to dinner in the evening
with "D" Company of the Scots, and had a very pleasant time.
Unfortunately, after dinner, I went to see Major Warden, of the Scots,
and, instead of going into his room, I stalked into Madame's bedroom,
and fled precipitately. This morning I took the men down, and we had a
bath in some temporary baths the R.E.'s have rigged up. I received a
very nice parcel from you to-day (Thursday) containing a cake,
powdered milk, tea, &c. It was very welcome. It had been delayed with
the battalion. I went along to the battalion and saw several of the
officers to-night. I was very glad to see them. Good-night, little
Mother, I am going to bed. Whenever it is raining you can be quite
certain that we are being inspected by some big General. It has been
pouring all this morning because we were being inspected by Lord
Kitchener. We have just returned and had lunch and changed, and I am
now spending a quiet afternoon, hoping that some of the battalion will
come in to tea with us.

The Colonel is in command of the Brigade, as our new Brigadier is away
on leave. Our Brigadier, General Fitton, was, as you may have seen in
the casualty lists, the first casualty in the Division. He was killed
by a stray bullet during a visit to the trenches. We are all extremely
sorry to lose him; he was such a priceless old man, although he made
us work. It was extremely bad luck for him.

I will finish this letter now, as I am just sending off a batch of my
men's letters, which I have just finished censoring.

Much love to all--

From your loving Son,
ALEC.

11TH SUFFOLKS,
B.E.F., Sunday.

My darling Mother,--

I have just returned from taking the men to have a hot bath in some
baths the Engineers have rigged up. You asked about our padre. He is
at present at the base; he has been very ill for a little time, and we
have no padre at present. Yesterday afternoon I went down to see "C"
Company, and, whilst I was in a farm talking to Gillson, a Fokker came
and dropped two bombs a few hundred yards away. They did no damage as
they exploded in the middle of a large field. I am sorry that I have
not sent this letter before, but I have been rather busy lately, not
only with work, but with social business. Last night I had dinne