WW1 – Page 25 – Dear Emmie, Dear Will

Posted on November 4, 2017October 28, 2017 by leftoverlondoner

4th November 1917

Bandsman W Metcalfe 46534, Band Room No 5, 52 Royal Sussex Regt, Goojerat Brks, Colchester

Dear Emmie

Greatly to my surprise I am able to write you this letter this evening. About 10.30. Friday evening we were told to pack our kit bags and be ready to move away by eight o’clock Sat morn. About midnight Fri we were all awakened by the fire-call and had to dress and get on parade. Within the same hour we were all in bed again. I hear that the fire was ten miles away and the call was continuously picked up by buglers until it reached our barracks. When we were in bed again we could still hear it being played so I don’t know how far it got. By eight o’clock the next morn. we had our full pack on and were served out with 100 rounds of live ammunition each. At 9.30. we marched off and we all prepared to be out for three or four days. We were marching towards Clacton and we all thought there was something on, an attempted landing or such like, when we met the Brigadier General (not the one we all disliked; he is in France.) and he told us to make our way back by another road and we arrived back in barracks just on two o’clock. Everybody was surprised to see us return and as we were mostly worn out we did not go out in the evening. All leave was canceled and all on leave were recalled so there were a few dissapointed ones this week. I am glad I had my few hours the week previous. I played the organ for the service this morning and it went well; I will have to see if I can get some practice on it. I wish I could be with you this evening in the arm chair or on the sofa Eh! what! I feel both love sick and home sick. I will be glad when this wicked war is over, it is a beastly bore; disarranges ones plans etc. don’t you find it so. I wish I could wait for you outside the Mish: after G.T.S. or after your evening classes. I don’t mean to have short hair long or I do mean to make my short hair long. I bought a shampoo at Boot’s and did my hair. This with some hair drill (after parade) has made a difference in three days but I don’t suppose it will be normal until I return to civvy life. It is now seven’o’clock and I am going to get some soup for supper. This mixed with some water and a couple of oxo cubes will a good stay until breakfast time tomorrow morning. Well my love I cannot express in words how much I feel towards you so I will close now hoping you understand how sacred I hold your Love

Much Love From Will xx

Scan_20171028_124356 Scan_20171028_124356_001 Scan_20171028_124356_002 Scan_20171028_124356_003 Scan_20171028_124356_004 Scan_20171028_124356_005 Scan_20171028_124356_006

Posted on November 2, 2017October 28, 2017 by leftoverlondoner

2nd November 1917

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

Dear Emmie

Thanks for P.C. and letter. I am glad you had no trouble with the “war birds”. You stay in the Granary rather a long while; won’t they let you out until the “All Clear” blows? Do they blow bugles in the night. I would sooner be doing a “bit” by supporting you during air raids than playing at soldiers here. I hope the gun-firing did not break any of your Goss. I have thought of you this time; I have a little piece of “goss” in my pocket which I will send you soon. I must get some kind of a box so as it will not break. I suppose all the money E.C. will earn in the army will keep a fine house; we don’t hear any more of our extra money yet. What has G.H’s boy been doing to get a District-Court-Martial, I supposed she is ashamed of him. Do you mean by any chance mean that he has won the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Our Captain told us this morning that we can put in for leave without an excuse every eight weeks, so that will not be bad. I am very glad I had my leave last week because I look like a bald baby now: you guess why. I couldn’t dodge the barber this time; I was marched to him by a lance corporal. Emmie dear! you know I won’t run to get over the “pond” while I have vissions of you before my eyes. I am very sorry to hear of Billy Post going under, it must have been a shock for his mother. You have no need to send me down writing material thank you there is pleanty in Colchester and I know of a place where it is better quality. I now conclude hoping to hear from you by first post Monday morn

With Best Love Will xx

Scan_20171028_122716 Scan_20171028_122716_001 Scan_20171028_122716_002 Scan_20171028_122716_003 Scan_20171028_122716_004

