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Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Nov 12 1916'

Had been busy since Lithgow had gone on special leave. Had been up to the observation post and as it was too misty to observe had worked with two signallers to make a proper place for the F.O.O. [Forward Observation Officer]. Had gone to the village to meet a working party sent by Bell. The village was much less damaged and so more interesting than other villages in the area. Had waited in the growing moonlight watching the infantry coming and going but his party hadn’t turned up.

Car was out of action so had gone with Casey in the motor lorry to collect stores for the canteen which took a long time. Had two letters from her, one from Raymond and one from Harold Porter. Raymond regretted not being able to go over the top with the Guards Division on the 15th. Hoped to see him if he got leave next month. Only thing holding up regular leave was a lack of transport.

Interested in her account of Johnstone and was disappointed he hadn’t turned out more attractive. Robert wouldn’t tend to increase his modesty.

Not to send butter regularly as they could get it there. Asks if she had received any rent from the Greens as he had heard nothing since they had been at New Romney.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Sept 12 1916'

Was sorry she was finding life dull. Thought Aldebrough would have been more exciting if he had been with them.

It was a quiet soft September day but he thought the lull was ominous. Had a desperate time getting provisions for the canteen in Corbie. Had written a long letter to Robert Graves. Describes fellow officers Dunbar and Carey.

Had bought a mouse trap and a rat trap for his dug out which was successful and had lent them to the Officer’s cook house and six rats had been caught in an hour. Had asked Lithgow to send to Corbie for more traps for the men to use in their dugouts as they had suffered with them crawling over them and eating their clothes. They were also suffering from lice.

Was sorry she was feeling depressed. Was looking forward to a time when they could meet. Thought he would look younger to her.

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 14 Royal Terrace, Weymouth

Looking forward to seeing her on Thursday and suggested meeting at George the Confectioners at the continuation of Royal Terrace. Mrs Q was so nice he was feeling happy about her [Ruth]. He had written to his mother to see if she would come but doubted she would. Had lectures all day and no physical work. He thought the pain in his side was muscular. This afternoon’s lecture had been given in the gun shed with him laying on a coil of rope.

He had made friends with an architect and climber called Courtnay. He had received a cheery letter from Graves who was safe for the present and also a letter from Raymond who was not safe and he didn’t expect him to survive the war.

Postscript - asks her to bring some tea as the mess would be glad of some.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

Was sorry she was cold staying with the Tallents but it would make her wear her fur coat. Wonders if she attracted more attention when she wore it. He had arranged a private room close to the mess and the prospect of being able to retire to solitude was a wonderful alleviation. She musn’t think of him being depressed at Xmas as they would have a very merry day in the battery.

Hoped to see Robert soon if he could find him in Dunkirk. was sorry she hadn’t see Robert and that Nancy wasn’t more forthcoming.Robert was a good person but his great fault was to value applause more than merit. That might be too hard but he did like publicity far too much.

He had ordered a pair of spectacles. Had been having headaches for the last two days and had hardly read anything which was depressing.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Nov 6 1916'

Had received nine letters from her. Glad to hear of his friends coming into her life. Very pleasant to hear of her making a friend of Robert who had stayed at Westbrook. The Headmaster didn’t encourage Robert’s friendship with Johnstone and was not disposed to let him go out very much on the grounds that he was somewhat spoilt and didn’t get on well in the house. Advised her to write to the head of Saunderites House using a dictionary [Ruth was dyslexic] to request a visit. She could also tell Johnstone that he would be very glad to receive a letter from him.

He had heard from Rooper that Clements had left Charterhouse and he was sorry as he was the one really interesting boy he knew.
Her visit to the Reade’s seems to have been a success. Kar Cox was a charming person but he didn’t know her as well as some of his friends notably David and Geoffrey Keynes. Didn’t know Ward but he was a friend of Rupert Brooke. Was sure Bridget was one of the best of people.

Comments on Arthur Clutton-Brock’s speech which Ruth had recounted to him.

