France 28/4/1917.

Dear Mother.

Since writing to you last our Btn has had what we call a ‘stint’ that is we have had a go at the Germans who broke through part of our line and captured some material temporarily and advanced a good deal. We were in reserve and the time right opposite the centre of the advance and it fell to us a confirmation with other battalions to chase them back. This we did easily, and I think it was the best walk over our boys ever had.

We extended out the waves and as soon as the Huns saw us coming at them across the open country they turn and bolted for their own lines as fast as they could go with our lads shooting them down like rabbits. We took us about just about an hour to evacuate them with slight loss to ourselves and the loss of about 1500 casualties to them. The Germans surrendered freely and we got a fair bag off prisoners also. There is no doubt that our lads can use the rifle and bayonet as good as any troops in the army. We are getting used to this kind of thing now and it is a cleaner kind of warfare without a mud and slush we find we can stick it much better.

The weather is getting much brighter and warmer by now and we are discarding our winter garb by degrees. I have had a good many letters from people at home lately and I don’t think you need to have any fears about my not getting them at all. The same address without putting the Reinforcement number and the Div will always be correct and will find me in any part of the world. I also have the two letters from Aunt Marmie or Bell or someone in Ireland. I don’t know from the signature which one it is signed Mrs B Sherwin and might be either. She writes a rather motherly letter and seems to be very concerned about my welfare. Lately I have been made into a mug Corporal rather against my will, as I am not much of a hand at giving orders and there are any amount of men known ? I do which makes it rather awkward for me. However, it means more money and I intend to do my best.

Anyhow you should draw extra at home for me but I will let you know details later on. I have also heard from Mr Everett and Noel Sagar recently. Mr Everett has left Utz’s and retired I think that he as he is a rather old man now. I am glad Lil and Grace and the others are prospering and have decent places. I hope you are doing all right also. I often wonder when the scrap will end. The Germans seems to be getting a pretty good lashing at the present moment judging by the roar of the guns not very far distance. No wonder the poor beggars surrender so freely as I think we put over shells at a rate of about 10 to 1 now and must make them feel sick.

With best wishes to all

I remain you’re affect son

Walter

PS. Some days later. Harold has been severely wounded and is missing up to date although is as hope will see will turn up even yet. I was not in the affair at all Walter

France 28/4/1917