John - Tuesday 30th November 1915

Dear Janey,

I think it is about your turn, I seem to have forgotten you for a time.  I have just written to Birmingham to tell them to deduct the extra from my salary, as after all, they have paid me for these stripes since we left Base - we've been paid up.  We get all the money to our credit in our books. 

I wish I could come home at Christmas.  I bet I could have a good time.  Still it's not use talking, but when I do get home I'll have a royal time with the nice little sum I have due to me.  I know I feel I have earned it jolly hard.  Perhaps they will deduct it in instalments and perhaps in a lump.  It doesn't matter which because I have the money to my credit. 

I suppose we shall soon be having our Christmas parcels now.  You might send me an electric torch as soon as possible as it is awfully dark now and the roads are very bad.  I don't know of anything I want specially, don't send too much because we shall all have things sent.  You can spread the things out more, then we shall not have too much at once.  I'm not on parade today.  My boots are not very good, so I'm waiting till the new ones come in.  I have plenty of socks at present so you need not send any more until I tell you.  I had some sent from school yesterday.  I hope Mother is keeping better.  I had a letter from Billie last week. 

I shall most likely want Thompson to get me a box of decent cigars (50).  I had a bet on with one of our officers last August, that the war would be over by 31st December and I think it looks like having to send them.  He is up the line now with our old Company.  I shall send the address and a note to go with them in a week or two's time.  I must close now, hoping all are A1. 

Love to all John. 

Billie - Monday 29th November 1915

Dear Jess,

Very many thanks for letters &c. I am still all right and out of the trenches again.  We are just in cellars in the village for this 8 days and up to the present we are having a fairly easy time.  We are really in reserve here.  The weather is very changeable, one minute snowing and hard frost, and the next pouring with rain.  When we turned in last night it was freezing hard and looked like a snowstorm, but this morning when we turned out it was raining hard, and the roads were in a terrible state, all covered with ice, but the rain soon washed that away.  Tonight it is pouring with rain, and so dark that you cannot see where you are going.  I am sorry for the chaps who are in the trenches, as they must be in an awful state.  I suppose we will be out tomorrow pumping water out. 

The Manchester City Battalion are in with us next time for instruction.  They are up in the village now and seem to be pretty well fed up with things in general and you cannot wonder at it, seeing we have had nothing but rain since they came up yesterday.  There is no sign of us being relieved yet, so I suppose we will spend Christmas in the trenches. 

I've just had a letter from Joe.  He seems to be in good spirits and hopes to be going back for a rest soon.  Fancy the 8th Borders have been in the trenches we once occupied; I wonder if he will see any of our signs we put up.  My dug out was called "Sunny Hill" and lots of the chaps left traces of the Warwicks about. 

The line here is very active at present, and the artillery are having plenty of work to do for a change.  We have had another draft up from the Base.  We are fairly comfortable here, with wire netting beds to sleep on and a decent fire going.  The only fault is we have to scour round for fuel, as we very seldom have any issued.  We have just had a clean new shirt issued, the first army shirt for 4 months when we left Ploegsteert.  So you may guess we are not half swanking in these shirts.  We have also had another blanket issued, but how we are going to carry all these things I do not know.  I also have had a cavalry cape issued, so you see we are getting all the good things together. 

Remember me to John and all at Liverpool.  The Quaker Oats are ready for supper so I must dry up.  I wrote to Janey yesterday, a long letter, and am sending it with one of our chaps who is coming home on leave so she will get it all right.  Well I think I've given you all the news up to the present, so must close.  Hoping all are well at home as it leaves me in the pink. 

Cheer Oh.  Your loving brother Billie. 

Remember me to all at school. 

John - Monday 29th November 1915

Dear Jess,

Received the parcel safely yesterday, many thanks for same.  Shall write a letter as soon as I can find time.  Pleased to hear Mother is improving.  I hope she will buck up and soon be better.  I am well fitted with socks.  You can send me those cork soles you mentioned, they will be useful.  We've just had rubber boots issued to be worn on Sundays (and other holy days I suppose). 

Love to all at home John. 

Joe - Sunday 28th November 1915

Dear Janey,

I think it is your turn.  Well I received the parcel all right and yes I would like a pair of boot soles. 

