27 July 1916

Telephone 7538 Victoria

5, Vincent Square Mansions,

Westminster,

S.W.

Dear Colonel Purcell,

I was so sorry not to find Mrs Purcell at home yesterday when I called.  I hope she will call to see me when she is in London.

I hope I made it clear to you that I did not come to make enquiries into your administration but to ascertain whether the War Office were providing properly for the S. Africans.  Who *** all the *** *** come from a hot to a cold country & that they receive so little pay.

Therefore I did not come so much to tell you what I had been doing – but to find out – if I could – from yourself – whether you were satisfied with the arrangements.

After seeing you I saw some other men of the Scottish (well educated & *****) who said that nothing could be better than the food itself – but it was quite spoiled in the cooking & that I ought to have been there at dinner time to see it.  This *** *** I am reporting to yourself not to the War Office.

They also told me that the Quebec Barracks – where I went – was *** quite recently & *** it was the Alexandra Park Bks which were **** **** that the soldiers had been & some was still there – but that all the men were now being moved into ** Quebec & that men would be sent to the Alexandra until the men came from “German” East.

So – if again S. Africans are sent to the Alexandra again I shall complain to the War Office – as that will be their doing not yours.

Many thanks for the kindness with which you received me

Yours sincerely

Marian T Mason.

In envelope addressed to Colonel Purcell S. African Forces Bordon Hants.  Postmarked LONDON S.W.  3.15 P.M.  27 JUL 16.

Flanders

July 27^th 1916

My dear Harry,

I received Ethel’s parcel and letter on the 25^th.  There were no letters that day.  Yours came yesterday.  I sent Ethel a postcard yesterday which will probably arrive at the same time as this letter.  This is the first opportunity I have of writing and thanking you for the parcel.  The butter arrived in the pink of condition and at a very opportune moment.  The cake disappeared so quickly that there is no doubt as to its popularity.  The books, toothbrushes & ginger are all coming in very handy.  It was very sensible indeed of you to take the twelve days.  I hope you both have a decent little holiday.  If the weather is the same as ours you couldn’t have it better.  There must be no doubt about your going to the sea side.  Go.  This time I am in the front line and we have had a warmer time of it.  There has been any amount of shell activity.  Rifle grenades, which have a small danger zone, have been very common.  Trench mortars I believe they have visited us once daily.  They are huge things and as dangerous as the largest of shells.  They are very high explosives & vary from 15 lbs to 200 lbs. I think.  When they are coming over we get out of our dug-outs & watch for their arrival.  I believe trench mortars are the only things you can see coming over.  They look like tremendous black sausages.  Aerial torpedoes and Silent Lizzies also abound.  The former have three explosions.  We send a little stuff over & get quick returns.  Fritz & Co are very cute.  They send one or two trench mortars & we are out of our dug-outs when they start rifle grenades, silent lizzies and the torpedoes – quite a shell salad.  A rifle grenade burst on the wall opposite our dug-out entrance, pushed one of our chaps right inside &  shook up the other two.  I was on duty elsewhere at the time & didn’t have any as close as that.  Of course every one of us has a tale of a bit of shell being only a few inches off & other narrow escapes.  I’ve had a couple of rifle grenade bits rather close myself.  The middle of last night however was the tit-bit.  I am not allowed to say what we did but anyway it resulted in a very hot bombardment.  The light from explosion flashes, star shells, signals & smoke made it like daytime.  There is no doubt we upset them considerably.  We were very affectionately disposed towards the bottom of the trenches.  I was on duty all day yesterday also almost all night so I am very tired this morning.  How did you find out where Bernard was?  I guessed that is where he would be.  I am wondering if you have any idea of our locality.  I tell Mother very little & often mention things to you that I might tell her but which escape my mind at the time I write, so tell her if there is anything you think she would like to know.  Whilst we were out last time three of us went to a town very close to our camp & followed your advice by having a bottle of rattling champagne between us.  Needless to say we like it very much.  We had a meal there, each bought an aluminium ring made from part of a German shell & several other things in the eating line.  We did champagne in style by having cigars at the same time & propose a similar outing at a very early date.  The last time I heard from Mother – four or five days ago – she was at Ross and seemed quite well.  Olive was still away at Neyland.  The Colonel caused a notice to be issued to each company about commissions.  If you eventually obtain a commission four & a half months have passed since you applied for it.  The next five lines in the original are censored out.  The applicant has to be prepared to spend a couple of months in a Young Officers School & pass examinations.  The next three lines in the original are censored out.  Now what do you think of it?   Very few people want to be left half an hour longer in the army than possible; although I suppose it’s O.K. in peace times.  What on earth is to prevent a man resigning his commission?  How can they?  I suppose they would make you swear volumes.  I have not applied yet but I expect I shall.  It is said that in the event of nearly everyone applying it is most probable we would be turned into an O.T.C.  Now I will write a few lines to Ethel & wish you goodbye

