France

17^th Aug 1917

Dear Wal,

Here I am again a bit long winded as usual. Just back from Blighty so you can guess the reason for not writing – making the pace a cracker with the tabs. I believe I received a letter from you on the morning I left but have forgotten the date, about May I think – our mail is coming to hand very slowly.

Well, my 10 days in England was grand but it’s hard to have to come back to this among the shells & things are pretty warm around this quarter. I put in a few days in London and then went up to Sheffield & Chesterfield - the people up there are grand and treat one as if he was home – the girls also are grand – I went to theatres & shows galore, never without a tab though and sometimes 2. Their way of speaking is comical, one has to listen closely to catch what they say at times, while one shire is different to another. I had a pass to Scotland but I did not have enough time in the other places let alone get up there.

The tube system in London is wonderful - one can get almost anywhere within a very short space of time – a bit puzzling at first, but one soon gets to know the ropes. Going over across the Channel was good-o but coming back made up for it, rough wasn’t the name for it, some even began to heave. We had life belts on both ways, ready for any tin fish. I was lucky to have good weather while I was over there which is a big item – it is still keeping fine.

Well I think this is all for the present I can’t think to write tonight & Fritz is putting a few over. Best wishes to all & hoping you are well as I am.

Your Aff Bro, Ern

P.S Fenton is in Blighty with a wound in the arm – a fairly bad one I believe.