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Letter to Ruth Turner, written from Charterhouse School on headed notepaper [Ruth was in Ireland with her family]

He had written to his mother but did not understand her reply until Mary [his sister] explained to him that it was usual for a bride-groom’s parents to provide house linen. He had slept out the previous night and felt glorious and now had to prepare his history lessons.

Letter to Ruth Turner, written from Charterhouse School [Ruth was in Ireland with her family]

Had finished reading William Morris and was delighted and much moved by it. He associated her family with William Morris and there was a very nice reference to her father’s work in the book. He would send the book on to her. He wanted to look up some of William Morris’s poetry as he knew very little of it.

He had been writing poetry but had to stop and go to the Headmaster’s house [Frank Fletcher]. He couldn't talk seriously to anyone as it was always time for tennis. Tennis was irritating because when he hit the ball hard it always went out.

His last letter was ridiculous which he didn't mind as it was good for her to have someone to laugh with as she appeared to be deliciously solemn at moments. He was much too conceited ever to envy a cricketer. He only envied the poets. He was glad that the sonnet he wrote [See: PP/GM/1/1/1914/2] meant something to her.

The boys were being jolly. He describes Miss Pollock by practising a literary parody of Henry James. He describes a thunderstorm which occurred during the night and was still on his mind as he read the great third act of King Lear to his Form. Explains his interest in Lear and asks her to read some of John Keats’ letters.

Was expecting his friend Lytton Strachey to arrive and stay the night. He was very queer to the world but not to him as they were friends but he must be very irritating to many people. He had a profound respect for his intellect and passion with which he held the doctrine of freedom. His love for him as a man of intense feeling and fine imagination helped him put up with much that he wouldn't tolerate in others.

He had borrowed a copy of Poems by the Way by William Morris from the Clutton-Brocks. He thought they should buy the same edition as a wedding present. He loved what she said about money but he had only been about 1% serious in his previous letter which she would have known if she could have seen him talking. Money was comic and wholly irrelevant to him.

Wonders what wedding presents they might receive. The idea of possessions didn’t interest him unless he had some part in producing a beautiful whole with them. Avie and Harry [his sister and her husband Harry Longridge] had received 300 wedding presents, and his sister Mary would receive more. He had suggested to Mary that she could have all the ones they received that they didn’t want but she had refused the offer so he would have to get her a present.

Letter to Ruth Turner, written from Charterhouse School [Ruth was in Ireland with her family]

Was delighted her letter had arrived. The country sounded lovely and he wished he could walk the hills with her. Glad she loved the hills and was interested in Whymper’s ‘Scrambles’. They ought to have a proper climbing season that year in the Alps.

Had spent the morning altering the second four lines of the sonnet he was writing [See: MCPP/GM/3/1/1914/2] and gives her instructions on the metre and how best to read it. He hopes she will like it. He had been correcting Shakespeare papers and was behind with his correspondence. He had an aversion to the military and would like to discuss the subject more with her. He was a doubter in life with enough firm views for a firm foundation but liked to think and change his mind. Mary's [his sister] man Ralph Brooke was an instructor at Woolwich, and therefore both a school-master and a solider.

She wouldn't be lonely now she had the sonnet. He adds to the letter the next day asking her to date her letters.

Letter to Ruth Turner, written from Charterhouse School [Ruth was in Ireland with her family]

He had started the letter once already ragging her for not writing [he had not received a letter that day] but had torn it up as he was afraid she would take it too seriously. He assumes there was no Sunday post. His sister Mary and Ralph Brooke were in the room talking and it was distracting him. Ralph had played in a cricket match against the school and made a century. Would she like him to be a hero like that? Mary and Ralph were talking about their wedding service plans and about cricket.

Letter to Ruth Turner, written from Charterhouse School [Ruth was in Ireland with her family]

Regrets that she did not receive his long letter sent on Saturday. He was glad she went on her walk. Compared her 10 hour climb to a 15 hour climb in the Alps.