            Yours as ever,

                        Alan.

My dear Ethel,

Thank you very much for the parcel.  I have told Harry it arrived in perfect trim.  The writing pad affair is great.  We had an extra pocket made in our tunics & it was then discovered it was useless for the purpose intended, namely of carrying the second gas helmet, and the wallet just fits the pocket nicely.  I don’t care if the ginger is good for me, I like it.  Very few of my chums like it but I make them have some now & then.  It was a great pity the screen went.  You must swot up the prices of everything in future.  Still you don’t want to have to cart out more furniture than you can help until you are fixed up, although, on the other hand, antiques are rarer in England by long chalks.  From time to time I see a few odds and ends that I think I would like over here but I don’t seem to think they are much good & in any case it is impossible for me to get anything & store it or send it home.  There are any amount of things you ladies would find handy in the household such as casseroles, fruit preserving jars & all sorts of sticks that cannot be obtained in England.  In many little ways I have noticed but forgotten they have an advantage over us.  I wonder where you are going.  I do hope it’s a decent place near Cardiff.  Would you like to be in a small county town or a fairly large town?  In several of the French shops the proprietors have to be beaten down & whether they know we soldiers know it or not I don’t know.  If I want a thing I give them whatever they ask.  I am not at all keen on haggling with a French dame on something that costs a franc.  I was very amused the other day.  A fellow in some other battalion went into a shop for some tooth paste & I heard the lady say one franc four-pence.  The chap hum and har’d & finally offered her seven-pence halfpenny.  The lady explained that as the article cost one franc two-pence she was far from accepting his offer.  Consequently there was no business.  Another time we were in a shop trying to get a ring to fit one of us & we were speaking in (our own) French & every ring was tried on but one couldn’t be found to fit so we said we were sorry & suddenly the demoiselle jerked out “Nothing doing” in a very comical fashion.  She showed us a helmet her forefather had won in some battle some years ago.  At a “bijouterie” (jewellers) an article would be purchased for one franc.  In a little shop the same article cost one franc two pence.  In such a case we told the old dame that we had bought a similar thing cheaper & she said where.  We told her & she replied “Oh! yes, at the jeweller’s.”  She has to go there for the purchase.  They don’t seem to have our retail & wholesale way at all.

Well, I think I have come to the continued in our next part, so must close remaining with much love,

            Yours affectionately,

                        Alan.

On Active Service envelope addressed to Mr & Mrs. H. R King, Munmore, Zion Road, Rathgar, Dublin.  Ans^d 6/8/16.

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 28 JY 16.  Hexagonal Passed Field Censor 3274 cachet.  Signature of front probably W.G. Shaw.

W.P. Heyworth

———————————–

Parapet Pipes

and

Rubber and Connections being used in the trenches.

