Copy of a letter from Albert French to his sister May in December 1915 or January 1916
Albert tells May he meant to write to her before but the last two or three days he has been out from 8am to 9pm so it has been impossible. Today he has been on a brigade field day at ‘The Devil’s Punch bowl’. He says that a sailor was murdered there on his way to Portsmouth by a highwayman in 1756. It is supposed to be haunted. They left camp with the brigade consisting of the Royal West Kents, the East Surreys, the Hampshires and the 18th Kings Royal Rifles. The KRR had to go last otherwise they would march too fast. After two miles 2 RWKs and 6 East Surreys had fallen out. Two miles from the Devil’s Punch bowl the KRR had to attack the RWK who were wearing white bands around their hats. Alfred describes the KRR advancing against the RWK and the sounds of rifle and machine gun fire. His platoon was in reserve at the top of the punch bowl and looking down into the valley. He describes the stretcher bearers and signallers. They then all continued the march and had dinner in a big field. The ladies from the neighbouring villages came and had a look at them, giving them compliments. They then marched back to camp singing songs with the band. The KRR got back to camp first and had been in barracks ten minutes before the others straggled in. The captain told them they had a good reputation for marching and were going to go on a test march the following day. Albert says his photographs came out alright. He thinks he looks older, taller, plainer and better looking. He hopes there will be enough to go round. He has received a letter from Reg Timms whose brother is going to enlist. He asks May to tell Aunt that he will sort out the allotment money and will badger the man until it is. Otherwise he will talk to the captain. Albert asks to be sent five shillings as their pay has been delayed. He needs to pay back someone who lent him three shillings and he needs to get black buttons before Monday. He expects Wolverton has had a Zeppelin scare and sends his love to all.
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