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Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France, 'Dec 8 1916'

Yesterday he was in Amiens with Wood. He had fixed up the contract for pork and sausages for Xmas. Had dined and played Bridge with the neighbouring H.A.G. headquarters.

Dud day as far as the observation post was concerned as it was raining this morning and impossible to see more than 400 yards all day. He and four men had occupied the half way house and he had spent the time reading Rob Roy [by Walter Scott]. They chatted but weren’t a particularly interesting party. About six hours with no employment.

Had a good letter from her in response to his about the postponement of leave and she was very brave. It may come quicker than he had thought. The Romanian news was so disgusting that he reused to make any comments.

He was feeling better after his feverish cold. Asked for more details about her religious society.

[Letter continues later] - He had just been playing race demons with Lithgow and he describes the game.

Had received letters from her, Mrs Brock, Ursula, and Avie. Wishes Avie would go and stay at Westbrook. Was sorry to hear that the Headmaster [of Charterhouse] was unwell.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'Jan 4 1916' [it was actually written in 1917]

Bell was on his way back to join his new battery and Captain Lithgow had been awarded a Military Cross and he was dining at the battery that evening to celebrate both events.

Had spent 2 gay evenings playing poker chiefly to amuse the Colonel. It was annoying that there wasn’t much for anyone there to do but supposed it would be different when big operations were going on.

He had read more of A Shepherd’s Life and asks if she had too.

Trafford had called to ask him to meet him at a Hotel in Amiens.

Supposes she would have Ursula with her and asks Ruth to tell her the carols had arrived two days ago along with Mother’s Xmas parcel. Avie’s was still to come.

Music was at a discount and he couldn’t practice the occharina there but they did have a good gramophone.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'Jan 6 1916' [it was actually written in 1917]

He had been hoping and hoping for this news [that she was expecting their second child] and they wouldn’t worry whether it was a girl or boy.

He wasn’t sure how to describe his job. Robinson had spent the first two days telling him there wasn’t much for him to do. He felt Robinson was impressed with himself in the role of adjutant and was anxious to do everything himself. His role was to look after the Colonel which meant accompanying him on his rounds and being generally informed. He had taken the Colonel up to see where they observed from. They had also ridden out to see an alternative battery position. He had only ridden a horse once in the last 10 years but it was a tame business. Thought their children should learn to ride.

He would have to get to know the other batteries in the group which would be interesting. He was in charge of the living quarters and would probably have to run the mess although McLeod, the signalling officer, was doing that at present. It was a footling old woman’s job. He hoped he could make a better job for himself. He liked the men there especially the Colonel and McLeod.

Wondered if anything would come of the strained situation between Austria and Germany.

Had to write letters to mother, Avie, Trafford and Geoffrey Keynes.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'March 12 1917'

He was now over with the left half of the battery – north of the river once more. Was in an agreeable place in a deep little valley. Unfortunately, the wood had been utterly destroyed. Spring had arrived and the last of the mud was over. It was so warm he had had to take his coat off.

He liked being with the left half again. The Officer quarters were not much to boast off and the mess wasn’t water tight but they didn’t expect to be there for long. He was alone with Dunbar at present. Johnson was at the observation post and due back tonight. He had read some poetry to Dunbar from The Golden Treasury and he had liked Shelly but didn’t care much for Keats.

The air was full of hopes again as it had been before 1 July [1916] and he describes his views on the current state of the war.

Asks how she was managing the War Loan and their bank accounts and asks if she can see if the dividends are being paid regularly.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Avington Park Camp, Winchester

Comments on the news in Ruth’s letter and recommended she read novels all day [she was at the end of her second pregnancy]. Had hoped his gaiters would have arrived so he could idle on the Downs but an order had come prohibiting the use of riding horses by subalterns. He would only be able to learn with other men in the riding school which was a far less attractive proposal.

Hadn’t much to do except watch horses drinking and there was no compulsion for him to appear on parade. No one had explained what his position was and he had received no orders. He might be put on a course but that prospect didn’t thrill him.

Outlines the difference between heavy artillery and siege.

Describes his walk home the previous evening which totalled 22 miles and as a result his ankle as feeling ‘stupid’ as a result. He had asked the doctor about ionization but he didn’t know what that was and gave him lotion instead.

Tells her to be quick to get Edwin born and recover afterwards so they would live together. He had asked Avie to spend a weekend with him on her way to or from Bournemouth. Had lost his pouch of tobacco but found it in the billiard room.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Avington Park Camp, Winchester

Glad all was well with her. They had just spent 1 ½ hours doing a Muster call at which the name of every man was read out and he was cold after standing about.

He had gone to bed earlier than usual and adjusted his bed so it was more comfortable. As a result he was up early than usual and took a walk between breakfast and parade at 8.45 am.