Posted on October 31, 2017October 28, 2017 by leftoverlondoner

31st October 1917

Bandsman W Metcalfe 46534, 256 Infantry Batt, Colchester

Dear Emmie

I think it is my turn to pinch you because you made a mistake saying “it’s the last day of the month” yesterday; there are thirty one days in October. I wish I could have been with you in the granary Monday night, I know you must have been thinking of me. I hear there was an attempted raid on this morning only they did not get through. Were you called up. Nothing further was said about my leave. I did not expect them to go into details. I told C.G. how I got home and I fancy he will be on the same track. (I hope he succeeds) Dear Emmie what was you going to say about that song? I am sorry you do not see all the sweet compliments I pay you. You are a darling girl to me. (one compliment.) Putting all jokes on one side I don’t know how I would go on without you although I see so little of you. I think I will be playing the organ at another church next Sunday morning, if so it will be the biggest one I have ever played. But still I would sooner be with you my first and only love. This is not sarcasm it is only a coincidence. This is the second attempt I have made to write this letter and now I have made a mess up of it. One of the boys says.

Paper is bad

blame the pen

Amen.

I think I will pack up now as the time is getting on

With much Love From Will

Scan_20171028_122647 Scan_20171028_122647_001 Scan_20171028_122647_002 Scan_20171028_122647_003 Scan_20171028_122647_004

Posted on October 29, 2017October 23, 2017 by leftoverlondoner

29th October 1917

Bandsman W Metcalfe 46534, 256 Infantry Battn, Colchester

Dear Emmie

You may depend I did not feel much like drill today although my leave was short. I arrived at Colchester last night at five minutes to ten and I was in barracks by just after lights out. I fixed my equipment together before I turned in so I was all ready for parade this morning. This afternoon we played a draught away to the station who are going to Frinton on Sea. There is a row going on about somebody having somebody else’s blanket and I can’t hear to write. I am enclosing a letter from an old intimate friend of C. Gibbs’ to him and I think it sounds suggestive until it winds up. Please return it as he wishes to keep it. I don’t suppose I can express in this letter how I enjoyed myself yesterday. I would like to thank your Mother for the way she looked after me when I had no mother to go to. etc.etc. I will be writing to Dad and Mum and W.L. this evening. I cannot think what else to write this time but will have more to say next time. I will now conclude.

With Love

From Your Will xx

Scan_20171023_223059 Scan_20171023_223059_001 Scan_20171023_223059_002 Scan_20171023_223059_003

Posted on October 26, 2017October 23, 2017 by leftoverlondoner

26th October 1917

Bandsman W Metcalfe 46534, Colchester

Dear Emmie

No doubt you wonder why I have not written before. Well, I thought I was sure of seeing you tomorrow, but I am not quite so sure now. I have been trying today but have not got one step forward towards get. leave. If I do get a pass the earliest I will be home will be 5 o’clock.pm. If I do not come home I would like you to tell me that dream in your next letter. I am going to the station tonight to find out the time of the trains in case I need them. I did not go on parade at all this morning I chanced getting caught so I had an easy time. It will be about another two months before we get our six days leave and then:- well, I don’t know what will happen. The Captain said that he wouldn’t grant leaves under eight weeks. It is only five weeks since I was home but it seems like five years. I am going to bring some of Desmond’s compositions home tomorrow (needless to say “if I get my pass”.) As I forgot your badge I will try to recompense you by buying you a piece of Goss. Well my Love I will close now hoping that my luck will serve me at the right moment.

