Letters From the Front

Dated: April 20, 1917

France
20 April, 1917

My darling Mother,

Am writing this letter under some difficulties. We are chasing the Hun in front of us and what villages we don't bombard he burns up, so we are completely out of touch with civilization. In our last scrap we lost our platoon officer and platoon leader sergeant, they got killed soon after leaving our trench. I am now a full sergeant a fact that I am a little proud of, as I earned it going over the top. We are having devilish weather for advancing, but the great thing is we know we are winning. To stand on top of Vimy ridge of a night is a sight. Fritz burns his ammunition dumps as he leaves, and there are fires in Lens right along. We understand that we have to go over the top once more, then we go out for a rest. We are at present in trenches getting re-organized.

I got a letter from you yesterday saying that you are sending a parcel along, so I am looking forward to it as your last sausage rolls were delicious.

I am pleased that you are in good health. Tell dad and all I will write as soon as possible. Tell Mont to drop me a line. I am in the best of health and happy as can be. May not be able to write for another eight days.

All my love and kisses

Your loving son Cyril
Sergt.