[Inserted manuscript to WDS from General Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien:
Les Cedres
Dinard
Ille-&-Vilaine
28.1.24
My dear Douglas Smith
I often think of our service in France together & of the way you played up for me & of the great heart & bold leadership you always showed & am glad to be brought into touch with you again. Popham of the 2nd Battalion Sherwood Foresters has sent me your letter of the 14th last & his reply dated 12.12.23. He has to my mind given you the correct answer for much as the regiment would like to claim the gallant Peirson as a forebear, we really have not a shadow of an excuse for so doing. I am bound say I do not understand the Duke of Connaught's reply, for although the name is changed the Rifle Brigade are the original 95th & no other Regiment can claim that proud inheritance. Curiously enough in the bedroom