07.02.15

Thank you ever so much for your letter, I received it first thing last Monday morning. Please do not think I am slack or neglectful in not answering you before, for I have not written a single letter these two or three weeks on a week day, I have been forced to leave them until the Saturday or Sunday, when I try and answer the whole weeks letters During this last week we have been extremely busy, so busy that T have not had a single evening to myself, let alone an hour or so during the day. On Friday we attempted a rout march. We started at 8a.m. With a day's rations in the haversack and orders for water or cold tea (?) in the water bottle. At 5.0.p.m. we re-entered Worthing, after having completed a march of 25 miles. Not a single man fell out during the whole time, every one was quite fit after the day's journey, and we were well ahead of the calculated time for arriving at the different places we passed through. The regulation pace or 120 paces per minute, was excellently maintained from beginning to end, being checked every now and again by means of a watch. We halted in a beautiful country spot beside a glorious little stream, and had our mid-day meal. It was really quite a picnic. I saw Plant to-day and we arranged to go round to 37 Cobden road one night during the coming week. I expect we shall see him all right, but the trouble will be that there is sure to be one or two other chaps in the same billet as himself and they will have one common room, this will make things rather difficult for both him and us if the others are present. However we are going round to see him. I am so glad you like the "Happy Warrior" is so well arranged under the different headings, embracing every possible thought. The foreword by Lord Roberts greatly adds to the value or the book. Fancy Johnny Needham coming down here. It really was quite a suprise. I really should like to have a glimpse at him attending his school of instruction at Oxford. He will just hate going on the square learning how to form fours etc. When he has finished that he will be placed on our regimental square under further instruction to see if he has learnt it all thoroughly. By the way I have prepared a ragging for him. Or course I do not know what company he will be posted to, but if he comes to "D", I shall try and get the job of finding him a billet. I have made enquiries and have found a lovely place for him already. It will suit him down to the ground I feel sure. When he gets in it, he will find two or three fairly ancient spinsters of very fussy ways who will look after him etc. Moreover there is a man who is rather thick headed, who thinks he knows everything, and who will never give in although he knows he is in the wrong. I should think this billet would suit little Johnny right down to the ground. I can just imagine those old dames trotting round him, and making a fuss of him, and trying to make him comfy. Don't you think it will be a glorious rag? But there, perhaps he will not be posted to "D" Company. I really wish I could attend a few operations of the O.T.C. again, although I can not imagine myself now as having charge of one whole section. I feel sure I should go round and see if some of those Form II imps had shaved properly before turning out. Yes, I remember that night we did outposts quite well. It was awfully good - but I know I enjoyed the march (or walk) back much better. Yes, we obtained those mugs alright. 1,000 at 4/11 per doz. at Gamages. The Colonel owned that they were not nearly so good as mine, but as he could get no others, the had no choice. They are probably in France by now. Poor old Herbert Troary Bowyer is awfully keen I know and it is an awful pity that he has not got a commission. If he could only get in touch with a newly formed battalion and knew the Colonel he could get one by recommendation the same as many others have done. However I expect we shall soon see him with stripes decorating his arms. I was awfully sorry the last time I was home that I could not stay that Sunday afternoon, still I am jolly glad now for it is a pleasure to come, and one which I shall take the first opportunity to avail myself of the next time I come home unless you get bored with me continually putting in an appearance, disturbing your afternoon or evening rests. Thank you ever so much for your "valued" remark about one or "D" Company's officers, Some of "D" Company's officers might dispute with you but I take your word before theirs. -"Thank you". Kind regards to all, " PeTer. "