Transcript of a letter written by Percy Peacock to his mother, Mabel - original letter still held by Angela Toynton.

Tues.

Dear Mother,

Well we are off this time, Join the Army & see the world, well I certainly look as though I shall see some of it, I’ve always wanted too but not quite in this fashion. I don’t suppose the war will last very long once I get out there! It’s about time I did something towards winning it, you can bet the chaps that are called up next springtime won’t get so much training. I had an idea I might get on a lorry in the transport but I was wrong, the orders have been given out and I’m on a gun lorry or quads as we call them, (you may have seen a picture of one in the paper) they draw a limber full of shells and the gun on behind, the quads are quaint looking things, bullet proof (but not shell proof) worst luck. There are 4 guns in a Troop, 3 Troops in a Battery (not counting head quarters who are reserve) 3 Batterys to a Regt, that means a matter of about 750 men excluding about 75 officers. That makes 36 guns in a Regt so when you hear of a Battery of guns (which you very often do, it means 12) simple isn’t it, it is if you know but it’s rather difficult for me to explain, there are 6 gunners to a gun & they can fire 30 shells a minute, what a bang. Well I hope the Home Guard will give the invaders a warm reception if they try to get here, the papers seem to think they will try it.

Glad you all had a decent Xmas, Doris told me she went along Xmas day & spent a enjoyable evening & Dick is pleased with his outfit he had better join the H.G. Some of the boys are going tonight & the rest of us Thursday night, we sail on Friday, (cold isn’t it). Well, it is cold really it’s been snowing all the morning, the sky looks full of it. Well I don’t think I have anymore news for you Ma try & keep Doris cheerful won’t you? (I shan’t be away many years). Cheerio be good I hope the old leg don’t give you too much trouble and thanks for all you’ve done I’ll repay you someday. Cheerio Dad don’t work too hard you’re a long time dead you know. All the best Marj, I hope Arthur doesn’t have to go abroad, one’s plenty. Cheerio Len, don’t have too much booze it’s bad for the liver. Best of luck Ron, you’ll be able to take Greta Gimbert out to dances soon. Say cheerio to Dick for me he’s a (rum fellar) but I think a lot about him. Remember me to Maury when he comes home I wish him the best of luck also Arthur I hope he can swing it alright. Well that’s all Mum I drop you a line on Thursday if I can I suppose it will be a bit of a scramble. Cheerio & best of luck to all from your Loving son Percy. X X X X X X X X