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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 to Ruth Mallory written from France

Fletcher had written asking him to take advantage of an Army Council order and return to Charterhouse. Had agreed to the application being made as soon as the Armistice was declared as he was keen to return as soon as possible. Asks her to tell the O'Malleys about it [they were tenants at the Holt] so they could find alternative accommodation.

Thanks her for the flour and advises about what cakes she should send out and at what intervals.

Likes the photo of her and Berry. Refers to comments she made in her last letter in which she said he made different appearances in her mind and that he thought they weren't all very agreeable. Asks whether he appears as a domestic tyrant irritable and unkind. Says things will be different when they are living together again and that she need not have any fears for the future.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Pen y Pass on Monday

Cottie’s party had arrived and he quite liked her husband. They had been to Tryfaen and climbed the Central Buttress, five on the rope - Bertie Graham was stiff and slow and Owen was quite active and promising. Cottie had been the greatest encumbrance to their progress as her muscles were feeble but she had lead a bit towards the top which was better. She would soon recover herself. His boots were a great success and he was feeling fit. Ursula [Nettleship] was expected to arrive that day and Hugh would leave the following day. He had bathed in the lake above the hotel that morning for the first time. He had been reading some interesting essays by Jane Harrison, one was about the prejudices faced by women and what their position ought to be.

Letter from George to Ruth Mallory written from France

She was keeping up their correspondence better than him in the circumstances. He was still hoping every day for news of his release. Was trying to write his lecture [on civics] but it was too vast a subject. Was glad the Head Master had been to see her. He had heard from Allen who had no hopes for a speedy release and who said the Head Master showed no interest in the subject.

What plans did she have for moving into the Holt? Thinks he will need some bookcases. Had his case arrived from Paris?

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'Jan 22 1917'

He had spent the evening with Cosmo Gordon who was 4 miles away. He was much nicer than he used to be and had married Frances Graham the sister of Bertie Graham who was with them in Wales when he went with the O’ Malleys and Ursula. Cosmo was a Grenadier Guard in a Stokes Mortar battery. He thought she would like him and hoped they would see them after the war. They had an son aged 8 months.

He was tired and had to start again at 8am with Lithgow.

Was glad she was thrilled with Kipling's account of the Battle of Jutland and thanks her for sending copies of the Spectator.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Pen y Pass on Saturday

He had gone to the power station to get permission from Lieutenant Fisher to use the road to get to Lliwedd. Their attempt to get him to come to dinner had failed. He wouldn't be deterred from climbing on Lliwedd. O'Malley had landed in the angle of a rock and struggled gasping like a fish which was very funny. Cottie and her two men were due to arrive and he hoped they would get a little climb in before dinner.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Pen y Pass on Wednesday

He had been for a delicious bathe in the little lake. On the previous day Owen had cut his hand and couldn’t climb so he had conducted Ursula and Bertie Graham on an easy climb. They met Cottie and Owen at the top and he and Cottie climbed on Clogwyn y Ddysgl and then walked along the ridge towards Snowdon. Then down the zig zag path and along the Pip Track which didn’t get them back until past dinner time.

Was urging people to get ready and hoped to go to the Buttress of Lliwedd. They hadn’t got their pass yet but he thought they could avoid the sentries again. He was due to leave on Friday [6 August] and sleep the night at Birkenhead and he thought Trafford would have arrived before him [he was to collect his father and then spend a week travelling with him in Yorkshire]. Asks her to send her letters to Birkenhead as he didn’t know where they would be in Yorkshire.