25.7.16

Sec	Fourway	Twoway	Single	Para pipe	Remarks
43	52	2	2	55
44	52	2	2	55
46	52	2	2	55	Connections given require 56 *** pipes
47	52	2	2	55
48	52	2	2	55
29	52	2	2	55
Total	312	12	12	330

V. Lefebure

Capt RE

Note on back:- Sap 15 to Right Flank of Angres I will not be reoccupied until Lt Beesley has reported it clear to O.C. Right Company at the latter’s H.Q.

AIR RAIDS.

Instructions for O’s. C. Trains.

In the case of the “ALARM” being given whilst the train is still in this yard, the O.C., Train will instruct all men to detrain and double to the fields beyond the Y.M.C.A. Rest Camp at the end of the Triage.

No attempt to rejoin the train must be made until the “ALL CLEAR” signal is given.

Os. C., train are responsible that the men are kept together as much as possible and that they all rejoin the train at the same time.

FRENCH ALARM.  All lights go out and all traffic ceases.

BRITISH      “         Several shots fired from A.A. guns.

Abbeville.      ALL CLEAR Bell tolling in the Town.

D.K. C****

Major

D.A.D.R.T.

———————————–

Receiver 20 14 watches

Nos

26700F                      17862F

26085F                      18686F

23554F

26230F                      Number struck through.

21930F                      Number struck through.

25842F                      Number struck through.

18081F                      Number struck through.

23631F                      Number struck through.

23313F                      Number struck through.

23553F

25820F

18303F

22/9/16                       R.M. Beesley 2/Lt. R.E.

——————————-

ALL SERVICES

Inventory of Plant, Tools, Instruments &c issued

for use on the Works (or Record of Requisition).

46 Section

Received 20/8/16

Description

57 Fourways, 2 twoways 2 singleways

Parapet pipes Straight 55 bends 52

                        Tools

25 Box Keys DE

27 Universal with ***

8 L Keys

1 Y    “

2 S.E   “

12 Clamps

85 Staples

                        Signature unreadable

                        23/8/16

France Thursday

27^th July 1916

My Dear Harry & Ethel,

            I received your two letters today & am getting an answer ready for post tomorrow.  With regard to the lady in question you will remember that towns often bear ladies’ names.

            I received your parcel the day I posted my last letter but as we are now allowed to post only one letter per day I was not able to let you know I had received it before.  I am glad to say it arrived in very good order and I thank you all very much indeed.  I am now writing on the paper you sent & smoking your cigarettes.  About the lemonade – there was no sugar with the mixture & as I can’t get any here I had to do without.  It was rather bitter but certainly quenched the thirst.

            We are still fairly active here and I hope to hear of some good results shortly, and as you say if the cavalry had a good chance we might get some interesting reading.

            I today received a letter from Alan, he appears to be making periodical visits to the trenches, but unless he is concerned in a “push” or “show” the danger is not so very great.  A lot of the infantry say that would not have our job at any price, as after a spell in the trenches they do get a rest.  Alan apparently gets plenty of opportunities of spending money as there are canteens and shops of a sort in his vicinity, but such conveniences do not reach us, neither is there any sign of a Y.M.C.A.  We certainly did start a canteen of our own in a tent but a stray shell some weeks ago blew it sky high & since then it has withered away (the canteen I mean).  The worst of it is that I have plenty of money (about 40 francs and a pound note) which I am dying to burn.

            I should imagine that the Germans did expect to hold their positions for ever judging by the solidity of their dugouts, but for myself I don’t like their system of such deep dugouts (some of them I believe go down as far as 30 ft) as there is the danger of getting buried in case a shell hits the roof, which has happened in many cases.

            You are certainly getting on very rapidly now and in another week or two should hear where your new post will take you.  I hope however your holiday will not be interrupted and that you will have a good time at Rush.  When we witnessed the cavalry manoeuvres there some years ago it certainly did not strike me that I should ever be playing that game.  I am glad you are getting better weather and hope it will hold up for your holiday.  There are all sorts of insects here but not too troublesome.  Our present dugouts though are overrun with rats and mice.

