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Sonnet written by George and dedicated to Ruth Turner and her sister Marjorie

Sonnet written by George and headed To Ruth

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

14 May - Had done very little pining as he wanted to keep all thoughts of her to be a positive experience. Spent the morning in school, teaching King Lear and Carlyle, who was a bore, and Heroes and Hero-Worship which would be a good book if it were shorter. Had finished teaching Cromwell much to his relief.

He wouldn't think about talking to his friends about the things he writes to her about. Had spent the afternoon chaperoning students on the river towards Somerset Bridge and was due to have a pupil at 9:15.

15 May - The weather was nice and he wished she was there. The weather wouldn't be nice with her as she was in Ireland. Hopes she has been sick on the boat as when he is sick it does him good. He had to see Rendall about an entrance English paper and asks if Ruth's father knows Rendall.

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

Teases her about misspelling the word 'glacier' [Ruth had dyslexia]. Misses and loves her. Is frightened when she says their life will be perfect together and warns her to expect downs as well as ups but thinks it will turn out at least as good or even better than she imagines.

Would send her a letter from his mother and asks her opinion. He describes the previous day when he had been walking with Hilton Young [Geoffrey Young’s brother]. They had met another Cambridge friend was was now a doctor and a man he knew slightly. His friends were nicer now than when they were at Cambridge. Puts it down to having a job. He lunched with the Clutton-Brocks and played cricket with the boys.

He was behind with work and worried about the Shakespeare papers which he had been correcting - the boys didn’t appreciate Cordelia. They didn't have the necessary emotional experience. He wanted to write an article about Cromwell. Clutton-Brock had given him his book about William Morris which he would read and send on.

He had received a cheque for £100 as a wedding present. It was a serious annoyance to him that she was rich and he was poor.

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]

He had spent a very lazy morning talking with Lytton [Lytton Strachey, a friend of Mallory’s who was staying with him at Charterhouse], reading poetry, particularly The Menage of the March Wind by William Morris. He was visited by Alan Goodfellow who had been ill and stayed to talk during Chapel [he had climbed with Mallory in the Lakes the previous year]. Breakfast and lunch were trying as Lytton didn't like boys. He was very shy because he talked in a falsetto voice. In this sort of company he would say very little and yet look very striking. He was a man you couldn't ignore.

Ruth’s life didn't sound all joy and he hoped the fishermen appreciated how good she was [Ruth and her sisters Marjorie and Mildred spent much of the time rowing the men in the party including their Uncles Lawrence and Hawes out onto the Lochs to fish]. She had a dangerously unselfish disposition but she wouldn't spend her life doing little jobs for him.

Time was a rude limitation on their existence and they would have to find more of it by being more organised. It was only a week and a half until they would see each other.

Postscript - asks if they can make a new vocabulary of love words.

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

He was concerned about where they would live mentioning two places that they had considered but were no longer possible. They would get a house somehow and he wanted her all to myself next holiday.

He had been back to Westbrook [Ruth’s family home which was close to Charterhouse] as they had left the hook behind [see: PP/GM/1/1/1914/13]. She was very much in the air and he had picked some flowers. He was due to dine at Brooke Hall with his guest Mr Becker [a former music master], and feared he would have to play Bridge.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Pen y Pass [no date]

Had arrived in Pen y Pass but instead of a car there was a little trap to meet them. They were expected but when they arrived the hall was dark as the current had been turned off due to a thunderstorm. They were staying in the lower shack and his bed was too short. Hugh was excited about the prospect of climbing. There was one other guest in the hotel, a man called O’Malley who would climb with them that day. Weather was clearing and they planned to go toward Tryfan. He had been sorry to leave her but was glad to be there.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Pen y Pass [no date]

He hadn’t received a letter from her. They had an amusing adventure getting passed the soldiers who were guarding the pipes running from the lake to the power station and so on to LLiwedd. He had managed to get hold of the newspapers and he was beginning to back the Russians as the Germans were taking too long to get through. Hoped she was well and wasn't bored. Changes were a blessing at times which men want more than women. Did she have any news of Trafford.

