France
June 16 1918

Dearest Mother

Received your letter of May 15th last night also a box from the hearts ease Bible class. I dont know who to thank for it so will you please do it for me. You will probably know all about it. The mail has been coming in awfully slow this time. I have only got one from Dad, Gladys and you and I generally get a bunch at once. The picture of Erma and Billy was fine. I'd be tickled to death to get a wife as good as her. I was in a wrestling bout for the Brigade yesterday. Went up against a fellow from B.C. who had one time been middleweight champion of Canada (I found this out after) Well I'm not ashamed to say he trimmed me up because he had the Science. All I've got is an imposing pose. I had him beat in that anyhow. The funny part of it was I thought I had him where I wanted him when all at once something happened and my head connected with the ground and I saw all the colours of the rainbow and more stars than have ever been in the sky on a moonlight night. When I came too, and figured things out that I must have been in a collision or something I hear all kinds of remarks. Well built boy, game kid, other fellow too much science, old wrestler and all this stuff. Just about that time I was sitting in my chair with two seconds fanning me and asking me if I was hurt (foolish questions 100) A Colonel in the front row said, Awful fall, wonder it didnt kill the boy. So, feeling very witty I told him that it wasnt the fall so much as the sudden stop at the bottom. I stuck it out for another round after that but he got me in the finish. So, bar having a lump on my forehead like an egg and a feeling all over like Id been skinned alive with a razor I dont feel too bad. Its all in a lifetime you know. Glad to hear Dad is doing so well. I wish I could only get back to help him. I got a parcel from Mrs. Armitage last week havent had any word from her lately though. I certainly cant realize that May and Vera are so old. They'll likely be married when I come back. Well solong for this time. Lots of love to everyone and heaps to dear old Mother.

Loving son,
Bert

HL. Irwin
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