NZIBD, BEF
France
3rd May 1917
Dear Uncle Julius
I find that some of my letters have been travelling about a good deal before reaching me, so while I am at the base here it will be better to put in the address the number of the Post Office, and leave out the Company, for I am not permanently posted to the unit until I go up to the lines. It is quite likely that I shall not have to wait much longer before moving up to the lines, but I will let you know of any change in address immediately. The weather has been much pleasanter this last fortnight, in fact it has been quite warm and dry this week. The same old routine goes on in the camp so there is little or nothing to write about. Farmers here and making best use of the long days and favourable conditions for getting the crops soon and I have no doubt you are trying to get ahead of things in your own garden. The change in aspect from the cold water-sodden appearance of the country about here to one of fertility and productiveness is quite remarkable. We are a good deal fortunate the farmers are doing when we are on our on it ourselves.
It looks as if there is some stiff fighting ahead of us but our forces have proved their superiority and must make their might tell before long, but in the meantime Germany will be encouraged by the efforts of the U boats to hold up Britain's supplies. General Maude's campaign seems to be successfully pushed ahead and Baghdad should now be strongly enough occupied to resist enemy attempts to retake it. I expect by now you will have had the news from Cyril that you have been looking for so long and though the news that he had rejoined his unit is very reassuring in the meantime.
This will be my address for the present:
No 32088 Private B Sladden, 1st Brigade
New Zealand Infantry Base Depot
Army Post Office No 17
BEF France
I am
Your affectionate nephew
Bernard Sladden
