William Ambrose Cull letter diary, 1915-1918 - Page 128
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[Page 128]
but are sent to Alexandria to help train and bring over to the peninsula the next batch of our Battallions reinforcements – At least, that is the general procedure – I by no means love Egypt but still should love to be there with Cecil for a we[ek] It may even turn out so
The hospital I am in (St Johns) is a beautiful big place, admirably situated for [a] hospital, quite comfortable in all respects and (a big consideration) has a rather fine library.
Tomorrow I intend to take a drive thro' Valetta – pick up what know[ledge] I can, and generally amuse myself.
Well, I hope that you have all been quite well – This note I expect will not reach you till after Xmas – but still again I wish you all the Merry Xmas and happy New Year. Be assured that mine if not what might be termed merry will be a perfectly hap[py] Xmas. I intend to send my men some little thing which may benefit or amuse them – They are all right royal chaps and I feel sure would do almost anything for me.
I was in a rather curious predicament when I first took them in hand. They perfectly detested me – which detestation I'm sure I interp[re]ted correctly as: An Honour - for during my too long season as an N.C.O I made myself a particularly live one.
I was not in such bad taste as you will now imagine – except with a few – friends of those chaps, and they themselves who had written their names in my black books.
I set about to tame them in a manner that hasn't failed me yet. I asked nothing – I commanded – When hate had turned to fear I immediately changed my tactics, and showed them the other side. Of their confidence in me, there was never a doubt, not even when I took them in hand and the Confidence is reciprocated. The change is wonderful they would do anything for me now.
I'm wondering if Jack and George will be home for Xmas –
I shall leave this note open 'till to morrow – for I may think of something to put in it before posting.
Deuce of hurry – must post at once –
Best love to all
Your very aff. Son
WAC