Explained what he meant when he said she was true.

The following day would be busy as he would have to take another master’s English class and still had scholarship papers to mark.

He ought to go to Mary's wedding [his sister] but it could be difficult leaving school. There was bad news in relation to a prospective house and hoped something else would turn up.

Letter to Ruth Turner, written from Charterhouse School [Ruth was in Ireland with her family]

Asks if she had received Sunday's letter [24 May] as well as Saturday’s letter [23 May]. Expected her letter to be in the humblest vein or even remorse that she had thought he could be anything but the most virtuous and punctual of correspondents.

Supposes it’s the walk that made her feel jiggish, skippish, skittish, spriggish, snappish and frolicsome and not his beautiful long letter which was the longest he'd ever written. The real worry about her being in Ireland was that it took so long to get an answer and they often seemed to have the same thoughts.

Discusses plans for meeting on Wednesday. He planned to go to Oxford for the weekend and asks her to send her letter to him on Saturday c/o F. Urquhart, Balliol College. He spent the afternoon with some boys at the Jenkinsons’ but could not play with them as he had a bad toe.

She shouldn't begin worrying about what she could or could not say to him.

The weather was changing and he was looking forward to visiting Oxford which was the most beautiful place of it’s kind. His mother was very keen for them both to visit. Wishes he had her help choosing Mary’s wedding present. Must attend a meeting at the Headmasters [Frank Fletcher] to elect the Junior Scholars.

Letter to Ruth Mallory, from ‘Kharta'.

Brief Summary
Describes flowers seen by him and Norton. Comments on a copy of the Everest book which he had received.

Detailed Summary
Had received two letters from her. Correspondence had been more difficult this year.

Had found two new white primulas. Describes the scene of his discovery in detail which was so beautiful he nearly fell down and wept. Detailed description of the flower. Hoped the seedlings they were bringing back would survive. Had also found another flower which was a much more starry flower. The flowers had been wonderful over the last few days. He and Norton had explored a side valley going down to the Arun. They had the loveliest of walks, trees, shrubs, and all were at their best in broken sunlight and showers - perhaps the best of all that blue-purple iris blooming freely in patches the size of our garden.

Had received a copy of the Everest book but was bored with having to find a place for it in his baggage. Thought it was well got up and looked the money but was disappointed with the reproductions. Was amused to find that the Morning Post was his most favourable reviewer. Thought the other reviews she had sent were remarkably dull, but the Times seemed pretty favourable.

They were to start back the day after to-morrow. He didn't expect to be able to catch a boat before 5th August and would probably save money by sailing right on to London. Younghusband had written to him and had said about the book, ’ ‘Yours was a splendid contribution and I am glad I resisted efforts to have it broken up and subdivided . Wonders whose wanted to subdivide the book and wondered if it was Howard-Bury out of jealousy.

Had received a letter from Edith Stopford and mentions the political situaion in Ireland. Wonders if it’s possible for civil war to be avoided. Edith said everyone expected it be and no one seemed much concerned.

He was very glad she has been to London. Asks her to congratulate Ursula on her concert.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'March 17 1917'

He had been very busy with new ammunition. The Germans had retreated giving away a large chunk of territory on the Somme. Dunbar had returned from the observation post and Johnson had gone up. Wishes he was up there.

Three good letters from her and one from Mary. Glad she had been staying with Ruth. Was sorry to hear Ruth didn’t think Clare would be brainy but he was sure she would be a very nice person.

Would like to go up the line tonight but didn’t think he could do much good as it would take the Infantry a wile to make contact with the enemy as they had to cross the river.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

Sends his Christmas wishes for her and describes the new room he has moved into a short distance from the mess. He would be able to spend a great deal of time there except for occasional duties as orderly officer and a French class he was going to start for a few of the men.

