France June 21/17 Dear Mother, Longest day and will be glad when they get shorter. We won't have so many hours for flying. You will soon be going to the lake. The car isn't running so far is it? What will you do without one? I had better save up enough money to buy a car of some kind after the war. Making about $6 a day now. Not sure just what the amount is. Well this is the first time I have written since gaining the old age of 23. The mess had Strawberries and several bottles of the best at my expense on the 19th. I had to take the place of honour at top of the table and carve etc. A few days ago I sent you a silk scarf and an observers wing which I am entitled to wear. I thought it would be nice to have wing sewn on scarf. You can do what you like with the wing perhaps you would rather put it on something else. You know the way it goes on don't you. We wear them on the left breast just above the centre of the top pocket like this [drawing]. Can you make it out? Haven't heard from Willie for some time. Must tell him to send me a service card regularly. Your letter of May 27th is the last. Glad you are getting letters now. Aunt Margaret has passed away. It will be very hard on Beth & Beattie to be without a home. Beattie is taking life very seriously the last year or two. His letters are of that nature. If the mothers would take these words as a fact "How can a man die better...," it should be much easier for you. I often think of them & have mentioned them before. The last two days have been raining & hence dud for flying. Bon for us. Attacked by four Hun machines on 19th fired a drum at them & they beat it. Pilot put nose of machine down & headed for home-four is too many. Well will close. Ken Hamilton hasn't been over yet to France. Only saw Geo Patterson once before xmas. Best luck to Pa. Love to each one, Your loving son Jim Better address to Mr. Reid.