Letters from John Joseph Bourke to his Parents, 1914-1917 - Part 2

I have just come out of the trenches after
doing a stretch of 52 days and billeted
behind the firing line in reserve, at a farm
The Germans launched a very heavy gas attack
the other night, but we were quick [[responding]]
with respirators. All civilians and children
going to school must carry respirators.
Conditions here are ever so much better than
Gallipoli. The food is spendid and plenty of
clothes. I would like to see a big stunt
come off now and finish the war. I am
just about tired of soldiering, but I want
to see the war right through if I can.
Tell the [[?]] to send me their photo if they
have one. I would like to see you all
again, and hope you are not worrying about
me but I shall get home again some day.
I have seen Jack Wyllie here and I believe
Clarrie Hedlam was in England;
Dear Mother give my love to all at home
and do not worry about me.
I remain
Your affectionate son
Jack

Belgium
July 6^th 16.
Dear Mother
I have just received
your welcome letter of April 17^th.
I am quite well and hope you are
all well at home. I am surprised
to hear you have had only one
letter from me for about six months
as I write at least every month
There is no truth in the yarn of
my hand being shot off, I got a
bullet through the centre of the
palm of my left hand on Gallipoli
more than a year ago, but it has
long since got right as it broke
no bones. Your letter that I have
just received was enclosed in a
letter from Clarrie Headlam.
i was within two days of getting
furlough to England when the
leave of my Division was stopped
but I think I shall get leave
sometime within the next two months
I am sorry you did not get the
money I sent you but I think it
has only been delayed in transfer
I have written to HeadQuarters
about it, and if you get it
alright I want you to use what
you require of it.
My Unit has been travelling round
to different parts of the firing
line lately at present we are
in Belgium. I have been in
some heavy bombardments and am
beginning to think I am shell-proof.
I believe the Germans are
beginning to weaken now; we
are pressing them hard on all
sides, especially the Russians who
are doing some immensely grand
work against the Austrians.
If you could only see this beautiful
country laid waste and whole
towns battered to the ground you
No further pages Received

1
France
Aug 5^th 16
Dear Mother
I was glad to
receive your welcome letter Australian
yesterday which makes the third
I have got from you lately
[[?]] glad it found you [[?]]
all well at home, I have not had
any letters from the twins yet
I suppose you have read of the
Australian's big victory of taking
Poziere I was in that stunt
Our casualties were very great
but we pushed Fritz back [[?]]
miles. It seemed hardly possible
that a man could come out 
of it alive, such was the rain
of shells
2
The ground was fairly packed
with dead and wounded. Poor
old George Goodland was killed
All my old Cobbers of the 5^th Batt
are gone. Alf Fleming is alright
being K.M.S. he has not to go
in the firing line.
I got two hard cracks from flying
Schrapnel