Somewhere in Belgium
Monday. April 3rd 1916

My dearest Mother

Once again I find it's time to send you a word especially as I received today your letter. I'm glad you didn't register your last letter, which contained the cash, as I think it comes safer without and once again I say how glad I am that it did come. Glad Pritchard visited you but you might have said a little more about him and what he told you, where he has been and is likely to be etc. His address I shall also be glad of as I haven't got it.

Oh! Your note about the gas helmet did make me laugh for whoever told that yarn concerning fellows taking chances and not wearing them where necessary is more than absurd and foolish. I don't believe any man could be such a fool as to think of leaving it off let alone, doing it. Apart from it being a very serious crime to be gassed at all it also means that the officer in charge is cashiered into the bargain. Everyone now gets a "practice" taste of the gas and believe me no fool will take chances after that. So I sincerely hope your mind is now at ease regarding gas.

Please tell Percy that NCO's jobs are alright in their way in England but out here they are anything but decent and my advice to him is most emphatically get in the same business as myself. I can't very well describe why here but I'll say that Will Kingman (whom I saw today again) and is now a sergeant only wishes he had taken it up instead of the stripes and he is one, who is always after the best that's going (like myself). So please show him this and tell to waste no time but take the hint.

As far as I'm concerned I look upon the matter, which we both tried for, as a washout and bother no further.

By gum! It has been hot today and yesterday real summer days and consequently we all fell "flop" because it's so sudden.

This is my last time of writing before my next visit to the trenches and aren't I glad for the time of "resting" is drawing to a close. One does get so sick of this waiting and doing nothing but mess around. Still I suppose I mustn't grumble because by the time I'm due to come out of the line I guess I shall be sick of being there.

So there it is, it makes a nice change to go and do something and it makes a nice change to come out and do nothing.

If your parcel doesn't reach me tomorrow I shall not get it until I come out, as only letters go up the line, so if I don't acknowledge it straight off, you'll know why.

I saw a grand football match this afternoon between two famous Canadian regiments. It did seem strange how everybody there forgot the blooming War and the thumping of the distant guns and were wholly taken up with the progress of the old game, so associated with peace times of old. The enthusiasm all through was tremendous, especially as the regiment that has the biggest name got beaten.

I really must stop now - wishing you all the best of luck.
I remain ever your loving boy.
Jack.
I should like more of those typewritten letters Allen. I am more than obliged for it and the more you do, the more practice you'll get and the more news I shall have of you. Many thanks.