Letter from Roy Bruce to Maud Bruce

I have not got
the heart to write much. Have
just received the news of Pinkie's
death. It is no use me trying
to express sympathy, but you
know what I feel for you and
everyone else who loved him.
I have no details as to what
happened, but will send them as soon as I can.

I am afraid nearly all
the New Zealand cavalry brigade are

wiped out. It is awful.

I suppose you wonder
how and why I am in Cairo
again. At Alexandria the
medical people said I would
not be fit for the trenches for
a month, and sent me here
for base duty for the month.
My duties consist of riding
round the different hospitals
and visiting the sick and wounded.
The heat is terrific but it is
dry not moist like Alexandria ,
& I am feeling wonderfully
well.

Chillie is here, but what
a change! He has at last
discovered and is discovering more

every day that the manners
& customs of the Mackenzie
country belong solely for that
barren track of land. He
may be presentable when he
goes back, if he remains here
long enough.

Blackmore is very fit & so are
all the other horses. I am
not riding Blackmore at present
because one requires to be very
fit to hold him.

Cairo is dead, noone here,
no drinks can be bought after
10 o'clock (except lemondade etc)
instead of all night as before,
very few soldiers about.

Saw Andrews in Alexandria
he is fairly fit, but the heat
is telling on him.

Your letters have been following
me round and I get one
occasionally, any old date, but
they are none the less welcome.
This is not a cheerful letter,
but don't mind dear, one is
apt to get a little bluey these
times.

Give my love to Helen , I
will try and write her next
time. Goodbye for the present,
God bless you both. Be happy
dear one
Roy .