Z549/17/141

Letter sent from Egypt by Cyril Verdcourt to Mama [Helena Verdcourt].

Saturday 6 July 1919

From: 1919 To: 1919

From: 62304 D Company, 1/4th Northants, Egyptian Expeditionary Force, Egypt Dear Mama, It is really heart-breaking to know that you have not received letters written so long ago. They will I fancy contain much of the news you wish for. Your letter dated 15th June arrived this morning having followed me to ‘Alec’ and from there to Tanta. You see the Northants headquarters are at Tanta, so unless headquarters are shifted it is probable that we shall remain here, although nothing can be depended upon in the army. Thank you very much for Les’s address, for it may enable us to meet. Ball’s farm seems to be quite large. I hope they are making a success of it. I write more than twice a week sometimes and always once. I wonder what you would have felt like if you had been forced to write twenty, or thirty letters without receiving one. I got one from Gwen this morning, the first from Les’s people since leaving Luton. We are having some sports to celebrate peace and I intend to compete if possible. I am glad you see something of Sid and Miss Clarke occasionally and glad that you like her. I think she is very sensible indeed. I mentioned Papa’s birthday didn’t I in a previous letter? I have not attempted to send anything home yet though. We have quite a large library here containing some splendid books. My pen is still in splendid working order but I was unable to fill it for some time. However it is not necessary to send tablets for things are difficult to look after. Caz and I have some good games at chess now and honours are more even now. I have tried hard to get some ivory chessmen but I think these Eastern treasures are largely mythical. The 1/5th Beds is now completely disbanded the men being either sent home of transferred as their cases demanded. Papa would like Egypt I think if it were not for the heat, but I think Arabic would give him a job for life despite his prowess at philology. Well, I must close now with love to all. I am Yours lovingly Cyril

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Verdcourt, Cyril,
Verdcourt, Helena Annie

army, Tanta