Derby 11 August 1914 Dear Dad I have found time at last to write to you. They tell me it says in the Herald that we took the train from Newark, Mr Smith wants to ask any man in A Co. We marched from Newark to Radcliffe first stage, afterwards from Radcliffe to Derby via Nottingham. We billeted at Radcliffe in an empty house about the size of Mr Wheeldon’s London Rd equipped with bath etc. I think I told you before that I am orderly Cpl for a week without a break . This is the regular army way of doing things. You will be able to guess what it has been like on the march when the others have been resting I have had to run about after rations. By the way we are only allowed a three quarter ration on this job. We arrived at Derby safe and not many sound. I myself had no trouble with my feet I had filled my socks with brassic powder. The doctor himself only powders bad feet with the same stuff. I will not say anymore about trifles but get on with the fundamentals (bow wow). I don’t suppose I shall see Derby at all this week. Today we had the following questions to answer (1) Are you willing to go on active service at once to the theatre of active operations? (meaning that you will not be sent on active service at once until efficient which ruling will be given by the GOC) My answer No. (2) Are you willing to be sent on Service to Malta Egypt etc? My answer Yes. What do you think about things, please write and let me know. There has been nothing at all been said about going only just the answer required will let you know as soon as I get to know more. I have got a woman in the town to wash me a shirt etc. I thought it best on account of it getting aired. I feel there is quite a lot more I should like to say only it is getting late. I hope this will suffice for the present. I will close now with best love to all from affectionate son and heir. Les xxx PS I forgot to tell you I had tea with Mr J W Morley on Sunday and went to the parish church in the evening with Mrs Morley and the rest of the family.

Aug 12th 1914 Dear Dad, You will no doubt think I’m beginning to like writing letters. This isabout the only time I have had time to write without being called to do something else. At present I am in charge of a guard over the telephone exchange. This morning the batt paraded in Clarence Rd School grounds to be addressed by the Brigadier General. He explained quite briefly the seriousness of the war at present also the necessity of every man in the Batt to volunteer for active service. He was so very disappointed with the answers to the questions refered to in my last letter.Things are quite more serious with England than is generally imagined. He asked all the captains of companies to go around each coy and get to know the percentage of volunteers. There was about 5% of our coy including myself. After this had been done the colonel asked the batt to do their duty and he hoped no man would refuse. He said that every man must consider the welfare of the empire first and that wives, children, sweethearts and business must go to the wall. He pointed out that he as well as all the other officers were having to leave their families and businesses. Next all NCOs wew called to a meeting with the officers to decide whether the at which meeting we decided to follow the Colonel into active service or anywhere on earth. I was talking to Leuit James afterwards and he told me that it could not have happened at a worse time with him. He told me thast if we should go he would get married and then go in for it all he was worth. I have heard that we leave here tonight but no body seems to know were to. The Derby papers say we go either on Sat or Sunday. The colonel told us the plan of campaign as far as he knew was this Lord Kitchener is massing a great army to take Berlin. Colour Sergeant Glen?? and I have been very phlemy since we left Newark we both kip together. George has not volunteered but I think now we are going as a batt every one will have to. I did not get much sleep last night owing to some of the band chaps coming in drunk by the way NCOs and the band are in the same room. We had to arrest one of them and take him to the guard room it was a chap from Worksop. It is now half past three and have not had dinner yet we are about a mile from our billet. I shall have to close as it is time to change guard and time for dinner too but it has not arrived yet. I have only written these few lines to let you know how we stand as I did not know yesterday when I sent last letter. I have not said half what I should like to say so will write again soon as I know when and where we are going. I will close now. Give my love to all from your loving son. Les Please be careful how you break the news to mother. This letter will now doubt seem dry please excuse as I will write again as soon as possible.