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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.

Full Transcript

29, Courtfield Road,
S.W.
My dearest
It is most awfully hot here, but I have not had at all a bad day, we just sat comfortably all the morning and shoped a Liberty from our favorite shop man. I seem to have bought an awful lot of things but I made a careful list before I started so I don’t think I got any thing that I don’t more or less need. I have bought two pieces of stuff for ties for you if you like them. I have not begun climbing things yet. I am going to tea with Doris tomorrow and I think I shall go to the British Museum before that, and that will be lovely. I have a lot of patterns for Mary.

I have just had to stop in the middle of this letter to talk and give tea to an Aunt & Cousin of Alisons because neither she nor Mrs Steel are in. Alison warned me that they were dull. The Aunt however is not so bad she will at least talk but the girl hasn’t a word to say for herself.

I am so sorry for all the dull dreary people who have to live in London and for all the silly smart ones who want to. But I am much sorriest for the smart ones in grand clothes because there is not even any good in it. I wonder if you will ever have to live in London dear, I suppose there are realy a lot of compensations.

Good night & morning dearest I wish I could write a psalm poem about you & my love for you.
Your loving Ruth

Describes her morning working at the hospital with Mildred. Discusses the new dress patterns she received for her birthday. Hopes he is safe and well and informs him of a letter he received from Mr Thompson. Discusses what she has read in Vanity Fair. She has heard from Mary about the location of the armies. She hopes he is not near Ypres.

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.

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.

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.

Discusses cutting back the ivy at the Holt. Updates him on Clare’s progress. Describes Violet’s visit to the dentist and tells him about her father’s health. Informs him of the feeling of depression sweeping through the country over the war. Discusses Mary and Ralph’s position in the war. Informs him she will not be meeting the Bishop but will be meeting Mrs Radcliffe and will gather him news of Charthouse. Discusses news on the war given to Mrs Reade by Geoffrey Young. Hopes that he will get leave soon.

Expresses her wish for him to be on leave. Describes her activities of the previous afternoon. Discusses the possibility of him learning book binding. Updates him on Clare’s progress. Describes the visit from the boy Johnstone [friend of Robert Graves] and the conversations they had. Asks him if he needs any more butter.

Tells him she misses him. Updates him on Clare's progress and discusses her future. Describes a walk to Munstead with Doris and Mildred. Reminisces about a walk they had together on the same route. She has heard from Mary and discusses Ralph going on a course. Discusses the progress of the war and arrangements for meeting him in London when on leave.

Tells him that Bice has German measles and has postponed her visit. Informs him that she will stop sending him parcels until she knows where he is located. Tells him that Mary has accepted her invitation to stay when Ralph departs. Expresses how much she misses him. Discusses the progress of the war. Hopes for another letter from him soon.

Acknowledges his last letter. Describes in detail how Ralph has measles and expresses her concern for everyone's health. Reflects on how different their life is now and what their life might be like when he is home. Expresses her irritation at having to rest in the afternoons.

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.

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 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 from Ruth Turner to George Mallory written from Ireland

Discusses her opinions on truth and reflects on growing up. She has changed her opinion of her book The Brothers Karamazov and has started reading William Morris by Mr Clutton-Brock. Expresses her desire to have Barnsley furniture in their house. Urges him to attend his sister’s wedding without her. Requests a photograph of Mary.

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.

Informs him that Robert Graves has been wounded and she intends to ask him to visit. Tells him that Ralph is to get leave and will go to Birkenhead with Mary. Describes her intended activities for the day. Asks him if he would like some apples to be sent out. Expresses her love for him. Intends to go to Alborough to find lodgings and will start at 8.30 and not get back until after 9.. Updates him on her father's trouble with male staff. Intends to have tea with Mrs Kendell.

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.

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.

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.

Discusses cutting down on wheat flour. Describes a walk to gather primroses and tells him about how Clare enjoyed it. Tells him about an intended visit from Mary and about Mary's miscarriage scare. Expresses her wish to have a boy. Asks him what he thinks about.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.