Morning - the bed was comfortable. He was busy writing Xmas letters and would write to Mary and Mary Ann. He was annoyed they had rushed them out of the Holt but it wasn’t their fault. He thought it was Fletcher’s fault as he should have found out that demobilisation would be taken out of the hands of the War Office as soon as the armistace was signed and so applied for his release before the armistace and then let him refuse if the war had continued. He should have let them know at once that the arrangements had fallen through.

Was glad she was getting on well about servants. £35 sounded a lot for wages but supposed paying extra was worth it for good servants. Hadn’t heard if he had secured the purchase of the painting in Paris. What would she do about labour for the garden at the Holt? It might take 9 months to get demobilised but might not take that long.

Had two photos of her and Clare on his mantlepiece. Sends his love to her father, Mildred and Marjorie, the Lawrence Turners and the Haves Turners.

Letter from George to Ruth Mallory from Chiblung

Full Transcript

My dearest Ruth,

I don’t know whether you will easily find this place on the map. We have come north from Tinkye, avoiding unpleasant customers at Chushar and Gyanka Nampa & this valley is divided from that in which Rongkon lies by a low range of hills - we are encamped just at the corner of the Chiblung Chu; Sanko Ri & the ridge where Somervell & I climbed in 1922 is our view to the west.

Today – at last – an English mail has reached us. I have had a very nice long letter from you and also a picture of the children enclosed with the photos from my American friend Schwab illustrating his expedition to Mt Clemenceau (did you notice the one of Mt Farrar & Mt Mallory?). I’m very glad to have the children’s picture, but you don’t send one of yourself naughty girl. Nor do you send me any cuttings this mail, nor the Nation which I hoped you would be sending – though really European affairs are so far away & news is so old that I’ve not much enthusiasm about them. Karma Paul who brought our mail also brought news of the General, whom he left in Phari; he must be pretty ill still as he was unable to walk and was to be carried down to Chumbi; Hingston will accompany him to Ganktok & should rejoin us at the B.C. [Base Camp] about the middle of May. Meanwhile Beetham gets on slowly & can’t be said to have got rid of dysentery yet let alone picking up after it - however I think he’s on the mend.

I heard from Mary today with news of the weather in Colombo & it looks as if the earliest breath of the monsoon is a fortnight early! But that doesn’t necessarily mean much. The bad sign is the weather here which is distinctly more unsettled than in ’22 & these last two nights have been unhealthily warm. Today we have been in a regular storm area though no rain or snow has actually fallen here.

April 24 at Shekar Dzong.

I’ve left it rather late to go on with this letter – that is partly because one way or another I have been spending a good many spare moments on the elaboration of our plans. The difficult work of allotting tasks to men has now been done – N [Norton]& I consulted & he made a general announcement after dinner 2 days ago. The question as to which of the first two parties should be led by Somervell & which by me was decided on two grounds (1) on the assumption that the oxygen party would be less exhausted & be in the position of helping the other it seemed best that I should use oxygen & be responsible for the descent (2) it seemed more likely on his last year’s performance that Somervell would recover after a gasless attempt to be useful again later. It was obvious that either Irvine or Odell should come with me in the first gas party. Odell is in charge of the gas, but Irvine has been the engineer at work on the apparatus – what was provided was full of leaks & faults & he has practically invented a new instrument using up only a few of the old parts & cutting out much that was useless & likely to cause trouble; moreover the remaining parties had to be considered and it wouldn’t do to make Irvine the partner of Geoffrey Bruce as they would lack mountaineering experience; & so Irvine will come with me. He will be an extraordinarily stout companion, very capable with the gas & with cooking apparatus; the only doubt is to what extent his lack of mountaineering experience will be a handicap; I hope the ground will be sufficiently easy.

Norton if he is fit enough will go with Somervell or, if he seems clearly a better goer at the moment, Hazard. Beetham is counted out, though he’s getting fitter. Odell & Geoffrey Bruce will have the important task of fixing Camp V at 25,500.

