Letters From the Front

Dated:

Letter from Billie Thomas
     [Note: a portion of the newspaper page is missing, including the beginning portion of the letter]
     We have been issued [missing]     for the winter and when [missing] the front line we have hip [missing] we are not so badly off.  We [missing] lots to be thankful for.  Out of the boys from the North, (our bunch) we have had but one wounded, some record.  The Lord must be watching over us.  I had a good laugh when I read that clipping about Sam  He can handle the shovel pretty well.  Believe me when I get home I am going to handle one also but it will be the real goods.
     Dear mother, will try and write a few more lines to-day.  It is trying to rain again.  We will be going to the trenches to-morrow night.  Father might be getting a parcel some day, a few little relics from the front.  The nose cap is off a German shell, the copper bullet is French and the other German, a couple of shrapnel bullets and a few pieces from high explosive shells, all German.  It might not get there but I trust it will.
     Wishing you all a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year I remain your loving son and bro.

                        BILLIE.