Bandsman W. Metcalfe 46534, (Band Hut) 100 T.R.B., Albuhera Barracks, Stanhope Lines, Aldershot

Dear Emmie

Thanks for P.C. and letter; you do not know how thankful I am for all you write to me. I am not sorry I did not join in that game while I know that you are true to me. I am not afraid of that chap cutting me out, but you must not let him “come it” too much. Does Mabel try to flirt much. How is it that this chap is not in the Army? does he say why. I am glad to hear that you went rowing but you must be careful in the sea; can’t you remember when you was half afraid to go on the Thames. I hope you don’t get your feet wet when you go bathing; I havn’t “dreamt” of your costumes yet. In the middle of writing this I have had tea and a game of billiards and beat the other chap by 104-79.Have you had any lively nights at all? Has Harry Heap joined up yet? We are playing at Officer’s Mess tonight so I will have to make haste and get ready. I also hope the weather is fine Sunday; of course this will be the last letter to Bournemouth, so I can only say that I hope you have enjoyed yourself. The other morning when we we were out we saw some bombing and smoke attacks; I suppose it will be on the pictures as “action in France”. Our boys were out practising bombing yesterday and eight got wounded and four are now in hospital.

Please excuse writing Yours for Ever With Love Will xx One for Mabel x

46534 Bandsman W. Metcalfe, 100 T.R.Batt, Band Hut, Albuhera Bks, Stanhope Lines, Aldershot

Dearest Emmie

I received your letter this afternoon and while the others are cleaning their instruments I am writing this. I hardly ever clean my cornet because being silver (colour) it does not go so dull as brass. I am glad to hear the weather has changed: it is fine here now and will be alright for you to come down on Sunday if it does not change again. I am glad to hear you are enjoying yourself and that you are not taking on another boy. Yesterday there was a fair in those gardens where I went with you once 6d entrance fee: but a man gave me his “pass out” ticket and I passed in with it. One game they had for the public was kissing in the ring. The boys and girls formed a ring and just by tapping one another on the shoulder there was a chase ending with a kiss in the ring. Needless to say I did not join in. There are a lot of Americans here and you may guess they had a big hand in the game. This evening we are playing on our lawn just for the benefit of the batt: tomorrow afternoon for the V.T.C. and Thursday at Officer’s Mess so we are full up for a little while. Well my darling I am longing to see you so I hope I am not disappointed Sunday.

With Best Love. Will xx

Bandsman W. Metcalfe 46534, 100 T.R.Batt, Band Hut, Albuhera Bks, Stanhope Lines, Aldershot

Dear Emmie

In answer to yours which I received this morning. I did get your second letter of the 1st inst but I had about two in hand and somehow it did not get answered. I think it was great of you walking all that distance: didn’t it seem rather a along way. I would like to hear all about that adventure at Regent’s Park. I am sorry for May Fowler it is very hard especially as both of them have lost there partners. By the way; I am sorry to hear that you got drenched and caught a cold, I always am mourning over something or the other when I write to you. I hope my letters do not bore you. Certainly you only asked me if I would like you to come down but you also told me something in your “post script” about “(M.H. i.t.h.p.o.a.b.)” work it out and don’t forget to let me know if you find the solution. You know I want to see you. I wonder why Mr Hickin has given in his resignation was there any excuse. I suppose he has a better job as army chaplain. I do think this rumour is coming true but I hope it is postponed for some time because I want to try and get leave for the 15/9/17. That theatre contract has blown over; the boys did not get enough for their liking so struck. I played one night and got 2’/2d so it was not bad. I have an idea that they will want us back again so I am waiting to see what the others do, I hope this war does not see another year and somehow I don’t think it will. I have Bertram’s letter to hand and will answer it some time today.

I conclude Your ever loving sweetheart Will xx

Bandsman W. Metcalfe 46534, 100 T.R.Batt, Band Hut, Albuhera Bks, Stanhope Lines, Aldershot

Dearest Emmie

I received your letter just before dinner today and now it is about 20 mins. to tea-time. I hope you enjoy you stay at Bournemouth as you did at Church Lane. I dare say you will get this before you go: I will expect a P.C. first post Monday morning: if not, Sunday. I hope the weather is fine for you. It is a bit of luck, that 10/-, I didn’t expect anything. What class exam is it. 1st or 6th. I know it is not the former. I am getting on very well, thank you, tonight I am playing piano at a theater and also tomorrow and Monday nights. I think it is about 2/6 per night. 1/3 per hr. If so it will come in very handy. There are plenty of black-berrys down here and will be more next month.

(“Tea Time”)

More Rumours! We are going to shift to the east coast on the 15 Sept; so if this really comes off I don’t suppose I will be able to get home; if not, I will do my best. I had a game of billiards last night and was beaten by 7. 102-95. Well my Dear I have no more news this time so I now conclude.

With Best Love Will xx

I have put “urgent” on envelope so as you might get it quicker.

