Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 4 May 1916 - 31 December 1916 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
217 letters, paper
Context area
Name of creator
Archival history
Content and structure area
Scope and content
January 1916 - George began his military training in Weymouth and they rented out the Holt. Ruth and Clare moved to a cottage near Dorchester and then a more suitable place in Abbotsbury (a village 5 miles from Weymouth) so that they could spend their weekends with George.
1 April - Ruth returned to Westbrook when George moved from Weymouth to Lydd. He only had Sundays off but they found a tiny flat in Littlestone where they could stay together.
4 May - George was assigned to the 40th Siege Battery and left for France. After a week he took the troop train to join the Battery which was positioned in the northern sector of the western front a short distance from the front line. Ruth remained at Westbrook and they let the Holt firstly to Mr and Mrs Green and then to the O’Malleys.
George was a Second Lieutenant meaning he was third in command behind the commanding officer Captain Lithgow and Lieutenant Bell. His responsibilities included taking charge of the firing of the guns and manning the observation posts (O.P.s) from where the fire could be directed. As he spoke fluent French he was also tasked with buying provisions at the local markets.
His Battery took part in the Battle of the Somme which lasted from 1 July until 18 November 1916.
In December he was sent home for 10 days leave returning to France on Boxing Day and arriving back at the Battery on 29 December.