FIT-13

Dear Mr Elliott,

Excuse my long silence as I thought it best to wait until I had something interesting to write about. We have moved to a new place about a week ago, having evacuated our old station for a position more advanced and in a different part of the line.

Our new station is situated in the heart of the country on the outskirts of a small isolated village.

Our particular part of the front is quiet at present and our artillery hold the commanding positions. From signs around I do not think our line will be long quiet. In our short week of residence we have achieved wonders. Rude huts abandoned by the French have been converted into fine & comfortable wards for casualties. Marquees and tents have been pitched to accommodate "walking cases" (slightly wounded men).

Strong reliable roads have been dug for use of motor ambulances and to enclose the station, besides numerous entrenchments. As I survey the work done during the past week, it seems a wonderful performance considering the small staff of men available for the work. One is struck by the thoroughness of all the work undertaken. Nothing is left to chance and everything is made to last. Certainly it can be said that English soldiers have partly remade France.

The countryside around our station is very beautiful. The French farmers still carry on with their work on the land as complacently as in times of peace, whilst our big guns send out death dealing messengers from the woods to the right and left of them. At night from a small hill adjacent the line looks like a carnival - though a dread one - star shells are sent up from both sides, the whole length of the line. Like huge stars they rise to a great height illuminating no man's land and the countryside around. If the night is quiet the machine gun is clearly audible with its quick rattle but by night and by day the thunder of the heavy guns are our companions. We expect to "open shop" within the next few days then I will get more time to write. I must conclude now sir, as my time is exhausted, with the hope that you are still in possession of the best of health as I am myself.
With best wishes to yourself, Mr Goldsbrough, Mr Gourley¹⁶⁷ and the rest of staff.

I remain yours sincerely
Joe Fitzsimons