France 22/2/1917.

Dearest Mother.

At the time of writing, I suppose you are very hot and we are very cold, except I sometimes think it is a pity we can’t swap a bit with another. Just at present a thaw had set in in real earnest after a month of frozen weather. We now have our old complaint of mud back again, which must be very disappointed to our military leaders while I bet the German feel safer. I am still at the Machine Gun School but did not learn anything as I spent the greater part of my time in hospital with a dose of my old friend the influenza which is alright now and am feeling A1 again fit for the next push in fact.

Thanks for your parcel which I received in good order and condition and at just the right time and right moment so as it was very acceptable and you can consider yourself well paid for your efforts. In fact, I had no clean socks until yours arrived. How is the place at Fairfield progressing. I do hope it will be a success and that you will be not become ill through over work. It seems to be a rather large contracts are you both doesn’t it.

I think Spring will soon be here now by the buds on the trees and with it I suppose a general stench up all round.

Will close this short note.

With affect greetings from

Walter. France 22/2/17