ttle bedroom with a big
bed for Kitty and myself. To-night we had to go to Divisional
Headquarters in the rain, and returned home for a late dinner, and are
now sitting in pyjamas and coats with a big wood fire. Two of my men,
two corporals, are getting Divisional cards of merit for their work
and pluck in the strafe the other day. Well, good-night, little
Mother.

Much love to all, from your loving Son,
ALEC.

P.S.--Have received a week or two ago the three parcels you mentioned,
but absolutely no papers. Would you please send me another pair of
pyjamas and lots of handkerchiefs, no more tea or milk, but lots of
those Foster Clark's 2d. packets of soup, and cake any time. P.P.S.--I
am writing in duplicate to make a diary, and names are censored by me
in letters home, but you can see them later. P.P.P.S.--Life is very
pleasant.

April 15th.

My darling Mother,--

We got up late this morning for breakfast in pyjamas at 9-0 a.m. and
dressed by degrees. This afternoon we had a parade for drill and after
we went a walk; the country round is very pretty, like England. Our
farm is a nice big white one with a nice orchard; the country is
wooded with rather nice little streams. We wandered into the grounds
of a chateau, where the A.S.C. were playing soccer against the
R.A.M.C., and so through a wood with primroses in it home again.

I am afraid that I have been unable to continue this letter for
several days, as we have been busy early and late.

On April 16th we packed up all our worldly goods and removed ourselves
to Divisional Headquarters at Tilques for a course in Stokes guns. All
the Batteries of the Division, nine in all, were assembled
together--three medium and six light batteries. The personelle as
follows:--Kitty you know. Brand, his second in command, from the 15th
Scots., quite a decent chap, known as the Band Box for obvious
reasons. Lloyd Barrow, Captain R.F.A., in charge of one of the medium
batteries, a strange fellow, was at Jesus, slightly fierce appearance
and manners, an authority on most things, but all right if not taken
seriously. Burlingham, in command of another medium battery, just a
baby grown up. Badderley, a monomaniac on mortars, who saves 3d. out
of every 2d. he receives. Wylie, 9th H.L.I., a Scotchman, and a
topping chap. Others: Sutcliffe, La