Copy of a letter from Albert French to his sister May in 1916.
Albert asks about Wolverton and Barbers Picture Palace. They do not have anything like it in France. He talks about the local French women and how they do the men’s work. The Sergeant has just given him May’s last letter and it took three days to come. He asks her to notice how long it takes his reply to reach her. His officer told them not to put France in the address, just B.E.F. He talks about his correspondence with Violet Cox. They have exchanged numerous letters. She has had a fine time with the Countess de Carlisle. Albert apologises for not having written to May much but he has been very busy. He complains about the lack of food and that the three shillings and sixpence he gets a week doesn’t go very far. He won’t be staying in the army after the war. His sergeant says that the food is good but there is not enough of it. He talks about the Germans and expects to be popping away at them shortly. He talks about Reg and that Aunt had told him May had heard from him. He thinks the war will be over by Christmas. He talks about seeing aeroplanes and their raids on the firing line. He talks about the French shops in the villages which have English names for the benefit of the soldiers. Soldiers who have been there six months can speak French and some French can speak English. He can speak a little French now. He talks about the assistance given to soldiers to learn the language, including YMCA language classes and 1d papers. He talks about the weather and the French coinage. He asks after George and then says he must find some food or he will go on strike. He sends his love, and then writes KISS in large letters using little crosses, commenting that it is a new invention of the soldiers. He adds that he received the letter from Aunt and talks about Reg Timms and his mate from the West Kent Regiment.
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