Part 02: Rex Nixon letters, 21 May 1915-27 December 1916 - Page 367
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[Page 367]
(3)
Am sorry to hear that Dad is not too well and trust that ere this reaches you, he is all correct and carrying on.
Yvonne seemed to have a good time.
Dad would do all the work other than his just for a change; I wish I had hold of the little wheel on the bridge now instead of this old shooting iron, even for a week.
The Yanks are about in droves, but how many I cannot tell you; they are like ants and have very funny words of command. When they are lined up in a file (two deep) the platoon sergeant sings out, Look Wild! Move off in lumps endways - Stand at ease - Stand slack! Standing easy is - stand as you like - stand to attention - stand stiff. When they dismiss it is - to your tents quit. Next time I'll give the dinkum oil as to their various other movements, of course you can call me what you like one these. The pack they wear is all over their back, I would rather have ours any day - the equipment is full of patents well known of the "God Dam Yanks". The sergeants up wear an automatic pistol & carry no rifle like our Sgts - they have funny rifles with patent bayonets - field dressings in front on the belly band, no puttees - hats like ours (but not as good) like Baden Powels boyscouts with little leather straps round it - tunics somewhat like the Tommies and are lost without belts like our tunics.
They are a lot of skiters, though they are good