291494 A. Coy 19th Reserve Batt in C.E.F.
Army Post Office
London England

Bramshott Camp
Liphook
Hant's
March 5/17

My Dear Betty:-

Well dear we arrived at our new quarters last night or rather this morning about 1-30 AM, we were in the train about 5 hrs without any light, then we had to march about 2 miles to camp &such a night snowing hard - that wet clinging snow, awfully nasty, however after a good hot meal we felt alright. We are away from the sea now - our camp has been built in a part of the Historic New Forest, & from what little I have seen, on our march here etc, I think the scenery is very beautiful - splendidly wooded with fine old trees, it seems a shame to cut them down, Liphook is quite a historic town or rather village, about which I will be able to tell you more later, you will be interested to know one thing however - standing in the maine street of the village is the tree (a splendid & beautiful old chestnut tree, with its knarled trunk & great spreading branches) made famous by the poet Longfellow in his "The VillageBlacksmith" we passed under it in our march to camp.

Late I hope to visit the village - the old Smithy & church with its "God's acre", also the cottage where dwelt the Village Blacksmith. I must also try & send you some views of all the places of interest. We are seeing quite a little of Old England I wish I could show you around dear, how you would enjoy it. Just before leaving Seaford - I went to the Bank (Lloyds) & cashed in the draft, also opened an account which I had transferred to Blackburn, my idea is this, should I need any money at any time I can send a cheque to Rose & she can draw it & send it on to me, then again, any time I have money to deposit she can do it for me - When I go to France I shall send her my Pass-book & in the meantime, as soon as I get my cheque book, I shall send you a signed blank check, & should anything happen to me all you will have to do will be to fill in the amount standing to my credit of which I will keep you posted, send it to Rose & she can draw it & forward it to you.

I think this will be the best arrangement don't you think so? Let me know what you think about it. The amount of my deposit is £30, & I hope to supplement this from time to time by a little. We are going to get some nasty weather by the look of things just now - but it will soon pass I hope. I don't think I shall be in England long now, & hope to get to France in time to take a hand in the "March to Berlin". The German's seem to be on the move at last & please God keep them moving.

The Turks also are on the run, & I still think that this year will see the end who-ever lives to see it. I hope dear that the worst of the winter is over for you. How is Mattie remember to her also Hal & Gunns - You might send a little tobacco once in a while "Old Chum" medium it is done up in packets, its hard to get good tobacco here & it is very dear. How are my kiddies? I still keep you all in my hat, & better still you are enshrined safe & warm in my heart - May the day soon come when we shall be reunited. My fond love to my little daughter & son, tell them I'll soon be sending them some more cards. And now Good-Bye for now dear heart May God have you in His own keeping & bless you with all needed blessing. Fondest love & lots of kisses.

ever yours lovingly

Will