evidence of prosperity. The shops are good and well stocked with goods from butchers meat to jewellery. It has a beautiful belfry the landmark of the countryside and possessing the most beautiful set of chimes I have ever heard. The impression left by the sound of those bells I except to keep as long as I live.

We are in luxurious billets and are well treated by the people. Some of our staff going forward today met Belgians who had not yet seen British soldiers. Our prisoners + those of all the Allies are being turned loose and are coming in rapidly. I have not seen them yet but am told that many are sick and nearly all required medical attention. As the weather is very cold + frosty their condition will require every alleviation we can supply but as we are on the move we can only do our best