Sunday May 20/7

Witley Camp

Surrey England

My dear Father, Mother + Carrie

               I am sorry I missed Thursday’s mail again this week but I know you will all forgive me when you hear what has happened. I never heard from home this week, this means I will get them both together, next week.

               I have been down to the divisional school all week and expect to finish up the end of this coming week. It is just like a holiday for me on the machine fun but there have been a few changes made and they want instructors to teach exactly the same, this is the reason of the class. Now for the news.

               On Wednesday night when I got in I was surprised to learn that we had to send a draft of 500 men to France at once. This effect all our old Battalion. But they would not allow any instructors to go, this means that Murray + I are still out of it and likely to be for some time to come, although we would both willingly go if they would let us.

               All the draft have been issued with Forage Cape, Straight cut tunics + trousers and believe me dears they do not look nearly as swanky without their kilts.

               I am relieving the mess room corporal to-day as he wants to see his brother, while I am down to the school I am relieved from all duties, so I am having it pretty easy.

               Murray came home from the range on Wednesday and we certainly are feeling like a couple of Home Guards just now.

               The draft had an inspection by the G.O.C. This morning and I would not be surprised to see them go away to-morrow.

               I hope you managed to hoe through that letter I sent you last week I certainly must have been wound up.

               I hope everything is going along just fine at home and that the bungalow is growing.

               Well dears Mur and I are feeling fine (do you remember Leo Short) who was in charge of the 33^rd canteen when the trouble started, well he is eating in our mess now. He had shell shock and is in some reserve bunch so I see him every day now he looks pretty good but is pretty shaky.

               Well dears remember me to all with barrels of love.

                              Bob

Will try and not miss next mail. Mur + I both have a good chance of getting a pass together when I finish course.

               Bob