Transcription

Belgium May 4 1916

Dear Mother, -

I just got your letter from Bermuda last night & one from father. you must have had some time down there. would'nt mind going myself for a few days. Tell Pugno I got the High School Books last night & they were sure fine.

We are out of the trenches safely after a very exciting trip. We had a ride in a train too which is something unusual. Our camp is in a very pretty place & under a big elm grove.

I saw Ab Wales last night, he is in the Hospital near us & does'nt look very good. He is just badly shaken up. Poor Ab has'nt had a real rest in 15 months. Salty is all right & is a Sgt. now. Busby got a nice Blighty & is in England I think.

Brock drew no. 5 for pass, Scotty no 2. We havent drawn yet so I dont know just how soon I'll be going, but it will not be long. When we were in the trenches I met Grace Hewer's young man, his name is Lennard & he seems very nice. His Machine Gun Section was attached to us then.

In the "y" I am in there is the prettiest little goat for a mascot you ever saw. I just polished off a tin of peaches & 2 pieces of cake so feel kind of tired. We get a bath this afternoon & our kilts too & new Balmorals. I suppose Bill will be feeling pretty ancient on the 6th. She & Pug kept me well informed while you were away.

Its getting near dinner