Bedfordshire Archives Service Catalogue
  • Reference
    Z549/17/123
  • Title
    Letter sent from Brocton Camp, Staffordshire by Cyril Verdcourt to Mama [Helena Verdcourt].
  • Date free text
    Friday 11 April 1919
  • Production date
    From: 1919 To: 1919
  • Scope and Content
    From: 61452 ‘R’ Lines, E Company 3rd Beds, Brocton Camp, Staffordshire Dear Mama, As you will observe from the address we have not yet moved from Brocton. We were served out with our Egyptian outfits two or three days ago but of course there is still heaps of time to cancel the draft. The clothes consist of huge pith helmet and tunics and long trousers of very light khaki drill. The tunics are a splendid fit but the trousers are about six inches too long in most cases. Possibly we shall go next week, but at present we are doing practically nothing. Hopes that we should escape punishment for overstaying our leave were dashed on Thursday morning. I among several who overstayed by one day received two days stoppage of pay and four days CB [Confinement to Barracks]; very severe punishment for a first offence. Bryeeson, who returned on Wednesday with many others received four days stoppage of pay and six days CB, but we all regret that we did not take longer as the rumour about the draft going on the tenth was probably circulated to get us back quickly. Doubtless, the severity of our punishments was due to the underhand work of Sgt Major Cowley. I received your letter yesterday, mama dear, and I do not think it at all strange or silly as you fear. I shall not be reckless. You really must not blame Kathie too much, mama, for I who never was self confident can hardly hope to inspire confidence in others. Poor Bryeeson told me a little of his story and I am sure you would agree that he is a fine chap if I told you but it isn’t necessary. Dear mama, I have been cross because you are, I think hysterical, and I do not think it would be wise to behave differently, for you say many things you repent of afterwards. Please cheer up for I do not think that we shall have a bad time or be away long. Please do not write about Kathie any more. Give my love to Louis, Maude and Papa. Yours lovingly Cyril
  • Exent
    2 pages
  • Level of description
    item
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