            With regard to the question of destiny (? identity)I can only say that you can say what you like in your letters – mine are censored.  I did not mean Ada or anyone I met in Ireland.  Think hard.

            I can quite understand and your trouble in finding something to write about but my position is worse as I am full of information that I am bursting to impart but have to restrain myself.  I have very nearly filled four pages which I hope will satisfy you but I am very much afraid of the quality.

            Yours,

                        Bernard.

In envelope addressed to Mr & Mrs Harry R King, Esq., Munmore, Zion Road, Rathgar, Dublin. Ireland.  Ans^d 6.8.16

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE T.47.  30 JY 16.  Hexagonal PASSED FIELD CENSOR 3447.  Signed J.W. England.

1862 J James

1/5 Leicester Regt

Transport Sec

Dear Mr,

            Just a few lines to say I got your letter, and was very pleased with it, i am going on nicely up to now, i had a letter from Miss Hunt, but i am sending a letter, we are having some rain, but never mind, we can stand it, we are having to keep our eyes open they are shelling in the next field to us, i hope we are going to win, but they are a bit hot some times, all the send there best love to you, and all there Friends, I think this is all this time, i will write again in a other week,

From  A Soldier Friend at the Front.

In envelope addressed to Rev T.W. Walters, Vicar of Whitwick, Leicester Rd, Whitwick, Leicestershire.  England.

Letter postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE T 46  26 JY 15

PASSED BY CENSOR 405 in triangular cachet in red.

25^th July 1916

Operation Orders for Gas Attack of –

1. Section Commanders will ensure that sections are organised into the necessary emplacement crews and orderlies.
2. Sections will parade at 5.45 p.m., ready for transport to trench head.
3. Parade in fighting order.
4. Sections will be inspected and watches synchronised.
5. Spanners and connection accessories will be carried by sections in labelled sandbags.
6. Brassards will be carried, but may not be worn until the front trench is reached.
7. On reaching front line, stores well be distributed, cylinders tested, connections made (finger tight only).
8. Officers will identify their approximate signal dug-out and report their arrival by sending wind message to O.C. COY.
9. Zero will be fixed before proceeding to the line, and discharge will take place without further warning unless wind conditions prove unfavourable.  If no postponement message is received, section commanders will carry on at their own discretion, discharging or not doing so at given zero.
10. As soon after zero as possible a message will be sent to O.C. Coy.

Discharge —-

No discharge —-

• Should no postponement occur, all connections should be made spanner tight at least ½ hour before zero.
• After discharge, or receipt of postponement message, pipes will be disconnected as soon as it is safe to do so (sprayers to be used if discharge has occurred), and will be returned to the dug-out, remaining there under guard detailed by the section commander.
• Wind messages should be forwarded to O.C. Coy., at 9 p.m., 10 p.m., and half hourly afterwards.

All wind messages, and other essential messages should be marked

PRIORITY.

1. The following codes will be used:

Wind Direction:

N  N.N.E. NE  E.N.E  E

0      1       2       3       4

E.S.E  S.E.  S.S.E.  S.

5           6        7       8

S.S.W.  SW  W.S.W.  W

    9       10       11       12

WNW   NW   NNW

   13      14     15

Velocity:  0 – 2 m.p.h A.

     2 – 6 m.p.h. B.

     6 plus          C.

1. Section commanders are entirely responsible for the final order for discharge, which is left entirely to their own discretion.
2. Arrangements for connections, accessories and all material are attached.

• Material –

Connections and parapet pipes –

The amount at the disposal of each section is shown, tabulated.

The whole will be carried in by infantry carrying parties.

Two reliable men (1 cpl.) and two pioneers from each section must parade outside workshops at 12 A.M. to check section material and place it in groups ready for loading .  They must parade again at 1.15 p.m. for loading and will proceed on lorries to trench head and guide infantry parties carrying connections, to their respective sectors.

