Z549/17/7

Letter number 7 sent from Beresford Block, Kempston Barracks, Bedford by Cyril Verdcourt to Mama [Helena Verdcourt].

Undated [1918]

From: 1918 To: 1918

Dear Mama, I have been refused a weekend pass, as the officer, who is a very nice fellow nevertheless, dare not risk granting it to one of ‘alien origin’. He has however promised me a late pass, tomorrow, in the event of which, I shall return for the day. There is not much likelihood of my removal from here until Monday at least, although the unexpected may happen. A Captain, on round of inspection this morning asked me if I were quite comfortable, so you see on the whole, it is not so much the men as the preposterous orders they have to obey. Up to the present it has been my lot to receive good treatment from practically all with whom I have spoken, I have not met a jingo. Most of the new recruits bear themselves jauntily and spend their first night singing and talking after ‘lights out’ has sounded. They try as well, to crowd as many oaths into a sentence as intelligibility will permit. Louis and I often agreed that if a fellow could withstand the temptations to swear and talk filth that workshop life afforded, he could withstand those of the army. I have altered my opinion on that subject already, though you need have no fear that I shall succumb. Hoping to see you tomorrow, I am Your loving son Cyril

2 pages

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Verdcourt, Cyril,
Verdcourt, Helena Annie

army, Kempston Barracks, KEMPSTON