Had to take some signallers over to be inspected at 4pm when he was hoping to go into Winchester.

Had a letter from Avie and there was some prospect of her house being settled with a good cook and a nursery governess. Hopes she will be able to get away soon. She was anxious about John. Polly thinks they will name the new baby Althea so there was one for the list but she had probably made up her mind already.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Avington Park Camp, Winchester

Describes a fall he had suffered on his motor bike which resulted in an injured left hand and strained thumb. The whole camp had attended a lecture on venereal disease given by the Chaplain. Had spent the evening talking to Avie's doctor who was the medical officer in the battery next to his. Describes a "morbid and terrible" dream in which Ruth had died and his emotional reaction. Refers to Uncle Hawes and Aunt Jessie's plans to live in Canada.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Avington Park Camp, Winchester. No date except 'Tuesday'

Describes the injury to his foot and that the pain had ceased. Was doubtful he would be up and walking enough by the weekend to visit her but might be able to by train. Avie had suggested November 16th for a visit and he would write and ask her to come to Westbrook. He had been visited by Avie's former doctor who spent a long time talking to him. Geoffrey was one of the best friend's in the world and he liked to plan things for others.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Newcastle

Was sorry she wouldn't have seen anything of Avie and was glad she had been to St John's Vicarage [his parent's home].

Was delighted by events in the Balkans and in Palestine. The defeat of Bulgaria was more important as it would involve the railway to Constantinople. The American advance of 11 kilometres sounded like a good start. Someone had told him the war would be over within 3 weeks but even in a dream he couldn't swallow that optimism.

Describes a series of games he organised for the men on the beach which including nude swimming race, a three legged race and steeplechase.

Letter to Ruth Mallory, written on ‘Mount Everest Expedition’ Letterhead

Brief Summary
Responds to news in her letters. They had been in the same camp for two weeks. He had spent some of the time at the advanced camp climbing with Bullock. Snow had put an end to their climbs and Howard-Bury had ordered them to leave camp and return to the lower one. Bullock carried a pink umbrella on the marches. Didn't think much of Howard-Bury's official accounts of their climbs. Describes other members of the party and their physical fitmess. Was still hoping to attempt to summit but it would depend on the weather.

Detailed Summary
They had received two mail deliveries and everyone in camp spent a long time silently reading their letters. He responds to news in her letter mentioning Bob Morgan, photos of the children, the Keynes, O’Malley, the Fletchers, the Brocks, the Trews [?], and thanks her for being very diligent about circulating his news. He feared his letters had been very dull but had been writing partly for himself as a record which he otherwise wouldn't have made.

He had received a letter from Avie and David who had both enjoyed their visits to Ruth and he had enjoyed hearing about her from them. He had also heard from his mother and father who were very happy after visiting her. His father seemed to be greatly impressed by John [their son]. Mentions Miss Walround, Edith Stopford, the Reads, and that it was nice to hear that Geoffrey Young was anxious to hear his news. Was delighted by photos of the children. Asks in detail about the state of the garden, her upcoming plans, and whether she is going to Westbrook [Ruth's father’s house].

They were still in the same place as over a fortnight ago. Describes working on the upper camp (1st Advanced at 20,000 ft) with supplies, attempting to stay up there, trekking with Bullock and of pitching a tent in the usual snowstorm. Describes the fine granular snow of high altitudes. After a good night’s sleep he had woken to see the roof of his tent hanging inwards and a white world outside and conditions for climbing were entirely hopeless.

He had a Kodak camera to take snapshots of the porters and their snow-bound camp and a quarter-plate to take photos of the mountains. Spent the morning sitting on a rock taking six photographs before a porter arrived bearing a chit from Howard-Bury who had nothing more to say than to urge the obvious. After a debate with Bullock they had packed up the tents, covered the stores and prepared to go down to Howard-Bury’s camp. Bullock had a pink umbrella which he invariably carried on the march.

He had told her little of the movements of the others as he trusted she would have been informed by Howard-Bury’s articles. These were not very informative and he wasn't impressed by them.

They were all together for the first time since Kampa Dzong. Raeburn on his arrival was almost a broken and heart-breaking figure, and when Howard-Bury and Wollaston arrived on 6 September they sketched over some difficulties about stores and had settled down quite amicably. Wollaston was a rather solitary bird who was always jolly and friendly to talk with, but he had the impression that he was more tired of the expedition than the rest of them.

He was happy but thought the month was too late already for their great venture and they would have to face great cold. Feared his hopes and plans for seeing something of India on the way back wouldn't be possible.

The interest remained for him and he felt that when they returned to Darjeeling he wouldn’t leave without regret. He’d like to undertake a few other ascents, less ambitious but perhaps more delightful. He was looking forward to seeing her again.

