I wrote Mr Smally but have not heard from him

291494 A.Coy. 19th Reserve Batt
C.E.F.
c/o London Post Office
England
April 1st

Bramshott
Was amused with Hattie's letter

My Dear Betty:-

Well I have begun to receive your letters at last in the last four or five days I have received 7 letters, to day (Sunday) I received 4 letters No's 9-8-3&4, so that you see I have learned about Shirley's taking the measles & her re-covery at one & the same time almost - also of Billy's taking them I so trust that all will be well, it is certainly a hard time for you, & if wishing could bring me to you, I'd have been there long ago, however keep up a brave heart dear one & the day will come at last, & it will be " Some Day" eh?

While we are on the quarantine question you will be interested to know that the hut in which I stay with Serg't McLord & 26 men was placed in quarantine for mumps on Friday March 30th, this means we shall be tied up for 28 days, so that we shall hardly be out when you receive this letter, its kind of provoking especially now the spring weather is here - the time when England is at its best. I am glad you are receiving the picture post cards etc, you should have received a lot more by this time, besides cards I have also sent two large books of views of Haslemere & Lipbook, & a small booklet descriptive of the "Royal Anchor Hotel." I hope you receive safely the letter containing the ivy leaves etc from Tennyson's Home - I hope to have the chance of getting out there again before I leave this part of the country - there are all kinds of places of historical & literary interest around here & the beauty of the country cannot be surpassed anywhere I never knew myself how beautiful Old England was until I came over this time - how I wish that some day I might be able to take you arround to see for yourself these scenes. You will be able to read for yourself in your papers of conditions here. The food question is certainly a serious one a loaf of bread which before the war cost 2 ½ (5 cents) now costs [?]= (24 cents) & it is not made of all flour either - potatoes - sugar - meat are very dear - in fact you can only get a certain amount & on certain days, however I think we'll pull through in spite of the subs & that the Huns will be the first to cry "Quit" we have them on the run at last & I believe we'll keep them going also the Turks - You will know that I received your 3rd parcel O.K. I wouldn't bother dear about sending parcels - its quite an expense for you & while I certainly have enjoyed them, yet I do not like to think that you are stinting yourself of the kiddies of anything - so don't worry about me dear I'll be alright, look after yourself & the kiddies & enjoy the best you can, & then if I am spared to return we'll have a good time together please God. I have decided to return the money you sent me as I do not care to take any chance of losing it should anything happen to me, & have decided now that if the commission is offered to me I shall refuse it. I do hope that there will be no bad after effects from the measles, am glad that Mattie is getting better & that you have had the opportunity of doing what you could for her.

I wish dear that if were possible for me to write as I would like, but it is impossible in this environment, though I am pretty well hardened to it now. Just a week ago there was a General Mobilization of all troops in Great Britain there were all kinds of reports as to the cause of it, but we have not heard anything definite as yet - you may have got word though over there - All we know is that last Saturday Serg't McLord & myself were out for the afternoon, we had just sent off your Haslemere views & were on our way to Lipbook, when we were stopped by a mounted order & told that all troops were to report back to their units at once, & in two hours time every man in Camp was ready for France or anywhere they might choose to send us it was Monday afternoon before we were demobilized. The most persistent report is that the German Navy came out to convoy a fleet of transports containing German troops over to invade England - & that the British Navy engaged them, sank transports containing 6000 troops, & between 20 & 30 war vessels, we ourselves loosing about 20 vessels - this report is still being persistently circulated - One thing seems sure, that is, that the Germans were frustrated on a daring attempt to invade England. Must close now dear, Look after yourself My dear - dear love to yourself & my darlings Shirley & Arthur, tell them how I like to get their letters etc, & write me often about all your doings. God bless you dears & have you in His own keeping. Ever yours

Will

Betty xxxxxxxxx
Shirley xxxxxxx
Billy xxxxxxx