A Soldier's Letter

Horowhenua Chronicle, 25 October 1916, Page 3

A Soldier's Letter

FHOM A I/EIVIX BOY. Mrs Barnitt, of Levin, who son Walter left with the lltli Reinforcements, has just received a letter, in which lie says: "I am a present out in the country in a billet away from the soundi of the guns, after coming through some strenuous fighting. lam sleeping in the house of a very nice French family, and get my meals across the road. I am very glad of a re*t, for [ feel tired, and what a treat it is to be in bed once more, with clean sheets and blankets. I assist in washing-up the dishes. and the daughter is able to speak English fairly well, while I am trying to learn French. The view from tho house is delightful. For a long distance a roadi is through an avenue of beautiful trees, and away on either side are acres of oats and other grain. I cannot tell von much of what is going on for the censor is ruthless. Have seen Jimmy and Maurice Mclntyre, G. France and Alf Gray, who is now a lieutenant, an honor he well deserves. L have been in good health since I left New Zealand, and notwithstanding the hard life it is well worth entering upon it has been a time of unique experiences, and some of these have been terrible to be involved in. After my rest 1 am oil back to the trenches again, for there is some warm work ahead I hear. The letter was written on 9th .September, and on the 15th the attack on Flers Commenced. Young tiarratt appears to have been engaged in it and tlhc fighting which followed, fn which so many New Zealanders were cither killed or wounded. On Monday of last week he sent a cable to his mother with the welcome words "Keep rng well."