1 12/4/16 My dearest Mother - I arrived at my
destination very late last night after
30 hours of continuous travelling.
The journey seems much worse on
the way back when one has nothing
pleasant to look forward to. We were
fortunate in getting a good crossing
but the train journey - 16 hours was
awfully tiresome. On arrival at
railhead I found out that the Coy
had been relieved & was back in
reserve again so had not so far
to go to join it. The billets however
are by no means as comfortable
as where we were - troops are
being crushed in everywhere &
although there is not the responsibility
of holding a part of the line I would
much prefer being where we were. 2 I dare say from now on we shall
Have to content ourselves with any
old place for there is no doubt we
are preparing for something big &
it will be a case of packing as many
troops as possible into the area.
Have not yet heard how long we
are to be in reserve but don't
suppose it will be for more than
a week or so. Have had a
long & busy day of it with inspections
& c& then Dermot Hill goes on leave
tomorrow morning which meant going
over no end of papers with him so
excuse this short note. Weather
awful - rain & storm & so cold -
it makes coming back feel all
the worse. With fondest
love to all
Your loving son Jim 3 On Active Service
recd.17th April /16 Dated on receipt by Army Postmaster?
by Original hand Mrs. S.C. Davidson Seacourt Bangor Co. Down Ireland Signature of sender in bottom left corner J Davidson Date sent along bottom of envelope 12/4/16>