1 16 Dec, 1917 My dear Everybody, It's time now that I wrote you
a good Xmas letter as otherwise you
will probably not get it at all by Xmas. To begin with myou may make your
mind quite easy that we are alright
as we are billleted in a nice village
miles + miles from any war and in
real civilisation. We will be here a
considerable time as we are out for a
complete rest. I was delighted to get letters form
you and Minnie uesterday and really
you are too good about parcels. You
send everything exactly right. I am sure
those parcels will come quite alright. I did not get any first today so I am
ahead of the batallion for billeting. I
am writing this sitting at the fire in
a nice French house in a nice quiet 2 country village with no signs whatever
of war. I have just had a good
feed of omelette bread + butter and
coffee so feel in a better writing
humour. Last night we spent in
tents and there was about 20 0 post
but I have inumerable blankets
which I got right under and being
rather tired I slept soundly until
7am when I got up. I then came
here in a motor through a most
interesting country but absolute
desolation. I was quite close to
where I was on July 1 1916 and
through the town where I spent the
preceding month. I passed my old
billet but could not stop as I
should have liked to do. There are people living in it now and there are numbers of stops all over the 3 3 town. I should have loved to have
the day to wander round but had to
just rush along in a motor. I had a long letter from Miss Ball
yesterday and she says she sent
me a parcel from Fintinium + Masons.
It's awfully good of her. I am
writing to her tonight. I am tryng
to polish off all the Xmas letters now
and am hoping they wont be late. I wish that I could be home for
Xmas but as that is impossible I
will have to make the best of things
as they are and a jolly good best
they will be too. I am sure you
will all have a real good time. It
would be lovely if you had Uncle Joe
too. I have not seen Garrett since the
day I told you about so do not know
what his movements are. There is great peace full on at present 4 4 and the general idea out here seems to
be that Lansdowne's letter was
written purposely. It is quite
possible. It is snowing hard
tonight but We don't care if it rains
+ we donts care if it snows etc . I am very glad Bobbie's football
is a success. It is a great thing
that he likes the game as it is the
best he could play. Now I do not think there is a
word more news so I will just have
to wish you all a very very
happy Xmas and you may be
sure I will be thinking of you as
well as enjoying myself. I found
myself a billet with a nice little
girl in it. With very best love
Your most affec
Willie