We have just come in the trenches for another six days.  We are lucky to have it dry.  We have had very hard frost, so the ground is drying up fine. 

I sent Miss Rooke a P.C. so hope she received it.  I expect I can manage to see John when he is only 5 miles away, it shouldn't be hard to arrange a meeting.  I will not forget to write to Alf Kerr when the cigs, came for the PALS, it is very good of him.  Wm Denver died the day after he was wounded. 

I'd a letter from Billie a few days ago and I have replied and I will write to Sarah while in the trenches.  It is a bit off only being able to send 7lbs at Xmas, it's just the time when chaps want a bust up.  Of course the number of parcels is not restricted.  I'm not in need of socks, shirts or anything.  I will let you know as soon as I want anything. 

It's quite true about W. Burney getting wounded, and no doubt he will be in England by now.  Well I must close.  Hope all at home are well. 

Your loving brother Joe. 

Billie - Sunday 28th November 1915

Dear Janey,

Many thanks for letter received a few days ago. We are out of the trenches again (and in the trenches again shortly).  We are in the village on Fonequevilliers which is just at the bottom of the communication trench.  We are having a much easier time at present, and we are all quite enjoying it.  Our section is in a jolly decent cellar and we have got good beds made of wire netting and a decent fire place that we have put in, so you will see we have done ourselves well these last few days, and have been living a bit. 

You ought to see me making boiled suet puddings and I can tell you they are great.  The first one I made we rolled and put in a cloth, but it fairly took us a long time as it was so soft, and had too much water mixed in with it.  This is how we make them.  I started it and caused quite a sensation with they way it turned out.  We use any old crusts and soak them in water.  Then we chop them up fine, and mix suet or dripping, just depends which we can pinch from the cooks.  Then we squeeze out as much water as we can and spread it out on the cloth.  We now smear it with jam, and then comes the job of rolling.  After this is completed and we have got it tied up, we put in in a tin of water until the morning and whoever happens to be off parade puts it on the fire (in the old pan we found) and lets it boil for a couple of hours, when we serve it up after the beastly pontoon the army issue, and I can tell you we fairly do enjoy it.  Of course the first one I made was a bit of a job, but I can do them all right now, and they turn out fine. 

We have an awful job getting fuel for the fire, as we have very little coke or coal issued, so we go about knocking bits of wood off houses that have been blown down, but we have to be very careful the heads do not catch us as the engineers want all the wood, but I can tell you, they would have to get up early to catch us.  We were out working with the R.E. today and we got their saw and got a lot of jolly fine dry wood.  It is everybody for themselves out here.  Bunny is just busy making some more porridge for supper, and we don't half look forward to this.  We can buy Q. Oats here - 5d. a packet at the canteen run by the Chaplain.  They sell lots of useful things here now, so we are better off now.  One of the most valuable things out here is sugar, as we cannot buy it anywhere. 

We will be sorry when we have to leave our cellars and go into the trenches on Friday.  After that we go into a village 2 miles behind the line - Bayencourt is the name.  Then the next spell out after that we will spend at the Chateaux La Huie which is situated half way between Fonquevillers and Bayoncourt.  I don't think there is much chance of us being relieved for some time yet. 

The RIR have moved from here but we have the Manchester City Battn going in with us the next time for instruction, you see we are old sweaters and have to teach the new ones how to go on, and I can tell you, we teach them more in a day than they learnt in England during the 12 months training.  We never had anything like the instruction they get.  We had to find out for ourselves and it cost us a few of our best chaps.  Things are very lively round this quarter just lately and both sides are fairly throwing some heavy shells about, both day and night alike.  I'm afraid there is not much chance of getting a photograph though as there are no photographers for miles back, and no one is allowed a camera amongst the men.  Of course officers manage to keep theirs, but they are not supposed to.  One of our chaps has a camera, but no one knows, and Bunny and I are both going to ask him if he will take our photos next time in the trenches. 

We have had very cold weather the last few days and a fall of snow 2 days ago and I should not be surprised if we have a heavy fall tonight.  We have to break the ice to get a wash in the mornings and our water carts have been frozen all day today.  The corks have been frozen in our water bottles several times today, so you can guess how keen it is. 

