Tuesday, 26th January 1915

The concerns expressed by J.B. Priestley about the scattered nature of the billeting arrangements in the Camberley area (see 25^th January) were reflected upon also by 2Lt. Robert Stewart Skinner Ingram, (see 30^th October 1914) in a letter home to his parents in which he also commented on the death of Pte. Jonathan Kendall Smith (see 25^th January).

(Notepaper headed:
Bannisters
Finchampstead
Berks)

c/o J.W. Martin Esq.

My Darling Mother and Father

We got out here yesterday afternoon after about a 13 mile march. Only one of my men asked to drop out on the way. One of mine died of pneumonia last Monday (ie yesterday) at 2.30 am in hospital. Very sorry indeed as he was doing quite well, though slow. As in the last billets, I seem to have struck a very good egg again. Three of us are here. Unfortunately it’s over a mile from my Company, so have hired a bike from the local blacksmith. 

As soon as I hear that Tom will be at the Priory next Saturday night, I’ll apply for the night off. 

Love to the family.

Your ever loving son.

Robert

(Ingram and two of his fellow officers were billeted with Mr. James Wentworth Martin, a retired public works department manager).

Pte. William McEvoy (see 26^th December 1914) was reported as being absent without leave; he would return on 2^nd February. The nature of his punishment is unknown.

Pte. Tom Pickles, who had earlier created quite a stir over his comments about conditions at Frensham (see 16^th October 1914), was confined to barracks for three days, having been absent from roll call at 12.30pm parade at Eversley.