Cromer – Page 3 – Dear Emmie, Dear Will

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

Dearest Emmie

Thanks for nice long letter received this afternoon. You say you will not answer this if it is not long well, I would not like to disappoint my dear little girl, but at present I cannot think of much. I am glad to say that I have worked a new pair of boots off the sergeant snob so now I stand pretty firm on my feet. Although I will be farther away from you at Cromer I don’t think I will forget you, but of course the inevitable happens at times. I hope Cromer is a nice place, but I have heard quite the opposite. Some of “B” Company boys are on their final leave and I think they go out some time in March. I don’t suppose I will see much summer by the sea side. Of course if I was there when you had your holliday it would be tres bon! I think working on the railway is quite enough Government work and you would do better by taking a rest for your holiday. I am very sorry to hear of Mr Bryce’s death now we will have to find a new doctor. I would rather that you didn’t find a beau in platonic friendship but of course as somebody said before, you have a “will” of your own, is that not so? I am glad to hear that Bert has joined the C.L.B. but I don’t advise anyone to join the regulars. I have not heard much of a big affair in the spring, what is it about. You know there was going to be a big push last year but I don’t think it came off. I hope you get sufficient to eat when you are rationed I would not like to think that you were having to go short. I would like you to come down next Sunday if I am still here; we expect to be moving this week though, so I will have to let you know as soon as poss for certain. The weather was not unsettled hear when I asked you before although it was in London. I think you have known me long enough to suggest almost anything to me now I don’t know why you are so formal, you don’t like me to be. I am glad to hear everybody is satisfied with the Rev. Ferdedado? or whatever you call him. Well my dear I will have to close now with

Best Love

From Yours Ever Will. xxx

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Dear Emmie Yours of yesterday to hand; it does not matter what kind of paper you write on as long as I hear plenty from you. I am feeling a little better thank you except in the feet; I have the wrong pair of boots back from the snob’s: eights instead of sixes so I will have to get them changed. I am glad to hear that G. Todd is getting on alright I thought he would, it is easy enough if he likes it. I don’t think I will find it too tame when I come home it is a bit too wild for me here. We are going to Cromer next week I think; it is official this time because I have seen labels printed for our luggage Kit bags.etc. I still think that platonic friendship is possible but it is very seldom met with; I think it leads on to what is called calf love, sometimes. We are being billeted in empty houses when we get to Cromer and I think that all the band will be together again. We practiced the way to get into the train this afternoon, one silly idea I think. It rained here this morning so we didn’t go out otherwise we would have had a very hard day. I will have to pack up now as I cannot think of any more to write With Fondest Love From Yours Ever Will xx