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Reports on his allotment. Writes that he has received his parents first parcel and cigarettes from Mrs Clegg and from the Fusiliers' Association. Informs his parents that his friend William Jeffrey may contact them. Sends news that he has temporarily given up Military Band solo clarinet and Wally Lewis has taken his place.

Thoughts occasionned by the launch of the second front. Enthuses about the visiting Civilian Internees band. Sends news of the Orchestra and his allotment. Mentions that he is not in the mood for writing letters.

Tells anecdotes about life in the POW camp, including a description of Sergeant Jones, the director of music. Reports that he is getting fat and the allotment is doing well. Asks his parents to write to his Regimental Paymaster for a statement of his protection as a stretcher-bearer under the Geneva Convention.

Thanks his parents for their July parcel, especially the pyjamas. Details a popular series of Light Orchestral concerts in which he has recently been involved. Asks for news of Deryck Viney and how he came to be in the army.

Describes preparations for New Year's Eve. Mentions that he is organising a military band tour of the barrack rooms, a series of public lectures on the Achievement of Greece and Rome and another chamber music concert. Reports that the Colonel of his Battalion has been repatriated due to the wound in his arm.

Describes and reflects upon soldiers, including him, relaxing on a beach by the Mediterranean. Refers to correspondence with Mrs Hulbert, Auntie Brierley, his parents and Betty, who has sent him a poetry magazine. Remarks on the engagement of 'the little flower' to 'her queer consort'. Asks whether they will have a double wedding with F and W [Francis and Wendy]. Sends his love to the Arnaps. Asks his mother to write to Willie and Mabel.

Thanks them for their letters. Remarks on the heat. Writes that he is learning to swim underwater. Reveals that he has had news that Betty is engaged, having written five weeks ago to tell her that he was not thinking of marrying her. Announces that he has turned down another offer of Officer training, with Major Doulton's approval. Describes his washing day. Hopes that Francis and Wendy's wedding was a success.

Sends a photograph of the Band (not attached). Points out personalities from his old Fusiliers band: Cyril May, Dick Morgan, George Beck, Wally Lewis, Al Burke, Dicky Bird, Gus Kensdale, Arthur Carter, and Bampton 'boy'. Hopes for a letter from his parents. Refers to a production of 'Philadelphia Story' that is being staged in the camp. Assures them that he is busy with Greek, concerts and funerals.

Reports that he has been busy playing and transcribing music, teaching Greek, cooking, planning a chambermusic concert and acting as everyone's confidant. Asks his parents not to send clothes but to send cigarettes, as they are currency in the POW camp. Mentions that he conducted 'Eine Kleine Nachtmusik with a string octet. Refers to correspondence with Sissie. Asks them to tell Sister Gerard that he lost the medal with his identity disks and undertakes to tell the story when he returns home. Sends love to Mrs Rose, Mr Bussey, Francis and Wendy.

Acknowledges that he has been in the POW camp for six months. Reflects on the conditions there. Thanks them for forwarding Mrs Clegg's letter. Refers to Mr Charlesworth. Reports that he is keeping busy by reading and arranging 'The Floral Dance' for the Salon Orchestra. Refers to his 'perfect partnership' with Dick Morgan.