The Bedfordshire Territorial Units who took part in the recent successful evacuation of the Suvla Bay region of the Gallipoli Peninsular have now settled down in their new quarters which, for military reasons, may not at present be specifically defined, but which it may be said at once are more conducive to comfort and health if less exciting than those they had on the Peninsular.

The members of these units are now able once more to get into communication with their friends at home. A case of cigarettes which was despatched from this country midway through October from members of the swimming section of the Vauxhall Motors Athletic Club to their fellow members serving in the 54th Division East Anglian Royal Engineers has at last reached those for whom the gifts were intended, and although the exigencies of the military situation necessitated such a belated arrival it nevertheless was in time to furnish a welcome Christmas gift.

Mr Fred Wing, of 35 Beech Road, Luton, has received a not from Major A. Steinmetz, the O. C. 1/2nd Field Company, E.A.R.E., in which he says: "Your most acceptable gift of cigarettes has been received and distributed to the men concerned. On behalf of the Company I wish to thank you most sincerely for the gift, and also to inform you that your efforts on our behalf are greatly appreciated."

This note was despatched two days before Christmas. On the same day, Sapper E. J. (Ned) Grundy, 1431, 2/1st E.A.R.E., wrote: "Juts a not to thank you and the members of the swimming section for their very kind gift. You know how they were appreciated, and I am afraid that this letter will hardly express the gratitude I feel towards you and the members.

"You will be pleased to hear that we are now off Gallipoli and in -------. Rumour says that we shall soon be in England, and I hope it's true, but you know what rumours are. Tell the boys I'm still all right and looking forward to the time when I shall see them all again."

[The Luton Reporter: Monday, January 17th, 1916]