2110-2-13-26

G H Q

May: 22: 15

My darling little Susie

I was very glad to get your yesterday's letter. I shall come home on Friday or Saturday, probably Friday. I have been so busy from hour to hour that I have had no time to think of arrangements. It was very wicked of me. I do hope you have not been very bored. I hope you will stay on at Checkendon next week if you can get some company.

Yesterday I got into Ypres again & west of the Canal & saw a lot of the brigades who were engaged in the recent fighting. Then I went to see Julian Byng [ST: afterwards Lord Byng of Vimy] & General French. I think I have got the second battle of Ypres cleared up now, but it is a most confusing battle. I have seen almost everybody concerned in it. I saw Anthony Henly at Byng's H.Q. He is looking very well. With great trouble I found Alec Maitland yesterday & had a few minutes with him. He is living in a very muddy farm W. of Poperinghe. He looks extraordinarily well, very brown, & entirely different,

And my hat! how bored he is! I don't wonder for he never gets nearer the fighting than Poperinghe (10 miles off at least), & he has the dullest job. He has been trying to get leave & has been refused.

To day I have so much writing to do that I must stay in in the morning. What a turn-up at home! I hate the idea of a coalition with old Asquith still in power. But it is a good idea to make Lloyd-George minister of munitions.

I am exceedingly well. I hope you & the blessings will continue fit

Much love from

Your ever affectionate

John