Bandsman W Metcalfe 46534, 52 Batt. Royal Sussex Regt, Colchester

Dearest Emmie

Yours to hand of the 27th inst. I have received that parcel Mum sent, it took six days coming. This is not my last leave I am sure to have another before I go abroad. “A” Company has had theirs’. I want you to have Sat morn and Monday off if possible, I know I am asking a lot but I think you will get it. Perhaps I won’t tell you how many pretty girls I kissed under the mistletoe. I don’t think I will “have a surprise one of these days” because I know you won’t be so silly as to join such as the W.A.A.C. Although you are so much older than me I think I saw more of “the world” than you before I joined up and it’s not worth knowing in its present state. I do not know what time I will be home Friday but it will be some time pm. I am going out to the organ blower’s house to tea this evening and I will let you know what its like when I write next time. I have missed something in one or two of your letters lately. I cannot tell you in words what exstacy I feel when I think of coming home to see you. I hope the time goes quickly. I went to the pictures yesterday and saw the “Mystery Man”. It is about a girl being forced to marry a cripple for his money and he has an accident which makes him whole and everybody thinks he is dead. The girls mother tries to get her money but the husband unbeknown to all comes back and helps the girl out of all difficulty and she falls in love with him. After that he makes himself known and I suppose they live happily ever after together. It was a picture out of the common. It is a very miserable day today; the snow is about three inches thick and it is raining so I guess we will have more slosh. I don’t think there is any more to say now only get your strength up to withstand all the Kisses I have in store for you. Well my darling I will conclude now

With Very Best Love

Absolutely Yours

Will xxxx