Jan 20. Basrah [Basrah, Al (Basra)] Dearest Father. A box has just arrived from Marte through T. Cook and Sons - it ought to have contained a black satin gown but it has been opened (probably in Bombay, it was sent by Cook to his agents in Bombay) and the gown has been abstracted. Isn't it infuriating. All that was left was a small cardboard box inside, containing the little black satin coat Marte sent with the gown, some net and a gold flower. There, by reason of their being in the small box, the thief couldn't get out, for he only opened a part of the nailed-down lid and made a small hole in the interior cardboard lining through which he pulled the gown. I'll make a fuss in Bombay, but of course the gown is irretrievably lost. I hope Marte ensured it so that Cook will have to pay - but that thought doesn't console me much at this moment! Marte had better repeat the gown as quickly as possible and send in in a small box by post. That's the only way of getting things. If it can't possibly go by post it must go through the military forwarding officer, but it takes 6 months! Will you tell Marte?* Your affectionate daughter Gertrude.
* Marte is 78 Grosvenor St.

[Note on back of envelope] Don't let anything be sent out by Cook. I hear their Bombay agents have the reputation of emptying parcels.