McC-20

Dear Mr Goldsbrough,

I'm sure you are awfully fed up with me, it is such a long time since you heard from me. I hope you will forgive & forget.

I was home on leave some time ago. I called in to see you but you were on holidays, so I had to clear off without seeing you. I had a letter from home yesterday I got quite a shock when I saw that poor Brown had "gone west" ²¹² , poor boy, the first of the Library staff to make the supreme sacrifice.

I'm in the same Div, as Brown's Battn. so I will make enquiries & try & get some details concerning his death, it may be of some consolation to his people. I often wonder how many of the staff will be spared to return, the war is still young yet & there will be some heavy fighting before we have victory. I think the Hun is fed up with it all, he has been shaken up these last few weeks. We are going strong now.

You will be surprised to know I'm back with the 15^th Royal Irish Rifles (so add. letters accordingly please) not 5^th R.I. Reg! I've still a greater surprise for you; guess who is in my platoon; I met him to day on parade, Roy of Oldpark. He has got quite a big chap. I had a long talk with him & advised him to apply for his commission.

Last Sunday I met another old friend in the person of the Hon. Coulson. Of course he gave me the usual salutation, Oh! How are you McCausland quite a surprise seeing you etc you know his usual piffle, I expect he will be writing you & asking my name. By the way was he out here in 1914. The reason I ask, he is wearing the 1914 red Chevron &3 blue Chevrons. I noticed it when I was speaking to him. As far as I can remember he was in Falls Rd. Br. In 1914 perhaps I'm mistaken.

I think I will end up now. Give my respect to all the staff. Don't forget add. 15^th Royal Irish Rifles B.E.F. France.

I am Dear Mr Goldsbrough
Yours truly,
J McCausland 2/Lieut