Friday - they were going to make an early start, take things gently and he wouldn't attempt anything that was not within his powers.

Letter to Ruth Mallory, written from Pen y Pass on Thursday

They planned to go to see the Cwellyn country and would get a car to take them the five miles down the hill so they would only have to walk once over Snowdon. The two men fell out yesterday about climbing so he took Cottie and Ursula up the slanting Buttress of Lliwell which had a beautiful view from the top. Cottie was unable to join the party that day which was positively sickening as she was longing to see it.
 

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Pen y Pass on Wednesday

He and Reade had spent the day climbing on Lliwedd. The mist was thick and there was snow around. He lead and was in quite good form. He had worn two shirts which was an excellent way of clothing himself.

Conor O’Brien did not arrive last night as the steamers from Ireland were not running in daylight for fear of submarines. He had arrived that morning after they had left for the day. The fourth member of the party couldn’t come at all.

Alan was more responsible and soberer. The constant need for control, thought and care had matured him. This meant he was less interesting than usual. He would stick at his job after the war and it was a shame he hadn’t gone to the Varsity. He would always be one of the nicest of people.

Is concerned about her health and asks if the reason for her high temperature was milk fever and whether Clare was now taking a bottle. Hopes she will enjoy her part in Mildred’s wedding and asks who will cook for her guests at the Holt. Hopes Mildred took his letter to her well as he feared it might have come across as rather a lecture. Asks her to date her letters.

Postscript - the clouds had lifted and the glass had gone up so they ought to have a fine day, rather windy and cold.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Warwick House, Weymouth

The Weymouth Queen which sailed between Weymouth and the Channel Islands was unloading below his window which was faintly cheering the scene and the grey blight of the everlasting east wind. It had been a very bleak day.

He had selected his landlady and moved his things in the previous evening. It was not the most comfortable room nor the largest but had the right aspect and if the sun ever shone again it would shine on them.

A good landlady, although a trifle lazy, but clean and homely and not avaricious (although she was Scotch). Room cost a guinea a week with light and coal extra. Two armchairs in the room and not much room for clothes in the bedroom. Bed was comfortable and the sheets were linen and rather good. Breakfast was nicely cooked and the damsel who waited upon him seemed alert and willing.

She was not to count on joining him in Weymouth until he could write again after seeing Clarke. He had read most of Hugh’s letters and was vastly impressed and moved.

Postscript – I wonder what you bought in London today?

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from 14 Royal Terrace, Weymouth

Had been looking for rooms for her but hadn’t been successful yet. The country east of Dorchester to Weymouth had been eliminated. Preston and Osmington were no good. Dorchester was unattractive but small so she could get out to the countryside easily. There was Brockhampton which was in a lovely situation sloping down to the river. There was a cottage kept by a spinster of about 40 and she would need to bring bedding and order food from Dorchester. Asks what she thinks about it all and outlines other possibilities.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Weymouth

He had been sick and had a sore back which he had been rubbing and was feeling better. Things were settling down with a quiet, agreeable set of men. He had been for a walk with Dodds, late of Oxford and the Admiralty. Hooper, whom he shared a room with, was not interesting but unobjectionable and disposed to be friendly. They were to start at 8.30am next morning which was too early a start considering the number of men staying in the accommodation needing breakfast.

Wonders what she thought about his last letter [describes potential places for her to live in the area]. Would not be able to do anything more about it until next weekend.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Le Havre, France

Asks her to address letters to 2nd Lt G. Leigh-Mallory, No. 1 Base Depot, B. E. F.

There was little to tell. He expected to move on shortly and spend a few days in another big town on the way to the front. It was a lovely part of the world but he hadn’t explored it yet. That morning they had gone to see various infantry works and that afternoon made a very long expedition to Le Havre to get certain articles from a hangar in the middle of the docks.

He was living in a hut with Smith, Green and Satchwell. He acts as the cook’s agent for them in the town [he could speak French]. He calls it a hut but it was really a little canvas shelter. His camp kit was satisfactory. Had a hot and cold shower that morning. They didn’t much like waiting there but he supposed he would receive plenty of shocks before long.

