France; August 3, 1917

My Dear People,

Just a few lines to let you know I am quite well.

I got two letters to-day, one from Annie & Mum (May 27th & 28th) & one from Kath (May 29th) & was glad to hear you were doing alright & had had plenty of rain. Your letters from 1st to 27th May are evidently down with Davy Jones. I was glad to hear Mrs. Cutts was paying the £10.0.0 into Elders alright, but the Military are undoubtedly slow with my C.D.P.

Since last writing to you we have shifted a long way. We had a long ride in a train & a little march of about 5 miles to finish up. We are now billeted in a stable at a big farm-house. We are still a good way behind the line.

I saw Bert Lilley again the other day. He is attached to Brigade Headquarters as a runner, his job is to take messages to the Battalions & he does not have to go right in the line, so unless he is very unlucky he should get through alright. They are camped about 3 miles from us, so I will see Mat & Mick & the other lads if we do not move too soon.

It has been very wet since we came here & things are pretty sloppy. The crops here are nearly ripe & are the heaviest I have seen in France. I saw Noel Tiver the other day. He is in the Light Trench Masters & is quite well. I suppose Sis & George are quite a staid, steady couple by this time. I hear there is some likelihood of Charlie getting married & all living at Glen Dare. Yours Truly tips some stormy weather if that goes on for long.

I saw in a Casualty list where poor old Jack O'Reilly is missing. Bert Lilley tells me he does not hear so regularly from Mt. Bryan since I left, but he got a parcel from Annie a little while ago. I do not know when we are going in the line again, but I wish we would go in & make a splash & be done with it before the winter comes on.

Well I must close now hoping you are all quite well & getting along alright.

I remain

Your Loving Son & Brother

Tom.

France; July 21, 1917

My Dear People,

Just a few lines to let you know I am quite well.

We are still in the same camp, but had a trip of about 13 miles to a place the other day. Stayed away the night & came back next day. The whole Brigade was on this march; we carried full packs, & very few of the men fell out, although some of them had very tender feet when we got back. Marching does not trouble me much & I can carry my pack as well as most. There is some probability of us doing a fair bit of tramping directly.

We have not had any mail from Australia since 1st May, & I have not seen or heard anything of the other boys over here. We are still having leave to the town I told you of & I could go again if I wanted to, but I don't think I will bother.

Sunday 22nd.

We had Church parade this morning. We go to a little French Church about a mile away & have Mass before the French people have theirs. We had a thunder-shower yesterday but it is a lovely day to-day, & I think I will go for a swim this afternoon & get a few black-berries on the way, as they are nearly ripe now. We can also get a few strawberries if we like here as they grow wild in these parts.

Well I must close now as it is nearly dinner-time & there is not much news.

Hoping you are all well.

I remain

Your Loving Son & Brother

Tom

Later.

Bert Lilley came & saw me this afternoon. I was away swimming when he came, but he waited till I came back. I was very glad to see him. He tells me Mick Griffen is back with the Battalion again & Mat is fairly well. Frank Cahill & Alick Burton have gone to England on leave. Bert is quite well & wishes to be remembered to you all. They are camped about 15 miles from us, but he came on a bike. If I could get one I would go & see them all.

Tom