Letters from Fred Leslie Biddle to his Mother, 1916-1917, Part 21 of 24

France  
11.5.17 
Dear Mother, 
Letters dated 22.3.17 
safely to hand. 
Father seems concerned about my 
name appearing as Capt (Temporary Major). 
But he needn't worry. They got hold 
of some old list somewhere. I am con- 
firmed as Major from 12.3.16. 
We were all delighted at the result 
of the elections. There seems to be no 
doubt that the men over here turned 
down the opposition. They voted very 
largely against conscription but hadn't 
any intention of playing into the hands 
of the I.W.W. crowd. 
I think there'll be trouble for the  
Tudorites when the men get back. 
So you've been joy-riding in Arthur 
Paterson's car. I hope you enjoyed it. 
I can see that I'll have to bring out 

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the latest in motor-bikes & side cars when 
this show is over. 
Can't run to a car you know, but 
anyway it would be a good idea to 
hire one now & again & rush you off 
into the country. 
Sorry about poor Fanny Mathiew. 
It was a rotten way to end up, wasn't it? 
Things are still pretty lively with 
us, but we are making a small move 
which will take us into a rather quieter 
spot than the particular one we are in  
at present. 
One of these days I suppose we will 
get the long rest we've heard so much 
about. But it doesn't seem any nearer  
at present. 
There's been some pretty heavy scrapping 
lately & the Australian public will see 
that, by the usual means (the casualty lists); 
but the fellows have done wonderfully 
well. Congrats flow in from all sides, 

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but funnily enough nobody seems 
to realise that the compliment the  
Australians would appreciate the 
most, is a decent rest, & then training for  
mobile warfare. 
I'm still keeping ridiculously fit, & 
now that the Spring is really here, & 
we are getting our blood nicely warmed 
up again, all hands are rejoicing. 
The Germans are having enormous 
losses & we are all looking forward to 
a general offensive on all fronts, 
that will go a long way towards 
finishing them off. 
A great deal depends upon how successful 
we are in settling the U.Boats, for 
undoubtedly the Germans are relying on 
them to give them a satisfactory peace 
Possibly a collapse in the submarine 
campaign would finish the war, as all 
the prisoners we get state their firm 
belief that the U Boats are going to give 

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the Huns a satisfactory peace. They 
realise they cannot win on land. 
I expect Hollis will shortly be 
leaving England so should get all the 
latest news by the same date as this 
letter. 
Best wishes to all friends & relations 
& fondest love to all at home from 
your affectionate son 
Fred