I wrote to John and Joe the other day.  Fancy Joe being at Ploegsteert where we were after we left Messines.  I expect they will be in the trenches that we occupied.  Just ask him if they go right through the centre of the wood, and if he has seen the grave yards of the different regiments that have been there, also if he has seen that one where 20 Germans are buried all in one. 

If I could only get home on leave I could fairly tell you some tales, but I suppose I will have to wait patiently till my turn comes round, there is one thing I have it to look forward to.  I am sending this to England by the chap who took our John's place as section commander when John left us, or I would not be able to write all these names &c.  I hope all are well at home also all the aunts, uncles and cousins. 

Must close now as the porridge is ready - and then off to the land of dreams.  I've dreamt more than once that I was back at home.  I suppose it is with us all talking of leaves.  Kindly remember me to Mr Ray and family, I hope he is in the best of health. 

There has been a terrific bombardment going on just on our left, so I suppose some poor beggars are going through it.  We have made up our minds not to take any more prisoners, after what we have seen, and their blood be on their own heads, if they fall into our hands.  I would not trust one as far as I can see.  They are the biggest scoundrels ever born, all of them. 

Well cheer oh.  I suppose we will be home for good soon.  So good night all. 

Your loving brother Billie. 

Billie - Undated

Dear Mater,

Just a line to let you know I'm still all right.  We are in the trenches again and having a bit better time of it.  We are up here for 24 days all told, 8 in the front line 8 in support and 8 in the front line again.  Of course this is providing we do not get our rest, which is long overdue.  There are some RIR men in with us, and rumour has it that we are being relieved by them, but of course we are used to rumours by now. 

The weather is very cold and we have hard frosts every night and there is still some snow.  I was sorry to hear Pater was not well, but hope he is better by this.  We are still at Fonquevilliers, just on the right of Hebuterne.  The church here is awfully knocked about, they seem to take a special delight in shelling it every day.  I'm sending you some more photos of the places that have caught it, so hope they will arrive all right. 

We had a working party out last night, on the wire, and the Germans must have known as they sent a bombing party out and started bombing them and firing with revolvers at them.  Our covering party opened fire on them, and we were working just in the front line, so we put down tools and had a nice little skirmish on our own.  We had 3 missing when we were ordered to stand down, but I am pleased to say we got all 3 in although they were wounded.  However I think we can safely say we got the best of it, as no one could possibly have been out in front of us and not get hit amid such a hail of bullets.  I think they were trying to get evens with us for the night before.  They had a big working party out and our artillery opened fire, and fairly did warm them up.  You talk about screams and groans from them.  There could be no doubt about it they got right amongst them. 

You can send some fags now as I've got through mine now and the issue is very small at present, we can get through them in a day.  Well I think this is all at present. 

Hoping all at home are well, as it leaves me in the pink. 

Your loving son Billie

Joe - Tuesday 23rd November 1915

"PALS"

Dear Mother,

I received the parcel on Sunday and everything arrived in good condition. 

We came out of the trenches yesterday, so we have 6 day's rest.  I had a letter from Billie and he seems to be having a pretty rough time.  Nearly all regiments are having to work hard on account of so much water in the trenches.  Our trenches had a good deal of water in, but we've had a spell of frost so the ground is drying up fine. 

I got Thompson's and Janey's letter, and was sorry to hear you had been ill again and trust you will soon be better.  I've written to Mrs Mayne thanking her for the cake, and I had a very nice letter from Mr Nelson. 

John wanted me to go to a place called Bailleul about 8 miles from our present position, but if he is only 5 miles from here I needn't walk 16!  The roads here are rotten for walking and it wouldn't be worthwhile having to get a pass for a day and have to walk 16 miles, but I will try and arrange for us to meet nearer. 

You needn't send any more bread, although a little brown loaf would be acceptable.  Syd is getting on all right.  Our Billie should be getting a rest or leave soon, because on of our Company Commanders read an order out that we were going for a rest after being in the trenches twice more and then, after having a rest, leave would start.  Of course we'll believe this last bit when it really comes off. 

Well I hope all at home are well and that you will soon be better. 

Love to all Joe. 

