I was so glad to hear you had at last got a letter from me, but I think some earlier ones must still be missing. I have been writing at least twice a week. I hope you like your hospital work, also that you got a new bike. It will be useful to you when we get back to the ranch.

We are still in reserve. Day before yesterday we marched to another camp and changed our Ross rifles for Lee Enfields, a most welcome change. I wish they would change our leather equipment for the web. The leather is an awful arrangement and makes one's shoulders ache as soon as one puts it on even without a pack. Today we went to a place some miles from here to fill sand bags and we had dinner there and got back here about 3.

You must be a fine big party at home now but I suppose it won't last long. I hope the new dog will be a success. Please thank Herbert for his letter. I will write to him soon. There are reports that we are going to move to another camp tomorrow, not back to the trenches. This country is dotted all over with little camps. I heard a rumour last night that Holland had joined Germany. I wonder if it is true. We don't see many papers here. Thanks for the magazine received yesterday.

With best love to all and lots for Herbert and yourself,

Yours ever, Henry Crozier Smith