France, July 15th/17

My Dear Father:

Have not heard from home for two weeks; last letter I got was written June 20th, but I hope the others are on the way and no doubt they are. don got a letter from Ellen Guild a few days ago and she sent him a few snaps; one was of the colt, it was a very good snap but he wasn't standing in a very good position; he is quite a sized colt, and by the looks of him will make a nice driver, am glad you have a mare to suit you.

I think I wrote you last week, did I not? telling of our last experience in the trenches. Doubtless you have heard all the particulars of Harry's wound I think I told you also how he got it, in case I did not I will tell you as near as possible now, there were a few of our own coy. men out in front of the front line on patrol work and the Bosh catching sight of them turned a Machine Gun on them, which hindered them from going a head or getting back, and Harry, who was on a bombing post out in front tried to give them some assistance in getting back to the trench; in doing so he was hit in the foot by a sniper, he was [?] lucky he didn't get it in the head, because Hieny (as we call him) as a rule generally makes a pretty good shot. That is about as near as I can tell you of his adventure I think he is safe though for the rest of this war, it is liable to injure his foot for some time don't you think? I never expect to see him back here again anyway. I got another slight wound this time in but I dressed it myself and carried on.

I saw Owen the Methodist minister from home today; he is in a concert party which travels all along the line at that work, it's a great thin, it cheers the boys up, when they come out of the line for a few days. They have them all over France.

We are, as I think I told you before, out on rest now for a few weeks; certainly enjoy getting away from guns for awhile.

Suppose the Hay Makers are busy at the hay these fine days, they will no doubt be just beginning, the French have been at it for a week or two, their crops look pretty good, they certainly sowed a lot of grain this spring. I'm afraid the Farmers that tackle Vimy Ridge will have a task ahead of them, its some dump. (I don't think).

I have been given the honorary title of Stg. their were a few of our Sergeants got wounded last trip in and so they put three stripes on me. Doug Burris was made corporal, promotions are rapid over here. do you ever see that Mrs. Sam Kent now, I know she used to deal most altogether with you her poor son Frank was killed on 9th April, I suppose you know what Battle that was. He, with Doug B. and others were in my section; Doug saw him hit but was not instantly killed and we thought he had gone back to dressing station, but evidently he did not reach here. No doubt they at his home have heard by this time what has happened, but they hadn't June 4th, so if you see any of them you can tell the little bit I told you. I don't think I have anything more to say this time. From loving Son Spence