In France
3 June 1915
My dear Kath
It is far too long since I last wrote, I must owe you two or three letters. Till I got back here I felt a complete disinclination to write and found it quite as much as I could find energy to do to let them know at home once a week that I was fit and well. The Battalion is just out of the trenches again and we have moved to another part of the line again; we are resting preparatory to occupying the trenches on this new front. At this time of year and in this glorious weather it matters very little what quarters we get; the open ground for sleeping cannot be beaten and provided the stinks are only moderate in strength (it is impossible to escape them entirely in this insanitary land) one is bound to be comfortable. If we were here in six months’ time I daresay I should have a terrible tale of woe to tell about the wretchedness of our billets and the hardships we endured. A parcel in place of the one that miscarried arrived from Aunt George a few days ago accompanied by a very nice cordial letter in which with characteristic method she stated her intention of sending a similar one once a month. Very nice too! The necessaries of life are punctually provided and there is practically nothing we need that we don’t get: but these things force themselves upon the mind as mere necessaries more and more as time goes on. We get what we need, but what we want are eatable dainties! Fancy biscuits, muscatels, potted meats, sardines, figs, shortbread, acid drops, chocolate – anything in fact that makes the mouth water as one passes the window of a well-appointed grocery store. Those are the things that we hanker after; we are schoolboys again with schoolboy hunger for a well-filled tuck box. I should very much like it if you would send me a parcel of that character. [This in reply to my letter. K]
I wonder what happened about Jack’s application for permission to enlist; am glad he has applied. I have thought for some time past that he would if an opportunity was given. I think it is an excellent notion that he should try for the artillery. It would suit him much better than infantry. A man of his size they would train as a gunner of course. You are sadly out of luck as regards your work. I am sorry you have had to move again.
Love from
Your affectionate brother
George