From your sweetheart Will xx

Scan_20171023_223036 Scan_20171023_223036_001 Scan_20171023_223036_002 Scan_20171023_223036_003

Posted on October 24, 2017October 22, 2017 by leftoverlondoner

24th October 1917

16 Tiber St

Dear Will

In answer to yours I hope you can get home, let me know, if you can. If you do not get home don’t forget to send Mabel a birthday card, I know she will be pleased if you do. I will tell you that dream when I see you. We had a warning last evening & after scrambling together we found it was false, 2 GNR van boys spread the warning & have now been locked up. Before going any further I must apologise for the untidy state of this letter, but it is the war time ink I am using & blots every word nearly, so please accept my humble apologies. It is raining to-night so I presume we are safe, all meetings are closed this week (including Wed evening service) so I have nothing much doing. I worked until 7 o’clock last night I think I ought to have a “halo” you know for it is real work. Thanks awfully very much for that ”duckie “little badge” you have got for me (or to be more explicit, the one you “promised” me several weeks ago) I am going to get it myself now. You wait until we meet my friend, we shall have something to talk about, that’s all I promise you. (I guess you are thinking about cancelling any probability of leave now) however a most enthusiastic lover you are to be sure. I have heard it said “sarcasm is a cheap form of wit”, so I think I will say no more in reference to above. I had an answer to my application for increase, & it was in the negative, but I shall not let the matter rest there. I am going to write another letter to the bounders & I would not mind a guarantee I have my way in the end if it is only 1/0d I get, so I shall get busy when I have closed this letter. I suppose you will disclose your little plan to me Will when I see you, I hope though it has not too many trimmings to it. Well I will close now, wishing you luck for this week end,

Best Love from Emmie xx

Scan_20171022_215335 Scan_20171022_215335_001 Scan_20171022_215335_002 Scan_20171022_215335_003 Scan_20171022_215335_004

Posted on October 23, 2017October 22, 2017 by leftoverlondoner

23rd October 1917

Bandsman W Metcalfe 46534, Band Room No 5, 256 Infantry Battn, Goojerat Barracks, Colchester

Dear Emmie

I have been out since ten o’clock this morning and it is now 7.30pm. Why do you hope I do not come home? What was your dream. Our captain has told us to keep our best tunics clean as we may want them on leave soon; never-the-less I will try again this week and I think I will be able to “wangle” it. If you sent me all your bills I wouldn’t let you go bare; I have an old bathing costume at home. I have managed to remember one thing concerning home affairs; it is Mabel’s birthday next Saturday: she seems to be getting quite old. You must excuse me closing so soon but you have knocked it out of me mentioning so much about leave. I am going to start that “wangle” now; the only thing I don’t care about is it is not straight. I suppose one cannot be very straight in the army. You see I nearly had to do an hours extra drill the other day for being straight. Never mind. Dear, I hope I do not have a crop (as is promised this week) to greet you with if my dark scheme succeeds.

I will now close

With Love from Will xx

Scan_20171022_215314 Scan_20171022_215314_001 Scan_20171022_215314_002

Posted on October 22, 2017October 20, 2017 by leftoverlondoner

22nd October 1917

16 Tiber St

Dear Will

Glad the gloves fit alright. We had no air raid on Sat. or Sund. But I did not undress all night. I dreamt you were home again last night, but if it is as pleasant when you do come as what I dreamt, I hope you stay away, I found it hard to convince myself I had been dreaming when I awoke it seemed so real. Mr Warder enquired after you last evening, he is about the only person who ever asks after you, they are a funny lot, Mrs [Guynee] never dreams of asking me how you are, not that I want her too, but one cannot help noticing, however I expect you think I have always something to murmer about. I hear the soldiers in France are going to rebel if there are any more raids in England, it is the fault of the Govt. all over. Bert Cranmer is going to put in for a commission are you going to try again for leave & when are the 6 days you thought you were having coming off. I do not think you make a big enough effort. I guess some of the boys wangle a leave oftener than you. That was good about the route march, it took a peg out of the officers. Mr Clarke is still in the pink of condition but he tells me his love has waned a little. He had to shell out £3.3.0 for a new coat for his girl, he buys nearly all her clothes, so if his love does not wane his money will very soon, supposing I sent you all my bills, I guess I should have to go bare sooner, however we are not all alike are we? I am going to speak to Mr Hankin re my rise as soon as an opportunity arises, this evening most probably. I am going to evening classes tomorrow night, moon permitting, we only venture out on dark & wet nights now-a-days, sounds bad, but its true, quite shady characters we will become soon. a bomb was dropped in Piccadilly Circus & blew out the windows of Swan & Edgar’s big shop & neighbouring shops. The Zepps also visited Old Kent Rd. again, I think that is the nearest this time, better luck next time perhaps. Well I have to be returning to my toil now, so will close with fondest love,

