1^st Infantry Brigade Headquarters,

S.A.O.E.F.

Mex Camp. ALEXANDRIA

February 2, 1916

Lieut-Colonel Purcell, D.S.O.

Depot Battalion, South African Contingent,

Bordon, HANTS,

ENGLAND.

            With further reference to my letter of the 23^rd ultimo, No. O1/3/1, and to your recent telegram regarding Officers asked for by the War Office to accompany reinforcements for the Brigade, the G.O.C. directs me to inform you that he is doing everything in his power to clear up the situation generally with regard to Officers.  He further fully realises the conditions with which you are faced and as you know you may rely upon him doing everything possible to assist you.  At the same time, to agree to a number of promotions to commissioned rank being made in the Depot Battalion of N.C.O.’s and men now in that Battalion, would mean that men who are now with the Brigade, who have proved themselves well worthy for of commissioned rank, would undoubtedly have a grievance.

The G.O.C. knows that you are as anxious as he is that vacancies in commissioned rank in the Contingent should be filled by those who have best earned promotion to that rank.

J. **** Baker

Major,

Brigade Major.

In On His Majesty’s Service envelope addressed to Lt Col Purcell D.S.O.

Depot Battalion S.A. Infantry, Bordon, Hants England.  Postmarked BASE ARMY POST OFFICE Z Dated 2 FE 16.  With 1^st Infantry Brigade South African E.F. No. stamp and in pencil Official Free signature unreadable.