No 4 Squadron R. F. C. B. E. F. France 30/6/17 Dear Em. It is pouring cats and dogs outside, and, strange to say, I don't mind. In fact it has rained a lot this week, and this, together with the fact that we have had very poor visibility, has made it a very easy week for us. I have only had one nasty job all week. That was on Tues. last, I think. I had to take photos over same area as I did week before and I rather think, from the hearty reception I received, that they had been expecting me for some time. It was rather funny. I went over with another chap from another flight and his position were not far from mine. He was favored by having friendly clouds and got over and back, and got less than 20 shells (Archie) fired at him. I had a clear sky, comparatively, and as a result I got from 150 to 200 shells plugged at me. I had a few holes in my planes, one fragment from France, about half the size of a brick, made a neat hole, but altogether I got off lightly, as I had no controls shot away, and had no trouble getting home. The remainder of the week has been easy work, such as shoots and etc with no danger attached. I think I have discovered a diamond in the rough in my servant Joe. Last day or two he has been most energetic and as a result my room has been completely redecorated. In fact I am now living in the lap of luxury. The washstand has new white oilcloth the floor is covered with rugs, very nice ones too, the walls are decorated with pictures, all his favorite actresses in their favorite costumes, and my bed has a new mattress and nice new linen sheets and pillow case. If he makes it much more comfortable I shall have to protest going on leave. We had a most unexpected visit from our G. O. C. yesterday Major General Trenchard R. F. C. He gave us quite a heart to heart talk and seems to be quite a nice chap. Had a letter from the Reades yesterday. They have moved to 3 Wiltie Gardens, Folkestone, and Mr Reade is leaving the bank to join up in a couple of weeks. Mrs R. is going to go nursing in a hospital I believe. It is such a pity that their home has to be broken up, but she could never be content to do nothing while he is away, I hope to see them while I am on leave. Gordon Jones is now nearly O.K. and has started to fly again. He is still in England though. Harold is in Hospital in Manchester, wounded in hip, but not seriously I think. Poor Mrs Jones has had an anxious time of it lately, but I guess she will be glad to have them both in England, even if one is wounded. He will soon be able to get home I should think. Marjorie has started her V. A. D. work again, this time at a hospital in Park Lane, the classy part, near Buckingham Palace, but only for a few hours a week to begin with. The fellow I came out with, Rushworth, is I believe, thru with flying. He has a bad heart and his nerves are not too good either. He is just awaiting the result of a medical board. I shall be sorry to lose him, as he is a fine fellow and an excellent pilot. The fellow who occupied the other room of this hut left yesterday for England. He was an observer, an awfully nice little fellow, and is going home to learn to fly. His people live in Scotland, near Edinburgh and I have a very pressing invitation to go and visit them. Our mess president was away on two weeks leave. When he got back a couple of days ago he thought he had come to the wrong squadron, he said. There have been so many changes and new people since he left that he knew very few of the bunch when he came back. Of course some have gone back to England for a rest and some for H.E. (Home Establishment). Have had no mail from Canada for 2 weeks now. I guess a boat has been misdirected, but I expect it will all turn up in due time. Alf is not, I am afraid, much of a correspondent. I have not heard from him for over a month. However I take it he is alright or I should hear thru the Reades as he does write to them when he wants anything. I hope you are all having a good time now. This is about the time you should be going to Winnipeg, wasn't it? Too bad that Aunt Jean couldn't enjoy her trip to the coast better. They would have bad such a dandy time with Sir John and party. Must close now and have lunch. Lots of love for Father Mother and self, and kindest regards to Miss Smith. Loving bro. Wilbert.