Oct 16th 1917
My dear Father
I am very pleased to find all my letters written at the end of June seem to have got through in spite of the warning of a lost mail. Evidently the mail was either not all on one boat or else some of it was rescued.
We are still where we were when I last wrote, in the line and likely I fancy to remain here for some time, though in that we may count ourselves lucky as a good many units in the neighbourhood are on the move to some extent. I like being here in every way, and so do the men. We have a fairly busy routine of work and are very much on our own. The chief drawback is the night duty and that is not very heavy.
A fortnight’s mails have turned up in the last week, bringing them up to Aug 22nd, which is the date of your last and Mela’s too. Thank you for your congratulations upon my little bit of distinction. I was in hopes I might by virtue of long service get my name in the list on this occasion. Aunt Lottie wrote her congratulations.
I am rather expecting to hear before long that Mela has got the job at Jacob’s factory in Aintree. I should think it is likely to turn out a good one if so, and it would be satisfactory being near the Walls so that she could get there easily for a week end.
The news from France is very good, and seems to improve steadily. As Germany cannot hold us now when she is able to concentrate almost entirely upon us it is poor hope for her when a big American Army arrives, and especially if Russia too should manage another effort. I should like to see the Flanders coast cleared by Christmas, and it seems possible if efforts like the recent ones can be kept up a little longer.
Best love to all at home from
Your affectionate son
Cyril E Sladden
