Letters From the Front

Dated: July 4, 1915

Since I last wrote you I have become a bomb thrower (i.e., one who casts hand grenades). I like it much better than the ordinary trench work, for we don't have to do any sentry duty at nights—only being used when we are making an attack or else to repel a German attack. We are kept in a separate company and are attached to the brigade.

We have just lately been moved to a quiet part of the firing line, a most welcome change from the last couple of places we toured in. After being at the front for a month or so, one's appetite for bloodshed and excitement becomes somewhat satiated, and when we get a chance to take things easy for a while, no one raises any objections. They say you can have too much of a good thing.

I like these Belgians very much. They are good-hearted people, and when we are back having a rest in the billets they are awfully good to us. I think I like them better than the French.