The whole difficulty of fitting people in so that they take a part in the assault according to their desire or ambition is so great that I can’t feel distressed about the part that falls to me. The gasless party has the better adventure, and as it has always been my pet plan to climb the mountain gasless with two camps above the Chang La it is naturally a bit disappointing that I shall be with the other party. Still the conquest of the mountain is the great thing & the whole plan is mine & my part will be a sufficiently interesting one & will give me perhaps the best chance of all of getting to the top. It is almost unthinkable with this plan that I shan’t get to the top; I can’t see myself coming down defeated. And I have very good hopes that the gasless party will get up; I want all 4 of us to get there, & I believe it can be done. We shall be starting by moonlight if the morning is calm & should have the mountain climbed if we’re lucky before the wind is dangerous.

This evening 4 of us have been testing the oxygen apparatus, and comparing the new arrangements with the old. Irvine has managed to save weight, 4 or 5 lbs, besides making a much more certain as well as more convenient instrument. I was glad to find I could easily carry it up the hill even without using the gas, & better of course with it. On steep ground where one has to climb more or less the load is a great handicap & at this elevation a man is better without it. The weight is about 30 lbs, rather less. There is nothing in front of one’s body to hinder climbing & the general impression I have is that it is a perfectly manageable load. My plan will be to carry as little as possible, go fast & rush the summit. Finch & Bruce tried carrying too many cylinders.

I’m still very fit & happy. Tibet is giving us many beautiful moments. With these abnormal weather conditions it is much warmer than in ’22 & the whole journey is more comfortable. It is nice having one’s own poney – mine is a nice beast to ride, but he’s not in good condition, & today has had a nasty attack of colic; however he’ll have a long holiday to come soon & I hope he’ll fatten up & arrive fit & well in Darjeeling were I shall sell him. Only 4 marches, starting tomorrow morning to the Rongbuk monastery! We’re getting very near now. On May 3 four of us will leave the Base Camp & begin the upward trek & on May 17 or thereabouts we should reach the summit. I’m eager for the great event to begin.

Now dearest I must say Good Night to you & turn into my cosy sleeping bag, where I shall have a clean nose sheet tonight, one of the two you made to fix with patent fasteners. Considering how much grease my face requires & gets that device has been very useful.

Great love to you always.

The telegram announcing our success if we succeed will precede this letter I suppose; but it will mention no names. How you will hope that I was one of the conquerors. And I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Ever your loving
George

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

22 June – had received her letters and cake. A good cook had arrived with the other half of the battery so things in the Mess were better.

23 June – had to stop writing last evening to do more mathematics and registering of targets and had been very busy since then. Was delighted with his birthday present. Comments on her visit to Mary and Ralph’s.

There had been a great storm that afternoon when he was working in the ex-messroom with Lithgow. They had made inadequate arrangements to carry water away. Had to make some damming arrangements. The tent he shared with Bell had been blown away and their things were exposed to the pelting rain. Wondered how he would manage for dry bedding although the weather had turned warmer in the last couple of days.

Was feeling tremendously strung up for great things and hoped they would begin soon.

Comments on Stephen and Bridget’s relationship. Wishes he could talk with her more and although they were ok for officers now it would be a while before he was due leave.

Asks her to thank Clutton-Brock for his book which he had received.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

Was working in shifts of 24 hours. Apologises that he hadn’t had chance to write. Had been on the guns from daylight to diner. They were all happy and full of hope. The men rise to the occasion and will enjoy it even if they have a bad time. Was feeling rather deaf last night. Lithgow looses all sense of cool control the moment a hitch occurs. Thinks people in England must be excited. Didn’t think the Germans would take Verdun. Had heard that five German divisions had been taken from the British front.

Was glad she had enjoyed her time with Mary. Ask what she thinks of Ralph. Acknowledges letters, soup tablets and cakes and thinks the prunes were a good idea and he would save them for private consumption. Describes the mess and people he eats with. Asks her to send one cake a week. Had read most of Clutton-Brock’s book The Ultimate Belief which he comments on and he recommends she get a copy too.

