Bramshot, Eng.
March 4th, 17
Dear Mither
Note the change of residence. Well as a consequence yours truly has been working like a bull all day today (Sunday) for as I predicted they picked on Sunday for the day to move us, Of course it did not need a prophet to tell it, anyone in the B.E.F. could have told it. Lucky beggar! Yours truly was put on the advanced party to get things ready for the Battn. coming in. Well we left Friday & were called out for it from a dandy route march on which we were to start five minutes later. We arrived here at 6 P.M. & saw the best part of England into the bargain. Well the lines we were to take over were not ready so we had all day yesterday to roam around the neighboring villages. We visited a nice little burg called hazelmere. There is a nice little museum there but we were to late to get inside of it. By the way we got on the wrong trail going over & when we noticed it we cut across the fields (quite English eh) but we finnally landed up on a private preserve & nearly got pinched for trespassing We didn't mind that though for honestly it was the swellest place I ever set eyes on & would have been worth getting pinched for the chance of seeing it. However we got off it alright & at last landed in Haslemere. We went to a show & had supper down town & came home in the moonlight We got the right road home & gee it was fine in the moonlight. It was a narrow lane (about 12 ft) with tall pines growing on either side of us & meeting over head at a height of about 60 ft. But as the song says "whats the use of moonlight, when you haven't got a girl to love.
I got your letter of the 30th of Jan the other day & have not had a minute to spare to answer it as yet & if it were not for the few minutes we get before the rest of the Battn get here I would not get this away by tomorrows mail & that would be terrible wouldn't it.
They just pulled me out a few minutes ago to cart some tables down for the darned old officers. The helples critters they even have a guy to shine their shoes for them.
Well Mither here is a corporal again & he wants me on some other job so I guess I will have to quit again. ta ta.
Back again Mither o' Mine but I have to turn out at 9-30 to go over to the cook house & serve supper to the other poor hungry cusses who will arrive about then. This Advance party is not such a snap after all but it has staying behind beaten by a mile & a arf. Gee they will cuss coming up that hill from the station which is about 3 miles away & it is a bitter cold night & snowing a bit.
Bert Dickey was waiting man on a draft when I left but I don't think he will get away for there is a very little fear of anyone dropping out on their own accord. Dickey saw Capt. Oliver & asked to be taken off to waite for me but I am not sure if he got it or not. The chances are about 90% that he does not go & I sure hope he doesn't.
Well Mither I guess I will run this to a finis for I may have to go any minute to chuck hash for the boys. Love to Dad & the girls & keep lots for yourself.
Lovingly Rae
