September 21^st 1916

France

My dear Ethel,

Thanks for yours of the tenth to hand on the eighteenth.  I am glad you are overcoming the household difficulties also that Mother is going to spend some time with you.  You will have heard from Harry that we have been up and doing.  I cut three buttons off a German tunic from the remains of a wood & sent them to Mother.  I am with the machine gunners permanently now so after D Company please put Lewis Gun Section on my address.  Tell Hal I think he would find the War Budget of Sept 7^th very interesting.  September 2^nd 1916.  As it was my birthday yesterday we had a bottle of champagne in our “bivvy” & I think we ought to have it issued out to us daily.  I think I will suggest it to the authorities.  Your letter had arrived today.  You must get busier every week as they become shorter each time.  Still I am glad you write however short.  Hal mentions in his paragraph the victory in which we were.  I see Mother may be with you when you receive this letter.  If so tell her I received hers of the 17^th & would like whatever Aunt Florrie sent Bernard to keep away the lice.  I would also like some more writing paper &, if Olive has not confiscated & worn them out, my gym shoes.  I shall try to write her tomorrow.  You really wanted Bernard to stain the floor for you.  We had vile weather till yesterday afternoon but it is beautiful now.  In five minutes I shall hear the cry “Any letters” so I will give you my love to give to Mother & remain,

            Yours affectionately

                        Alan

On Active Service envelope addressed to Mrs. Harry R King, Glen Hilda, 38, Park Avenue, Worcester.  Ans^d 1/10/16.

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 124.  23 SP 16.  Hexagonal Passed Field Censor 3274 cachet.  Signed unreadable.