1 9/6/16 My Dear Father Just a few
lines to thank you for
your letter of congratulations
& to tell you how much
I appreciated it. I fell sure Eileen &
I will be very happy
together if only this
War was safely over,
for we have the advantage
of a long friendship &
so many tastes, in
common. We
had neither of us quite
realised till recently
how we felt towards
one another. I told
Eileen my feelings 2 before leaving but there
was no engagement
as I thought it better
that things should
not go further till
after the War. However
we soon found that
this was not possible
& you know the rest,
only I do want our
engagement kept
strictly private till
I get home again.
I am afraid however
there is little prospect
of leave for some time.
The allotment has
not only been curtailed
but shortened as well
& there is every indication
of its being cancelled 3 completely before
long for things are
now moving quickly.
It is a great blow to
the Army losing Kitchener
at such a critical time.
We are still in the line
& attached to a different Bde
as our Bde has gone back.
I don't expect we shall be
relieved at all as our
own Bde will soon be
returning but of course
one never knows. Hoping you & all are
well.
Your affect son Jim The change of Brigade does not
alter the address as it is only
a temporary matter. 4 On Active Service
Written 9th June recd 14th S.C Davidson Seacourt Bangor Co Down Ireland 9 June 1916