Luton News employee Cpl A. E. Martin (pictured), Royal Engineers, has had a varied experience since he left the counting-house desk for training and his subsequent travels in France, Egypt, Macedonia and Palestine. Writing from Palestine to Mr Lester, of Messrs Brown & Green Ltd, he says:

"I believe some people have the idea that Macedonia and Palestine are a kind of holiday after France, but if they thought for a moment they would see that we have not only the enemy, but the climate, disease and often lack of water to contend with. Both in Salonica and here there is no water fit for Europeans to drink. Every drop has to be chemically treated or boiled before it is issued.

"Each man has one gallon per day (perhaps). This is for all purposes - for tea, boiling food, drink, washing and shaving. I don't care what anyone says, you can't get a really good shave and a wash in half a pint of water. But these things are taken as part of the business, and what can't be cured must be endured.

"Some parts of Palestine we passed through on out way up are quite fertile, and the groves of palms, fig orchards and hedges of prickly pear were a most gratifying sight after traversing 150 miles of desert and wilderness. When we were near the coast, although the shore is rocky and the currents treacherous, we enjoyed our swim in the beautiful Mediterranean, as only sand-caked, thirsty and perspiring soldiers could... My face, chest, arms and knees are about the colour of red brick or a fire engine."

In an earlier letter to one of out staff, Cpl Martin, acknowledging the receipt of some cigarettes sent out from the fund collected weekly by the staff, said that as they came at a time when cigarettes were unobtainable, they were hailed with delight. He continues:

"We had a little celebration a few days ago on the completion of one year's active service. In the morning we had aquatic sports on and in the lake. First a pontoon rowing race(won by my section), secondly a pontoon rowing tug-of-war (also won by my section), swimming races followed and the programme was completed by a water polo match.

"In the afternoon we had boxing - two exhibition bouts and five sparring contests, and all proved excellent sport. In the evening we had a top-hole dinner, followed by a concert. The O.C. (who comes from Harpenden) congratulated us n our year's work and praised us all very highly.

"Since coming out here we have received a message from the G.O.C.-in-C of the British troops in the 'other place' expressing his appreciation of the good work done and the soldierly spirit exhibited by all ranks in that difficult theatre of operations. He concluded by wishing us all goodbye and good luck. Of course, we are all very proud of this recognition of our work."

[The Luton News: Thursday, September 13th, 1917]