France 16/11/1918

Dear Mother

Just a short note to let you see the old handwriting again and to express a wish that you are happy and comfortable. I have written to most of the others and have about exhausted all the news.

I am quite comfortable and contented myself just now as we seem to be out for a while and the billet I am even as very clean and comfortable. I have a nice clean bed into which I climb at 8 o’clock every night so that I won’t miss any of it. It is the usual style of French bed with springs and made of wood with big eiderdown quilts which keep me warm at night. I am secretary of the mess and therefore careful that I am well fed on the best that is going.

Now I have to inform you that I have been awarded the Military Cross so am now the Lt WHE MC for which you may feel proud of your naughty son. It is the thought of making you happy that way that makes me feel glad that I have received it. I do not suppose that I have earned it any more than anyone else- only I perhaps have more friends than some who must have told a good story on my behalf.

Hoping you are quite well and are now quite free from your cold and had a good time during your furlough.

I will close with love from your affect son

Walter 16/11/18