Blackdown Huts
near Farnborough
Hampshire
Feb 22nd 1915
My dear Mother
I feel almost, but not quite certain that I warned you of our move in my letter a week ago. We marched here on Saturday, and fortunately had a very fine day to do it. The distance was about 20 miles, so it took most of the day.
We are quartered in barracks which have been very much extended and enlarged by huts. The officers’ mess is new hut, and barely completed; it seems quite comfortable. We have got our own quarters in part of the original barracks; I am in warrant officers’ quarters again, and have a very small room to myself. The men are in huts, and not very comfortable as they were left very dirty by the troops who were in before. The whole division is collected round here, and I hear that the whole K army is being collected round about Aldershot. We have plenty of ranges round about, and are to have some more shooting, but it isn’t starting yet. We shall probably be doing some divisional training before long.
We had an almost free day yesterday, so during the morning I started off in the direction of Farnborough station to see what opportunities there were for getting to London. I was unlucky, and just missed a train, but it was a beautiful day, so I set out to walk to Brockwood, 5 miles away, where I got a train at 2.30 which enabled me to reach Sydenham just in time for tea. I didn’t have to leave till 9.10, so I didn’t do badly. I found Kath and Jack well and cheerful, and very much enjoyed seeing them. I understand no leave will be given from here, and I don’t suppose it will often be possible to get a day free like this, so it is as well to take what chances come. Possibly I might manage to go to Addlestone and look up Aunt Fanny on the chance of finding her there; but it is impossible to fix up anything beforehand.
I hope you, and the family generally, are getting rid of their colds.
Best love from
Your affectionate son
Cyril E Sladden
