Dear May

I am writing to you again at last hoping you are in the pink as it leaves me the same and in the best of health. We are having it very quiet here as yet, and I wish it was more lively. The parcel Aunt sent was grand, and I thank you very much for the sweets and chocolate.

Everything here in the way of eatables and sweets are twice as dear here as what they are in England and not half so good in quality, it's hardly worth wasting your money on the stuff.

Everything is twice as dear as they are in England, except cigarettes, and all the stuff is of rotten quality. France is no match for England. I think your photos were grand May, I've never seen anyone come out better. My mates said it was a lovely photo. We are quartered in "Musty Villa", which is the name given to our dugout. We have to do our grub up securely, or half of it disappears to the rats and mice. But they aren't half so lousy as some people make out they are. We're having a rather warm time now, but that helps to keep you alive, We have just about got used and comfortable in our dugout. Other of our dugouts are called "Hotel de Ratty", "The Happy Family" and the "Abode of Love". I think our leave will start in about 2 months time. So all the soldiers have gone from Wolverton. They didn't stop long did they? There will be a few men left at Wolver-ton, won't there, if no more are to go from the Works. Yours and Will's birthdays, will soon be here won't they, and mine also. Our birthdays come pretty close together don't they? The shells do not make so much row as I thought they would. They make a whirling tearing noise and scream slightly. You can hear them rush through the air, but you can't see them going. They make a big hole and plenty of smoke when they burst, and bits fly about 50 yards. The bullets make a long drawn out pinging noise. Well dear May must now come to a close with the best of my love to you.

Your loving brother

Albert

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