Codford
24/10/17
Dear Mother
The last letter I have had from N.Z. was one from you dated Aug 5th and I am expecting another one any time now. The last I had from Norman and Neil was one from Aldershot. They expected to be there for a month. This will probably be the last mail to reach you before Xmas and I am sending some Xmas cards. They are in two separate envelopes. One for you, Vera, Alma, (nieces, Bens daughters), Gertie (sister), Clyde (youngest brother), Mat (sister), and Douglas (nephew, Mat’s son) . I sent a small packet containing a table centre about a fortnight ago which I hope you will get alright. The whole N.Z. division is at present out of the line owing to the big loss they had a fortnight ago, (battle of Passcheendaele) and our brigade which was formed this year (the 4th) has been disbanded and is being used to reinforce the other three. I dont know how long I will be here, but I am counting on spending Xmas in England and longer if possible. The 27th infantry when over to France a couple of weeks ago, but I dont think they would be in the last push, so they ought to be all right for a while now, untill the division goes in again. The training here is very light and I am still classified B3, but I expect to get B2 anytime now. All the effects of the wound have almost gone and there is only the scar and a bit of a hollow left. I am enclosing a rough sketch of where the piece went in and where it was stitched. I am a little short of breath when I hurry, but that is not so bad as it used to be and I will soon be as good as ever.
Vic