He was in the map room standing by to be given a job. He was always standing by. Hoped to get some sleep before going on night duty again.

Wonders what the future held for them and whether he would be home for good before Xmas as he longed to be with her and build up a life together again.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'May 4 1917'

Busy day at the observation post. Had tried to hit some distant Germans but missed and he was keenly disappointed. They had fired a lot in the last few days but were no further forward and there seemed little happing further north too.

It was lovely and warm and he was feeling quite sunburnt. There were larks singing and swallows who couldn’t find eaves on houses to nest in.

Was glad she had seen Trafford and Doris. He didn’t know Trafford was going home, thought he was to get a job in France. Trafford was a Major now but promotion in the Royal Flying Corps was rapid. Was glad he was safely back. Was surprised Mary was having another baby as her health was delicate.

He kept looking up at the German planes which they were shooting at as he had never seen one shot down.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'March 6 1917'

He had received two good letters from her. He thought it very, very likely that the war would end that year but they had been disappointed before. It was worse for her as she was just awaiting for it to end whereas he was doing things. She was also doing less than usual at present [Ruth was expecting their second child]. Thought she ought to keep on her work for the Mothers Welcome if it didn’t overburden her. He hadn’t thought of Venice lately although they came back to that sort of happiness when they met.

He hadn’t had a very exciting day. He had been looking at maps in the morning and then later observing from a tree. He didn’t know the lay of the land and the man sent to help him wasn’t much use but he had enjoyed himself. He walked down to another battery for tea and was pleased to see new primrose leaves.

March 7 – a dull day but he was planning on going out to an observation post to look around. A great advantage of battery life was the opportunity to get out into natural daylight to visit places.

He hadn’t written to anyone but her for ages and he must try. He hadn’t heard any news from Charterhouse and asks after Mr Fletcher. He owed Hoenni a letter and would send a letter to Mary for Ruth to forward. He had received a parcel of sausages and would be glad of parcels now as when it was muddy the lorries didn’t get through and they lived on bully beef and biscuits.

He didn’t go up to the observation post in the end as it was too misty but would go up tomorrow and stay for two days which he would enjoy but it would probably rain.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Magdalen Camp Hospital, Winchester. No date

[Letter is written in pencil and is very faint so full transcript is provided]

Full Transcript

My dearest Ruth,

I’ve no chance of seeing you this weekend – it’s very sad but there it is & we must make the best of it. Kenway very kindly wired yesterday offering to call for me on Saturday morning.

Well, you’ll see by this address that my situation has changed. It all came of the silliest little row between my batman & the mess servants – they kept him waiting ¾ hr for my dinner & he objected, & they told the mess secretary that I was complaining – I being the most humble innocent of mortals among my books & papers, and the mess secretary who presumably had a point of injured innocence to make at a mess meeting must need speak of an officer in his quarters, which meant me, making complaints against the overworked staff of which there came a hint to the doctor, instigated by the Colonel who knew nothing but what he had heard at the mess meeting dear man & that it was time I went to hospital. And so here I am & I don’t know that it’s a change for the worse only I hate the way it came about.

The ward is a dreary enough great room & at this moment I’m alone – the one officer who shares it with me having gone out for the afternoon. It has been perishingly cold till just now – there was a theory (not very far wide of the truth) that the stove smoked so much that it was not worth while lighting it. But ultimately an attempt has been made & though the room was full of smoke for ½ hr while the fire burnt up I could do with a lot more than that for the sake of the warmth we have now.

I had a letter from Jelli this morning. It’s annoying in a way that Tressler, as it appears, seems to have got in first & Jelli has engaged herself to perform at one of his Chamber Concerts on Oct 28 – that by the bye is the date which suits her; & you’ve fixed it with Marjorie Waterhouse [old school friend, they attended Prior's Field School] too haven’t you? Will you make the other necessary arrangements about escorting Jelli & hiring the Church Padre?

