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

Dear Emmie

I am writing this at 9p.m. sitting on the window-sill to get as much light as possible. I was about to write this, this morning and we had to fall in over an hour before the originally stated time.

I am glad to hear the Bazaar went off well; the takings were very good considering the times. Dear Emmie, there is never a day passes that I do not miss you; but I do my work mechanically so as the time goes quickly and it will not seem so long till we meet again. I know I always think of you as my “Ideal” but I do not seem to be able to express my feelings for you in writing but I will have a good go when I am with you; it is more my nature.

I would like to know who the “we” were who “walked along the river-side to Hammersmith”.

Please will you let me have Mr Warder’s address again. These last two days I have been working harder than I have ever worked before. I think the marching with full pack knocks me up rather but I suppose I will get used to that soon. We went from 7.30am breakfast to 4pm dinner. We will get to bed about 10ish tonight and we have to get up at 4am tomorrow. I know you must be lonely now Mabel and Maud are away but cheer up, you know how much I love you.

Please excuse scribble as I am in rather an uncomfortable posture.

With Heaps of pure Love I am Your Ever Loving Will xxxx