17.3.15

Dear Gracie,

Many thanks for all your letters and postcards especially for all your trouble and the enormous amount of time you must have spent in going through that book bf slides for me. It really was good of you, I thank both Mr Mansford and yourself for your great help. The lecture was a great success. I gave it in the church hall. The Vicar put the lantern and everything else at my disposal, while the curate worked the lantern for me. The men were awfully bucked, and several grouped round afterwards asking questions, just as if I was the authority. I tried hard to get off this weekend, but had no luck. The Colonel wanted to try some battalion drill, and as this meant I should not be able to get any until late, I decided not to take the leave at all. However the battalion drill was excellently carried out. It's quite a treat to see the whole regiment carrying their rifles as one man, and the fine sight of the regiment advancing in 'mass formation'. Unfortunately the Colonel was pleased also, an and has, I understand, a asked the General next Saturday to come along and see us. If this is real the case, it will spoil my week end for the coming Saturday, and I must put it off once more. To-day I have been orderly officer. Needham has been my supernumerary. It is 10.p.m. now, and I am alone in my billet, waiting for 12 mid-night to come along, so that I can go and inspect the guard. It is rather rough on the guard being turned out at mid-night, but I have tested it on more than one occasion, so it is not so hard for them, as their guard room is a house and not a tent. Fancy Mr Gurtey getting married. It came quite a surprise to me. Quite a war wedding in fact. I received your letter telling me about it just about the time when three of our officers down here, went away to get married. Then I heard of the tour all going like that - one after the other - all second Lieutenants - I began to feel quite an 'ancient' and considered, that under the circumstances, it was time a fifth one was celebrated. When does the Spring term end? -- and will I find D.G.S. open to me, either this week or the following week end? Please give my kind regards to Mr and Mrs Mansford, always accepting the same for yourself. 'PeTer.'