2110-3-2-12

G.H.Q

Aug: 29: 17

My dearest wee Mother

I have had a long day on the Somme battlefield. I motored to our old GHQ & then went over all the roads where I used to see Alastair. I saw the little billet where I used to pick him up & the mess in the farmhouse where he used to have tea; and I saw too the place on the Albert road where I first met him at the head of his men. Then I went up to Martinpuich & saw the place where we had our New Year's dinner & the place on the road where Sandy & I said good

bye to the old laddie - the last time I was to see him. I went up to the trenches at the Butte de Warlencourt which he had come out of. The battle has now surged far eastward, and the whole place was very quiet, & the mud is now covered with grass & flowers. Then I went to Bapaume & on to Arras & saw the place where he fell. I then went back the road he went to Duisans in very much the same weather as April 9th - cold wind & sleet, and had a last look at his grave where my roses were still fresh.

It was a very sad day, but I was glad to

have done it, for it made him seem very close to me. I am always seeing his checked bonnet at the turnings of the road. I wish you & Nan & Walter could have been with me. I am glad the battle has moved away from that area now & that it is left in peace.

I am just going up to G.H.Q to dine with the chiefs. I go back to-morrow & I hope an early boat will be running, for I have a conference with Carson at Downing St at 3pm, which I want to attend.

I have had the wildest weather out here, really

terrific gales & drenching rain, but it has been a fine tonic. But I wish I could have seen the Fusilier Jocks.

Much love to all

[illegible]

John