"We have had the most perfect weather anyone could wish for; bright sunshine with a light sea breeze sweeping over the Downs. We are camping on the left side of Roedean School, and but for a slight slope it's a very good site, There are about 450 men under canvas here, and there are another 400 a little further up the field, they being gunners."
The next portion of the letter probably would have the effect of turning a pre-war sergeant major a livid purple colour or bringing out a full blast of irony from the lips of a real "dyed in the wool" Colonel (ex-Poona), but it amply demonstrates the great improvements effected in all Service conditions of late. This portion reads "Our mess tent is a very luxurious affair, with tables and armchairs, wireless, dart boards, and many other comforts—including drinks on tap the whole time."
After a short description of his messmates in camp, the writer states that the first day there was like being a-new boy at school "One had to remember umpteen things such a saluting, mess etiquette, wearing of apparel correctly, etc," he continues, "and it's surprising how confusing all these seemingly small matters can be. However, one soon gets into the hang of things and now I feel like a seasoned campaigner.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.