Only bitter feelings he had towards Mr Rendall was that he wanted to avoid a bore. He felt in his bones the ill bred pomposity of Langton probably because he had offended his vanity by having too little regard for his opinions.

Was glad she was getting to know Mrs Brock. News about Kit was really bad and must have upset them very much.

He hadn’t written to her much lately as he was in a sociable mood and spent time talking after meals. He had played bridge. He went to bed at 9.30pm as it was difficult to be comfortable outside bed. He read whilst his feet got warm. He never had night work which was a blessing but was liable to be woken at 6.30am.

Two parcels of clothes had arrived. She had chosen well and he felt luxurious. The men didn’t go short of warm clothes but they didn’t have oil stoves in their dugouts nor a dry mess room. He drew the line at a hot water bottle as it would make him feel like a pig. He would be quite cosy once he got a curtain.

Lithgow had applied for special leave to attend to business and would probably get it.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Aug 7 1916'

Had been with Bell all day and had written to Trafford, Arthur Benson, Geoffrey Young and Graves.

Hadn’t been back to the front line again mainly because of changing arrangements. They were expecting a new officer and Glen back again.

Thanks her for sending thick socks which he would save for winter. Ingrown toenail was hurting him.

Mentions leave but it was still too distant. Were having lovely weather. Assumed she was still at Westbrook.

Was quite pleased with his dug out. Asks her to write on thinner paper because her letters made a bulky package and he wouldn’t want to leave them behind when he returned to England.

Had enjoyed writing to Geoffrey about the Alps. Amazed by the desire he had for that side of life again. You would think he would like something less keen after the war but he didn’t feel like that at all. There was a great life out there and they must bring it off. He felt fit and healthy thanks to the war.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Nov 8 1916'

Lithgow had gone on special leave. Bell was in command and he was 2nd which meant they got to work together. The car was out of action for two weeks. Weather was fine and the wind had changed so hoped they would be spared the deluge for a day or two. His dugout leaked the day before yesterday. Thought he could take measures to prevent that.

Had received letters from her and Mrs Fletcher. The Headmaster hoped to be back at Charterhouse in September. She talked about the unfortunate interest in Robert’s relationship with Johnstone whose mother had found some affectionate letters and refused to allow Robert to see him.

Comments on the questions in her letters - the enclosure from Mr Greig’s solicitors and whether he needed a second table cloth.

Earl had come to lunch. They were in agreement about the war. He would like to cut the Germans’ communications with Turkey before they finished but that shouldn’t delay efforts to obtain terms. Discusses Germany’s move into Poland, French success being due to a mistake by the Germans rather than a weakening of the line, Italy’s advance, and that Germany were paying in the west for her efforts in the east.

Hopes Violet gets better from her toothache quickly.

[Postscript] - asks her to send any copies of his letters which mention the life of the battery as he had to make a war diary - a tiresome job.

Describes the weather and a failed trip to get some bunnies for Clare. Discusses the progress of the war. Tells him that Nancy and Robert cannot visit. Tells him that she cannot find his field service pocket book. Discusses how she would like to raise Clare. Reflects on her father's beliefs in religion. Asks him to tell her when his gun has arrived.

Describes the weather and the garden flowers. Tells him about the shopping items that have arrived from London. Informs him she has sent him a parcel. Asks him if he would like a book of Robert Graves' poetry. Describes how Marjorie Waterhouse has nightmares from her shifts at the hospital. Describes playing with Clare. Informs him that Mr Green has paid the rent and has apologised for spilling ink on the table. Reflects on their time together in Italy and expresses her wish to live with him.

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.

Expresses her happiness that he has received her letters and apologises for asking Johnstone over before receiving his permission. Describes how Robert Graves got on with everyone who was staying. Expresses her thoughts on not liking certain people. Asks him to write to Bridget and tells him about her and Stephen’s relationship. Is glad that he is keeping warm with his stove. Discusses the progress of the war. Tells him about a new design for a cup and that Mr Clutton Brock preached in Birmingham cathedral.

