John - Sunday 2nd May 1915

Dear Mother,

We received our parcels from Sarah and Jess quite safely yesterday and the contents will come in a treat for the trenches. 

We go in again tonight and we don't mind it in the least now.  We have got quite used to it now and we would as soon be in the trenches as out.  Last time we were in we had a very quiet time.  The weather was just lovely and we all enjoyed it very much.  We saw one of the finest feats of pluck that has been done in this war.  One of our aviators dropped a bomb on a railway junction and got hit in doing so.  He came just over the German trenches and right over our heads.  He was severely wounded and we all thought he was going to drop.  However he stuck it until he got back to his headquarters, he handed in his report and then he died.  We all feel very sorry that we have lost such a brave man. 

We had our letters from Janey and Gus.  I am writing to Greenwell House today.  Billie and I are both A1; we have had a lovely time out here for our rest.  We found a nice deep pool and had a swim once or twice.  On Friday we had to march about 10 miles for a hot bath.  It was very decent when we got there and we all had a clean change of underclothes.  It was very decent stuff too.  You can send me a new pair of socks in the next parcel.  By the way we can't send parcels free of charge and we have great difficulty in sending any.  I will write to Sarah from the trenches. 

I must close now as I have to go on "Church" parade shortly.  Hoping all are keeping well.  Love to all

John.