France 11/5/17

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My dear Mother.

Today I have been away from home just 14 months and then like Johnnie Walker still going strong and am still sound in wind and limb and nerve. We are now well into spring to feel quite thankful that the awful winter conditions are no more.

How I got through this winter here I am hanged if I know. If anyone had told me that I would have to go through such conditions of wet and slush ice and cold as we did I would have never believed it possible any one used to a hot climate. As is matter of fact, we Australians have proved to the world at large that we are among the hardiest race in the world probably because we fought alongside troops from all parts of the world and stood it as well if not better than they. We have left behind an awful belt of mud to shell churned fields and trenches called the Somme front and are now well out on the open where grass grows and quail and other birds fly about shell holes in some parts of the new fighting grounds are surely a novelty. The Huns are putting up a great fight where they are now and our boys have been in some battles which put Pozieres in the background for intensity.

However, it is not right to worry you with war talk so I won’t say anything except that Harold Mitchell has ? been wounded and so far has been traced has been reported wounded and missing. Personally, I do not hold out any hope for his safety. I am so glad that you used little bit of boodle on yourself. I would have been miserable if you had not done so as I know more than you think about the little farm and how munificent it is.

I have received letters from Aunt Marmie and Aunt V and cousin Lucere lately also 9 others from you people at home I am glad you correspond with Amy Allen. She is a very nice girl and will be rather hard hit again in the loss of her prospective poor girl. You would write and check her up as women as do that sort of thing better than men. Tonight we are to have a camp concept and our Brig band will attend so it ought to be good. With best wishing I will close your son

Walter HE 11/5/17