John - Tuesday 23rd November 1915

Dear Jess,

Thanks for your letter.  The parcel has not arrived yet, I suppose it will arrive up today.  I shall try the shirt although we are fairly clear of livestock but prevention is better than cure.  I was sorry to hear that Mother is not well and hope she is not going to have another long spell of it.  I suppose the rough weather has knocked her up again. 

We have had some very cold weather, but no snow, thank goodness.  We have had frost but a thaw has set in.  I am orderly Sergeant this week, so I have a pretty comfortable time, and I spend the best part of the day in a farm kitchen in front of the stove.  We are getting our winter clothes by degrees but so far have had no sheepskins, but I don't suppose we will get them because we are not in the trenches. 

Billie must have been feeling fed up when he wrote.  We are by no means as badly off as the Germans.  No end of them have given themselves up because they have not had enough to eat.  I don't think the war will last the winter out now.  Both sides are "too fed up" to do much fighting.  The Germans behave themselves much better now because if they start shelling we always send hundreds more over and they soon stop. 

I'm having a new pair of boots this week and we are all pretty well in need of them.  The only thing we lack is a bath.  We have not had one since we came here - it is warm to be dirty I suppose.  I think I can get to see Joe if he cannot get to meet me.  I shall go over to where he is; the Adjutant told me yesterday I could get leave easily enough.  I'm just waiting to hear from Joe.  He is only about 2 hours walk from where I am, if he is still where he told me.  I hope Father is keeping well.  I shall write to him this week. 

Love to all John. 

John - Saturday 20th November 1915

Dear Mother,

Thanks for the parcel which arrived safely on Monday.  Have not had a minute to spare since then - have been out every day until dark.  The sausage and ham were fine, they came in handy also the other things when we had nothing for breakfast.  I have no more time just a present.  Shall write again tomorrow.  I thought perhaps you might be getting anxious. 

I am quite all right.  Hope all at home are well. 

Love John. 

Billie - Thursday 18th November 1915

Dear Janey,

Many thanks for letter received tonight, all thank all for the parcel received, everything was great, and we all quite enjoyed it.  You might put a tin of milk in every week, but you need not send cocoa as lots of the chaps get it sent and we always have plenty of it. 

We have had a rotten eight days out in the village and we were not sorry when we set off again for the trenches.  If we do not go back for a rest we are in for 24 days, so it will be nearly Christmas by we come out of the trenches.  We had a very heavy fall of snow the day before we came in and yesterday when we were coming up to the trenches we had a nice snowstorm, so you may guess our fur coats came in jolly handy. 

Our Company has managed to touch lucky at last, and we are in reserve for a few days and we are having a fairly decent time up to the present.  We are in a house just about 800 yards from the German trenches and we have got a fine log fire going which is quite a treat.  We had a very hard frost last night, and everything was white when we arose this morning.  We were out working for about 4 hours last night on the trenches; they are in a state with the snow and wet we have had lately.  Nearly all the trenches are falling in-, you never saw anything like it.  However with a little dry weather, we will soon get them all right again. 

I was pleased you liked the rings, it is a pity they are all too small, I should have made them larger only I had not the metal to spare.  They are made out of the nose caps of German shells.  We melt them up in the fire, and then run them out in a circle, and then finish them off with a pocketknife and a file and polish with emery paper.  No, we have no lathes or anything, or else we'd finish them off better.  I've got another one started so will make it larger than the others. 

I was sorry to hear that Father had not been well, but hope he is better ere this reaches you.  Also I hope Gus and Aunt Joan are better.  Well I think I've given you all the news, hoping all at home are well as it leaves me in the pink.  So cheer oh. 

Oh tell Thompson not to do anything rash, as there are plenty of chaps to go before him.  I'm writing to John and Joe today.  Just had a letter from F, Gibson and he is sending me some more fags.  Please send me some more notepaper as nearly all the last fell in the mud. 

Your loving brother Billie. 

I'm sending ten flags in this letter. 

