Moascar
15/11/17
Dear People
Here I am again just a few days later than my last letter to you, I daresay you will be wondering if I am taking part in the operations at present being carried out on our immediate front. However I am still here and might state that there has not been much change in the surroundings and general routine during the last few days. That another draft is about to go forward without me is also a fact but in one way I am pleased at that seeing that they go with horses, the trip is long and hard enough without having them to look after as well as ones self. Yesterday was the anniversary of my arriving in Egypt strange is it not that I should be here for that day. Well you may ask how did I spend it; well just the same as any other day except that last night Weir a few others, & self, went to a concert in Ismailia, the hours of entertainment being from nine till half past eleven. How we did enjoy it too, quite the best entertainment I have been at for many months, certainly the best this side the line. It was in aid of Red Cross & was nearly all an Australian Party that was giving it. Apart from the fact that we left it a little late & had to stand, the evening out was a very enjoyable one indeed.
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On being roused this afternoon from an after dinner sleep I was agreeably surprised to find it was on account of some mail coming to hand that was quite unexpected after having had one last week. This time they are one each from you Lottie, Annie, & Jessie all being written about the same day, namely 9th 9th & 10th Sept. Again there appears to be a skip of a letter or two but as there is still some to be delivered so they may come to hand all safe. Like yourselves, I was not surprised to learn that Tom has the notice that all have been so long expecting. However Tom we all recognize the difficulty of your position & that you are not under any obligation as far as going on active service is concerned need not worry you in the least. The position you are in does not leave them a chance of taking you away although I know you are as keen & prepared as any of the rest of us when it comes to doing our bit. I will be sorry indeed if you come away when there are so many others being left who have not half the difficulties in their way that you have. However you have your own counsel so need no advice from me on the point. I hope the war will be over before such happens. There is a little more news from the front today & it appears that our forces now have possession of the railway junction to Jerusalem in that case the city is practically at their mercy. I suppose the next thing will be they have taken it without a doubt it has been a brilliant stroke this time and will have a great moral effect on the Turks.
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Our Xmas cards came along today so I will forward one so that you will see and know all about the Canterbury Mounted Rifles that can be gathered therefrom. It is a pity they have been so long coming out because I think most of the chaps have all their Xmas goods away before this. Now I think that I will have to stop again as there is nothing fresh here-abouts. By-the-way there seems to be plenty of money still in the country, if the last loan is any item to judge by the home people are certainly doing very well indeed. From all accounts things have been doing in & around the old home I daresay there must be a marked change in appearances with so much knife & axe work going on. You girls should be pretty fit by the end of the football seasons. Now I must stop. Remember me kindly to all the girls & boys. Hoping this finds all as well as it leaves me at present.
Your Affectionate Brother
Charlie.
P.S. The decorations on the card are reading on the top corner from left 1st squadron right 8th squadron & on the bottom left 10th squadron with Regimental colours on the right. This latter decoration is worn on the right & left sides of our puggrees of our hats. Cables have arrived and are being spent & enjoyed thanks very much. Ch.
