22nd June 1915

My Darling Wife

You are a darling! I received your letter with assurances re. our wedding anniversary. I have also never regretted marrying you & would not exchange for single life nor untold wealth. I love you Ethel a good deal more than I show. I am a quiet stick at the best of times. You & the children are my world I don’t care a hang for anything or anybody else. I feel sure with God’s help I shall come through safely & live in hopes of spending many more happy years with you & the kiddies. We have much to be thankful for & especially being blessed with two such children – what a pair – something to be proud of eh! God bless them & you.

I had an uneventful journey back. At Bedford Station I met a Major Bennett who used to be Captain Bennett & Officer in charge of Barracks at Bedford, you know him, he was father’s boss. He was telling me that he went out at once with the Expeditionary Force & was in charge a Base Supply Depot but at the end of the month contracted bronchitis, came home & had two month’s sick leave at Bedford & was under Colonel Poynder. Probably you have seen him pass on his way to Bks – a short man something like Major Thorpe in appearance. His only son has enlisted as a private recently.

I have been hard at work ever since I arrived here & am now going for ½ an hours ride for exercise. The King is inspecting the Division next Friday.

With love to Mabel [his sister]& best sweetest love to you & the kiddies.

Yours ever

Archie