ORO-15

M/ 346233 R&D Coy
M.T.A.S.C.
No. 1 Reserve M.T. Depot
Grove Park London SE
Friday

Dear Sir,

I hope you will excuse my not writing to you before this but as everything seemed so unsettled, I did not care writing to you, being unable to give you any definite information as to my demobilization.

When I arrived here, I gave my C.O. your claim sheet, and was told it was of no use, as I have not handed it in before 1^st Feb. But as the wrong reporting depot had been put on my paper when I left Ripon (a place to which I had written to during my leave, but had received no answer) I explained my case, and my claim was put before a higher authority, but was ultimately turned down.

Well, Sir, I'm placed in a Medical Category, which debars me from re-enlisting, and am excused duty, but I am not entitled to my immediate discharge as my unfitness is looked upon as only temporary. But rumour has it, that there is a very big chance for everyone circumstanced like myself (and there are some hundreds here) to get this discharge, as soon as all these Labour troubles are settled, for the authorities here have "got the wind up" proper, and we are looked on as "Emergencies". There is plenty of Military activity here and all around London in the nature of Displays, Reviews & Sports, and as I am allowed to go out of Barracks all day, being excused duty, I take all opportunities of seeing them all, and enjoy them.

I've seen the return of nearly all the guards, & tomorrow they are giving a big demonstration, and great crowds are expected to see it.

I've no more news about myself, at present, but as soon as I get any definite news about my "demob". I will let you know immediately.

Apologising for delay in writing, and with best wishes,

From P. O'Rourke