Joe - Monday 15th November 1915

Dear Jess,

I received the parcel safely and I thank Sarah and you for same.  I will write to Sarah soon, also to Mrs Mayne it was a very nice cake she sent me.  You need not send any more bread as we get plenty, and it's only taking up the weight.  Our post did not come yesterday so we got our parcels today. We have had grand weather for the last day or two, hard frosts, and I hope it remains so for a few months.  I have had a few wettings - chiefly wet feet and that's the worst trouble.  We have got leather waistcoats instead of fur coats and I prefer the waistcoats. 

I sent a letter to Catherine Street and I will write to all the aunts in turn.  Sarah asked me if I received Jennie's comic papers; well I have had the W. News, London Opinion and Pearson's Weekly but no comics yet. 

No doubt you would hear about a chap called Denver being shot through the head.  I think he is slowly improving.  He used to be a good Rugby player, he was in No 2 Platoon and belonged to Whitehaven. 

I have seen the rings like Billie made and I'm going to get one.  You can buy them nicely engraved for 2 francs. 

Hope Father is feeling better; he works too hard.  Well I've no more news at present.  I could do with some more writing paper.  Hoping all at home are well. 

Your loving brother Joe. 

Billie - Sunday 14th November 1915

Dear Jess,

Just a line to let you know I am still all right and going on fine.  We are still out of the trenches but having a rotten time of it.  We are out working wet or fine, all day long, it does not matter what sort of weather it is, and the rotten part about it is, it is not work that is any use -, it is all work that is not going to do any good.  We would not mind necessary work, but when it is work just to give us something to do, well it is time we gave up this war and let the Germans be the winners!  We do not seem to be doing much good on any front just lately, I think they seem afraid to tackle anything since the last mess up, or victory they do call it. 

We have been working all day today on the transport field bricking the floor and you never saw such a mess in all your life working almost up to our knees in mud and water.  Of course the transport men are too hard worked for them to do this, so they push the job on to the Infantry.  Today has just been about the limit, pouring with rain and wild enough to nearly blow us away.  We did not half feel fed up working under these conditions.  However in spite of all this we are all cheerful, but all think the heads might give us a little consideration, when we are out for our eight days' rest. 

We have got a good fire going in the barn, so we are all busy trying to get our clothes dry.  The weather is awfully cold and our goatskin coats have just come in time.  I had letters from John and Joe and they are well.  You might tell them I will write as soon as they give us a little time to ourselves.  I'm pleased to hear all are well.  Well I think this is all at present hoping all at home are well also all the aunts, uncles and cousins. 

Your loving brother Billie. 

I've received all my parcels but some of my letters have gone astray.  I've received one from Sarah in a fortnight. 

John - Sunday 14th November 1915

Dear Sarah,

Thank you very much indeed for your share in my parcel, also for your letters.  I was pleased to hear all are well and that the aunts liked the lace.  My parcels are most acceptable now as I can assure you we do not live half as well as we did before - no more chicken and champagne - worse luck!  I wish we could only pay a visit to our little farm near the wood!  The best we can get here is chips and eggs and I think the Belgians believe we eat nothing else in England. 

I've just written to Joe to try to fix up a day with him.  I can get a pass all right, I think, so it only rests with him.  I can't go right over to where he is, so I'm suggesting meeting him about half way.  I hope he can get off, because I think I could give him a good time because I know the place very well, having been here for a few weeks when we first came out here. 

Billie owes me a letter.  I'm going out with another Sergeant this afternoon for a walk into the nearest town.  It is not much of a place but I think we shall manage to get something there. 

I hope Mother is keeping better.  I was sorry to hear she had another attack.  I hope all are well and that I shall soon be able to see you all again. 

Love to all John. 

Billie - Friday 12th November 1915

Dear Sarah,

Very many thanks for parcel and letter received tonight.  The padded coat is great and will be fine, I ought not to be cold now with that and we have had cardigan jackets and fur coats.  You would think we were off on a Polar Expedition.  I've got a beauty and it is warm.  You would not half laugh if you saw us, it is a sight worth seeing.  Talk about looking fat - it is not in it. 

We are glad to be out of the trenches.  We've had rotten weather, since we came out.  We have been kept very busy while out; they don't seem to think we need any rest.  We have been out all day stone breaking and bricking the transport field, and tomorrow we are off to some woods a few miles back to do some work there.  There is a rumour that we are to go a few miles back after this eight days for a month's rest, but we have not much hope of it. 

