Fort Garry Horse
CCD Shorncliffe
31st July 1916

Dear Mother

I was very disappointed to hear this evening that all passes had been cancelled: the reason for it is really obscure; one theory being that the confounded Sam Hughes is coming down to inspect is during the week whilst the orderly Corporal who makes out the passes, says it is due to the railways expecting a crash of traffic on bank holiday.

So I shall have to wait another week and pray for better luck then. If it doesn't come through then I will parade before the O.C. & demand some explanation.

I have been in this blessed army over five months now with only two Sunday off during that time.

I hope this wont affect Dad so that we wont be able to spare time for a holiday when I do manage to get away, if ever.

I am enclosing a proof of a photograph taken last Saturday before I came down to the sports there was a man waiting outside the stables with a camera so I let him take a snap of one. It doesn't appear to be bad. I will send you another copy when they are printed.

I hope you got home alright: it has been a terribly hot day here & we have been riding all day from 8 to 4:30 with full equipment so you may imagine that have been pretty warm, including our tempers.

Tell Audrey that her cake was most excellent with plenty of currants in it not like the ‘soldiers cake' named so on account of their being a day's march between each currant.

Well I will write again during the week and will let you know how the chances are for next weeks pass

Much love

Cuthbert