Sep 2 G.H.Q Basrah [Basrah, Al (Basra)] Dearest Mother I have only time for a brief note in answer to a most delightful long letter from you of July 26, for I am going off this afternoon to Muhammah [sic], a few hours down the river, for a day or two and shall miss the mail home unless I send you a word before I go. Muhammarah is the capital of the Shaikh of M. who is a Persian subject, really independent, and our very staunch ally. I'm going to stay with the Persian oil people, Greenwood is their name. The Persian Oil Cos works are close to Muhammarah. It's really just an outing and I am looking forward to it. It's pretty hot still, generally up to 105, and one begins to feel rather wooly [sic] after so many months of it and glad of a day or two's rest. We haven't long now before we get to reasonable weather again. I think of you very busy with the hospital open again. The coming in of Rumania makes me feel more than ever that things are drawing towards their close, but I daresay we have nearly another year of it. I feel rather anxious about Elsa; your last news is not at all good. Poor darling - how I wish she were well.
The cotton gowns you sent me have come and are most welcome. Would you please ask Lizzie to send me a little black glacé silk jacket belonging to my black silk gown - it's in London. Also will you please order for me at Yapp's the following 1 pair black patent leather buckled shoes, 1 pair black leather buckled walking shoes, 1 pair ditto, brown leather. You will have to pay them before they send them as they don't let me have an account. He has my measurements. Everything sent had better be sewn up in canvas, otherwise no parcel keeps together. The last arrived all torn open. Ever your very affectionate daughter Gertrude