Above reads:

-:RIPON:-

Six months have almost winged their flight
Since I set foot in Ripon
And even now I take delight
To say at last I'm flittin'

At yet perhaps I scarece should say
That I am glad to go,
Here I've spent many a happy day
In various ways you know.

The life in camp has been quite good
I've had no cause to fret,
Although some samples of our food,
I never shall forget.

Some bitter weather I have tasted
While of bright sunshine there's been plenty
My soldier life won't be time wasted
Even though it last till 1920.

Experience here has oft' been strange
But oftener far, romantic.
There lives within my memory's range
The thought of many an antic.

So now, Fair Ripon Oh the mud
I bid thee fond adieu,
Our parting comes with quite a thud
I must seek pastures new.

In time to come perchance I may
Have time and cash sufficient
To spend with you a holiday
Of war times reminicent.

JAMES STEEL 4TH MAY 1916