I also heard from Mary this morning & she says Ralph is very keen to get me into his battery & is moving all he can. I think I ought to get that fixed up through Col. Dawson; anyway I shall try. And my dear one, I’m bound to say I feel its high time I should go out again; the present events in France just put that into my blood. I expect I had better go & see Col. Dawson as soon as I am passed fit for GS at the end of this month & get him to send me out as a reinforcement to Ralph as soon as a batch is going - & that’ll perhaps give me a fortnight more.

The Hoennis seem greatly to have enjoyed their visit to you as I gather by a note from Hoenni this morning.
I suppose the post has again failed us as you say you have no letter from me. I hope you will get this one all right tomorrow morning.

About the O’Malleys, I really feel I don’t know – wouldn’t it be worth while asking what is their address in any case – you have the Denton one on a letter from Ursula. I must be writing to Mary Ann some time. I will send back the Golden Bowl to the L.L.
Dear love it’s very hard not to see you this weekend & although such a stupid little accident, it’s a wonderful pleasure to see you so happy & so lovely & now just when you will be more free I can’t come. Mrs Munns I suppose leaves you tomorrow – give her my kind regards & say I believe I have a a hanky of hers she used for my thumb last Sunday & if it is hers I’ll have it washed and sent on.

Farewell to you sweet love,
Your loving George

Letter from Mary Brooke, Mallory's sister written from Colombo. This letter was found on George Mallory's body in 1999. It was wrapped in a handkerchief along with two other letters.

Full Transcript

Ap. 12th
Steelback Lodge
Galle Face
Columbo

My dearest George

I hope you have been getting the weather reports all right – it will be very interesting to hear whether you can trace a connection with our weather & how long afterwards. Since sending you the observatory report yesterday we have had the most terrific storm – gale of wind from S.W. – torrents of rain & thunder – we had noticed very heavy clouds at the sunset & it looked as if something were approaching, but the storm didn’t break till about 1 a.m. last night. It was most violent for nearly three hours so if you get the same you had better be on the look out – I wonder how far you have got now – I do hope you are getting on well & making good time. We were very disappointed not getting up to Diyatalawa last Monday, we were all packed up & everything planned when a wire came from the C.C. postponing the whole move & in a furious temper that he hadn’t been told some little minor details that no one thought he would want to know. I believe there were some very heated telegrams between him & our Colonel but of course it didn’t alter things & we have just had to wait here in the heat & packed & angry! There is hardly anyone left down here now, but I believe we really shall get off on Monday & are much looking forward to getting up to the hills & a cooler atmosphere. Ralph is going off for a week’s shooting on Thursday – he & another man & they ought to have quite a good time & see a lot of interesting country. They are going to camp out & I believe try for panther & bears at night as it will be full moon. When he gets back we expect Wynyard for a few days on his way home from Shanghai. This place is getting rather gay now with the flamboyant trees & others all coming into flower – I am afraid we shall miss them at their best. We took the children to the museum the other evening. really most interesting – besides all the Ceylon animals, birds insects, precious stones etc they had a very interesting room of the native handicrafts – pottery etc some of it most attractive – I believe you get the best things of that sort at Kandy & we must certainly make an expedition there when we get back here.

With much love & let me have a line when you can
Your loving sister
Mary

Describes the weather. Tells him about the situation regarding the visitors and German Measles. Compares baby Barbara with Clare and describes how they get jealous of each other. Updates him on Clare's progress. Updates him on everyone's news. Expresses her love for him. Describes the mothers at Baby Welfare group.

Acknowledges his letter and discusses him buying a picture and asking the artist to paint Clare. Reflects on making friends unexpectedly. Expresses her wish to learn French. Describes in detail the Labour meeting about the League of Nations and gives her opinions of it. Updates him on news from Mary and Berry's progress.

