Oct 16 1916

Reply to No. 195.560 (C) Company 39th Battalion 3rd Brigade

West Sandling Camp, Kent Eng.

Dear Mr Irwin

Just a line in answer to your kind & welcome letter. I tell you it is a big relief to have some word of counsel & advice & to know that some one is thinking & praying for you at the other side of the world, we need all your prayers for us out here we have a lot to contend with but by God’s help we shall win through I do not know yet whether I shall have to go to France. But if I have I will do my duty to God & my country. You will know by the new address on the top of this page that we have been transferred into the 39th Batt. I am sorry to say that the 93rd is no more all broken up & we have had to go back to the ranks as privates after working hard to win our stripes & tell you it was a blow to me I would not have cared if I & also the boys long for their homes. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness to my dear wife & children & while you are in Norwood keep a watchful eye upon them, also thank Mrs Irwin for me I know she as not much time for visiting she as a lot to do at home but she is a splendid woman & glories in the work of the Master. Give my respects to all enquiring friends & tell them that I always think of all the many kindnesses given to me & mine. They do not keep there promises to the boys our here but never mind every thing will turn out fine for us all, so with this I will conclude with best love

From your ever faithful servant

Pte Iden Bonds

Please excuse the Blob & writing it is in fits & jurts