Please thank Janey for her parcel - it was great, especially the meat.  I will try the chutney - it will be very handy.  I've had letters from John and Joe and they seem all right. 

You just ought to see us, it is a sight for the gods - a large lofty barn and all the chaps sitting round a brazier made out of a biscuit tine, with a few logs on, and all singing, with a few candles for illumination.  It is not half a picture!  We have had some fine woollen gloves issued, so I will keep the ones I had sent from home in reserve. 

I was pleased to hear all are well, and that Aunt Joan is getting better.  Well I've given you all the news, and will write you tomorrow if I get time.  The weather is very cold and lots of the chaps hae had to go into hospital.  I suppose you are still as busy as ever. 

Hoping you all are well, as it leaves me in the pink. 

Your loving brother Billie. 

John - Wednesday 10th November 1915

Dear Jess,

Thank you all very much for your parcel which came today, so you see it has taken a week to get here.  The contents are very acceptable and we have had a ripping lunch.  One of our chaps had a chicken and so the chutney came in useful and we all enjoyed it.  It is not quite the same as the real Indian you had when I was down on leave but it is a good substitute. 

I had a letter from Janey and I'm sorry to hear Mother is not well again.  I do hope she will soon be well.  I had a letter from Joe a few days ago, he is only about five miles from here but I'm afraid I can't get down to see him.  He shares the opinion of all the Canadians, and that is that the war can't last much longer.  I have not got an opinion now, I lost interest in the war long ago. 

I must close.  I hope Mother will soon be better. 

Love to all at home John. 

Joe - Monday 8th November 1915

Dear Mother,

I received the parcel in good condition and everything was champion especially the chicken.  You can thank Aunt Sally for the milk tablets.  You need not send me candles every week now as we get them issued and I do not use a great many.  The pocket stove was just the thing I wanted; a chap in our lot wants one, so please send me another for him. 

I wrote to John and Billie the other day.  Syd is getting on fine, but I haven't seen Miller.  He is a mile or two behind our billets.  The mittens came in handy as I lost one of my gloves, but I got it back today as someone had picked it up. 

We had one of our chaps killed yesterday.  We just came in the trenches yesterday; we were at headquarters for three days. 

Well I want to get this off today so must close. 

Your loving son Joe. 

Billie - Sunday 7th November 1915

Dear Janey,

Just a line to let you know I am all right.  We are in the trenches for eight days but thank goodness we have got six of them over.  The weather is terribly wet and cold and the trenches have been flooded out.  We have had eight days of continuous rain, and the mud and water is up to our knees, and at nighttime walking through the trenches you have to watch out or you'd be in a swamp hole.  All the covers were off the swamp holes, so we had a birthday and no mistake. 

The last four days have been dry but bitterly cold and you could scarcely see for the mist, so that meant we had to have double the men on sentry.  We have had some freezers these last mornings, seeing everything was covered with frost.  They have started giving us an issue of rum - two tablespoons per man, and I can tell you we can do with it after having all the night out.  We are having the fur coats and capes issued, and we all hope they will let us have them instead of talking so much about them. 

After this spell we will be back in a village two miles away, and we will be pleased to get there as we are mud from head to foot.  Oh if you could only see us.  There is one thing - we have had some grand fires in the trenches this time in, and we've been having some decent feeds.  One chap from Yarmouth had about a dozen kippers sent and they were fine, we had them for breakfast this morning.  We had the meat Mother sent for breakfast two days ago, and all the chaps agreed it was fine.  Nipper Flear had two jam and suet puddings sent, so we had them for dinner, so we did well. 

It was a good thing we all had extras as the rations were very poor.  We are usually starved coming off sentry duty, so now we made some bread and milk porridge (Nestles milk) and it was great.  Oh before I forget you might send me some oatmeal and sugar in next week's parcel so that we can make porridge.  There are a couple of canteens now in the village so we will be able to get some things a bit cheaper now, as the French people will find that we can get our extras cheaper somewhere else.  I think we can settle down to Christmas here. 

They are beginning next Sunday to send 10 men per company on leave each week, so that is much better, and we should not be so long now, if they keep that up.  Well I must close now, hoping all at home are well as it leaves me in the pink. 

