9.11.14

Dear Mr. Mansford,

No doubt you were very surprised to find a letter from me, awaiting you, on your return from Brighton. During Saturday evening I entirely forgot to speak to you about those blankets, tents, socks, etc. that you so kindly offered to let me have if necessary, or of the mugs of which the men stand so much in need as I mentioned in my letter. I thought of all these things on Sunday night and was rather annoyed with myself for forgetting to speak to you about them Then I wondered why you had not asked me about the matter until I remembered that my letter must have arrived in Dartford just after you left. Really there were many things that I wanted to tell you about, concerning the work down here, but you gave me each an enjoyable, never- to -be-forgotten evening, that those things were left unsaid. The earlier part of this afternoon was spent in fitting and serving out the men with their scarlet dress-suits. They were are pleased as anything with that and crowded round their mirrors in their tents, in order to admire them selves. It was with the greatest reluctance that they took them off although it me to get them stamped with their regimental number. I feel sure that every one of them will apply for leave this week-end, These dress suits are to be worn on church Parades, special marches, when "Walking Out" etc. It is exceedingly funny to see them just now, for they walk about in them, in a very self-conscious manner, with body errect and Shoulders well back, They have also been served out with entrenching tools, and have had their first lesson in trench digging. This has also put fresh keenness into them, for they feel that they are getting nearer and nearer to completion and the Germans. To see the way they worked with pick and spade was enough to make anyone proud of them (let alone their own commander), and although some might have criticised the finished trench, yet I thought it an excellent piece of work, considering it was their first attempt. And now, before I close, will you permit me to thank you, Mrs. Mansford, and Gracie, not only for your kindness to me on Saturday last, but for your great help and favours bestowed on me in the past. Yours very sincerely, p.t. Smith,