Wheeler had been taking photographs and Morshead had been keeping him company. There was a shortage of tents due to Raeburn’s unexpected arrival, so Morshead had slept in the tent with Bullock and himself [Mallory]. It was a disorderly but happy arrangement. Wheeler came in to eat with them while the rest had their meals round a table in a pukka mess tent. There was plenty of talk and good cheer but he still thought Wheeler was not a fit man. He Morshead and Bullock made a good trio. Heron had arrived yesterday as cheerful and good natured as ever and he promised him a bit of rock from the summit of Everest.

17 September [letter continues] - the weather had changed and they had woken to find the sky clear and remaining clear. The day before he had enjoyed a good walk with Morshead and Bullock and were rewarded with a beautiful view of Everest. That day he, Morshead and Howard-Bury had ascended a snow peak on the boundary ridge and seen a glorious view. He could see Kangchenjunga [third highest mountain in the world] and all the higher mountains to the East. Makalu straight opposite across the valley was gigantic and Everest at the head of the valley was very fine too. The snow was not melting as it should; above 20,000 ft or so it was powdery under a thin crust and it was impossible to get along without snowshoes, and fears they’ll have to pack up at once if the snow didn't melt properly on the glacier. Morshead was going badly and he [Mallory] was feeling the height a good deal. Altogether his hopes were about zero.

He had been thinking about the children and asked her to kiss them and show them the lozenges below [see drawings at the bottom of the letter] which were meant for special birthday kisses. Tomorrow they were going up again so he was busy.

Letter from George to Ruth Mallory, from Washington

He was writing from bed having packed and was ready for an early start next morning. His first two lectures were over and he had been busy finishing his chapters and revising his lecture for an American audience and including some of Somerville's slides. The audience at the first lecture were unresponsive and didn't clap when he meant them to and almost never laughed but he just held their attention. Afterwards they had shaken his hand like it was a great success. In contrast the evening lecture was very successful.

He wants to hear from her but hasn't yet and sent great love to Clare and Beridge and John and Avie.

Letter to Ruth Mallory from ‘Hotel Seneca, Rochester, New York’ [Letterhead], with envelope

Planned to sail home on the Saxonia, March 31. Makes arrangements for meeting her when he arrived.

He had given a lecture in a museum in Philadelphia to a good audience, then a took train to Toledo where he gave a lecture before travelling to Buffalo. He saw Niagara and had arrived in Rochester where he was due to give a lecture that evening before leaving for Chicago. He then planned to go to Iowa City for a lecture but was disappointed it was far from his dream of seeing the Pacific Coast.
Had two more lectures booked in Hanover, New Hampshire, and Boston and possibly in one or two schools which was a very
disappointing affair.

Planned to make a detour on his return to New York and visit his Uncle Wilfred in Toronto.

He was sorry she was worried about money and promised to write to Hinks at once. The garage was more expensive than he anticipated. They would have to be careful about money. He was doing all he could to make some. He had written an article for a magazine called Asia and he thought the Everest Committee owed him about £180 and he had not been paid yet for the Everest book. The was some money due form the lectures he had given and there was a possibility of lecturing in England although he wasn’t much disposed to take on more than an occasional one.

He hoped Clare and Beridge had received the post card he sent from Niagara. The weather was bad when he visited with an east wind followed by a blizzard. Even so the rushing water was wonderfully impressive. The Canadian Horseshoe Falls were the best. The American falls were dirty and disappointing and much under the influence of the town Niagara which was abdominally smelly and smoky.

Tells him how she misses him and how she is coping while he is away. Expresses her desire to have more children. Tells him of an upcoming trip to London. Asks him how he is feeling and wishes she was with him. Informs him of a letter received from Avie. Tells him she got home alright after not having her train ticket.

Asks what happened to him when separated from the others. Hopes her letters are getting through. Describes her morning activities - making butter and china painting. Wonders what he is doing and hopes the war will be over soon. discusses her opinions on a business government. Describes her shopping trip to Hazelmere. Asks him if he has seen any of the action from the front. She intends to write to Avie and send her some of his letters.

Describes her journey to Birkenhead. Tells him she is glad he is safe. Informs him that his mother and Avie are well. She intends to take a trip to Mabberly. She hopes he is receiving her letters.

Informs him that she is not pregnant. Expresses her wish to have more children. States that she cannot help at the hospital for fear of passing infections to the baby. She intends to stay with Avie in the week. Relays Mr Reade's compliments on his pamphlet. Expresses her concerns about the war and his safety. Tells him she has sent him his protractor.

Describes her eventful train journey to Mobberly. Asks him how his work is going. Updates him on Clare. Tells him about her stay with Avie and describes the garden.

