I slept for a night on the boat at Le Havre on the 20th March and next day was returned up the line

18.05.18
Somewhere in France

My Dear Mother

Just a few lines hoping they will find you still enjoying your usual good health as this leaves myself at present. The weather is keeping very hot at present. But is is much better than the rain. I had a letter from Jennie the other day and she was telling me she was going home on the following Wednesday. Did she get home? The weather will be very nice for her. I would not mind being at home this weather . I suppose she got home.

She will be telling you that I was on the boat going home on leave and had to return up the line again. You will wonder why I did not mention it to you. But I would rather not have told you. But I am sure she could not help it. Well yes I slept for a night on the boat at Le Havre on the 20th March and next day was returned up the line. So when I get [home] now I cannot say.

But I was talking to the CO the other [day] and he did not know when leave would start. But he said that I should go home in the first batch who went on leave. Also that he should find through [?] and get me 5 extra days to go to Buckingham Palace and get invested by the King with the Military Medal. So if I get that I shall be alright. But I do not know when it may come off.

Wel Dear Mother I think this is about all. Remember me to all at home and you might tell Jennie the first day she is in Newry she might get a couple of ounces of alum or something like it for a mouth wash for to harden my gums. They have got so soft I cannot clean my teeth without them bleeding. If she asks in Connor’s they will know what to give her. No more at present. Hoping to hear from you soon.

Goodbye
I Remain
Your loving son
Johnnie