Oct 24^th

Dear Alan,

Many thanks for your “Welcome” letter of Sept 13^th, (excuse the joke), but I was waiting to impart some news which will no doubt be of much interest to you, or I should have replied earlier.  Get ready for the shock.  Last Thursday, Oct 21^st at 1-15 p.m., Percival James Turner arrived on this planet, the name being a sort of compliment to the brothers Turner, now operating in France.  To the best of my knowledge both the wife and youngster are making good progress.  They are in good hands and quite comfortable, so I’m relieved of much anxiety on that score, but am very eager to get home to see them and hope to do so before Xmas.  Am very glad it was a boy, so now we have the ideal family, and at that, we must put the lid on.  Have nothing else much in the way of news, things have been very quiet on the portion of the line we are holding, and our work has been chiefly concerned with the sick and minor accidents.  So far, I have not been granted the pay to which I am fully entitled as a dispenser, but am still living in hopes.  Am keeping very fit and well, and in the “circs”, have nothing much to grouse about, as we get some excellent recreation in the shape of football, which makes a most desirable break in the monotony.  Glad to hear Dick is getting on well, have you discovered where he is operating? should very much like to meet him.  I did not know Ernie was “spliced”, extend to him my “congrats” and also remark that I shall expect to hear in the future that he has a similar announcement to make to the one which opened this epistle.  Glad to hear you had a good holiday, I can imagine you must be exceedingly busy now owing to the shortage of men, and it’s quite obvious the pressure will increase daily, but cheer up, it will keep you out of mischief.  By that, I mean, you won’t have much time to think about following in Ernie’s footsteps.  I last heard from Perce on Oct 7^th, and he was then quite OK, but he has had a very hot time, his battalion being very much concerned in the recent activity in the Hulluch region.  Must now cease, hoping this will find you as well as ever.  Kindest regards from Yours to a cinder, Jim.

In envelope marked On Active Service, addressed to Mr A. Beesley, 28 Tower Rd, West Hill, Dartford, Kent England.

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE H.7. OC 25 15, triangular stamp PASSED BY CENSOR No1944, signature of V.A.L. Mallet.