Letter from Edward Thomas to his wife, Helen Thomas. In envelope postmarked Lydd/Loughton, Kent, 12/13 Dec 1916. Relates that Edward Thomas is not one of the men chosen to go abroad immediately / preference for going out as a battery as opposed to singly and discussion with officer of this / desire not to be sent out with another officer / training at camp / likelihood of Christmas leave. Archival reference: 424/1/1/1/1/210
RA Mess
Tintown
Lydd
Tuesday
Dearest I’ve not heard from you since Saturday or Friday. It seems a long time. There isn’t much to say except this. The Staff Captain comes round today for 5 officers to go out on Saturday and I was not one of them.To tell the truth I really expect to go with Hawn to a Battery now being equipped under a Capt Wylie who was at Trowbridge for a time while home on sick leave or light duty or something. If we do go to this Battery (of 8 inch howitzers) we shall probably stay here another week of two before going out. And it will be much more convenient going
out as a battery. We saw the staff captain about this and he seemed to think he might arrange it for us, though really he meant to put in 2 men of Hooper's squad who finish their course today. I shall be thankful not to go to a Battery with Thorburn because although he is very interesting and friendly he is a hopeless person in practical matters, so panicky and awkward and conspicuous
The rain has come now. We were to have gone out to observe the firing of some battery this morning but it was too wet to see enough, so we stayed in instead. I have just got over my inoculation, and I don’t suppose the second dose will hurt much.
Shall I come home on Saturday? If I go to this battery here, I shall probably only have just weekend leave, if that, and no more till I get mobilisation leave to get ready for going
out. Another advantage of beginning here is that you continue your training and learn your other duties (besides fighting) as an officer.

If we do't go out about Xmas time I shan't have leave at Xmas I suppose, as this stopping of Xmas leave presumably applies to Officers as well.

Well don't begin to grumble yet .

Now I meant to write more after the tea time post but as it brought nothing from you, I can't. I suppose a letter from you has gone astray. I hope all is well. Goodbye. Edwy
12 Dec 1911

Mrs H B Thomas
High Beech
Loughton
Essex