They will be instructed whether to deposit their stores in a given dug-out or at emplacements.

Spanners and small accessories –

These, at the rate shown tabulated below, will be placed in labelled sandbags and carried up with sections.

Vermorel Sprayers –

These are provided, at the rate of 1 per bay, by Infantry Brigades 188 (&189).  One infantry man will be attached to each bay to work sprayers. 

He must be instructed in his duties.

Other stores, such as double male ends or adjustable wrenches can be drawn against receipt in the workshop.

Return of Spanners etc

being used in the trenches

25.7.16

Section	Universe	Box	Y.S.	L.S.	Clamps	Staples	Extra Staples
43	22	22	11	11	22	77	33
44	32	22	1	11	22	77	33
46	32	22	1	11	22	77	33
47	28	22	5	11	19	77	33
48	32	22	1	11	11	77	33
29	29	22	4	11	11	77	33
Total	175	132	23	66	107	462	198

Bottom of page torn off.

No 4564 5^th Leicesters Hut A 3

Enteric Depot, Dukes Hill Camp Woldingham Surrey.

July 25^th 016

Dear Rev Walters

            I have been considering what to write to you about, & seeing that you are a minister I thought I could not do better than give you my ideas regarding “Religion & War”, because these are the two fundamental topics of the Day, & many are asking the question “Is there and agreement between Religion & War?

Religion & War are contrasts, & as such claim the attention of men.  No person goes through life without the problems of Religion & War appealing to their soul.  At a first glance there seems to be no connection between the two, but I think they have the same relationship, as between Humanity & Divinity.

Between the human & divine there seems to be a gulf until the human realises that life is Divine, & that Divinity can so encompass Humanity that it is lost in the immensity of the life of God.

Just so is the connection between Religion & War.  “Truly the Kingdom of heaven suffereth violence & the righteous take in by force.”  Today more need to be told that there is war.  The immensity of the struggle baffles human thought. Europe, once garbed in the beauty of spring, is stripped of her glory & today is saturated in blood.  Humanity is bleeding, & we see anew the scene of the Crucifixion.

Two forces are opposed to each other, & both armed to the teeth.  What does it all mean?  Why have war? It just amounts to this – “The righteous are taking the kingdom of heaven by force, & are endeavouring to plant it within those kingdoms which has misunderstood life, & have misinterpreted the Laws of Divine Justice.

“The Kingdom of heaven suffereth violence”.  Is there not a just & true connection between Religion & War.  War at its best is no “Good Business”, because it chiefly results in death & despair, yet, after all, force of arms may be necessary expedient to bring home the truth to the rebellious.  What I mean is this, & such a thought shows the fundamental connection between the two.

We believe that Germany is appointed to learn, through this terrible war, that there is a power above the state that works for righteousness, & that those who seek His Aid must allay themselves with Eternal Laws of truth, justice, & mercy.

Therefore to prove my opening statements I am asking myself a few questions, & I shall endeavour to answer them as far as possible in the light of scripture, so that we may really know what scriptures teaches us regarding Religion & War.

First of all then: Is it not possible to meet opposing physical forces of evil, with Spiritual forces which are infinitely more powerful?

To my mind the first call of life is, A defence of the defenceless & weak, yet I think the answer can best be given by those who have battled against those physical forces of evil which has found a manifestation in a degraded humanity.

National emotions & problems are never borne by the individual.  To the individual are two Divine commands given, one command effects him as an individual, the other command affects him as the subject of a King, & a unit of a nation.  To the individual the Divine command is:- “If you are smitten on the one side of the cheek, turn the other also”, but in national affairs the Divine command to the individual is: – “Submit yourselves to every ordnance of man for the Lord’s sake; whether it be to the King as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil-doers, & for the praise of them that do well.”  1 Peter. 2.13.14.

