Lydd 4th July 1916

My dear brother

Long before you get this I expect I shall have been in France some time + probably shall have performed my part and been called off the stage.

We all understand now as I have always understood that to take part in these operations that are now going on at the front means a continual wastage of practically all who are in the fighting line. To escape would be such an extremity of good fortune that no sane man can reasonably take into consideration.

Fifteen more of us have been unofficially warned that we shall go to France this week. I have been told that with four others I am to go to Tobin's Tigers the 29th Dvn of Vancouver - Carew Martin to go back to Princess Pats. Of course we all feel rather keenly the deprivation of sufficient leave to enable us to see our friends + relatives but the need s great just now + it is