Codford, England – January 1st, 1916 – (Letter #8) “Send me to the front before I croak here”

Dear Brother; Jack and B, just a few lines to let you know I am still here.

I have been very sick for the past two weeks with a cold or the good old-fashioned grip,

but am getting O.K. again.

Well, Jack, the fever is awful bad here in a lot of the camps,

especially the one I was in. We got moved to another camp or I think we would all be dead.

I do wish they would send me to the front before I will croak here.

We will all die if they don’t move us.

We must have lost about 200 so far with fever and pneumonia.

It is a hell of a place. Rain, there has not been a fine day here for two months.

We are halfway up our knees in mud and water.

Well, we did not have very much of a Christmas.

I thought of you all and was saying to myself, I bet your are enjoying yourselves by this time.

I was not out of my hut, as I was sick.

I did not get Mother’s parcel yet. I do hope I will get it.

It is a damn sight worse here than in Southport for grub.

I don’t know what is the trouble. We do not get enough to live on, but, Jack, I am standing it [up] pretty good.

If I can only keep clear of the fever, I think I will be O.K.

I like the machine gun alright and you bet I can make it go.

God help the Germans or Turks when we get a few hundred guns on them. They will think hell got loose.

Well, Jack, I will have to close for this time, as I have to parade again.

Give my love and best regards to all and kiss the children. Wish you all a Happy New Year. From, Lee.