Crowborough Sussex
Nov. 20 - 1916
Dear Mother: -
I received a money order and letter from you and I sure was glad. I received it yesterday. I certainly apprecieated both letter and the money. I got paid £1 & 10 shillings on Oct. 28th. That was just before the battalion left Witley Camp. Frank had not got paid then till about 3 days after we did. So I took him around and treated him while he was broke and so did Mundi. Then when Frank got paid we went down town and he treated us to lunch. My money soon went. Then the 108 battalion left camp and we were left with the 107th until we came to this camp. We boys were getting short of money so our sergeant the 107th Paymaster to advance us 10 shillings on Oct. 6th. Then last pay day Nov. 15th I only got 10 shillings and I was nearly broke when I received the money order. I guess I will get £1 and 10 shillings next pay day. I have a notion to apply for a pass for next week end to go to Seaford and see the boys. I heard the other day that a draft of 250 men were to be sent to France soon from the 108th. I got a letter from Mundi yesterday and he said he thought that five or six out of No 11 Platton were going. The 183rd Battalion was split up and divided between the 100th 107th 108th & 144th. I also heard the other day that a part of the 196th University battalion was put into the 108th. The Roosters seem to be holding her own as we might say. She will hold her title and number although other battalions get split up. Frank is taking a course in signalling. He is attached to the signal base at Seaford. I had just read your letter last night when I was called oout on Patrol duty. We had to look after some rich womans estate about 3 miles from here. We were to see that no soldiers damaded her property. Some soldiers broke down a tree on her place or something like that and now they send a patrol down there to look after the place. We were there from 5 oclock till 11 oclock last night. We had to stay there out in the rain and it was midnight when I got to bed and we had to get up at six oclock this morning and fall in at 7 oclock to go to the ranges. We were at the ranges all day and we will be shooting there every day this week. We have to walk about three miles to the ranges with an overcoat on and carrying oour pack and a rifle. I was nearly allin when I got there because the road is all up and down-hill especially after staying up so late. I'll very soon harden to it though. I wasn't the only one who was tired either. I got a letter from Frank today and he did not have much to say. He said he was going to London soon to see Frank Dalgleish who is an old friend of his. Dalgleish got a job in London in the Military Pay Office.
I am going to write home as often as I can and I want you to write often too and also the girls. I know you are longing for letters from me and believe me I like to get a few letters myself. Every time I receive a letter there is a look of satisfaction and gladness on my face. You ought to see how eagerly the boys crowd around the Corporal who brings the mail. Around. When he comes in the boys make a dash for him. We had a sign of winter the other day. It actually snowed here on Saturday and Sunday (yesterday) but there is no trace of snow now. It soon melted away leaving mud puddles everywhere. We had to march through a lot of slush today. I heard that Lieut. Honason had received a letter from Lieut. Hallgrimur Jonsson and Jonsson had told Jonsson that he had been awarded the Military Cross for some daring night raid he had made on the Germans. I suppose you knew he was at the front. Well I must quit now. Best regards to all the friends. Love to all the folks and relatives. Kiss all the children and Dad for me. God Bless you Mother.
Your Loving Son Archie