He was feeling sleepy so apologises for the feeble letter. Wonders when he will receive one from her. This place was 4 miles out of Le Havre, was very pretty and was situated on the side of a hill overlooking the junction of two wooded valleys. He was amazed by the care that had been taken to make the place agreeable.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from 40th Siege Battery, B.E.F. France

She could clap her hands for the present and sing songs because as far as he could tell his fate was a good one. He had feared being sent to a trench mortar battery in the worst part of the line and the thought of telling her and making her anxious had been horrible. It had occurred to him for the first time that married men were out there month after month but she would be spared the worry those wives endured. He had been posted to a siege battery, not the biggest guns but big enough and in quite good general condition as to safety, a quiet place and a good deal of protection and a first rate lot of men. He was living in a cottage for the present with a 2nd Lieutenant as his companion, just the sort of man one wanted. He was brought round by Captain Lithgow and found him reading music and playing the flute. More than half the men in the battery were Scotch including the Captain. Might be busy that evening giving support to the Infantry in the trenches. Hoped he would be in charge of a gun in a few days time.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

Acknowledges receipts of a batch of her letters and answers her questions – they encountered no submarines on the crossing, describes living arrangements which he shared with Bell, and his manservant who valets for him. Outlines the organisation within the battery with him and Bell alternating being on duty for a week at a time, and having special responsibility for one gun. Had continued working on the building project. Reassures her about the dangers of casual shelling. Had been complimented for setting a fine example to the men on the building works by visiting Generals. Had to clear a barn of straw. Asks her to send tea.

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 during the Battle of the Somme, 'Saturday'

Full Transcript
This mere note to precede a very long letter I am in the course of writing in reply to two beautiful letters from you. We are depressed on this bit of the front. Nevertheless a fair number of prisoners drift by. We have been very busy. I am rather tired but very well. Great love to you dearest from your loving George.

Dispatch rider just off. A few moments more. I am sitting on the roadside other officers gazing at prisoners 100 yards off through glasses. ‘A damned seedy looking lot those!’ says Glen. The air is full of jars. Not much doing this evening. We are disgusted at not being allowed to fire more rds [rounds]. I hope the show has gone well elsewhere. The din this morning was terrific. I’m feeling tremendously excited – but I fear we shan’t go forward as soon as we hoped. The weather is v. fine which ought to help matters. It is extraordinary how little shelling the enemy has done here. All the damage to our men on this bit of front done by machine guns. Here goes my love again. Congratulate Mildred and Robert from me.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Monday 25 July' [Monday was actually 24 July]

Yesterday was adventurous mending a wire and dodging shells. Was with two young fellows. Then he went to the observation post.
Comments on news that his battery had been accused of shelling their own troops in a trench. Very anxious and tried to work out if it was true as it would have been his fault. Turned out it couldn’t possibly have been their battery so all was well.

Comments on the labour shortages there would be after the war and how all moral sense was lacking in so many trade unionists.
Acknowledges receipt of three copies of the Times.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Thursday July 27'

Advises her to read Mr Brock’s letter to answer her questions about the good, beautiful and true. Would love to discuss it with her. Gives brief summary of his views.

Thanks her for Sidney Cockerell’s message and was sorry to have missed his visit to Westbrook. Explains how Cockerell was received in Cambridge.

Nothing had transpired about the aeroplane work so far. Had taken his turn in the forward party. Seen firing on the German front line and a bombing attack. Had found a very safe way to get there and back but it was rather gruesome. His nerves were unaffected but his nose wasn’t. Exclaims at the pity of it when seeing the dead lying out and feels anger when corpses are inexcusably not buried.

Had received good news but wasn’t sure how good as it would depend on fighting elsewhere. Didn’t think war would be over by Xmas. Disappointed by slow progress of the Russians. The Germans were making a wonderful fight.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Aug 18 1916'

He had arrived at the rest camp with half the battery. Describes walking in the valleys, finding the stream and being very happy. Would be even more happy if she were with him.

Lithgow was to arrive that day and he the camp Commandant of R.G.A. [the Royal Garrison Artillery] and he was to be his orderly officer. Hoped it wouldn’t affect his freedom.

