13 May/17

Dear Bi.

Just got 3 letters from you one dated Apr. 23. Sorry you do not get my letters.

I got the socks Mrs Berry sent and have them on now. It is roasting hot but we are out of the line for a rest. It is hot as July and wherever there is a tree left it is looking fine. We are in a ruined village but have seen no civilians for a month or two except one who passed in a car last week. So you see how fast we have moved on. Wish they were here so we could buy garden stuff. However we had nettle greens today and as I started it it is spreading so I guess in a few days there will be no nettles left. It makes a fine change.

Alva is in France and Walter expects to join him soon they will be on Railway Construction not in the firing line and I am glad for Dells sake. I have no news so close.

Best wishes to all friends
Alex

[Editor’s note: Correction made to name of Alex’s nephew Private Robert Alva Johnston, originally transcribed as “Alan.” Rev: 2024-04-15]