Just a line to let you know we are still going strong. You will no doubt be surprised to know we are in the French line now, not far from one of the important points they have been scrapping over lately. The French were jolly pleased when we relieved them. We are the only British troops that have been anywhere near here and the first to do any fighting here.
The trenches we are in were captured from the Germans by the French in June. You ought to see some of the dug-outs in some of the other companies; they are like ship's bunks underground with steps leading down to them. They are really fine but from all accounts not very clean, but this is merely a detail with the Germans. The weather has been rotten since we have been here, raining the whole time.
Last night it was awful and I was on guard, it was pouring and was so dark. We could not see the barbed wire. Everything was fairly quiet excepting for a few shells and one or two snipers who were a bit busy but they got more than they wanted. We were wet through by about 3 this morning and the trenches with not having any floor boards are knee deep in mud and water. It is jolly cheerful I can tell you! We are not allowed any fires and all cooking is done by our cooks about 2 miles back so by the time we get it, it is stone cold.
However this is just by the way and we must not mind it these times. This place is nearly destitute. Our John is at the Base and he will not join us till we want a draft as we are up to strength again.
Well Dad, I suppose you are working as hard as ever. I only wish I could slip over and see you for a few days. We are not going to India; there are always wild rumours going about.
Well I think this is all. Hoping all are well as I am in the pink.
Your affectionate son Billie.
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