will continue available as long as I want it.
With love to you all.
Your affectionate son
Arthur
