Witley Oct 15/16

My Dear Mother Leach

               No doubt Bob has told you about us being split up. We have been led to believe all along that we would stay as a battalion. However I am glad they are keeping our company intact and that we are taking our platoon commander with us.

               As soon as we get our kilts Bob + I are going to have our picture taken and will send one to you. We will sure make some “Scotties”. I think it will be a trifle cauld on the knee for a while.

               Received the parcel of cake + candy and box cigars that you enclosed and they are fine. Thanks so much. It is hard to get a good cigar here, and a Canadian cigar looks like a gold dollar to the fellows over here.

               Tonight Bob and I got our mug of tea at the cook house, also our ration of bread and brought it back to the hut and made toast. We had some jam and with cake from home we had quite a banquet. We finished it off with a good cigar.

               We were inoculated last Tuesday and it was some jolt. We got it in the arm and some were pretty sick. Bob was sick to his stomach Tuesday night but felt a lot better the next day. I felt as if I had a bad dose of grip. Our arms were severely sore. We had the balance of the week off to recover.

               I am enclosing a 135^th enameled badge for you. For if I remember right you haven’t got one.

               Well I guess I will have to close this note as Bob is waiting to post it. Best love to you and Mr. Leach.

                                                                                                                                       Murray