To my mind the great silence of the Scriptures regarding such problems as – “Should a wronged nation retaliate, or what course should an individual adopt after he has been smitten by an enemy on both cheeks”, is a matter of conscience, as God moves the nation or individual so should they act.

Defence of the right, if it causes death, is not murder.  For instance, I do not think for one moment that a person would be justified in standing aside, & not staying the hand of the murderer or robber who had come to ill-treat or rob their people, rather would it be a greater sin to allow an enemy to crush our people & ill-treat our loved-ones, than to put forth all our Spiritual. Moral, & Physical powers to stop the enemy from carrying out his evil designs.  And does not the same law apply in a national sense?  I think so.  Religion bids us go forth to do our duty, & commands us to use our Spiritual, Moral, Social, & Physical powers to repel an unscrupulous enemy whose sole design is greed & whose aim is to dominate the world without having regard to God & His eternal laws of Justice & Love.

If what I have said is true, then is not Religion a vital necessity in the life of a nation?

The nation that knows the true value of religion, the nation that honors God most, is the nation that offers the highest service to humanity, & displays the full meaning of the sacrifice of Calvary.

The great mistake many people make today is: – They seem to realise that the “Sacrifice of Jesus Christ” only affected “Jesus Christ Himself” insomuch that the “Sacrifice Himself” only fully realized the meaning of His Own Death when He suffered for the world.

Tis true “That God only knows the love of God”, but what I have learned is this:- Christ knew – He understood our state, & Offered Himself once for all, for the sins of the people, that all might be saved”, & that the saved should realize & truly know what that death meant.

The death of Christ was a sacrifice, not an individual act alone, to begin & end with the individual.  That Death was a revelation, revealing to us this fact; that the way to life is the way of sacrifice & sacrifice is Divine; therefore our Religion is the outcome of “That Wonderful Death”, thus it is a nation’s most valuable asset.

We too learn the full meaning of sacrifice when we do as Christ did, give ourselves for others, which is a heavenly service.  The remarkable feature about this war is: – that at the present moment seven Christian nations are engaged in the most deadly & destructive war that the world has ever witnessed, nations representing 3 great divisions of the Christian church – Greek, Catholic, & Protestant.

Is it not a fact that the Christian Religion has been the ostensible motive of many of the bitterest Wars?  I think so!  And on the one hand it shows the value of religion as a thing worth fighting for. & yet, on the other hand, it is sad that such a great part of the so called Church of God is blind to its own destiny.

I am here reminded of a remark made to Abraham Lincoln during the American War.  Said one to Lincoln “I hope the Lord will be on our side, Lincoln replied “About that I am not at all anxious my only concern is that we should be on the side of the Lord”.

Thus it is a vital necessity for the well-being of a nation that God & Religion should be pregnated in its life, for where God is known & adored there is victory.

The right knows no defeat; it may have its struggles; its trials may be immense, but it surges on & on, till it becomes enthroned, not only in human hearts, but on the mount of God.

Truth has well said:- “Right is might & as such it can be evidenced in Religion & War, but what we pray for is:- that the time may be near when right need only be evidenced in Religion & War becomes a thing of the past.

But we must look beyond.  The future must appeal to us if we have any vision whatever.  Thank God we can see the dawn of a New Day, & “The World’s New Hope” stands resplendent in heavenly majesty urging us on to mightier effort.

Such a mingling of blood as is shed today becomes a sacrament, & the near future will see its fruits.  No sacrifice is in vain, glory always bestows her rewards, though she makes a stern demand on the sons of men.

We are now witnessing the sowing of the seed in the anguish of the nations but those that come after – what harvest shall they reap, what fruit shall they gather, when new heaven & new earth shall rise before them in all their splendour.

“Hope on, Hope ever!  though today be dark, the sweet sunburst will smile on thee tomorrow”.

Thank God today we hear the Voice of the New Humanity, & realize that Heaven lies about us.

