January 2018 – Page 2 – Dear Emmie, Dear Will

Posted on January 10, 2018December 28, 2017 by leftoverlondoner

10th January 1918

Bandsman W M. 46534, Colchester

Dear Emmie

This time last night I was thinking of coming back to Colchester much to my regret. I couldn’t eat much today I didn’t seem to have the appetite. C.G. was very upset on coming back this is his first leave since his four days. All six days leave has been stopped now so I must consider myself lucky. When I have finished writing this letter I will not know what to do with myself. The rumour is, that we are to be shifted to St Albans I hope it is true but I doubt it. Perhaps I could then see you more often. I can not bare to think that you are so lonely in London, but pray that I may have a quick return to you and you will make me feel a little happier. We went on a route march this morning and I have been at orchestra practice this afternoon but I would give up ever playing another note again to be back with you for good. The job that I was coming back to finished up yesterday so I suppose I will have to go on parade tomorrow and do some drill. Well my love I will close hoping to write more next time and hear from you soon.

With Very Best Love

From Your Will xxxx

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Posted on January 10, 2018December 28, 2017 by leftoverlondoner

10th January 1918

Colchester

Dear Emmie

I arrived at barracks at 10.30pm and my bed was made for me. We are on a route march this morning, out with the band.  I was up early this morn. Will write letter soon

Love from Will

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Posted on January 6, 2018January 28, 2018 by leftoverlondoner

Yours to hand of the 4^th 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

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