Berteaucourt, France, l8/5/1918

Dear Mother,

Things are still pretty well with me and I am at present having a spell away from the line after 6 months constant work with the Battalion. I don’t know how long it will last but it may be fore another 10 days or so. I am making the best of it while it lasts and have been indulging in picture shows, concerts and other amusements for the past week. Of course I have to do the ordinary routine of camp life during the day, including parades etc. but they do not last long and any nights are my own. Believe me I am still steady and do not gamble or drink over much so do not ever become anxious on that score.

I sent 25 pounds to Aunt Clara the other day as a surplus credit of my paybook which is being forwarded on to you by her so you must look out for it. I hope to send more later on if I last as I think that either you or Pa will need it some day. I can’t send as much as I would like as I have fairly heavy expenses nowadays, and everything is at famine prices and we can’t save much except when in the line.

I saw and spoke to Roy Miller of Bingara yesterday. He is looking very well and of course you know is married to an English girl over here. Silly ass. McColl of Bingara is still in our Battalion and he and I are great pals and knock about together. I also saw Jack Meads of Bingara the other day and he has now gone to the Officers Training School over in England. Our boys are doing some splendid fighting now and are still as good as ever at the soldiering game and I wish there were more of them. The French treat us as demi-gods or supermen and are always sending congratulatory notes to our Generals.

I am glad Harold was so good as to turn up and see you. It must have cheered you up a bit to see one who had actually been in touch with me and seen me fight etc. and I hope he did not disabuse your ideas of me as a fighter. I think the Elkington blood is alright, at least the boys come along and tell me that “you’ll do me sir” etc. etc. when they get tight and feel communicative and I don’t think I can recall any time when I have been frightened so far.

Well Mother, I hope you are still feeling young enough to carry on the drudgery you are so willing to do. I know you are a game old darling and so is Pa and I really have admired you both for a long time. If I get back safely you won’t work so hard I assure you because I intend to look after you both, if I have a kick left in me, believe moi.

Well goodnight with much love from your affection son,

Walter.