work, without the young men right
through everything, and the farm is absolutely undamaged. Well, I must
go to bed, little Mother. Did you receive my letters asking May to get
me gramophone catalogues of Decca and Master's Voice gramophones as
soon as possible? Parcel received. Slacks, shoes, candle, biscuits,
&c., very welcome indeed. Stir Ellen up to make another cake, larger;
I will write to her. Also can you send me Mars oil for boots.

Much love to all,

From your loving Son,
ALEC.

A/101 TRENCH MORTAR BATTERY,
101ST BRIGADE, B.E.F.
March 2nd.

My darling Mother,--

Please note address. Don't put in my battalion, if you like you can
put in O.C. before the name of the battery officer commanding, as a
bit of swank. This letter is a joint one to you and May. Many thanks,
May dear, for the simply topping parcel; it is ripping. Thank you,
Mother mine, also for the letter and the papers. The parcel had been
delayed a little by going to the battalion. The Aunts also sent me a
delightful parcel. I have been having a sort of little private
Christmas on my own, with a letter from Win also, and two free papers
from the King. At least, the Post Office gave us them, free to the
B.E.F. Consequently, I am very pleased to-night. I don't want my gum
boots, nor my Burberry, British warm or rug, as you know I have my
Thresher and Glenny and a fleece lining, also a fur coat, a mackintosh
cape, and a pair of thigh gum boots, all the last three presents from
the King, or rather from Father as a taxpayer. Please thank Father
very much for them. Also for the guns, which were bought out of the
taxes he pays. Several people have asked me where to get candles like
the ones you send me, and I tell them to see that when their father
marries he marries a wife with brains, as that is the only way. Then,
Mother, about the cheque: it is intended to pay for the cigarettes and
my knife, fork and spoon, and such things, I would much rather you
used it, as you are all practising war economy and I am living in
luxury; at least, do please me by buying a new hat with it, or
something as a little gift from me. I know it will not go far towards
a hat, but Father will give you the rest, and then it will b