He told Pips that he had been to see the officer in charge of the Engineering Company to which he had been attached, to see if there was a chance of him being permitted to transfer – he was enjoying the work, and finding it interesting (especially the surveying). The officer had told him that he would do his best for him, if he could get the permission of his CO – but Sherriff feared that might prove something of a stumbling block. Nevertheless, he would go to the Battalion Adjutant the next day to see what might be done. In the meantime, one of the Engineers Officers had lent him some books on their work which he was beginning to read, since it would help him if he succeeded in his application.

He took the opportunity to thank Pips for the postcards he had sent him: ‘They served as a reminder that there are places where there are not shell holes everywhere – I am glad that you are able to get [bike] rides fairly frequently: they are a great tonic after incessant indoor work.’

[Next letters: 20 November]