In France
8 July 1916
My dear Father
Your last letter is dated 28 June, and though I have written since I received it I think it was about a week ago; so I will write without waiting for further news from home, and if letters cross in the post – well, it doesn’t matter very much.
Have you yet heard the result of Judy’s Matric? I am anxious to hear that she has floored it successfully. It will be a slightly embarrassing check if she has failed.
The news from the Somme continues to be exceedingly satisfactory. I suppose we shall soon hear of a second big burst of energy on our part down there. But I expect that will be very strongly met; and if it succeeds in breaking up the enemy reserves (which really seems to be pleasingly small now) it will, I think, do as much as can reasonably be expected, I should think that it will be the third of the successive efforts there that will open up progress on a large scale. After that I hope we shall see the whole of the German organisation on the Western Front crumble in a manner similar to that of the Russian break up of last year. Though it would be hoping too much to expect to see a retreat covering such immense distances as those of the Polish Campaign of 1915.
So Cyril has got leave till the end of July. I am glad they have made it so long as that. He must wish that it had been for England instead of India; however it is a chance of seeing that country which does not offer itself to everybody. I shall be glad to see his letters, which I am sure to receive from Kathleen before long.
I am cut short by darkness. I hope you and all at home are keeping well. The good news from all fronts is a tonic in itself.
Love from
George
PS – Please be careful to address future letters always 1/15 London. The 2/15 is now out here.
