2 April 1917 Boulogne
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2nd April 1917
My dearest mother
I am just taking the opportunity to tell you I am on my way to England to train for an officer. At present all I know is that we are going to Oxford, by we I mean fourteen other lads and myself from the 2nd Division. It is a great piece of luck and you can imagine what four months in Blighty means to me.
I am writing this at Boulogne in the Salvation Army rooms, the boat doesn't leave till 5.15 this afternoon. I will notify you later how to address my letters, very likely cable if splash is good. I think I am all right in that respect though, the credit in my pay book is something like 42 pounds.
Am afraid this letter is very disjointed dear, but you can guess how excited I am. It hurt leaving my mates I can tell you. I don't think I will ever be put back in the good old 19th, but I will try mighty hard.
Well dear I think I can see the relief on your face when you hear this news, anyrate you deserve to have a couple of months without anxiety. God bless you,
Your loving son, Billy XX
2nd April 1917
My dearest mother
I am just taking the opportunity to tell you I am on my way to England to train for an officer. At present all I know is that we are going to Oxford, by we I mean fourteen other lads and myself from the 2nd Division. It is a great piece of luck and you can imagine what four months in Blighty means to me.
I am writing this at Boulogne in the Salvation Army rooms, the boat doesn't leave till 5.15 this afternoon. I will notify you later how to address my letters, very likely cable if splash is good. I think I am all right in that respect though, the credit in my pay book is something like 42 pounds.
Am afraid this letter is very disjointed dear, but you can guess how excited I am. It hurt leaving my mates I can tell you. I don't think I will ever be put back in the good old 19th, but I will try mighty hard.
Well dear I think I can see the relief on your face when you hear this news, anyrate you deserve to have a couple of months without anxiety. God bless you,
Your loving son, Billy XX