Bandsman W. Metcalfe 46534, 100 T.R.Batt, Band Hut, Albuhera Bks, Stanhope Lines, Aldershot

Dear Emmie

I received your letter this afternoon and I was getting quite anxious as yours was the first I have received since Saturday. I hope you got mine addressed to “Church Lane.” I am glad to learn that you like your cousins.etc. I hope you enjoyed that short walk “4 miles” I think 2 is enough for me. The weather is terrible down here it has hardly stopped raining for three days and nights. There is a general hub-bub going on and they want me to join in but I would sooner write you a few lines Dear. The band was supposed to play at some sports this afternoon for the local V.T.Cs. but had to be put off. This is twice through unfavourable weather they have been disappointed.(?). Having nothing much to do this evening I had a game of billiards and beat the other chap by about 15. I don’t think there is any more to write now so I conclude.

With Best Love Will xx

P.s You seem envious! are you? You know I always want you with me so if the weather changes (as I hope it will) I will see you next Sunday week xx real ones.

Bandsman W. Metcalfe 46534, 100 T.R.Batt, Band Hut, Albuhera Bks, Stanhope Lines, Aldershot

Dear Emmie

I have changed my mind so I am writing you a letter instead of a P.C.

It is now 11.30A.M. I am not on parade this morning. The band has gone to “Ash Ranges” with the Batt: and when they come back they will have marched nearly ten miles. Now I did not quite like the idea of this especially as we had to play most part of the way, so I suggested that some of us should go “sick” with the excuse that the meat we had for yesterday’s dinner was bad and the tinned rabbit which we had for breakfast was poisonous. Both of these excuses were true. By this, I thought the bad would not be able to go but while I was waiting to see the doctor all the others except one fell in and marched away. You needn’t think that I am poisoned because it has not had much effect on me only that I had rather a lively time in the night. I got a dose of castor oil and four pills; the latter I will not need.

Yesterday evening I went to Church with the boy who sleeps next to me. He goes every Sunday morning at 5.55 o’clock to serve. I think he is about the best chap I have come across. I hope you like your relations and that you had no difficulty in finding them. How did you spend your week-end? I wish I had been with you again. I hope you get this alright; the next I will address to No 16.

Yesterday afternoon we had a thunderstorm so I had a little practice on the piano.

I have no more to write now so will “pack up”

With Best Love Will xx

Bandsman W. Metcalfe 46534, 100 T.R.Batt, Band Hut, Albuhera Bks, Stanhope Lines, Aldershot

Dear Emmie

In answers to yours of the 27th Our’s was the band which played before “Geogie”, and also the drum and fife band of the 99th T.R.Batt. I hope you have no trouble in finding your friends on Monday. I do not know whether to write you once, or twice. I think I will write a P.C. for you to get Tuesday and a letter for Wednesday. I nearly forgot x Herbert Bertie is getting a dabster; I don’t know what he suspects between you and me. Two years ago I never thought I would get the chance to want you so much as at present. I cannot settle down to anything because I cannot get you out of my mind for one minute. What did the trays have on them that fell on the Gentleman’s head. I hope you didn’t drink too much tea. (It is now dinner time. 1 ocl.) We had cold meat & salad for dinner. The salad consisted of lettuce, about 4 pieces of cucumber about 1/16 of an inch thick, and a bit of the skin of a tomato between the 6 of us. We had tabioca afterwards and I thought it was stew when I looked at it at first. I am going to church this evening and I am sure to think of you: sitting in the front row at the Mish: perhaps. Well my Dear I have no more to write now so will conclude.

With Best Love Your Ever true sweetheart Will xx

Bandsman W. Metcalfe 46534, 100 T.R.B., Band Hut, Albuhera Bks, Stanhope Lines, Aldershot

Dear Emmie

I received your letter at 7.30 this evening: very quick work, war time; I am sorry there is not another post tonight so as you could get this in the morning. I couldn’t settle down to work yesterday and I havn’t done properly yet. I must say your cake goes down very nicely thank you. I hope you like your unseen relations and you will be certain to get a letter from me; you know I would not like to disappoint you. I understand you little bit of French and can only answer in the same words.

Dearest! had Monday been oppressive I dare say I would have made it bright for you.

Today the TRs were reviewed by the King and the band played before him.

I hope you get this early tomorrow so as I might get one Saturday.

Will now close With Best Love Will xxx

Bandsman W. Metcalfe 46534, 100 T.R.B., Band Hut, Albuhera Bks, Stanhope Lines, Aldershot

Dear Emmie

I dare say you have received my card which I wrote this morning and it is now 4.30.pm. We did no work this morning but did a little this afternoon for about two hours. By the way; That boy “Desmond” had his eye on you and I didn’t notice him. He said he is going to cut me out: he will have to try hard, won’t he? I have some good news again. I hope it is not all bluff. The boys say that this leave what we have just had is “special leave” and that we get our “recruits leave” in about 6 weeks time. I will not write any more of this in case I hear no more about it. I did not “forget” last night and if I do I will not put “x” up in the left hand corner. I think I could have done with two more days just to get over the other four. Well, Dearest I have no more to write now but hope to have next time. How I wish I was with you now. What were we doing at 4.30pm yesterday.

I conclude With all my Love Will xxx

P.S. Please let my mother know you have heard from me. We have practice tonight so I don’t suppose I shall get another chance to write tonight.

Bandsman W. Metcalfe 46534, 100 T.R.Batt, Band Hut Coy, Albuhera Bks, Stanhope Lines, Aldershot7

Dear Emmie

I arrived at our barracks about 11.45.pm. My bed had been made so I was thankful. Will write a letter as soon as poss: Much Love Will.x