Officers’ Mess
9th Worcs Regt
Blackdown
June 14th 1915
My dear Mother
The order of procedure abroad is not quite what I anticipated, and it will be a few days yet before I leave. Thursday or Friday nights seem to be likely, it might even be later, but we don’t get to know so very long beforehand. I expect we shall be certain anything from 24 to 48 hours before. So I don’t suppose it will be difficult for me to give you pretty certain information. Probably a postcard from the port we go from will be possible too. Time of sailing is sure to remain a mystery as presumably there will be a lot of waiting to form a convoy. I posted my sword today. I propose to send my keys in a small parcel, and my surplus baggage I shall pack and have sent off by rail after we leave. Getting a lot of new uniforms and material has been a big job, it hasn’t all turned up yet. I have to take a reserve supply of things to leave at the base. It is much the same with the men, who are all taking kit bags. Also the leather equipment has been changed again for webbing.
You had better unpack my things, as some of them won’t benefit by long crushing. The suitcase is really George’s; there will be a packet of Mela’s letters which I want put in a safe place; I already have a lot made up in a parcel and sealed down somewhere in my room.
Best love from
Your affectionate son
Cyril E Sladden
