TCG Letter #1268

The War Office writes to Tolkien c/ o Father Francis Morgan at the Birmingham Oratory. This letter is signed by King George and Col. W. Elliot.

He has been appointed as a temporary Second Lieutenant in the New Army and has been posted to the 13th Battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers. Prior to joining his battalion he will have to attend a class of instruction at Bedford, and is to report to Colonel Tobin at 20 De Parys Avenue, Bedford on 19 July. He is to provide himself with bedding and to join in uniform (if ready). He should apply to his Army agents for his outfit allowance but must pay his own travelling expenses.

Tolkien is disappointed he has not been posted to the same battalion as Smith. He writes to Smith to inform him ^{Letter from J.R.R. Tolkien to G.B. Smith • 9 July 1915 (#1269)[1]} , and also to Christopher Wiseman, ^{Letter from J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Wiseman • 9 July 1915 (#1270)[2]} telling him of his posting and that he will be visiting relatives in Moseley and Barnt Green.