We can only hope it will be followed by some real good news that it is a case of the storm before calm.

By the bye to show the idiotic way in which things now run, two men who went over with a draft from the 62nd 10 days ago were given commissions, men who were not even paid enough for lance corporal have no experience of active service, while there are hundreds of trained officers here only too ready to go. This happened before the heavy casualties over there before the end of 1917.

About a fortnight after we arrived in England I went into the golf club one evening & I suddenly heard "Well I'm damned, there's Rogers[?]." It was Graham Anderson looking just the same as ever. Poor chap he's had a very bad time of it though not from his wound. That was soon alright but he has been ill for a long time & was finally operated on for fistula. He's practically alright again now.

For goodness sake old girl don't ask us to do any shopping for you. I'm a perfect fool at it. I purchased a hat for the Colonel last time I was on leave & the drunken fool in the shop gave me a hat 4 inches too large for him. There has been quite a coolness between us since. Whatever do you want a [2 words] for? [Word] it's not the result of the Wilson affair, is it?

Dear old Dodie you have had another worrying time lately, & I think you're one of the pluckiest girls I've ever known, & you deserve better things. If only you had listened to my letters & taken my advice when I used to give you such lots, why, you [word] have been a blooming angel.

Write me again & tell me everything . With lots of love. Give my very best to Mr. & Mrs. Leighton.
Bertie
P.T.O.