Jan 24th 1917
My dear Father
Very suddenly we got switched on to a colossal piece of digging which has kept me busy day and night since it began a fortnight ago. As it has all been digging forward towards the Turk it has been trying work, and has taken a toll of casualties.
I have been exceedingly unfortunate in having two of my subalterns killed within a few days of each other, both in the night by one of the bullets which get sent at random throughout the night.
This is a most horrid note as I am still very busy and likely to be so for some little time for reasons which the newspapers ought before long to explain. When I can settle down to a quiet time I will try to write at greater length. I have managed to get a pretty long letter finished for Mela who will be able to give you some news of me therefore.
My parcel arrived in very good condition. Thank you very much for Masefield’s book. I have been limited to examining the illustrations so far, but they are awfully good. The book is bound to be most interesting. The plum pudding was in very good order after removal of a thin layer. Please thank Ethel and Betty for the mirror; I had broken my old one two or three days before so “it must have been meant”. About the same time I had an excellent parcel from Aunt Lottie, also one from Mrs Frizelle, our hostess at Oakover; so we have been doing well. Also we have been well supplied with purchased stores, which have lately started rolling up.
Your letter of Nov 29th is the latest I have had, but I have news up to Dec 11th from Mela.
Very best love to all from
Your affectionate son
Cyril E Sladden
