Copy of a letter from Albert French to his sister May (Mabel Browne), dated 06.11.1915

The letter is headed with the information: ‘Stationed at Gidea Park, Romford, Essex’ and ‘Kings Royal Rifle Corps, November 6th, 1915’. Albert tells May that when he writes one of the family a letter he is really writing to them all. He worries that when he sends a letter or postcard to one person the others think he has forgotten them. He only has time to write one letter and therefore when he writes it must do for everyone. He confirms that after his last visit he got home safely and did not get wet. Aunt said that Will had wrote a letter but she could not find it and would send it next time. Albert comments that Will did send a letter but probably shoved it in an envelope and then forgot about it. Albert thanks May for sending him handkerchiefs. A gentleman sharing his room has given him two white handkerchiefs. Albert states that he is going to get three khaki handkerchiefs which will mean he has seven. He will send home five at a time and keep two. Albert states that in his company there is Lord Butler’s son, a Belgian millionaire, the Earl of Crewe’s son, and six valets. He then states that in his letter, Will asked him to get some cigarette photos but he couldn’t because the other men smoke Woodbines. Will had also asked him if he had shot any Germans on his route march and what drill will make Albert six feet tall by Christmas. Albert asks May to tell Will that he has not seen a single German, and that what with the good food, stiff drill and fresh air he should not be far off six foot by Christmas. He also says he will bring back Will more than cigarette photos for Christmas. Albert says he will bring back George and everyone else something too. He says he will be very glad if May has sent him some chocolate but understands if she cannot afford to. He is going to sort himself out in the next three months and hopes to be a lance corporal by Christmas. He was asked to drill a section last Friday and was told he had done well. Albert thinks he has a good chance of rising from the ranks. He asks May if she got the separation money yet. If not he will make enquiries. He asks after Alice in Wood Green, and says he was sorry he could not see Mrs Cox and Mrs Cope. He hopes to see them at Christmas when he gets another pass. Then he will get home just as quick as last time and will have at least six days leave. He says not to be surprised if he is nearly six feet tall when he gets home and that Dad will have to cut a bit out of the front door to let him in. He comments that a battalion of the Sportsmans and a brigade of the Royal Field Artillery have left for the Dardanelles three days ago. His company is being sent to Andover to join the 19th battalion of the Kings Royal Rifle Corps. He comments that two men of the regiment accidentally killed each other during bayonet training at Aldershot. The 10 Scottish, 3 Irish and 6 English regiments based there now train with the scabbards kept on. His companions think that they will be put into billets at Andover. They say it is not a lively place but they are better off than the 17th battalion stationed at Whitley who are three miles from the nearest house. He asks May to tell Dad that he will keep up the ‘fitting and turning, study hard and buy a military book a week. He will become a Major-General someday. He reassures May that he is behaving himself and only goes out three times a week, usually by himself. He walks around the town or goes to the YMCA in Romford. He has a jolly good wash, washes his hair and cleans his teeth once a day, and has bathing parade once a week. He comments that he sleeps on a straw mattress, with a pillow, three blankets and a waterproof sheet. He is warm but feels cold if he wakes up at one in the morning. He states that the sergeants are friendly with him as he knows his signals, semaphore and drill. He asks for Reg’s address and states that he will send Mrs Cope a photo. He talks about the new restrictions on postage and wonders if he can send five handkerchiefs home for a penny. He states that he has felt more religious and has been converted by the Salvation Army. Some soldiers feel the war will be the end of the world but he feels he has made a start for the good. He says he will write more and sends his love to all.