2110-2-15-20

G.H.Q. July: 1: 16

My dear little one

I got your letter late last night. I am afraid I have been a bad correspondent, but I never knew where I would be. Yesterday, for example, I went off to the French G.H.Q. at Chantilly & had a delightful afternoon. They have given me the full Verdun reports. The French H.Q. staff are perfectly delightful. I dined with them and sat next to Castelnau. They are in outstanding spirits. I shall never forget the drive home in an amethyst evening - for the weather changed yesterday - through the green Picardy uplands.

This morning I went out at 5.30 & saw the beginning of our great offensive. The 1½ hours final bombardment - hurricane force - were terrific. Then came at 7.30 a lull & our gallant fellows got on the parapets. They carried the first Boche positions in their stride with very few losses, for the Boche artillery was extraordinarily feeble. This is only 10 a.m. but we have got the first Boche positions on a front of 25 miles, & it is only the beginning. I am going out now to see our first wounded, and

the first Boche prisoners who are very numerous. So far it has gone like clockwork but it is the next pas qui conte. The French on our right - the Division de Fer of Nancy - seem to have done perfect marvels. It is a gorgeous summer day, and larks are singing through the bombardment, and 3 miles back an old fellow is selling oranges to the transport drivers. It is a queer thing war, and a damned silly thing.

I may be kept as late as Wednesday, but I hope to get back on Tuesday. I do hope I shall find you & the blessings well

Much love

[illegible] John