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 Friday

He was leaving Pen y Pass that day to travel to meet his father and Trafford, although he still hadn’t heard where they would be. He describes the previous days climbing which included walking over Mynedd Mawr which had a wonderful view of all the Snowdon group, stopping for a cup of tea in Snowdon village before walking over the flank of Snowdon and the top of Lliwedd getting back at 8.30pm. Ursula was a good walker and showed no signs of having been unduly exhausted. Was sorry Cottie had not been able to go with them. The group had a great deal of fun and good talk. Bertie Graham was a solid good natured Scot with a real sense of humour. He liked Owen but thought he was a professional pessimist and it was a pity he was so unfit. He hadn’t been reading the papers carefully but it was a comfort that the German losses must have been very big.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

Had meant to answer her letters before dinner last night but had written to Mary Ann and after dinner he was very tired. Mary Ann had asked when he was likely to be back. They thought it would be six months after an armistice was called. This was silly as quite a large number would be gradually released as soon as an armistice was fixed and before general demobilisation. It was uncertain as they they didn’t know what reply the A. C. would make to Fletcher’s application [to release him early as he was a school master]. Would need to consider the situation regarding the supply of coal over the winter. Couldn’t turn the O’Malleys out of the Holt or themselves into the cold so they might have to live at Westbrook for 10 weeks.

Was sorry she wasn’t able to see the desired exponent of Montessori but she had been successful in getting the apparatus.

Glad his letters were arriving more regularly. Had she received the one in which he asked for a plane and a chisel? If not then she needn’t bother about it.

Liked what she said about Will and Ka who were a lovely couple. It would be a joy to knot up friendships after the war. They would have a sense of wonderful freedom from a depressing load after the war. He wrote to David that he felt that the sum of all the springs was bursting upon them. The only jar to their happiness would be his personal ambitions and she would have to help him keep them in order.

Monday 1 Jan. evening - Expresses her wish to be pregnant with a boy. Discusses a conversation she had with Mary Anne about her Aunt and her children.

Tuesday 2 Jan morning - Describes in detail her hopes that she might be pregnant. Tells him about Bob's journey on the boat. Discusses the writings of Boswell.

She has been busy looking after Clare in Violet's absence. Mary Anne, Owen and Ursula are expected to stay. Tells him she retrieved The Dowager Empress of China book from the Holt and updates him on how the Green's are looking after their house and possessions. Discusses the garden at the Holt. She is pleased the house is being looked after. Is happy that the news about the war is good.

Acknowledges his last letter and discusses his embroidery and financial matters. Expresses her fear that he might not be home for Christmas. Updates him on the servant situation. Expresses her opinions about Stephen Talents book and the marriages of Stephen and Bridget, and Mary Anne and Owen. Describes the girl she has hired as a maid. Asks him about the young man he encountered.

Discusses arrangements for moving back to the Holt. Expresses her enjoyment in reading War and Peace. Informs him of the guests they have arriving. Describes a disagreement between Mrs Woolten, Violet, and Marjorie over cutting back on milk consumption. Reflects on her feeling about the end of the war and when the bells for peace will ring. Expresses her opinion about the German and Russian Revolutions. Tells him about Mary Anne and Owen's plans to move from the Holt.

Monday 11 Dec. evening - Hopes she will hear from him soon and describes the mother's meeting she attended. Tells him about the farmhouse children that came round for tea. Informs him that she has heard from Robert Graves and Mary Anne and that she will give Mary Anne his letter discussing religious education to read.

Tuesday 12 Dec. morning - Tells him about her dream. Updates him on the health of Constance Mussen's baby and Mildred's blisters. Discusses the Christmas visitors they have invited. Describes the contents of the parcel she has sent to him. Adds a postscript describing the outfit he was wearing in her dream.

Hopes he had a nice time at Great Whernside. Describes her morning activities: china painting, letter writing, sewing, and walking to Eashing. She has received the National Register forms. Discusses the forthcoming landing at Gallipoli and hopes it will be successful. Mildred and Major Morgan have left to by an engagement ring. She expects a visit from Marjorie Waterhouse [old school friend, they attended Prior's Field School]. Tells him how much she misses him. Encloses a letter he received from Cottie, which she had read.

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.

Describes the living arrangements of Mary Anne and Owen. Tells him that German measles is spreading through Prior Fields and Doris is keeping her job. Describes a letter from his mother. Expresses her views on religion.

Asks if she can have a batch of envelopes censor stamped to speed up the postal service. Describes her morning walks with Clare and Violet. Expresses her concern for the war. Tells him Ursula has visited and Mary Anne has got some new work. Describes her morning activities. Asks his opinion on her working at a hospital store to help the war effort. Is amused at his story of giving away her ticket to French children as a souvenir. Expresses her wish to go on climbing holidays with him after the war.

