July 29 1917 Dearest Mother:- By the heading youll see Im still down at the base but expect to go uo now almost any day. Of course Ive had no mail yet from any of you but am looking forward to a pile as soon as I get back. Have been having the best time Ive had since I came to France. There is a fashionable summer resort about four miles from the camp and with my old soldiers tricks of changing passes and dodging parades Ive managed to spend some time at it. The water is fine and warm and plenty of women sport around in their bathing suits on the beach. Today I had a medical inspection and was passed "A" (active). However a few more boils were making an appearance and had to be lanced. Im used to them now but if they continue to increase at all I shall just report sick again and go back to the hospital. Was in Boulogne a few days but with the numbers of Military Police around the town the chance of getting in without a pass is slight and the consequences not worth the risk, so didn't see much. Have met a large number of fellows I used to know, some holding down staff jobs, instructors and the like but they are all classified permanent Base and are not supposed to be in fit condition for the line. With some of them I know there is nothing wrong but if they can manage to pull the wool over the eyes of those in charge (swinging the lead) it is called I say good luck to them as they have all been up the line once, which is more than many still in Canada and England have experienced. I also notice thousands of women and girls are employed on work men used to do, such as telephones, telegraphs motor ambulance and even motor truck drivers, they have their uniforms and get their cigarette issue the same as the men. Really I don't know what the world is coming to and in Russia there is women battalions fighting in the front line, and taking German Prisoners. The Tommy cant say he's fighting for the loved ones at home any more and it think the women have lost in forcing themselves into Army occupations that could be filled by men incapable of front line work. Nursing of course is different and the soldier respects the nurse but in the presence of the others the soldier doesn't even bother to check his language. Well Mother there is little else of interest but will write again soon. With best of love to you all Your loving son John [?]