Letter from Edward Thomas to his wife, Helen Thomas. Lydd, Kent. Discusses potential for leave or immediate deployment / upcoming examination / performance at firing / Bronwen's health / desire to come home on Sunday with a friend / Helen Thomas' eggs. Archival reference: 424/1/1/1/1/211
14.12.16
Dearest, your letter came at last some time yesterday and soon after it ( by the way) a cheque book from Cox's bank

Well now I don't know what to say. I fully hope to reach home some time Saturday night with at least 24 hours leave. But I might have to go straight to Aldershot without time to see you. If so I will wire when I know, which I expect will be when the list is read out on Saturday morning and telling us our places in the exam and the batteries we go to. My
chance of going straight out (like Hooper, who left here on Tuesday and sails tomorrow or Saturday) is smaller than it was, and therefore any chance of immediate leave is smaller. We know nothing really nothing more than I have told you.

We went out in the ranges to observe firing on the Dungeness -ranges, it was fine, though as far as my glasses went. It was disappointing. Today we
were indoors and for the first time I was the most quick and accurate because it was compass work.

I must write to John Freeman

Poor Bronwen. She must be very careful . She must not sew at night and she must not do any homework either. Do please be very careful.
Kiss her and beat her and mark her with B and tell her so

No other letters
By the way I suggested to Julian that he should come over on Sunday. Also I've asked mother to send certain things of mine to High Beech. Don't forward them of course.

The weather is fine again during the day though wet at nights . But of course it makes very little difference except that the pools in the shingle about the huts increase- mostly rain, partly slops thrown out by orderlies and officers from the huts. Imagine it! with sinks and drains quite handy too.

Goodbye now and I do hope I am coming home on Sunday
I'm glad your eggs are coming along, I hope they won't come so quick as to upset your accounts.

Goodbye, the exam is tomorrow

Ever wholly yours

Edw