On L & SWR, near Basingstoke
Wednesday 11 am
My dear Father
There was a slight delay in moving us, owing, I understand to some shortage of transport vessels. We were put off, almost at the last moment, from moving last Friday and since then have been watching from day to day expecting to go at any time. At last we are actually off and well on our way to Southampton. It was a very early start from Watford (we had reveille at 3 am); nevertheless the townsfolk gave us a very hearty send-off and all down the line people have given us the same kindly farewell. I thought the movement of troops was becoming far too common a thing to raise any show of enthusiasm now.
In this train is half the Battalion; the rest follow in about two hours. I believe we cross over tonight and after that nobody knows what our movements will be; except, perhaps, a few big brass Generals. There has evidently been a big move of troops recently. We have passed, already, six empty troop trains, returning from Southampton I suppose. I expect they are sending over a brigade every day. The whole of ours goes today. Lord Kitchener was just a little previous when he said in the House of Lords that the 2nd London Division had gone over: the other two brigades had; but it wanted the movement of ours and of Divisional Artillery to make the shift complete.
I will write or at any rate send a card as soon as possible. The best address for letters to me will be
No 525 L/Cpl GMS
Transport Section
1/15th Co of London
Civil Service Rifles
British Expeditionary Force
Thank you all for your very nice letters. I hope to do you credit out there.
Love to all from
Your affectionate son
George
