Transcript: Learning Morse Letter
Learning Morse
1/1 Worcestershire Yeomanry
2nd Mounted Division
Base Egypt
Dec. 21st 1915
My Dear Mabel,
I got your letter yesterday (posted Dec. 5th), also A’s and M’s letters (Nov. 29th). I was very glad to get them. I don’t know what has happened to the mails. These were the first letters I’ve had for three weeks. Biddy’s letters have all gone astray. No parcels have arrived yet. I expect they will take a hell of a time. Thank you very much for them all the same. One never knows where one may find oneself at a few hour’s notice – Most of these little punitive expeditions against native tribes turn out to be bigger things than one a first supposed. I think we shall have another show at Suez one of these days. Thank God I am not on the Peninsular now. The weather is killing them off like flies. I met Trumper in Cairo a few days ago. He is in the Herefords. They had a thunderstorm about a month ago which filled their trench with 5 feet of water and then it froze towards morning. ¾ of their rifles were washed away and most of their baggage etc. He stuck it for 4 or 5 days and then was brought away in a hospital ship having lost every stitch of kit. He didn’t know Frank Hutton so I got no news of him. Later information says that the Salt Lake froze over in one night! Some frost!! I am almost sorry I came on this course of signalling to Zeitoun. One has 2½ weeks to learn Morse on the telephone buzzer at 8 words a minute and the same on the flag. Semaphore with flags at 10 words and heliograph and lamp at six words a minute. Considering I didn’t know the alphabet when I came, and it usually takes 2 or 3 months to work up to 8 words, I am afraid I am being made a fool of. Most of the other men are in the same box. I also find my rusty old brain is not particularly quick. It is a long time since I had to learn anything. It is splendid that you are able to take on the hay-making job. Marjorie seems very keen on nursing. I should think she would make a very comfy looking sort of nurse.
It is real useful work nowadays, + so are many other jobs for that matter. I am damned glad to see that conscription is being enforced under the title of ‘scheme.’ That is what I always thought would happen. It is the name ‘conscription’ that frightens the plebs. I shall enjoy your Xmas pudding when it comes. The mess here is the worst in Egypt I should think. Perfectly disgusting. I’ve already shown my wholehearted disapproval to the seniors but the improvement has been very slight. However they woke up yesterday when they found kerosene in their whisky! I am going into Cairo for Xmas Eve + Xmas day to have a few decent meals – I have put my name down for another 3 weeks course to follow this one. Cable laying and telephones etc. It is much more useful than this present course, as a signalling officer doesn’t need to be a very skilled operator, he has well trained men under him for that purpose, but he must be able to understand the different instruments + methods of arranging stations + general management etc. I should like to see your portraits in the Mirror, send me a cutting if you have got one to spare. I don’t suppose we shall get any of your hay. All ours is foreign or native stuff here. I should think Douglas wedding party must have made a handsome group! Geoffrey seems to have done the thing in great style my wedding only cost me about £5, ring included! I hope this war isn’t going to run on for many more years. I want to see the end of it.
Don’t tell Biddy there is any risk in my going to the Canal. I don’t think the Turks are ready to attack us there for some time yet. Our people have come back safely from the Senussi scrap. They were half outnumbered + had to retire. It is hellish country for horses, sudden caves and precipices which can’t be seen until one is right on top of them. Several Yeomen broke their necks in this way. A Sikh regiment put up a good fight but were shelled by our own batteries! The Berks. Yeo charged gallantly through the evening + back again (led by one of our officers) + an Australian regiment refused to take part against such large numbers. The bloody quitters. No news. Hope you are all keeping well. Much love to you all + Best Wishes for the New Year.
Yrs. Brian.
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