W.R.M. Dear Emmie We are still at the same place; hundreds come in every day so I should think we will be moving soon. I have caught a cold in my face and it is nearly twice its normal size. There were nine of the band when we came over here and now we have been broken up and posted to different battalions making three pairs and one trio. C.Gibbs is now in the Royal West Kents and their badge is like a galloping horse. I will be glad when I can let you have my address it seems such a long time since I heard from you. You must have a lot to tell me by now. I wish I had something more interesting to write about but we are in camp all day and nothing to look at but sand and tents. It is sand everywhere and it has a knack of getting into our rifles as we have no covers yet. Last night I left all my pack out in the open and of course it raised all the time. My iron rations were not very hard after that soaking. I will conclude now hoping that you are all quite well. With Fondest Love From Yours Ever Will xx
[Transcriber’s note: this letter employs the censor-evading ‘code’ detailed in Will’s postcard to Emmie on 31st March, enabling her to work out where he is in France. As she calculates in pencil on the back of the envelope, he is writing from Etaples.]
Dear Emmie, Dear Will 