24.7.16

Dear Marion

Your letter to [?] today. Many thanks for your congratulations. The kind things the papers say are tremendously exaggerated. I haven't done anything the least bit wonderful. I was just fortunate in being where certain opportunities were found of doing little services. None of them involving any more bravery [?] yet as much as hundreds & thousands of fellows show every day in the trenches. The advice you gave to Mabel before we were married "feed the brute" has stood me in good stead and when one has the chance of feeding hungry soldiers they don't forget it and are likely to tell the tale & it grows in the telling till it reads like romance.

However some of those who were nearby during those awful days of 22-30 1915 seemed to think I played the [?] and recommended me for the C.M.G. which stands on the honor list as next higher than Distinguished Service Order D.S.O.

I have not been over to get it yet from the King but may go soon. Won't he be pleased to have me? Just think 'o me being a companion O' the Saints Mike & Geordie!! Chummy like - but ye kin I was aye a sociable sort of a laddie.

Joking aside it is one of the most honorable & notable orders in the Kingdom & it is a high honour indeed for the likes o me. Mabel was very proud of her hubby but like me was very glad it was not full knighthood with the title Sir for me & Lady for her and her reason was such as would gladden ma's heart. She said "I think it would have interfered with your work at Cobourg". That is like her the good sensible wife that she is- so free from pride & [?]

I am so glad your boys are getting along well. I am sure they will give cause for their parents to be proud of their career. I hope Jim will escape the fever this year. It is a beastly thing & he is to be pitied. Kind remembrances to Dr. & Mrs. Bagshaw.

Your loving Brother

Will