And now I come to my last thought, & it is this:- Is a Christian justified in taking up arms in view of the saviour’s teaching “Thou shalt love thine enemies.”  Today we have many conscientious objectors, & they reveal a diversity of opinion regarding Christ’s teaching to men.  But such persons seem to me to have a one-sided view of religion.  They oftimes forget that chastisement & stern punishment is akin to love.

Love is not abstract, it is real, & objective, capable of many interpretations.

It is a Father’s heart of love that compels God to sometimes deal drastically with His children, & it is from a heart of love & sympathy, that Christian people defend the weak & helpless & keep back “the enemy from our gates”.

Of course “conscientious objectors” have a right to live, but they have not a right to their opinions where truth & justice is involved.

Still, there is an incident in our Saviour’s life that has given me an endless amount of thought, & it is this: – The 1^st time Christ sent out His disciples he said, Take one coat each, but not scrip or purse, & you will get your living by the way.

The 2^nd time he sent them forth He said:- Sell what thou hast, & buy a sword.  Now, as followers of Jesus Christ what need had they of a sword?  Was not the Divine Presence sufficient for them?  Methinks the Master knew of their perils & needs, or Peter would never have been girded with a sword at his Master’s trial.  The mystery of the Scripture is, the work left to conscience.  And so I believe today that the brave men who are giving their life for their Country are revealing the Christian Spirit, & the fathers & mothers who, in sternly consenting to duty, have not withheld their sons, even their only son they also are repeating in their self-surrender the Mystery of the Cross.  A touching story is recorded of a youth who has since fallen in battle.  When in the trenches he desired a comrade to convey a message to his home “Tell them” he said “how sorry I am to have given them so much trouble, but that I will try & make some amends by doing my best for England.”

“To him who loveth much, much is forgiven “Out of common danger human kinship grows & unites in the bonds of a common sympathy.  Therefore to stand for right & truth is to render to God & the world a noble service.

I am pleased to tell you that I am now doing well, & as soon as I can come home I will call upon you.  I do sincerely pray that God will abundantly bless you & your work in the coming “Mission of Repentance & Hope.  I pray that many may be turned to God & find in Him a refuge in the time of storm.

If you have the time I should be pleased to hear from you as soon as possible.

From your Sincere Friend

J.W. Brotherhood

To Rev Walters.

S.P. If there are slight mistakes anywhere in my letter it is because of it being rather, & I am in a great hurry.  J.W.B.

In envelope addressed to Rev T.W. Walters M.A., Vicar of Whitwick, Whitwick Vicarage, Leicester-shire.

Letter postmarked CATERHAM VALLEYS SURREY 26 JY 16 also on the back COALVILLE LEICS 27 JY 16.

Crest of the High Commissioner of

Union of South Africa.

32, VICTORIA STREET,

WESTMINSTER, S.W.

25^th July 1916

Dear Colonel Purcell,

            I have your letter & will be very pleased to arrange for the safe custody of the Flag & Shield presented to you last Friday, I can receive them whenever you send them up.

How splendidly our men have fought & borne themselves in the very kernel of the greatest battle of the war – yet how heavy the toll taken.  Delville Wood will be a proud & solemn name for ever in South African history.  It concerns me to learn that you expect to go over soon, knowing how you will be missed from your present responsible command.  If you go, you will add perk spirit & zeal to our small force, – small in numbers but in valour & purpose great; & you will have the earnest wishes of all South Africans with you & your officers & men.  I trust that a very high percentage of our recent casualties may prove to be not serious or ********** ***** but even so the losses are very heavy.

With best wishes & ****** regards

Yours sincerely

W.P. S*******

.

In envelope addressed to Lt. Col. Purcell, D.S.O.

South African Infantry

Bordon

Hants.

Postmarked LONDON OFFICIAL PAID but date unreadable.

At foot of envelope  HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR THE UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA and the round cachet thereof.  In pencil on envelope “Flag & Shield”