9.9.15.

My dear Mr Mansford,

Thank you ever so much for your letter and please thank Gracie also for her card. Yes, my move was much sooner than many of the men expected but I knew that we would not stay long after our four days leave. We had been pushing things forward very quickly just then. Well, we are out here and I personally am having quite an enjoyable time. Of course we have to rough it, but being out here at last, we expect all that now. We journeyed here from the port of disembarkation in unventilated cattle trucks, 40 men per truck. It as a very very long journey, and sleep was impossible. Officers and men until now have been living solely on bully and biscuits - and sometimes I have put down one biscuit lest my teeth should b the first to give way. A little lime juice has been served out to the men to counteract the great quantity of tinned foodstuff. All the men are very happy and enjoying life. We censor their letters at night, and some of them as you can imagine are very interesting, but it is a very boring job. I do not have my letters censored (although all letters may be opened at the base) but I am on my honour to write nothing of our doing as regards our whereabouts etc. My French has come in very handy and I rather enjoy practising it on the people here. Last night I was up until turned 11 p.m. Chatting with the good people of my billet. It is very interesting. For the present I am no longer in 'D' coy. After my four days leave the Colonel told me I was to go out with the battalion, acting 2nd. In command of 'B' Coy. Until they found someone. So I have got a lift up for the time being. The Colonel again said it was a pity I was so young. The 2nd. In command said that Napoleon Was a Captain at 25 and that Wellington was a Captain at 19 years of age. I rather wanted to twirl my moustache when I heard this, but refrained. The Adjutant also stuck up for me, but the poor old Colonel, deep in thought, merely shook his head - so here I am, having done the work of a Captain when we embarked, when we disembarked, entraining, detraining, work out here, and for some time in the firing line. I do the work, I have to take the responsibility - but that is all - just because I did not happen to be born a few days sooner than I was. Very funny, isn't it ? However I don't suppose it will go on for long now and I shall soon return to 'D' Coy. And to my own platoon, and I know my men will not be sorry when I do. Please give my best respects to Mrs Mansford and Gracie. I will write again when I get the opportunity. Yours very sincerely. 'PeTer.'.