After many goodbyes we turned up with full kitbags

TCD MS 10853 folio 7 recto

TCD MS 10853 folio 7 recto

[1914]
Redhill on the following Monday. This news was received with cheers.  We went back early and paraded for Kit bags at the Landing Stage. On Sunday there was an 11 o.c. parade when we received our identification discs and were warned for a 10.30 p.m. parade.  So after many goodbyes we turned up with full kitbags at this hour having neither rifles nor equipment. The march from Warwick St. to Lime St. followed as we were by many friends and relatives of the boys and sundry others will remain in my mind for a long time.  We entrained for Redhill at 11.45 and Ben, Bob and I managed to get into the same carriage and also to procure a bottle of lemonade each.  The journey was a long one but eventually we arrived at this pretty Surrey town and we were met at 6 a.m. by the splendid bugle band of the first Batt. which completely put in the shade the one we had left behind in