Letters From the Front

Dated:

France

20/2/17

My Darling Wife

Your two dear letters dated 26 and 30 Jany have just reached me and you well know how very pleased I was to get them. I have had such a strenuous time this past fortnight that I have only succeeded in writing to you twice but it is surely circumstantial that I cannot drop you a line more often during that time. Well my Darling to deal firstly with your letter of Jany 26. Just imagine you hearing from such an old friend as Mrs Keenan. I am so glad that these old folk think of you. It shows of course that apart from sundry little tiffs they hold you in good favour and esteem. I know exactly where salmon ???? is. Many are the happy hours I have spent right behind it on the River. You ask me Deary what I would give to have those Regatta days back again. Well I am not so anxious in that direction as I am in getting home again as I am looking forward Deary to the happiest day I have yet experienced.

I'm sorry indeed to hear of young Vernon's fate also that of Mrs Keenan's nephew. I most surely remember the Servants Hall also just as I write I am looking back on that trip I made to Beltumber (?) and our walk along the River Bank. Now Deary as to your note dated 30 Jany. I'm so glad that my letter arrived in time for you to write and mention the cutting I sent you. I somehow thought it would interest you. Yes I was just 10 days in hospital but I'm decidedly alright again now. Glad you have received another photo from home and that you think it good. Just before I came back I saw the proofs and I certainly thought they were very good indeed. Don't I just wish my Sweetheart that I could have come to you in person. You say if I have to come home that the place would never hold you. My Deary I quite believe you. I also think that I would strike you as Balmy for some hours. With regard to Ella Bennet my dear I am unable to say what the man's name is but I am prompted by a strong suspicion that the name you state is correct. Yes my Deary I am more convinced now than ever that the wrong committed by anyone. Sooner or later one comes to the wall. Believe me my Girl this life has enabled me to see many  things in a way other than I used to. So it does some good after all. I'm certainly very sorry to hear of P(?) being wounded. We are along the same awful front but about a mile separates he and I. He is really lucky to have got a blighty. Now my Sweetheart I am sorry indeed to think that you have had Wally sick and I quite appreciate the trouble and discomfort it has caused you which is only compensated by the fact that the Dear Boy is now well again. Dear little little Leslie with his tune (?). The cartoon you sent me was most amusing to us all. I do hope my note containing Ring has reached you. Now my Sweetheart a word about yourself. How are you keeping and getting along. I never miss a night without thoughts of you and  try to imagine just what you are doing. I'm always glad though that you dont know what I'm doing or I guess you would have many sleepless Nights but the main thing is to just be as happy as circumstances will permit on both sides, awaiting with all possible patience the glorious day of Home Coming. My word Deary that will surely be proverbially "Some day". How are the finances going Deary are you going along to your satisfaction. I hope you are getting all the comfort you want for your own health and happiness, for anything else I don't worry. I dont think I can say any more just now darling beyond sending you all my love, and kisses to the Boys. Trusting soon to hear from you again. Wishing you all that would prove good for you. Your loving Husband Will  xxxxxxx Brownie

Daddy to Boys  xxxxxxxx