12.9.15 Sunday.

Dear Gracie,

Thank you ever so much for your post card. I hope you had a good weeks rest at Cambridge. The villagers here told us yesterday (Saturday) that the British had just retaken La Bassée. I suppose it has been in your papers some time, unless it is all an idle rumour of these people. Please note my address. Apparently there is no need to put brigade, division or France, because the battalions are liable to be moved at any time from one brigade to another. If anything else is added, a delay is caused, of about one or two days. We tried our smoke helmets on Friday, going into a deep trench into which poisonous gas was poured. It is nor very pleasant, but I would prefer gas a thousand times to liquid fire. The smoke helmets are like balaclava helmets (made of flannel) having talc for an eyepiece, and the whole well soaked in chemicals capable of absorbing gas. The bottom of the helmet is tucked into the tunic and the tunic buttoned up over it to prevent the gas coming up underneath. To-day is the birthday of the 8th. Battalion of the Queen's Own Royal West Kents. In battalion orders the C.O. Praised the hard work done by the men and added that our next birthday would see us back in England -- covered with honour. The Queen has sent a letter saying that she does not usually give to particular regiments, but seeing ours is the 'Queen's Own' she is sending us a box of sweets chocolate etc. There are an enormous number of spies out there in the various villages. We have trained men in intelligence work out here. Several spies have already been captured. Please remember me to all my old friends, my kind regards to Mr and Mrs Mansford and yourself. 'PeTer'.

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