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G.H.Q N. France
May: 14: 15
My dearest little Susie
Yesterday was a day of unintermitting rain. There was a good deal of fighting on - we were engaged N & E of Ypres & the French made a wonderful thrust N. of Arras. We motored in the morning to St Omer, where I made an unavailing search for a typewriter (I have had to wire to the Times for one), and then to the advanced General Headquarters, where we saw the Sub-Chief of Staff & the Director of Intelligence & had an interesting talk. In the afternoon I went to see the Adjutant-General & the Quartermaster-General. The latter was extremely interesting. I am going to see the Field Marshall this morning, & then going on to the actual front. But it is so wet & hazy that it is no good hoping to see anything, & I must just talk to divisions in reserve. We have got a lot of K.O.S.B. from Galashiels & Selkirk billeted round us here. It is funny to hear the Tweedside tongue. They
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look a very hard but very valiant lot.
I have not yet seen any of my chief friends here as they are all busy with the big battle, but I hope to see a lot to day. I am very well, the healthiest of the lot indeed - with an enormous appetite & a very sunburnt face. I have not yet written a word & don't intend to for some time. I have so much to see first.
I do hope you are well & cheerful, little one, & that the blessings are well & happy. The Front is just like England - hedgerows with buds & green meadows & little gardens full of lilac & then - the trenches.
Much love to all
Yr affectionate
John
