[Oct 1915]
N.Z. Expeditionary Force
D Company 8th Reinforcements
Trentham Military Camp
Friday
Dear Mother,
Have just received your letter, am glad the photos arrived alright. I was afraid the parcel would fall to pieces on the road. I was talking to the sergt. today & he says we are pretty well sure to go to Persia. The N.Z force is supposed to have left the Dardanelles a week ago and although they may be at Salonica now the intention is to send them to Persia. In any case we go where they are but may get in a few weeks training in Egypt first. Last Sat. we were innoculated & are to get our second dose tomorrow. It is not a serious affair but it made us feel a bit sick for a few hours – something like influenza coming on but next morning we were alright except for a slight stiffness in the left shoulder. They gave us the Monday off so we don’t mind how often they do it. The work is a bit more strenuous this week. We have to wear our full equipment rush up & down the stoney paddocks at the double & fall down flat every twenty yards or so – it is rather stiffening
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& to improve matters they start us 1/2 an hour early & give us two hours night operation about 4 nights a week. However we all feel very fit & are standing up to the work well. Next Thursday we walk over the Rimutakas on our way to Well. & are looking forward to the trip. I hope to get a few decent snaps on the way. Will have to stop now as news is scarce & I have promised to go along & give Lieut a lesson in photography tonight.
Love to all Len
