Somewhere in England
April 18th, 1940

Dear Mom,

Since I wrote you last a lot of exciting things have happened. The boys of the regiment got their marching order this morning - no I'm sorry, two days ago: April 16th. They were given twenty four hours notice that they had to be on their way the next day. Of course there was a tremendous scurry and bustle. They were all issued with new equipment and they had to have everything packed. They were not allowed to take any kit bags either; they had to carry everything that they needed in the back packs so of course, a lot of stuff was left behind.

Of course I was tremendously excited and rushed up to Major M----- and wanted to know when I would rejoin my company. And then came the terrible blow that I am still trying to recover from. I was told that I wasn't going! I still can't believe the boys whom I know so well, whom I have lived and trained with for the past six months, have marched off and left me behind. But it won't be for long. I am moving heaven and earth right now to get back to them. I know you and Dad want me to stay where I am in a position of comparative safety but I'm not going to. I came over here to fight Germans and by God, I'm going to get at least one if it's the last thing I ever do! I'm going to parade up before the CO and get transferred to the first Reinforcement Company. Major M----- promised to send for me as soon as he had a vacancy in his ranks and from what I can gather of their mission that won't be very long. So the next letter you get I may be on my way. I hope to God I am. They're not going to leave me behind again; not if I can help it.

Goodbye for now Mother. I'm too mad and bitterly disappointed to writer anymore just now.

Love as Always,

Jim