'B Company'
1st Black Watch
B.E.F.
France 28-7-15

Dear Harry & Father,

I write you these few lines to let you know that I am enjoying the best of health, hoping this finds you all enjoying the same blessing. I received two letters from Harry and two from Father, also one from Jessie, so you see I have got some to answer. I have been exceeding busy of late, and hardly had a minute to myself. As I am in charge of the Bomb throwers my time is taken up from daylight to Dark. I have also been put on the Brigade Mortars for throwing large bombs, they are small guns used in the trenches, the bombs are 30lbs. 16lbs. And 6lbs. then come the hand made ones 2lbs. 1lbs. We had a serious accident the other night 22nd: while at instruction and practice one of the guns burst killing an officer and two men, wounding 6 others. The officer was blown to pieces. I was exceptionally lucky I was only 6 ft from the officer, he stopped the force of the explosion also the pieces thus saving me. His name was George Mitchell, the amateur boxer who fought with Carpenter. One of the best men I have met and although an officer one of my best friends. I was warned to take over his duties, which were very numerous. This is one of my days work last week: Reveille 6am. Called by the Sgt Major to see the Adjutant for 1 hour. Breakfast 7.30am. 8am clean rifle, equipment, shave, etc. 9am Company Orderly Room, 9.30am Regimental Orderly Room till 10.15. 10.30 summary of Evidence for a Court Martial of one of our men till 11. Had to be 6 miles away by 12noon at Divisional Head Quarters for a Court of Inquiry re Bomb accident which lasted till 3pm. At 4pm I was asked to arrange and carry out the funeral of one of the men who was killed 3½ miles away at 6pm. I got back at 8pm and had to report to the Adjutant who kept me another ¾ hour, got to my billet had dinner and fell asleep having a smoke after it, what do you think of that for spending ones birthday as it was 24th. Thank goodness they are not all alike, but much of a muchness, without the burial part. When out of the trenches, I am here there and everywhere at every officer's beck and call, but I mind not doing it for nothing as I intend to get a commission out of it if possible, that means promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.

Now I will close as I am very tired as it is near 12 midnight, and I am on duty tomorrow for 48 hours straight off with 10 guns and 13 men.

With fondest love to you all out there

Your loving Bro and Son

Andrew

P.S. Edie is in London with her brother.
Doing well. Address. 

Mrs A. Mercer
12 Cornwall Road
Fulham London SW