that however desperate and horrible their surroundings they continue cheerful and hearty and ready to see the humorous side of things though God knows it must be difficult to do so at times. 

Now that you are at the front I don't suppose you will get any chance to write letters or at least very few and those just scrawls, but when we get to England I will write again and give you on news.

Bankshire told me just now that he thought we were leaving next Sunday and so I hope. I think we are, as he generally seems to get next to most of the moves that take place.

He is No. 4 Coys. Quarter Master Sergeant.

Pea?se was our Sergeant Major but he left, worse luck owing to friction with the B.S.M and Crabtree has taken his place. The B.S.M. is a regular from Work Point and is very regimented, but not at all a bad sort and he is getting the battalion into good shape. Jack Ritals who was corporal in B Coy [unintelligible] make the 48th in account of his teeth and is now a sergeant in the 88th.

I hear Pous Cullen is to command the 54th Battalion but I'm not sure if this is true, with Capt Turner as second in command. The latter is now in command of the 88th. 

I saw Dawson a week ago and had about two minutes talk and he kindly promised to keep me in mind and give me a job when I returned. I wonder when that will be. 

I notice within the last two or three days that the Allies have made substantial progress towards Lille. 

I don't know what news I can give you in addition to the above except that the 29th left Vancouver for England last Friday. 

With kind regard and I will write again on arrival in England. 

Yours sincerely,

Geoffrey M. Souston. Corporal A. 30693

48th Battln. C.E.F.