1 Officers' Mess, 2/8 Batt. L. F. Sobraon Barracks, September 24, 1916. My Rev and dear Fr. Provincial, — P.C.
Just a few lines to let you
know that I am still alive in spite of the fact that two Zeppelins
flew over us last night. One of them is lying a wreck in a field
seven miles from here. I cycled out with two of the officers
to see it this afternoon - it is just like an enormous
skinned crocodile. The crew are prisoners here in the
military lock - up. Cycling was very difficult on the way back,
as all Essex turned up in vehicles of every description to see
the 'Zepp..' The crowd was very quiet. Airships were flying
about all day in every direction and one landed here
beside the barracks in search of petrol. We all turned out
to see it off again. I am very happy here at Colchester. I am treated
with the greatest kindness at the Mess and feel very much
at home. Fr. Bloomfield, the Rector of the Church, could not
be more hospitable. He has been connected with the army
for fourteen years and has been extremely useful to me
on several occasions. On weekdays I say Mass at eight
o'clock in his church. On Sunday I have two Masses,
the first for the Manchesters at Wivenhoe Camp at 8.30
the second, the military Mass for about 500 soldiers in
Colchester Church - Fr. Bloomfield's. The number of 2 Australian soldiers are stationed at Brightlingsea some
ten miles from here, among them an Old Xavier boy,
whom I taught in Melbourne eight years ago. I see him
every Sunday and sometimes I cycle during the week
to their billets in B'sea. Nearly every evening I have
some of the soldiers up to see me and I have two converts
on hand. I had a third, but I think, in fact I am sure
he was not sincere - he merely wants to be a Catholic in
name to secure some Catholic girl and I am pretty
certain he would not bother much about his religion, once
the marriage ceremony was over. However he may come
on again. One of the other two is an exceedingly fine
young fellow, very clever, and will know his Catechism
well in a very short time. I hope to be able to hand him
over to Fr. Bloomfield at the end of next week. I suppose that when I have just got to know
the men well here I shall be packed off somewhere else.
I am in no hurry to go, I feel I could go further and
fare much worse. However I am in God's hands and
I always hold myself ready for the road. - I am having
a little difficulty in securing the allowance (£10) for the
portable - altar. Colonel France (at headquarters here) discussed
the matter with me the other day and referred me to the head
Chaplain. Lt - Col Roberts (my immediate Superior) told me
he had no powers in the matter. I don't think there will be
any difficulty finally, as I can assert that I cannot get on
without it. Commending myself to Your Reverence's Holy Sacrifices
and prayers, I remain, Very Rev. and dear Fr. Provincial,
Yours sincerely in X-, Patrick J Morris SJ.