Dearest Emmie

I am just writing a few lines to you tonight and will finish this letter tomorrow before the post goes out. I am enclosing a silk postcard and I hope you like it. I went to the pictures this evening and they were very good. I have just finished reading a book called “A Gentleman of France” I dare say you have read it haven’t you. I forgot to tell you last time that I get all new cloths being in the band and I am actually being measured for them a very rare thing for privates in the Army. Our band looks very smart they had their photo’s taken the other night but of course I was not with them as my cloths were too shabby just coming out of the line. I must close for tonight as it has turned “lights out” so happy dreams Emmie dear. It is now 14th but I am not sure what day it is I will have to find out. We have practice every morning for about 2½ hours and sometimes in the afternoon. Before long I hope to be best 7 flute player and I don’t think it will be very long either. I have surprised myself with the way I have got on. I think there are just 21 in the band and they don’t make a bad row either. We have just had dinner: the usual “Stew” and date duff for “afters” our food is much better now better than they are getting up the line I dare say. I hear that one of the old band boys has managed to get into a brass band he is lucky. I havn’t heard anything of Desmond yet but hope to get his address soon that I may be able to write him. Please will you send me a brass button-stick and some Soldier’s Friend button polish it is unobtainable here but the drummers have to be smart. If possible I will get my photo taken in my best. I havn’t heard from you for two or three days I suppose the letters have gone up the line. Well my dear I must now conclude

With Fondest Love

From Yours Ever Will xx

Dear Emmie

First of all I am pleased to state that I have shortened my address somewhat. “Drummer W.M. 19013 9th Royal Suss. Regt. B.E.7.7.” At last I have succeeded in getting into the “drums” and we are now all together in one large room and the companies have gone up the line. Of course I don’t know how long this bit of luck is going to last but I must make the best of it while I can. I got on famous on the flute this morning considering it was the first time for nearly a twelve-month, you see we havn’t a “brass band” so a drum & pipe has to do. I have another piece of rather good news to relate, I have found a cousin of mine in this batt, he has been up four years and lives at Ninfield near Battle. He also got into the band today very lucky we should meet so. He is sitting beside me writing and I suppose he is mentioning me in his letter home. He is about 24 but doesn’t look it he is rather dark and has been wounded once making a fractured arm and leg but of course he is better now. I hope I havn’t bored you with my discription of him. He is also about my own build. When we were up last time it was rather rough and I had plenty of work to do. Well I mustn’t grumble now as I am in a ”better ‘ole” than most of them. I think I told you that I heard from C.G. well I hope to see him in a few days time I think I will finish this epistle tomorrow as the hour is late for the Army “Lights out” has gone long ago it is now 10.30pm. It is now 6.30a.m. Wednesday and I am in bed writing this i.e. on the floor with my overcoat and tunic over me. As I write here the firing of the guns jog me; these buildings are very frail and a strong wind would shake them. Next time you send a parcel please let me have a small tin of “Meloids” one tin would last me months out here. I can think of no more to write now so will conclude

With Best Love

From Yours Ever Will xx

P.S. The other day I wrote a letter to C.G. and by mistake addressed it to you that proves I was thinking of you doesn’t it. I think of you morn. noon, & night and something seems to tell me that the war is not going to last much longer and I will be able to come home to you once more.

P.S.S. Please find note enclosed for Mum.

Dear Emmie

We are now enjoying a short spell away from the trenches which I think has been well earned this time. The weather here is fine how would you like a row on the “Serp” this afternoon I suppose you havn’t been on the water lately, have you? When I started writing this I meant to write a long letter but now I have no time I hope to tell you something very interesting in regards to what I called my “old title” but do not fill yourself with false hopes. I have had a letter from C.G. but havn’t had time to write him yet. Please excuse these few lines as I must catch the post

Best Love

From Will xxx

Dear Emmie

Just a very few lines to let you know that I am alright and that I have received yours of the 30th alt. Sorry I should make the Censor cross some of that letter out but I was not aware that I had oversteped the mark. By the time you receive this I hope to be out of the line for a few days and it will be well earnt this time. Glad to hear that you got on alright with the organ it will be alright when the big one is done up. I am glad you are having your photo: taken I was going to ask you to have it done although I have three of you. The last one I think was Christmas 1916. J.M. seems to be getting on well with his singing, do the twins still go with him. I don’t feel flattered by the “further addition” I would feel just in my right place. I havn’t had time to write to C.G. yet but will do so in a few days time. I would like Will Arnold’s address if you please. I must close now as I can see a busy time coming before me this evening so I must get fourty and one winks. Please excuse scribble.

With Fondest Love

From Will

Please send some thirst tabs in next parcel.