Lot 23 Letter 19 - 1st of October, 1938

1		October		1938

To: Mrs. E.I.J.Bell

11 Evelyn Court, Cheltenham.

From: Edward Jordan Bell

Badajos Barracks, Wellington lines, Aldershot.

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BADAJOS BARRACKS,
WELLINGTON LINES,
ALDERSHOT.

1/10/38

My Dear Mummy,
I am writing this in B.O.R, I have to sleep here tonight in case any messages come through, but they aren't likely to. My camp bed is already set up and looks very comfortable, it has a sort of rubber LiLo on it - all very modern. The adjutants and L.D's phone numbers and where they will be dining today are in front of me in case I have to phone them. I am having my supper brought over from the mess. This is my first proper duty and being senior of four new subalterns I get it fast orderly "dog" (officer) as it is called. I inspected the clay rifles today which was rather fun. We had another P.A.D rehearsal today but as it was wet we did not go to our slit trenches but to barrack rooms. A gas alarm was sounded and we donned respirators

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for about 10 minutes to a qaurter of an hour. The Bgde commander was inspecting all the P.A.D arrangements in the Bde. The troops so have been detailed for Czechs - they go tommorrow are each of the Welsh, Scouts _________ and Coldstream boards and a few of the Gordans. There is another ___ to be detailed get making 6 in all. It will probably be the K.O.Y.L.I's as they are up to strenght having sent a large draft to India and likely to send more. The guards are lucky devil, they always get the tit bits and the cream of everything. They always have done, they get all the praise and rewards after we have done the dirty work. It was the asmea in the Great War. <br>
<br>
My tail coat arrived yesterday and seemed to fit well though I would of liked the shoudlers a bit squarer Ithink. I also recieved a parcel containing cameras, tourch etc.. I don't think you need trouble to send the cramely flash at the moment but I would like my silver cigarette ÿ

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case also my riding cash which you should find behing my door lying on the pegs, also my sweater and a few pillows. The sweater I certainly want as I am going on a P.T course for 5 days on Oct. 3rd - Oct. 7th. I have had to write and tell Gen. Wgatt I can't go. I saw the de_____ about it and he saw the Colonel but the course cannot be put off or postponed so that is that. I believe the Colonel is going up to London to dine with Wgatt with the other three and he will explain my absense. As the oldman comes up to London quite often he may ask me up again by myself at any rate I hope so. Nicholas and I called on Colonel and Mrs Robb yesterday and had a glass of sherry. They are an awfully nice couple and old "Uncle" Robb as we all call him is universally popular he doesn't like anyone and he doens't dislike anyone, in fact he's a damn good C.D. This is the adjutants writing paper so I better not use

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much more of it. I may do a musketing course at Hythe this November and December or later in next year, I am not sure yet. We are now reorganized in 4 ___ again and I have got my own platoon though there ain't many people in it. I have just written up my orderley officers report saying I have done all my duties. I have to go round to the mess dining hall for breakfast, dinner, tea and supper and ask if there are any complaints and also inspect the kitchens to see if they are clean. I also have to see the rations, visit the bread room and interview prisoners if any, also go round the Institutes and Regimental Shops. In the meantime I have to stay in the B.O.R all day unless the duty is there or I am relieved. I have not got my orders - I take a long time to decide, new curtains and tablecloth yet, I bought a small rug yesterday. Well chaps, will enclose a few visiting cards if I remember tomorrow.
All my love
Teddie

P.S. I am seeing about your broach.
P.P.S. Had a drink in the 60th's mess last night with Mitchell and Nicholas.

Did you know: The word "inst" was a very commonly used abbreviation for the Latin "instante mense" meaning this month.

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