Updates him on Clare's activities. Describes her feelings towards Harry and his relationship with Avie, and compares the household with St John's Vicarage. Informs him that she is going to Birkenhead. Discusses her thoughts on raising children.

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.

7 July - She intends to write to Avie and Doris Turner. Tells him Doris had only achieved a fourth at Oxford. She has received his letter and is sorry he is having a bad time. Discusses the progress of the war and wishes for peace. Tells him how Clare has caught a cold from Mary Anne. Describes her visit to the Brocks. Discusses Mr Brock’s review of his book. Tells him she has had visits from Aunt Beatrice, Uncle Bertie, Aunt Agnes and Uncle Peter.

8 July – Tells him about her morning; Marjorie let the ferrets out resulting in an accident involving Clare falling out the pram. Discusses the progress of the war and reflects on helping at the hospitals. Informs him she will send him a cake.

Sunday 9 July - Informs him that the Clutton-Brocks are expected to tea. Tells him about the gardener leaving after sixteen years of service. Describes the man applying for the gardener position as a retired soldier with ‘shell shock’. Describes her morning activities; gardening, looking after Clare and painting china. Intends to send him pictures of Clare. Expresses her feelings about the progress of the war.

Monday 10 July – She has received his letter and reassures him they are all happy with the progress of the war. Expresses her sadness to hear that Uncle Arthur’s youngest son has been killed and her sadness at all the death.

Tells him she is feeling better. Discusses the other men in his Battery. Expresses her wish for him to be happy. Discusses how to achieve peace. Tells him about an invite to see Mrs Reade. Relays some information about Will Kennedy receiving a Military Cross. Asks him to send her Avie’s letter. Expresses her love for him. Describes a conversation with Violet about spoiling Clare. Informs him that Bice is coming to stay.

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

He had no pupil that evening. The boys were being taught to fight on the other side of the pergola so it wasn't quiet. Agrees that other people seemed dull and it was all wrong and annoying but it would all be alright once they are married.

His day had started with a pupil before breakfast followed by two hours in school. One class contained some exceptionally irritating people and he was quite annoyed. He had a more enjoyable afternoon teaching history to his form and then English with the smallest boys. He had read poetry with them and they seemed enchanted. He was in quite a good humour.

He hadn't known how important her letters would become to him. He had found a photograph of himself taken in Wales which he hoped was agreeable. He provides an address for Avie [his sister Annie Victoria known as Avie]. He was delighted with a map Ruth had sent as it made him think of her in beautiful surroundings. He hoped she would get up the mountain and warned her not to be deceived by Whymper as things had changed a lot since his day [late 1800s]. They knew much more now and climbed much better.

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 Mallory written from Pen y Pass

He was writing on Saturday and would be leaving on the following Monday to spend one night with Avie. They made a new climb on the west peak of Lliwedd under his lead which had some very good bits. H. V. R. [Herbert Reade] couldn’t manage a bit near the bottom without help. Climbing had just enough competition about it for the leader to enjoy such a moment. Wasn’t too wet during the climb but at that moment the wind was raging with savage gusts. Rain was coming down at intervals in torrents.

Her letter didn’t mention her health so he supposed she was better. Thought her idea to move in with Aunt Pattie was excellent. Apologises for forgetting to post his last letter to her in Chester so it would arrive later than intended.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

Believed they were moving that night south to the 1st Army. Orders had only just come. Had only that afternoon planted all the seedlings from Westbrook. Only half the Battery was to move. Lithgow and Bell were to go with him. No more bricks and mortar. Was sad he wouldn’t see the end of the building project. Thought they would be touring the country in motor lorries for a few days which he would enjoy but it was going to be wet. Was glad of a servant who packed for him and would upack. Was glad to think of her with Avie.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Oct 9 1916'

Refers to letters from her, Brother Giles, Mother, Avie, and Mrs B-B.

Had a tiresome day inspecting damage to Pys church and tamping to a trench to register the German line. It went wrong and they discovered the sight on the gun was out of order.

Updates him about her father's health. Describes in detail a letter from Avie. Discusses the progress of the war. Tells him about how she is feeling lazy and unorganised. Informs him that Ursula is coming to stay.

Acknowledges his last letter and hopes he is feeling better. Asks him if he has been given the staff job. Describes in detail his mother's visit. Discusses helping Mary and Barbara by inviting them to stay with her. Tells him about Trafford's leave. Updates him on Marjorie Waterhouse's visit. Tells him she is sending him a parcel.

Reflects on the war and her place in history. Expresses her thoughts on her doubts about the war ending that year, Germany's position in the war, and her opinions about the food ration. Updates him on her father's health. Describes in detail the conversations she had with the Irvine's at tea. Tells him that good service is hard to find and she hopes Violet doesn't leave and that she has heard from Avie. Reflects on the good times they have had.