Easter Monday
10. AM
[note added below date: “Night before Vimy Ridge 1917,” initialed:“J[?]”]

My dear Dad –

About now Jack should be in the thick of it and there is one hell of a roar of guns to be heard even from here.

I went up to their starting place last night where the Bde were assembled. The weather was bright and warm and every one was feeling in fine spirits. Jack besides commanding his Platoon is acting second in command of the company. He had his tin hat on and all the paraphernalia necessary and would not accept anything from me excepting some chocolate in a small package which he can have to day besides his biscuits and bully beef. They started forward to be in readiness at 9 PM so when his company left I came back to D.H.Q. I dont suppose I will hear anything until night and can hardly wait until the time slips along but so far all goes well. Prisoners are coming in by batches of 100 or less and every one was as cheerful as birds on a bright spring day. It was a really wonderful sight just as dusk was coming on to see nearly 4,000 men preparing for a go with Fritz and to-day the results of their preparation is being shown. It is a grand success so far and is likely to prove more so before the finish of the day. You will read of this great Battle probably before you receive this letter. I am quite well myself but feel the need of more exercise but I went to sleep last night feeling that every want had been supplied and not a single reasonable request for extra equipment or the sort had not been granted.

How do you like your pipe? Remember me to [Maun?] and ask him to write. I hope Mother and all are well.

Your affectionate
Son
Charlie