as helmets. I have just received May's letter (Tuesday,
January 18th, to-day, I think). Please let me know when you receive
mine so that I can know how long they take to go. Some of the people
are very difficult to understand, as they talk half Flemish and half
French, at least many of the farmers do. We are about 24 miles from
where Arthur was in the firing line, and the big train, where I went
with a fatigue party, is the headquarters of my friend, the general,
whom I was with in 1912. I can't tell you more than that. It will be
an interesting little puzzle for you to solve. I will despatch this
letter now. It is rumoured that we shall see Joffre in a few days or
so, but it is probably not so.

It seems very funny out here. We have no need to put our blinds down
at night, no trouble about lights on cars, while in London and
Cambridge one lives in inky blackness. The socks are very welcome.

Much love, from your loving Son,
ALEC.

P.S.--My letters are getting short, because they are sent off at short
intervals.

11TH SUFFOLKS,
B.E.F., Wednesday, 19th.

My darling Mother,--

I have just received a very welcome letter from you. I append a list
of things I want and would be very grateful for at times:--

1. Powdered milk.
2. Tea cubes.
3. One tablet coal tar soap (Wright's).
4. Mixed soups.
5. A warm pair of bedroom slippers.

I did not enclose a note in my last letter, as I have only French
money. I will do so as soon as possible!

As a week has gone, I can tell you we crossed Folkestone to Boulogne
and passed through Calais on the way here. I don't think I can tell
you any more. Perhaps you can understand my reference in the last
letter, if you cannot no one else can.

Could you not get Finlay's to send cigarettes out of bond to me. Try,
at least, with a small quantity, and I will let you know if I receive
them--it is so much cheaper. I must have cigarettes, and Seddon says
his brother always received his all right.

The weather has been beautifully fine, if slightly cold, the last week
or so. I do hope Father is getting better now, I was awfully sorry to
hear he has been ill. Now that we live in more luxurious
circumstances, Graves, Major Morton's servant, does our cooking.
Foster came to dinner