Z549/17/24

Letter sent from Felixstowe by Cyril Verdcourt to Papa [Jean Joseph Verdcourt].

Tuesday 1 October 1918

From: 1918 To: 1918

Dear Papa, The army is certainly no more to my taste than I expected and in one or two instances I have felt like going back upon my carefully weighed up intention to go through with it rather than object. I felt it very strongly when issued with a uniform and spent a very bad five minutes then, also when first on parade. I resented the orders flung at me. Finally to-day, I could not help remarking, when issued for the first time with a rifle, that such a weapon was of small use to a fellow who never intentionally trod on a worm. That remark was made of course to a comrade. The somewhat cheering thing is that my spirit, is the spirit of the Army of to-day. The chanels are rather more favourable towards you, in that bet aren’t they. I regard Hertling’s [Georg von Hertling] resignation, as more significant than the surrender of Bulgaria, and the tone of the Kaiser’s acceptance is very cheering. Nevertheless, I am not too optimistic as the majority seem disposed to be. You have my thanks for the letters you have written and the trouble you have taken on my behalf, and I sincerely hope you do not think I share the views mama so wildly expressed when I had to go. I have always felt very grateful for both my father and mother and realise amid so many who have lost all self-respect, what a lot I have to thank them for. Mama’s condition is what worries me most, and I shall dread a leave or a draft leave for that reason. Please tell Louis that Ralph Dockerill will call and see him when he returns home. With best wishes I remain Your loving son Cyril

item

Verdcourt, Cyril,
Verdcourt, Jean Joseph,
Dockerill, Ralph

army, Landguard Camp