Cocks letter diary, 1916-1919 / Verner Cocks - Page 288
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[Page 288]
No 53
€‹In the mud
20/10/17
Dear Sister
Thanks for your letter of August rec'd some time ago also for the short essay on Mary's face but sorry I am not in such a frame of mind at present as to further discuss the matter. The same with regard to England's green fields and beautiful France. In any case it is absurd of you to offer Sydney's local scenery and that of one other small island in the whole sphere in comparison with practically half the world. When you have travelled & are experienced a little more I may listen to you.
I was rather surprised to find that Jean's book of Symphonies excited such interest & envy. It was just a toss up with me as to whether it was worth sending at all. However I am glad it is appreciated so much & will send a few more of the like along should I come across them.
I have not yet delivered Dick Gates his letter. He has been slightly wounded & away from the unit for a short time - will hold it till he comes back.
Yes that is the forty ninth time I have read about France's Day & the strike, I will offer no further remark thereon than to say that the strikers would be treated as super-huns over here & not allowed to pollute the face of the earth longer than five minutes if our boys had access to them specially after what they have gone through during the last week. If I could convey any idea of the conditions during the stunt you would put it beyond human endurance. Thank goodness no-one can ever know except those who have been through it. It was the most miserable experience ever I have known. I wouldn't go through it again for all the money in the world but I wouldn't have missed that once for anything. The enclosed clipping refers to the particular stunt. I have given Jean a full detaild account of it all & I would like you to read it & have a copy made to keep with my others if that is what Dad is doing. I think Jean wouldn't mind reading out the part about the battle. You will probably see Jack's & my names in the casualty list as "wounded & remained on duty". Don't get worried we only got a few little superficial blisters which kept us from
1.