Very many thanks for letters; also for parcel which arrived in splendid condition.
We, that is our platoon, are not in the fire trench this time; we are in reserve. So we live in this village about 500 yards behind the firing line and we carry grub up to the other platoons. We are in a house this time that has been all smashed up by the Germans' shell fire. However we are having a good time in spite of all this as there are plenty of fine orchards about and we are very busy with stewed damsons and pears.
We had a fine feed yesterday - it was great. We found a bag of rice and we had it with stewed damsons for dinner and pears for tea. We are moving a few miles up the line again so we are told.
I was pleased to hear all at home are well and Mother improving.
The weather is lovely today. I wrote to John the other day. We have not been able to send letters for the last few days and do not worry if you do not get any for a few days towards the end of the week. It is jolly good of Mr Yeowart to send me some fags. I will drop him a line as soon as I have a minute to spare. Did Mrs Mayne and Mrs Wattleworth get the cards I sent them? Is Joe down on leave yet? Sarah will be back and working as hard as ever.
You would get a surprise when the submarine started shelling. We have had some near shaves while out digging. A shell burst when we were in the open, not a dozen yards from us. It was a good job it was not shrapnel.
You should have seen us last night, al sitting around the hearth here with a roaring wood fire blazing away. It was a sight for the gods. Nearly everyone remarked on how it reminded them of home. All the people have left this village; you should just see the Church. I am going to try and get a photo of it if I can. We are at the place you mentioned (Sailley au Bois). I had another parcel from the managing director yesterday and a box of fags from F. Gibson. Well I must close hoping all are well as it leaves me in the pink.
Your loving brother Billie.
We were all pleased to hear of the naval victory. God must have known we wanted some news of victory to cheer us up.
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