Emmie xx.

I hope you will have leave for Xmas if you have to go without until I shall not mind. The war will be over March 17^th 1918. Fact!

Scan_20171020_091205 Scan_20171020_091205_001 Scan_20171020_091205_002 Scan_20171020_091205_003

Posted on October 21, 2017October 20, 2017 by leftoverlondoner

21st October 1917

Bandsman W Metcalfe 46534, Band Room No 5, Colchester

Dearest Emmie

I thank you very much for the gloves they “fit like a glove”. I am shure they will keep my hands warm this cold weather. You say it has been raining in London; although we are so near the sea the weather is very dry here. I see by the papers that the Zeps have started their old tricks again; I half expected a card from you this morning, but I dare say you are all spared again. I should think the French have put the “wind up” them by bringing five down. I wish they had been brought down in England. I am sorry I havn’t your last letter to hand so you will excuse me if I fail to answer any question you may have asked. I am sorry to hear you have a cold but please don’t think I “don’t care” because I care for you more every day while I am here and each night I think it is one day nearer peace. I hope you are not troubled with air raids during the period of this moon: I see it has started to show itself. How are you going on at the office; have you put in for that rise yet. How is Mr Clark going on with his girl. On Friday afternoon we were out from two till seven o’clock manoeuvering and when we got back the lights went out because of the air raid warning or I would have written before thanking you for the gloves. I started eating my ration before the order was given and was awarded one hours extra drill Saturday afternoon which I did not do. The other night some boys in A company had a free fight in their mess room over some soup so as punishment they had to go on a route march this afternoon; a thing never heard of before on a Sunday. They had been gone about ten minutes when they came to a hospital of wounded soldiers and shouted out they were doing extra drills. The boys in blue started hooting the officer till he turned back with the “wind up”. They do not have all their own way.

I now conclude

With Very Best Love Will xx

Scan_20171020_090535 Scan_20171020_090535_001 Scan_20171020_090535_002 Scan_20171020_090535_003 Scan_20171020_090535_004

Posted on October 19, 2017October 16, 2017 by leftoverlondoner

19th October 1917

16 Tiber St

Dear Will

Merci beaucoup for letter. How did you enjoy the route march? Bertie Cranmer is again home on leave. I met him this dinner-time going to a theatre. C. Hill was home last week. I saw Evelyn last evening at G.F.S we speak now. Maude is getting on very well indeed, the winter pulls one back though so much. You seem to get to the pictures rather often, perhaps it is that you have an extra nice companion. It is a grand day today, only a wee bit chilly. I am going to get an overcoat this afternoon. Mr Rolfe has not given me any pieces yet. I have noticed you did not ask me if I was better yet or whether I had got rid of my cold, forgive me for reminding you but I cannot help thinking of these many things you are continually forgetting. By the way, at the foot of your letter you sent your compliments, what are these for? it sounds funny to me. I believe Will Mayne is at Eastbourne. Have you any idea where your next move is to be? Your mother is having a nice long holiday one thing, she will be out of next week’s joys, if there are to be any. I shall have to conclude now and commence tapping again, so will close with love from

Emmie

Scan_20171016_221246 Scan_20171016_221246_001 Scan_20171016_221246_002 Scan_20171016_221246_003