Below we give extracts form a number of interesting letters which have been sent home by the Ammanford boys who are undergoing training in various parts of Great Britain .
Cheerfulness is the key note set in every instance, and there is an eagerness to enter the fray as well. The letters serve to reveal the attitude of mind of the recruits in that process of transition from civilian to soldier; it is there their value lies.
TIDINGS FROM KILDARE
In a letter characteristic of himself, Gunner Trevor Williams sends to Mr. Wyndham Davies, of Wind-street, some tidings of the local boys at Kildare. He states :-
“I daresay that you have heard all about our experiences since our enlistment, so it's useless me detailing the same old story over again.
At any rate, Wyndham, as you can see by the above address, we are still stationed at this desolate place, Kildare, only wishing to be in “Kill-Germany.” We were told by our Lieutenant. the other day that most likely our battery would complete its training in France . He also said that most likely we would be drafted there between this and Christmas.
You can see, Wyndham, that I'll have my desire soon, that is, a feed of “German sausages.” By jingo, old pal, don't I long for a dig, or rather a go at those cruelsome brutes. I wouldn't half make one go through the mill if I met one of them face to face.
“All the boys are champion, yes, as strong as horses, or rather like elephants. Just imagine them on parade, what strapping fellow, aye. All the Knuts are quite old soldiers with their drills, etc., now, quite experts. We had a sham-fight here on Friday, and by jingo, I enjoyed it A. 1., for it was so very, very thrilling.
All the guns were entrenched in huge gun pits or trenches. Indeed, old pal, it was something like real war, for the only thing missing was the real live “shell.” But never mind, we'll have the privilege of using them shortly,” and then what mischief --.
“Kildare is a most miserable place, something horrid. It's enough to give any chap the creeps, or rather make his hair stand on his head. Just imagine us walking the streets of Kildare in that horrible humour. What guys, aye!
“Taking everything into consideration though we get a jolly time of it, as our boys are always jovial wherever they be. We generally have a road-side talk with some of the Irish Colleens here, but nice and sweet as they are, they are no comparison to the bonny Welsh lassies. Bow-wow.
Glad to read on last week's Chronicle that some of the Ammanford boys have been home on furlough, and that they looked quite strong and healthy. We intend asking for leave ourselves shortly, so look-out.
We'll make things hum I can assure you. I am writing these few lines after being to Church, as you can see that we still continue to be good in our ways. Best respects to all.”
CAMP LIFE ALRIGHT
The following communication has been sent us by Pte's A. Williams, John Jones, and John P. Roberts, of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, form Parkhouse Camp, Salisbury Plain : -
The life in camp here is alright, but the weather during the past week has not been very favourable. However, it is better now, and we shall be shortly put in huts for the winter. These huts will be fitted with showers and with the comfort, warmth, and shelter thus afforded we can defy the elements.
We are making progress with our drills through the untiring efforts of our officers and N. C. O's who do everything for out comfort. We have a large recreation tent in which we have games and concerts, and the officers contribute to the programme as well as the men.
We are all longing for the time for our turn to come to go on the continent to uphold the honour which the Royal Welsh Fusiliers gained in the past.
DRILLING HARD – THE DAILY ROUTINE
Gunner Harold Wargent writes to a friend at Ammanford from the Temporary Hospital , near Fire station, Bordon, Hants.
In the course of an interesting letter he states that it is nice to think one is not forgotten by old friends, and goes on to say : “Things are very dull here all the time, and we do not get to hear what they intend doing with us.
We are drilling hard in order to get fit for the time when we shall be wanted. I will just give you a few details of the daily routine :- 6 a.m., Reveille and coffee; 6.30, parade (marching and physical drill) to 7.30; 8.0 breakfast; 9 to 10.30, parade (gun drill and physical drill); 11 to 12.30. gun drill and physical drill; 1.0, dinner; 2 to 3.30, gun drill and signalling drill; 6 p.m., tea. Sometimes we get a rout march of about 7 to 8 miles in the morning, and sometimes we get it in the afternoon by way of a change. The time is practically ours after 6 o'clock, unless we get picket duty, and that means all night. I have been fortunate enough to dodge that up to the present.
“I think there are something like 150 thousand troops here, so you can tell we are fairly full up. I have heard that we are all going to have 7 days leave at Xmas. So I hope to see you all then. Don't be alarmed at the address on the top. I have been given the job of Medical Orderly, and am going through a course of First Aid.
It is optional whether I go on with it or no, but as it is rather interesting I think I will go on with it.
“I don't think I have any more to say now. Please remember me to the boys – Reg, Steve, Tommy, Emlyn, and al of them.”
LOCAL BOYS AT SEAFORD
Writing to “Min,” Pte. W. Lloyd, of 11 th Welsh Regiment, encamped at Seaford , Sussex , says they have been told they are going abroad in January.
“I don't know what day I will be coming home for Xmas (he says), but I will come from Cardiff to Ammanford on the motor bike. I will let you know in plenty of time. – I have now got a job on, cleaning buttons, as I am off to Eastbourne for the day.
Our clothes are fine, all khaki, with two pairs of everything. In fact, the “Pals” regiment gets the credit for being the smartest in all respects.
“You want to know who is in my tent. Well, we are ten – Sergt. Jones, solicitor, Cardiff ; Corp. Shea, M. A., Liverpool; Private Docker, Cardiff; Private H. J. Roberts, Bangor, bank clerk; Pte. T. L. Evans, C. $ C. Bank, Barry;
Pte. F. Rogers, clerk, Cardiff Docks; Pte. W. Beatson , traveller, Glasgow; Pte E. V. Sergeant, clerk Cardiff Docks; Pte. P. J. Richards, B. S. A. Motor Works, Birmingham , and myself.
Don is in the same company (B), only in the 4 th Platoon. I talk to him every day. L. Bevan, Bridgend, is in D Company; Tom James, Ammanford, is in C Company, and Myrddin Williams, Ammanford, is in D Company.
The latter was very lucky, for there were about six boys in Cardiff gong to join some Welsh regiment, and they picked three of the best to make up our Battalion. Dai Thomas is in the Welsh Fusiliers; they all got blue clothes – looks awful; I see him very often. I am going to London before I come home.”
