Bandsman W Metcalfe 46534, Band Room No 5, 52 Royal Sussex Regt, Googerat Brks, Colchester

Dear Emmie

After a hard days work for a Sunday I am trying to liven myself up by writing you. We went out firing this morning about 8 o’clock and after waiting for an hour and a half in the cold for markers, found they were not forthcoming so we had to find our own. After firing ten rounds we returned to barracks at 2.30 o’clock. I did not do bad considering we could hardly see the targets as the sun was shining in our eyes. You say that you have had a good time at G.T.S. well! I wouldn’t mind waiting outside an hour in the rain for you, as I sometimes used to, because it was well worth it. I suppose I ought to apolise for writing you such a letter as I did on Thursday especially as I had such a sweet one from you the very next day. On Friday I had to fill in a form of where I worked and what I did in Civy life. I believe it is something to do with demobilisation. Oh! when the war is over what will we do? I am very sorry to hear of Mabel Hill but perhaps it is for the best. George Todd is lucky to be at Hounslow, what is he in? How did you like the Lord Mayor’s show this year was it good? I don’t think I will go down town tonight I feel as if all I want to do is to go to sleep and dream of you dear. It seems quite a long time since I saw you last so I will be glad when this invincible six days leave comes. I have not found a suitable little box yet to send your goss in but I will not be long. Look out for it about Wednesday. If I have no xmas box to give you I will give you myself if I come home; will I do dear?

Much Love From Will xx