31/5/16

Dear Sir,

            I now take great pleasure in writing to you hoping you are quite well as it leaves fairly well and safe up to now you must excuse me not paying you a visit on my leave as I had so many too go and see for the Whitwick boys who have not had the pleasure of going on leave and 6 days is not long when you come to walk round they were all anxious for me to go and see them and more anxious to see them personally altogether.  I can assure you it’s a very trying time it will be a great blessing when it is settled, we are in some strong trenches in a village that as been completely destroyed not whole house left standing and only one civilian, he goes about his farm duties as if nothing was happening.  It seems a remarkable thing to me during my travels through a many different villages and towns over here which most of them have felt the effects of the war, and no matter which way we go in or out we find a crucifix in some part or another buildings have been destroyed all round them but have not seen one touched yet.  The Whitwick boys all wish to be remembered to you and all at home.  I have not fully recovered from my leave yet its allright seeing home, wife and children and friends but its awful when leaving them again.

So now I must conclude as I must as you know be careful.  With Love and Good Wishes too all from

Yours faithfully

O. Bonser 131258

8 Batt Leicesters

7 Platoon

B.E.F.

In green envelope addressed Rev T.W. Walters, The Vicarage, Leicester Rd, Whitwick, Leicestershire, England.

FIELD POST OFFICE T33 1 JU 16