In camp
Tues. Aug 8th 1916

My dearest Mother

I received your parcel this dinnertime enclosing razor, cake and letter for which I, as usual return many thanks. (The lemonade's fine). The razor looks very nice and I hope it proves so in the morning.

Rather funny about my toothache wasn't it. I went to the Dentist at one of the field ambulances here and waited 4 hrs. Then they told me they couldn't attend to me, as I hadn't a necessary document, so I had to return. On the way home the pain all went and although I'm not shouting I haven't yet had a return of it, which makes me think the trouble either came from my nerves or more probably my stomach. Unless I get a bad return I shall trouble no more about the document or dentist. I hope their red tape has saved a good tooth of mine that's all.

Last night I got on the track of Len Bragg and you bet I wasn't long in getting him. I spent about an hour and a half with him until he "fell in" with full pack and marched off to the Line. He looks well and is well but nevertheless he is the smallest fellow in his battalion. He was more than surprised at my size and he had to look up so far that he says "lets sit down on the trench mat" so we did there in front of his hut and talked about war principally and chiefly of my experiences. He has been in the Line once before and this makes it his second. I haven't yet fallen in love with him but it's nice to see a face and speak with someone you knew outside the Army.

I shall be more than delighted to get that melon in the next parcel. We get no fresh fruit at all. All we can manage is tins of pineapple, apricots etc and I'm sick of them for a time. When I get this melon I sure will think of Walton and its picnics. Let's hope we have some more picnics some day.

Now you ask about Harry Cornwall. His home and all his friends are in Canada but I think he has an Aunt in England somewhere but from all accounts is disinterested. I have written him enquiring definitely and also repeating the invitation I sent him before regarding spending his convalescence with you. He is a genuinely good fellow and very similar to Ray (suppose that's why I took to him) but more lively and not so shy, nevertheless generally quiet.

I don't think his convalescence will be yet awhile but I shall all right when it does come. I am feeling fit tonight and the weather is glorious, like today's news. The rout of the Turks in Egypt. The surprise advance of Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Anzac and the Russians. My! Another month! Whew!

I met some of Roy Davey's Battn who knew him well and -----. I wonder how much his people Know? Have they found out anything by writing to his fellow officers? Do you know? It was strange that I should run up against the fellow I did. But I say no more for obvious reasons.

I guess I must ring off now. Enclosed is a broach for Minnie and some postcards for Allen. Now bye bye

Ever your very loving boy

Jack. xx