Copy of a letter from Albert French to his sister May in 1916
Albert tells May that they are doing their general musketry course now. He is doing well and trying for a Marksman Badge. With this or as a first class shot he will get an extra 6d a day which is worth having. He describes the experience of firing a rifle and the targets that they shoot at. The 18th Kings Royal Rifles are doing the best at firing at Aldershot. (Albert leaves the letter and returns to writing it on Monday 27th). He says they finished the musketry course that morning. He did well in the first two parts but not so well in the third and final parts, so now he is a second class shot. They did training in gas masks as well. They had to put them on and fire five rounds rapid. He describes running in them and then struggling to breathe. They smell of chemicals and are made of old shirts. They are going to be vaccinated tomorrow. He has heard nothing about leave but expects to be home within a week. He will let them know. He is angry about the allotment money being stopped out of his pay. He asks Aunt for a pair of socks and says he needs handkerchiefs too. He talks about turning out in the middle of the night because of a fire at the camp. If he comes home on leave he thinks he will have full pack and rifle with him. He says he will write again tomorrow and sends love to all. He asks them to excuse his bad writing.
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