[Continues later] – had been to lunch with the A.S.C. people [ammunition column] and met two Carthusians [former pupils of Charterhouse School where Mallory had been a school master]. Had received letter from her, Graves, Mr Allen, and his mother. Explains he can’t write full accounts in his letters because of the censors. He had missed Robert’s name in the casualty lists. He was disappointed in his poems and wished he hadn’t published them as it would have been better for his reputation to wait.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Amiens Cathedral, France, 'Aug 19 1916'

Describes Amiens Cathedral.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Aug 20 1916'

Has been planning to start writing a book. Lithgow had sent him for some money for men going on special leave. Had been wonderful to be at the rest camp and they hadn’t yet been told when they would have to leave fears it would affect leave to return home which wouldn’t be before November at least.

He would leave the arrangements about money for her to work out with Mr Roxworthy. He would like some apples. He had received a ginger cake and a chocolate cake. Asks if she has heard where Willett and Thomson are. Had received a good letter from David Pye.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Sept 1 1916'

Thanks her for her letters, returning his manuscript, and the wristwatch strap. Ask her to buy and send him a pocket knife.

Glad she likes the manuscript and answers her comment that it was in danger of being too educational. Explains his ideas for the book.

Had been sitting outside the map room in the sunshine. Thanks her for the apples. He was off to censor letters.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Sept 10 1916'

Had spent the morning talking with the cook whilst he warmed his bottom by the kitchen fire which was made of three tins. He was beautifully shaven and well groomed, his nails clean and his hair was tidy. He had sorted sundry papers and done the accounts and was now sitting at the writing table in the ante-room. The corner seat was a great success. Was due to go to town with the caterer who had a number of commissions.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Sept 13 1916'

Had missed a day at the observation post as he was nursing a bad ankle which was being very troublesome. Had been in the map room and on the guns. Had used a beam laid across a trench as a horizontal bar and used it for exercise and felt much fitter.

Expects she will be glad to get back to Westbrook. Hadn’t received the cakes yet and hopes they were properly packed. Had been reading Old Mortality and his respect for Walter Scott increased with acquaintance. Felt they had come a long way on since his day and there were plenty of bad passages which no recent writer would be guilty of.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Sept 20 1916'

Had received her letter with news she had been gardening at the Holt. Comments on the plants in the garden and agrees the Poplars will need to be lopped.

Quiet day in the map room. Ground must be heavy with mud after the rain and shell fire.

Austin Earl came to dinner. He was glad to see him. He wasn’t enjoying life in his battery which had to wrestle gigantic shells in a sea of mud and had almost nothing in the way of dug-outs. Earl was impressed by their comfort. Describes Earl’s character. Thought Thomson and Willett were hereabouts.

Circumstantial rumour that the Thiepval garrison of 4,000 had surrendered.

Had read an article in the Round Table of June about industrial organization which interested him. Had go the name of a book to read - The Ragged Troussered Philanthropists by one Tressall a house painter. Would be ordering the Centenary book about Shakespeare firstly for her, then him, and lastly their family although it did cost £50.

[writes along the margin on the first page] – by new arrangements observation post duty would only be one in every 10 days which was good news.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Sept 26 1916'

Liked the high position so had arranged with Dunbar that he would stay there all day and go back to the battery for dinner.
Had been a great day with Thiepval taken all the high ground south of Grandcourt. A lot of prisoners had been taken passed them and many casualties too. Describes how he thinks the battle will continue and the advantages in their favour. Thought the Germans gave themselves up more easily than before and Bell reported the prisoners he saw were quite happy. Hoped the Russians could get on again. Got the impression they were now doing what they were meant to do.

Describes the dugout where he is writing from, the two signallers at the telephone (one asleep and one keeping watch with a magazine) and the dull noise of the guns. Was using the Morning Post as a tablecloth because the table was so dirty.

Had received letters from her. Says what he doesn’t like about the National Mission. Asks her to think carefully over her attitude towards the type of parish work she describes.

Pleased to hear that Clare is crawling and asks news about her father’s fall.