Bexhill on Sea
April 21, 1918

Dear Lilian:

This is my last Sunday here and it is the most disagreeable day we have had. Blowing a gale and rained hard all the morning. I haven't been out since church parade.

I wrote Dad before dinner, and all the afternoon I have been busy drawing a map of some work we did a few days ago. It took me about three hours and my hand is rather shaky now.

Thank you very much for the tie and please thank Aunt Bessie for me for the pin. I'll wear them next week.

I expect to leave here Saturday and intend to spend my seven days leave in Edinburgh. I like it better than London and I can get the rest of my outfit there for less. I have most of the kit now so I'll have a few days to myself.

A few days ago I sent either you or Aunt Bessie, I forget which, a copy of the C.T.S. magazine. It is published once each course. I enclose a program of our farewell dinner which we held last Friday night. It was a great success. We had the officers from the other companies, Col. Cameron the boss of the school and Brig-Gen. Critchley who left the school just after we came. The list of cadets is those of 2 company.

We have a new chaplain here. He was in the line with his battalion and was taken prisoner at Ypres in May or June 1915. He was only exchanged sever or eight weeks ago. A few nights ago he came into my room and told us a few of his experiences.

I had a note from Andrew Grant last week. He is in the artillery camp at Witley near where we used to be.

We had the last written exams last Saturday. I haven't got my paper back yet so don't know how much I made. I think I made enough to pass though. I found out yesterday that out of nineteen of us in the platoon I stand about seventh, which is pretty good for me.

The lounge and writing room was too crowded when I made my map so I worked in my room. I didn't have a fire on and nearly froze. I think it is colder here today than you are having it in Halifax.

Tuesday we are having a platoon marching competition. The distance is ten miles and last course the record was two hours and three minutes. We intend to do it in less time if possible.

Well I guess there isn't any more to say. The next letter will probably be from Edinburgh as the last day or two here will be busy ones.

Lovingly,

Reg.