21/5/18
My dear Father
It seems a good while since I either wrote or had news from you. I've had a very busy month and the days have gone by quickly with little enough time for writing. For the last fortnight I have been running the No 21 lab, back of where I was earlier in the year, and there seems a probability that I shall be here more than temporarily. I should naturally like actual charge of one of these units and it would have the additional advantage that I should remain in First Army where I know a great many people and all the country. I hope before long to know if I'm to stay on here.
I was very glad Mary travelled back via Badsey, she has been pretty busy over the move. I expect, however, by now I hope things are settled, at any rate they've reached their destination.
In addition to a lot of routine work I've had to arrange for quarters for the lab. The motor vehicle is large and well fitted but not adequate for more than a few days of emergency, and now I've succeeded in finding a room of suitable size in a house near two of the hospitals. I have also a billet in the same house. The laboratory was moved back while the recent officer was away on sick leave and so it had just been drawn up at a roadside pro tem. These days we must of course keep mobile, so except for getting some essential tables I am trying not to add any but strict necessaries to the concern.
I went over to No 3 this afternoon to see McNee and gather the rest of my kit. We are having here, as you are also I suppose, an extraordinarily hot and dry May. I expect rain will very soon be greatly needed. The bright nights we could well dispense with, though I daresay the RAF holds a different opinion.
Our previous home of March last is now emptied, one after another, towns and villages are left - but I don't think the process is going on indefinitely. Of course, if as is generally supposed we have soon another big attack to meet, it's bound to involve some further retirement, but there's every indication that a limit can be put to any possible advance before it has reached any vital spot.
When next you write, please address me No 21 Mobile Laboratory, First Army. If I have left here I can easily arrange for forwarding.
I see there is talk of merging breweries in one locality. Is that likely to affect Evesham? It would, I imagine, be a step in the direction of state purchase later on.
I hope you're keeping well and not finding this hot spell too trying. So far I've enjoyed it, but the dust is getting rather thick.
With love to all.
Your affectionate son
Arthur
