From Assaye Barracks in Colchester, Sgt S. Cherry and L-Cpl G. V. Clarke sent a letter to The Luton News with a photograph of 12 Luton and Dunstable members of A Company, 10th Beds Regiment (New Army).

The two soldiers, pictured seated centre in the middle row, wrote: "A group of Luton lads who are shortly leaving this country for service abroad, some of whom are now spending their short leave prior to departure. All are keen on the chance of soon being able to assist in this gigantic struggle. They have done ten months hard training and are now fit and ready for anything they may be called upon to undertake.

"As all are regular readers of The Luton News and Saturday Telegraph they have forwarded this photo for any use you may thin best (to help raise more recruits for any Bedfordshire regiment). We are expecting to send most of our men out shortly, so, of course, we shall want some more to replace those that leave."

The men named in the photo are, from the left: back row - Drummer Pte S. A. Smart, Pte C. Mayles, Pte A. E. Chambers, Pte F. H. Wightman, Pte F. Clews (Dunstable), Pte W. Heppel (Dunstable). Middle row: Pte E. P. Morgan, Sgt S. Cherry, L-Cpl G. V. Clarke, Pte F. G. Smart. Front row: Pte G. Smart and Pte W. J. Holmes.

[The Luton News, June 24th, 1915]