Bandsman W Metcalfe 46534, Band Room No.5, 52 Royal Sussex Regt, Goojerat Barracks, Colchester

Dearest Emmie

Yours to hand of the 4th inst. I am sorry that I did not answer it yesterday but we had such a hard day that I didn’t feel up to much. We had to fire fifty rounds yesterday and advance about 1,000 yards over very rough ground. When we got back at 7 o’cl pm we had tea and had to clean our rifles through with boiling water. We had a route march this morning and for a wonder no one fell out. I am glad you like the photo’ but I think the fatness is rather exaggerated.

Mr Westfold has been very lucky in getting that job in the canteen. What does Mrs Westfold’s sister’s husband wear I might know him if I was to see him. You speak as if you don’t want to see me but that isn’t the way you want me to take it is it. I am not out of blighty yet and there is still a chance of the war being over before I go out.

I hope you are getting on with your music alright you know I have been down that miserable street a few times but I have no need to regret it. It did nor rain here on Sunday, it tried to but did not succeed. You are lucky in getting a good piece of blue serge as all the best came from Germany before the war. Not long ago I dreamt that you were wearing a wine coloured dress and what I remember of it, it looked ”tres chic magnifique.” The boys who went with the first draught are up the line now; they write home to say that the food is much better out there. On Monday I finished my C.B. the Colonel gave orders to the police to give defaulters second field punishment that is all the dirty and hardest work. Well, needless to say I dodged it alright. I just saw the police corporal and gave him a few cigs: and he made it alright for me.

That was a good joke about the rear and of you knew what part of a rifle that is, you would see the joke much better. Our reveille is at 6 o’cl am. now instead of 6.30. I suppose that means more drill. I think I will get a hair cut this evening to save being caught by the regimental barber. Well my dear I will close now

With Fondest Love

From Yours Ever

Will xxx