2110-2-13-27

G.H.Q.

May: 23: 15

My dearest little Susie

I was so glad to get your letter last night & to hear that you were well. I shall be home next Friday (D.V.) & shall come to Checkendon by the train which gets to Reading at 6.25. Will you have me met? By that time I shall have done my job. There has been a most unfortunate business about the Times [underlined]. That fool Repington, who was out here last week as Sir J. French's guest, went home & wrote a thing which gave away one of our gun positions. The result was that the place was shelled next day & a lot of men killed. The 1st Army is furious & no wonder, & a lot of people who don't know me think I am responsible. The result is that no visitors are allowed at that part of the line. I was going to spend to night in the trenches with the Scots Guards & Jerry Ruthven & that has been cancelled. The truth will be known very shortly,

of course, but meantime it is very annoying, especially as all my chief friends, who have been cordially inviting me to visit them, are in that part of the line.

This is the most glorious summer weather now & the country is lovely. I dined last night with the doctors - Sir Anthony Bowlby & Sir Wilmot Heringham & had a very good talk.

I hope you like my Ypres article.

Much love to you and the blessings

Your very devoted

John