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[Page 11]
(Copy of letter to H.S.Williams)
On the Desert
East of Suez Canal,
30th January 16.
My dear Harry,
A few days ago I wrote a fairly long letter to Flint at the office and asked him to send a copy to you so I will try and not repeat myself in this one.
I have just received a cable fromTravers in London in reply to one I sent him from Tel-el-Kebir requesting to rejoin his Battalion immediately if he was quite fit. He says he is and hopes to come out from England by next draft. I sent him the wire because I had heard they proposed retaining him in England on Military duty whereas he was breaking his neck to get out again to my Brigade. Basil is very fit and well and is now commanding a company with the rank of Captain. He has grown very big and looks ten years older that he is. So he will be making me look old, but this I suppose is only to be expected seeing that I am a grandfather but I certainly don't feel one.
This campaigning life seems to agree with me. I never felt better than I do now. Hard work, not too much to eat and very little whiskey, plenty of fresh air and a fair amount of sleep. It is after all a natural life. By the way, Harry, your saddle is a great comfort while here I am riding over the desert to my different positions all day and every day. I have three nice horses but rarely use any other than your saddle, it is much admired by everyone for its comfortable shape. One British officer on the 2nd Div.Staff, a hunting man, is very covetous so I tell my groom to watch it closely. We little thought when I went with you to Brushs's many years ago to order it and afterwards to inspect it, that I would ever be using it on active service in the greatest war in history. I hope to take it back with me and use it for many a year yet in good old Australia. Every time I get across it it tends to remind me of many a pleasant hour I spent in the saddle alongside its former owner and of poor old Georgie Grogan who used to be our companion in those day.
Thank you very much for your long letter containing so much information. I hope you will repeat the dose as often as you feel