Officers’ Mess
9th Worcs Regt
Blackdown
June 20th 1915
My dear Mother
Orders were issued at four o’clock this afternoon for our move, though we knew unofficially this morning. We go tomorrow morning in trains at 8.0 and 9.55, of which my company will be in the latter. As one hour for entraining is the absolute maximum margin of safety that any sane person would allow, we have, in accordance with customary army insanity, to reach the station two hours before train time. By extending this method throughout the whole morning it has been found possible to get reveille as early as 3.30!
Supposing we hurry about in our ship waiting for others I may be in position to get letters until we really move.
I had a postcard from Mela this morning to say her day off was postponed, so she will not get my letter until tomorrow.
Thank you for the telegram which came last night. I expect we shall just miss the post tomorrow morning, so you could not have caught me by a letter.
I have ordered photos of the officers and C Company which will be sent in due course by Gale & Polden of Aldershot.
I am looking forward to the voyage which ought to be good fun, though a little dismal at the outset. I will post you letters at all opportunities.
Best love from
Your affectionate son
Cyril E Sladden
