Officers’ Mess
9/ Worcs Regt
Blackdown
April 25th 1915
My dear Mother
I have two letters you have recently written me to answer. Thank you for your congratulations; I am naturally quite pleased at getting a step up. I think too that with us it means rather more than in some regiments; I have read of some positively amazing promotions in the paper in some regiments.
It is very bad luck that Mela should have collapsed with influenza at the beginning of her holiday, but I am very glad that she is where she is so that you and the girls can look after her well. I am afraid it is giving them a very busy time though.
Thank you very much for the offer of a periscope for a birthday present. I think it is likely to be very useful, and may prove invaluable. I think I have got on the track of a good one, I want to see it, and order one today if I like it. I will tell you the price when I know, but I believe it is not very great. It is important to have one that is simple and light, and that folds up small.
Later – I have decided that the Adams trenchiscope is what I will have. It is advertised in the early pages of Land & Water date April 17th. The smaller one weighing 20 oz is the one I should prefer. Will you order it direct and send it on or have it sent to me, in the waterproof case as advertised.
I have not much news beyond what I have given to Mela in her letters, and I am sure she passes on anything of interest.
Best love to all from
Your affectionate son
Cyril E Sladden
