Pte. W. A. Hughes 129126
7 Platoon No. 2
16 Batt Can. Scott

Oct. 12 1916

Dear Mac
We just came out of the line the other day after making another attack in this part of the country, every time a bunch of us go in you have to go over the parapet that was not so bad as the first time, a fellow kind of gets used to it. And who do you think we met when we were coming down the road yesterday for a rest yesterday? Jimmy and all the bunch all lined up on the roadside, with their buttons shined and boots all clean up, you would think they were in Van. but us guys we looked like a bunch of hobos all covered with mud and corruption. It sure was a great meeting. I was the only one left out of my Platoon, and believe they sure crowded around me. I could not get breathing space because what is left of the draft that came to the 16th, there is only about a dozen of us left. Jim and G. Preston are looking fine, the country seems to be agreeing with them. We stayed with them for about 10 minutes, then we hiked on again to the next village about three miles away, so we had dinner then I got a ride on a motor truck and got up there again. I had about fifty of them around me all the time asking me questions about this new country. Then we had supper with Yep and the bunch and all sat down and started to talk about the old times. It sure was a great reuniion while it lasted. Jim told me to write to you to tell you about it. Jimmy and Tommy McFayden waltzed down the road with me a little ways and we had to part. It was quite a scene, and when I left them and started for home gee but I felt as lonely as hell. We lost the only 72nd boy that we had in our platoon this last time in and Bill in the hospital in England. I felt kind of rotten but I suppose there is no good in worrying about it. Jim's bunch expect to move up towards the front to stay some time, so I do not suppose we will get a chance to seen them again for a long time. Well Mac I will have to quit this raving. I am getting too sentimental, am feeling that way because we lost quite a bunch of boys this time, there was a lot of them made Blighty. Well remember me to all the outfit hoping M & Mac and the bunch are in the best of health the same as myself. So au revoir but not Good Bye from Billie