Pte W. Metcalfe 46534, 19 Platoon, E. Coy 100 T.R.B., Talavera Barracks, Wellington Lines, Aldershot

Dear Emmie

Whilst taking a walk through Aldershot this evening, by myself, I decided to pop into a “Christian Science” reading & writing room for Soldiers & Sailors which was the nearest of any, and drop you a few lines.  None of us have done any drill today because of the “moving job”.  We had to pull all our tents down and pack them up in little bags.  The barracks where we are staying now were condemned over thirty years ago, so I don’t suppose we shall be there long.  Most of the boys who were in my tent, and myself, have been put into married quarters, of the barracks.  (We are not yet married.)  I think I will like it better here when we have been here two or three days, because every thing is to hand.  It was rather warm work today, immagin us marching along with overcoats over our sholders and each carrying two parcells of “civies”.  I do not know what it will be like when we get our full pack.  This morning while I was on parade, the sergeant major, told me to go to the barbers.  My hair was not very long and I did not go to the army barber, but went to one in town.  I know you must have been very dissapointed at not seeing me last week, I was sorry but I will let you know as soon as possible if I am coming up next week, if not perhaps you will come down.  I am only waiting for the time when it is officially announced that we are going to be shifted to Wimbledon.  My inoculation is nearly better now, and it did not hurt half so much this time.  Last night I went to Chappel for an hour and it was a change.  How is Maud ? has she been bad lately ?  How are the Wednesday night services going on ? is the congregation any larger ?  I suppose Rue d’Tiber is still the same.  Have you had to go without potatoes yet ? we get them in the Army.  Please excuse writing as this is the first pen I have used for a fortnight, and I have had to choose this out of four which were all no good.

Will now conclude

With Best Love, 

Your Will.  xxx