23 July 1917 Dearest Mother, Am back in khaki again after those hospital blues with its red tie and white shirt and am pleased to get away from it. I never want to go into an English hospital again. Have had a few good swims in the channel since changing and have been paid up to date and am making the best of it. Am at a camp with a lot of new recruits and enjoy listening to their views and opinions. It is refreshing. No mail has arrived yet since I last wrote you but am looking forward to a good deal in a few days. As son as I go back up. Was innoculated to-day and consequently have a sore left arm. Tomorrow I go through gas to test my respirator. In fact it is like starting all over again. Have run across some old faces at the camp. Men who have become played out and unfit for further active service. I wonder what the country will do for these men after the war? Will write more after I get up the line and will close now with the best of love to you all Your loving son John P.S. Agnes will tell you what I think of the English.