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but rumour says we may go to _____. Meanwhile we practise attacks for the big offensive. I really think we shall get a move on this year. Thank goodness my nerve is still good and I don't give a hang for shell fire.

I have asked Sister Lizzie to send Effie a good map of this front but I don't think you will be able to find the names of the little villages at which we stay.

We are staying in our usual barn but a stone one this time and not so draughty. I have got wise to getting into French kitchens to sit in the evenings for in this area all estaminets are out of bounds. By being economical I can make _____ spin out and I sit by the fire and drink small penny cups of black coffee. I generally manage to get on friendly terms with some family, most of the people here are very decent to us. Rather different to those filthy Belgians.

Someone has just been over here to tell me there are letters and parcels awaiting my return to our "home". I will finish this letter though for I shall not have time in the morning. By the time you get this the garden ought to be coming on nicely. The bulbs anyhow should be in flower. How I wish I could be home in time to hear the frogs croaking.

Now I must close. I will write before I go in the trenches again.

With very many thanks for all the nice things you send me and the fondest love to you and all the others

I remain Your affectionate brother, Cecil.

P.S. You see this letter is in one of the rare green envelopes that are issued to us occasionally.

BC Archives, MS-1901 Box 1 File 19 / RUSSELL, Alma M., 1873 - 1964. Victoria; librarian. / Letters from Cecil Harrow Unwin, 1916 - 1917.