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

Dearest Emmie

I was very disappointed at not meeting you at the station this morning but if you are not feeling up to the mark it is wiser for you to have a good rest. Somehow, today I am not feeling very bright; we had fish for dinner yesterday and I do not think it could have agreed with me. I told you that I was confined to barracks for three days for being about two minutes late on parade, didn’t I! well

I was supposed to answer every hour from 6 o’cl in the evening until 10 o’cl. but I played at a sergeants dance and dodged it Friday evening, and on Saturday I went on Guard and dodged it again. Today the Captain let me off because I told him you were coming down and now I have to think out how to dodge it tomorrow as it is the last day. I feel very tired this afternoon, I suppose it is because I only had about five hours sleep Friday night and none last night. It is the first guard I have ever had to do and I don’t want another one in a hurry. I am enclosing my photo’ and would like you exact critisism of it. I hope you like it. As it happened, I was not asked out to tea today; I suppose I was too sure. I thank you very much for the parcel the contents of which were A.1. I liked those rock cakes with especial favour. I do not know whether I told you or not but we have lectures every afternoon on History and Geography and next week our officer is lecturing us on the causes of the present war and why we are fighting. I would rather listen to him “chew the rag” than form fours! quick march! On the square. etc. etc. I would like a nice long letter from you next time something to cheer me up you know dear. I believe you asked me if I am getting any leave, well I don’t think I will get any before my embarkation leave. No doubt you think I am always talking about it but the time must come and I hope the war will be over soon; I think it will. Well my love I must close now

With Fondest Love, From Will xxxx

P.S. Please give one photo to Mum and the other is pour vous