France 12th October 1916
Thursday
E.W.S.
My Dear Harry,
I only received your letter dated the 1st yesterday and that is the reason I have delayed writing you. Our inward mails recently are considerably upset.
Well I have been back with the Battery now for over a week after a fine rest which did me a world of good but at the same time I was glad to be back with the crowd.
I hope you both enjoyed Mother’s visit, I am sure she would enjoy being energetic and generally making herself useful. I am sure you must all have had a good time at Malvern. I thought there was a very good road all the way to the Beacon from Malvern but you seem very proud of your feat.
I have had no war news since I have been back with the Battery with the exception of all sorts of rumours to which it is best to pay no attention as some of them are very marvellous. I had though heard of the capture of Combles and Thiepval and hope the same fate will quickly fall to half a line censored. I was very glad to hear from Alan a little while ago after he had “gone over the top” and to know that he had come through safely I don’t think the things he mentioned are such a success.
It is a pity your garden does not admit of a badminton court but in future we must find amusement by boating.
The extra hour during the night was no particular benefit to me as that night I was on guard with the Column but I’m sure at home an extra hour must have been a great boon.
I have just read this letter through & sympathise with you in having to read such a dull attempt at a letter, but when the War is over I will be able to talk to you for months. With love to Ethel.
Yours,
Bernard.
In On Active Service envelope addressed to Harry R King, Esq., Glen Hilda, Park Avenue, Worcester, England.
Ansd 22/10/16
Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE *.**. 16 Oc 16. Hexagonal PASSED FIELD CENSOR 3447. Signed E.W. Stoneham.
