9.1.15
My dear Mother
Time passes quite quickly here and I realize you will be expecting another letter by this time.
I made enquiries at the Belgian Consulate re the soldier you asked about. He hasn’t been at Nantes, and they say that enquiries should be made at: Bureau de Correspondence Belge, Sainte addresse, Le Havre - if this has not already been done.
Everything points to our leaving here fairly soon though we have not yet any instructions. When I know about moving I am going to apply for leave in the hope of getting enough days to enable me to come home with Mary and see you. With luck I might get three days at home, so don’t be surprised if we walk in one day!
Nantes is not a very healthy place I think, it is so damp and relaxing: the natives tell me they expect rain for three more months.
Our neighbours here are very kind and seem to delight in helping Mary; I think they have seen better days and find life rather drab, so perhaps helping les Anglais provides some change. They exchange cooking experiences with Mary, and it gives me an opportunity of returning kindnesses in material, dishes of curry, jam etc.
Last week we got a run in a motor to a chateau about eight miles out and had a good look round, a beautiful place with lovely tapestries, pictures and ornaments. It belongs to a wealthy French lady, who has several estates round here; when there were a lot of troops here the grounds were used as a removal depot and veterinary hospital.
I’m so glad George was able to get home on leave. I think Cyril’s photo had better remain at home at present, especially as I hope to get home on leave.
With much love from Mary and me.
From your son Arthur
PS - Father’s letter of 4th just received with observer.