Your loving brother Billie. 

P.S. I am pleased to see Lord Derby is waking them up now, plenty of single chaps who ought to be made to go.  Remember me to Thompson's father.  Hope Aunt Joan is improving.  Cheer oh Billie

John - Friday 5th November 1915

Dear Mother,

Thank you very much for the parcel.  Everything was fine, the apple cake was lovely and the ham will come in useful.  I got it just when I was in most need of it.  I came in from work feeling about "done in" and I soon made a hole in my parcel. 

We are having pretty rough weather.  This place is absolutely the limit for rain.  You can send me some more socks now, as with the wet I've nearly walked the feet out of one pair but my others are pretty good.  The only thing that keeps us going here is the decent sleep at nights.  It is nice and cosy in the loft over the COWS. 

I saw a German aeroplane brought down yesterday.  It was an awfully exciting fight and we were all pleased to see the German fall.  That is the second within a week. 

The trenches are in a fearful state at present.  They are all falling in and the Canadians and Germans all walk along the top without being fired on so you can imagine what they are like. 

I wrote to Billie and Joe the other day.  I expect they will have had much the same weather as we have had.  Well I must close, hoping all are well. 

Love to all John. 

John - Friday 5th November 1915

Dear Thompson,

I think I owe you a letter.  I've intended writing sooner, but time passes so quickly. 

Well, things are going on much the same here.  We are in a muddy place every day, but we are getting used to it.  I think they will issue us with new boots soon, so we hang on till they come.  I am sick of staying all day in wet socks.  I always put on a dry pair when I get back to the barn. 

The Canadians are jolly decent chaps to get on-with and we have a fine time when out working with them.  I had a good dinner from one of them the other day and it absolutely saved me as I was nearly frozen.  I must be getting hardened, as I've not felt any ill effects of the bad weather yet.  We have a new Company Officer who is an old St Bees boy.  He knows heaps of chaps I know so we get on all right together.  I hope you are keeping well. 

Love to Janey and yourself, John. 

Billie - Undated

Dear Mother,

Just a line to let you know I am still all right.  Enclosed you will find three rings which I have made out of nose caps of German shells.  Sorry I could not finish them off better, but I want to send them with Togo.  He has been granted a leave from the bombing school so thought it would be a good chance to get them home through him, as they don't allow any metal to be sent from here by post.  I did not know what size to make them, so seeing I had not much metal I had to make them small so that I could get 3 out of it.  The large one is what a French man gave me when we relieved them but it was a rotten shape so I altered it.  I've got another but it is in the rough yet so will send it later.  If these two are too small you might let me know and when next the Germans shell us, I will try to get a nose cap. 

I am in a hurry to get this off with Togo.  Hoping all at home are well. 

Your loving son Billie

Billie - Tuesday 2nd November 1915

Dear Mother,

Very many thanks for parcel which arrived in good condition last night.  The meat was fine and will be a treat; we are saving it dinner. 

We are back in the trenches again and Oh what a holiday we are having!  It has done nothing but rain for the last six days.  It has not ceased all the time, and at present it is simply pouring down.  The trenches are knee deep in water and everyone is soaked through.  Talk about a birthday, mud and water wherever you go.  Last night going up to the trenches we had a time of it.  You would be walking along the trench and all of a sudden you would drop down a swamp hole nearly up to your neck.  We should have gone in front wiring but the night was too dark, you could not see your hand, so we had to give it up as a bad job.  It was a good thing it was knocked on the head, as it poured all night long, and the Germans had a bombing party out but did not do much damage. 

All this morning they have been shelling us with very heavy stuff, the explosions were terrific.  They have knocked several trees down just beside our dug out.  We will be jolly pleased when we have this 8 days put in.  We will be back in the village the next 8 days, so we will be a bit better off.  We have had some fine gloves issued, almost like my boxing gloves.  We had body belts issued.  I sent my Spirella body belt home to be done up, please return it as soon as possible.  We are having fur coats and some sort of waterproof capes issued, should think we will get them when we get back to the village. 

Well I think I have given you all the news up to the present.  Must close hoping all at home are well as it leaves me in the pink. 

Your loving son Billie

Had a letter from John yesterday.