f the
Brigade, to which we were attached for instruction, and he sent us to
the reserve billets, within a mile or so from the firing line, which
they have a stupid habit of shelling. It keeps waking you up in the
night. Then this morning we marched off and got two 'busses back to
the place we were in two weeks ago, after our first move, well back
about ten miles or so, to train the battery. It is a topping little
village on a slight hill, and we have topping billets. Fiddian is with
me at present. We have a room each, a feather bed with clean sheets
and a nice little sitting room. The men are in a topping loft with
plenty of straw and seem very happy. We are going to dinner with the
Colonel of the 16th Royal Scots. I command the battery and have the
powers of a Battalion Commander. I am absolutely on my own, no Company
Commander, no Battalion Commander, only the Brigade can give me
orders. Fiddian is second in command. We have four gun detachments. I
hope the war goes on for ever as far as myself is concerned; at
present I like it all, even including the trenches.

Much love to all, Mother dear,

From your loving Son,
ALEC.

P.S.--I have just received your letter dated January 30th. The reason
some of my letters are dated differently inside from out is that I
begin writing a new letter directly the old one goes off and they take
some days to write, and also posting is often delayed. I am very busy
organising the battery at present, and have a lot of work to do. I
have just got my guns (4) to-night. The first place we were in was
near St. Omer, and it was there we went to shop. I am allowed to tell
you now--it is some time since we left there.

Please send me my Sam Browne belt as soon as possible. I am awfully
sorry to hear that Father has been ill. Please give him my very best
love as always, and tell him I do not write to him separately as my
letters are always family affairs, and I cannot write more than one.
Does anyone else see my letters? If you see the Aunts please give them
my very best love too. Please thank Auntie Agnes for writing me such
an interesting letter. It was awfully nice of her to write, and I will
try to answer it. She asked if she could do anything for me--well, I
don't want to trouble her, but if she really would like to, a cake
sent any time she is making them would be very acceptable. You ca