c/o Mr O’Shea

33 Dale Road

Luton

2/11/14

Rev^d T.W. Walters.

Rev^d Sir,

            Having a few minutes to spare I thought I would send you a few lines.

            My journey back to Luton last Sunday week was not very gay for on top of leaving home & friends I got well wet in the rain.

We had some very stiff days last week & on the Monday evening we had night operations, we left our quarters at 5 o’clock & when we arrived at our destination we had to dig out trenches, which are 2 feet wide & 4.6 feet deep.  At 6.50 I was sent into a turnip field as an enemy-drawer, which means that as soon as the enemy approaches I had to commence rapid firing to make them believe that there were a large number of us together & so get them to come towards us & leave the main part of the company in the trenches unattacked.  I lay on by stomach till 5.15 & was so cold that I could only just manage to get up.  Unfortunately the enemy did not get anywhere near us.

You will no doubt be pleased to hear I have received my first promotion to Lancs Corporal on Wednesday which carries with it extra pay.

On Friday last we had a Sham Fight which I don’t think was quite a success, somehow or other the main army reserves got in the fight first.

When we leave England we shall not be allowed to take anything but what we stand up in, the total weight we shall carry will be 59 lbs 6¾ ozs.

This week I am orderly corporal & have to remain at home all week to take charge of the barracks.

I must now close with kindest regards to Mrs Walters & yourself

Yrs obediently

Albert Will Hanson Lc Cpl

A Coy 5^th Batt Leicester Regt

P.S.  I enclose a photo of myself.  Just heard we shall probably be on the move next week.

There is no envelope with this letter.