Writes of her anticipation to hear the news of peace. Discusses moving back to the Holt. Asks him to try and get home as soon as he can. Informs him that the bells have been rung for peace. Describes in detail the atmosphere at Church and in the streets with people celebrating, waving flags, and singing. Expresses her hopes that Clare will remember that day. Updates him on her progress in recruiting Mrs Trew to help with the Montessori classes and recruiting members. Describes a conversation with Bridget and Mary Anne. Hopes that she has articulated how happy and thankful she is with the peace.

Asks him if she should write to the Headmaster to speed his discharge up. Tells him where and when she is staying in London and who she has arranged to meet. Updates him on Mary Anne's moving arrangements. Describes how the electric engine is not working and the weather. Informs him she is expecting the new cook to visit. Reflects on what their life might look like once he is home.

Morning - Informs him she is about to leave for London. Hopes that his letters have not been stopped by the censor.

Afternoon - Informs him she has arrived at Bridget's house in London. Describes her journey there. Discusses whether he has received confirmation of a £250 legacy from his Aunt. Asks him which photographs he wants to keep. Discusses the progress of the war and his position within it. Intends to make a visit to Ursula and Mary Anne. Updates him on Clare.

Acknowledges his letter telling her about his flight in an aeroplane. Tells him about a conversation with Mrs Irvine about the Ministry of Labour being slow bringing men back from France. Informs him that Marjorie Waterhouse is coming to stay. Updates him on the progress of hiring the cook. Discusses how to answer a letter from the Heanies. Is glad to hear that he was welcomed back by his battery. Updates him on news from Mr and Mrs Irvine concerning the process of applications between the War Office, the Labour Bureau and the Headmaster.

Morning - Intends to visit Alison and Mrs Steel. Describes the weather and its affects on her father's hay he is selling at auction.

Afternoon - Describes her activities with Bridget, Alison, Olive Smedley and Ursula. Discusses Mary Anne's intentions to holiday by the sea and suggests using the Holt as a nursery for the children; if the Greens agree. Tells him she misses him and intends to send him socks for his birthday. Wishes him happy birthday. Describes a picture of Will Arnold-Forster in Monte Fiano. Discusses her housekeeping skills and relationships with servants.

Discusses the peace terms given by President Wilson. Describes the weather and her plan to go to Church. Tells him about learning poetry to read to Clare. Describes her relationship with Berry. Tells him about the visitors they've had that afternoon. Expresses her opinions about people's attitudes to peace talks. Mentions finishing her book on the French Revolution.

Gives him the news that he will be sent home through the normal demobilisation process rather than through the scheme to get schoolmasters back first. Expresses her heartache over this disappointment. Informs him she has engaged the new cook and discusses wages for the staff. Tells him her plans for visits in London. Describes a visit from Marjorie Waterhouse. Reflects on the fact the Fletcher's did not inform her of the demobilisation decision. Tells him about the parcel she has sent him for Christmas. Sends him her love.

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 her walk to the Holt and a conversation she had with Mrs Radcliffe. Tells him about a letter Marjorie received from Mr Caldercott and relays news about Mary Anne organising Diana's stay. Informs him that there is still German measles at Charterhouse. Updates him on Clare's progress and tells him about Clare's new appreciation of music. Acknowledges the parcel he sent to her. Tells him she is sending him pictures of Clare. Updates him on her health.

Acknowledges the letters she has received from him. Discusses the type of curtain to send him. Discusses the progress of peace talks. Asks him if he has fired his gun. Updates him on her father's health. Reflects on what they will think of each other when he is home and discusses the future.

Acknowledges his last letter and expresses her concern for the repercussions of him losing the secret code book. Advises him to use the product his mother sent him for his ankle. Expresses her concern for his safety and her happiness that he is set up well in his new location. Tells him he must be careful at his observation post. Updates him on Clare's sleeping routine. Describes the flowers in the garden. Discusses Owen and Mary Anne's relationship. Asks him what he would like sent to him.