Corporal J. Mardlin, 8th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment

We are getting on very nicely now about here, and you needn’t worry over me being here. I also hope Fred will return home safe. You needn’t worry about us, we are only doing what a lot more are doing and what a lot ought to be doing who are staying at home. I am very pleased that I am in the Army, and taking my share, but when I hear and think of so many young fellows home who are hanging out of this terrible war it makes our blood run to think of them. I know there is hardship to put up with in the Army, but we are getting fed well out here, and nobody ought to grumble. We cannot expect everything as nice as at home, but we got plenty of food. I am as happy over here in some respects I was in England, because I am doing my duty, and also pleased that I have a brother who is doing his bit in another part of the fighting. You, mother and father, ought to be pleased that both your single sons are serving in the Defence of the homeland, and if we die in doing it you will know we have done our duty. Cheer up! let us hope to meet again in England. The enemy can visit England in airships, but will not land in England if England’s single young men turn out well.