Explains that this is the second letter of the day written to him. Reiterates details from her previous letter. Intends to have Mary Anne, Owen, Diana and Ursula to visit at Westbrook. Expresses her anxieties about the war. Intends to visit Mary and Ralph while in London. Asks him again if he has received a cheque for £250 from his aunt's legacy. Advises him to write to her lawyers. She will forward his address to Birkenhead.

Describes the weather and her surroundings. Expresses her anxiety over him being in danger. Tells him about the setback Mary Anne has experienced with letting her house. Informs him that Trafford has been sent back to the fighting. Asks him about his recent work laying two miles of wire. Is sorry to hear the rats ate his Cheshire cheese. Expresses her wish to be able to do real work. Tells him about six planes flying overhead to the Somme.

Tuesday 16 Jan. evening - Expresses her love for him. Tells him she is on the house furnishing committee. Updates him on her symptoms.

Wednesday 17 Jan. morning - Acknowledges his letter. Expresses her thoughts about him being taught to make fires. Describes her morning activities and the parcels she is sending him. Describes a letter from Mary and Ralph discussing a move to Camberly.

Describes the weather and how she is not going to church. Updates him on Clare's teething and her father's health. Tells him she has not heard from Mary or Doris and that Ursula is coming to stay. Describes her dreams.

She has settled in with Mary and Ralph. Compares their baby, Barbara, with Clare. Describes Mary and Ralph's garden. Informs him she has purchased Shakespeare's Sonnets in the Temple edition. Intends to cut her trip short and head back to Westbrook. Expresses her admiration for Bridget. Discusses the meanings of Shakespeare's sonnets. Is looking forward to him coming home on leave.

Reflects on the last few months and expresses her sadness that he is not home for Christmas. Discusses the progress of demobilisation. Describes a conversation with Mary Anne and Violet about the Holt and the moving date. Expresses her concerns about Clare learning bad manners from the Fletcher boys. Tells him what presents she sent to his family and the preparations for Christmas. Reflects on all the things they can do together when he is home. Discusses the sugar ration.

She has read his letter to Ralph and Mary. Discusses his duties and living conditions as described in his last letter. Expresses her opinions about the progress of the war. Describes her walk with Clare and Mary. Discusses her thoughts on the fear of Hell and the merits of good behaviour. Intends to stay to see Henrietta Livingstone. Informs him his pamphlet has been read by Mr Clutton-Brock, Mr Arthur Benson, and Mr Fletcher and gives their opinions of it. Tells him she is proud of him. Describes the maps of Armentières and the trenches she was shown by Ralph. She hopes he does not have to see dead bodies.

Tells him she has been warmly welcomed and describes her feelings after he left. Describes in detail her visit to tour York Minister. Reassures him she is being looked after and sends him news of his parents. Updates him on Avie's health. Expresses her opinions on Mary and Ralph's friendship with Lord and Lady Nunburnholme. Hopes that peace will come soon.

Describes taking Clare for a walk and her morning activities. Tells him about an invitation from his mother and why she won't go but tells him she will go to the Isle of Wight instead. Updates him on everyone she has heard from. Expresses how she misses him. Compares her first sightings of cars to Clare's first sightings of aeroplanes. Informs him that Barbara is arriving soon.

Her box has arrived at Birkenhead. She delivers the news that the dog has passed away and hopes Marjorie won't be too upset. Tells him about her experience volunteering at the maternity hospital and describes the situation of some of the mothers. Expresses her wish to help people in need. Informs him she intends to make copies of his letters to send to Mary, Avie and Trafford. She encloses a letter from Mr Rendall regarding his pamphlet.

Acknowledges his letter of the 18th March. Updates him on Marjorie's working situation. Asks him about his reconnaissance mission. Discusses how much they should tell their children about the dangers of climbing. Asks him about his dugout. updates him on Clare's progress.

Describes in detail her shopping trip to London and what her and Mildred bought. Describes how she will copy out his letters discussing Hell. Tells him about a letter from Mary describing being bombed. Expresses her concern for his safety. Discusses his previous letter about being cynical.