49.017 - ALS to Fran

Address. Pte E A Richardson # 126141 Bramshott Camp. Signal Section Wednesday 26/7/16. 87 Battalion C. E. F. C/o Army Post Office London

Dear Fan.-

I started your letter on Sunday but had to be stopped to be inoculated so I couldn't finish it. I believe it is your turn for a letter. The inoculation did not bother me much. I was a little sore for the first day but yesterday I went up to Haselmere. I had a fine supper which almost made me feel as if I was back in Canada

We had had a very strict training since I came back from the ranges. The second night after the battalion was in the trenches for the night. We went in at ten o'clock and came out at five in the morning. I was in charge of the communication of our dug out from two to five. It wasn't very hard but pretty hard to keep from going to sleep. About every five minutes headquarters called up to find out if everything was o.k. The most of our work was done with field telegraph but we have some flag work.

We went out to Lynchmere common where

the trenches are to-day and this morning attacked the trenches. We had dinner out there supplied by the field kitchens. After dinner we attacked the same trenches as those in the morning and were inspected by Gen Alderson; Sen Watson and a lot of Staff Officers. They complimented us upon the way we attacked the trench and then we were lined up and he inspected us individually. We then crowded around and he gave us a good talk and ended up with telling us that we were leaving for the front pretty soon. Don't you people be suprised if you don't get my mail or if it doesn't say where they are from. I will write often and there may not be any delay at all.

I expect to get a week-end [crossed out] week and am going down to Folkestone to see Elsie Sawtell.

You people have been having quite a time with your cars etc. I received a letter from Aut to day and she told me all about [the?] drive to Ingersoll. You want to go up to to Ingersoll often and also to get mother to come to Toronto as it is a good rest. [crossed out] Remember about a year ago. Are you looking after my little deal. I will be nineteen

years old on the 10th of August and I think I am a pretty good sized boy for 19. 6ft tall 155 lbs and nothing ailing me at all. I hope I will be able to say the same thing this time next year.

Well Fan I think I will close and write a letter home. I haven't received many letters lately.

Best Love to Frank and tell him not to work too hard. Best love to All. Loving Brother, Ted.

PS Tell Aut that I will write her soon. What was the idea of letting Mamie go. It will just mean more work and trouble for mother and the people at home [initials - E & A on top of each other R]

Please excuse writing as the noise is awful in this hut.