Discusses the weather and Boswell’s Life of Johnson. Asks him if Mr Dunbar and Captain Lithgow were friendly again. Tells him about the trouble her father is having over the contract regarding the trees. Discusses when he might get leave. Describes a visit to have tea with Constance Mussen. Discusses the relationship between Johnstone and Robert Graves and the involvement of Johnstone’s parents. Discusses the progress of the war. Reassures him that the cheque was paid in after nearly losing it. Asks him if he is second in command and talks about the amount of prisoners captured.

Describes her Christmas shopping trip and the presents she has bought everyone. Discusses the renovations at the Holt for when they move in. Tells him about the items in his next parcel. Describes a visit to see Nancy Graves and gives her opinion about their characters. Describes the weather and the living conditions at Westbrook. Tells him about a suggestion from Stephen that he rent a room in Calais to write in.

Describes a visit to a tea shop with Jelly. Expresses her impatience for him to be home and how thankful she is that he survived the war. Updates him on news of Doris. Describes her visits to Stephen and Bridget's house, and Joyce Fletchers'. Discusses the organisation of demobilisation.

19 December - Acknowledges his letter telling her he has applied for leave.

Expresses in detail her love for him. Discusses her thoughts on God’s relationship with humanity. Describes a story told to her by Robert Graves concerning his experiences with spiritualism. Tells him she tried to visit the girl in need again and was unsuccessful. Describes a design for a cup.

Acknowledges his letter mentioning he might be home on leave soon. Discusses in detail how she would like to meet him in London and what friends to invite over. Expresses her happiness in the possibility of having him home. Asks him about his new accommodation and about Captain Lithgow and Mr Chignall. Discusses the the comforts of home and compares his conditions in the war with those of the poor.

Hopes that his new work is going well and that he is feeling better. She has been reading a book of poems by Robert Graves and discusses her opinions about nerve strain. Updates him on Clare. Describes her afternoon at the cinema viewing photographs taken from a submarine and discusses her opinions about the sea. Tells him of her morning shopping. He has had a tax form in the post.

Describes in detail the speech given by Mr Clutton-Brock at the church room in Godalming about Christian character. Expresses her opinions about her judgement of others. Discusses a question posed by Mrs Fanshaw regarding a meeting of educated women. Expresses her wish for Clare to be brought up in a friendly environment. Informs him Robert Graves was intending to visit. Hopes he has received her parcel.

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.

Describes a visit from Robert Graves and his war injuries. Discusses whether she wants to continue with the cottage services. Wonders how is getting on in the weather and expresses her opinion about suffering. Describes her conversation with Robert Graves regarding climbing and tells him she has sent him some pyjamas. Describes a new bonnet for Clare.

Tells him she will send out marked tapes for his servant to sew into his new clothes. Describes a trip to view a house for Bob and Mildred. Discusses the published works of Robert Graves and Geoffrey Young. Describes Clare’s character when around visitors. Tells him how she is getting on with Robert Graves and describes one of her bowls in an exhibition.

She is happy he likes the tablecloth she sent and asks him if he would like another one. Wishes for the war to be over. She intends to ask Robert Graves’ friend and his brother over for the weekend. Describes the activities surrounding Mildred’s birthday and her work at the depot. Discusses the progress of the war and their plans for when he is on leave.

Discusses the management of the kitchens at Charterhouse school and the advantages of having a cookery book. Asks him if his clothing is efficient in the rain. Describes a conversation with Polly and Robert Graves about feelings of loyalty one's regiment over loyalty to one's country. Expresses her thoughts about him being part of the fighting. Discusses the progress of the war. Tells him about Kit Brock’s kidney trouble and about the vests she has sent him.

Acknowledges his last letter and asks him about his comrades. Describes making a dress for Clare and the designs on her bowl. Tells him about singing folk songs for Robert Graves during his visit and the suggestion that she should invite a boy called Peter from Charterhouse to tea. Expresses her thoughts on friendship and tells him about a new friend called Mrs Mercer. Describes the issues Mrs Mercer is having with her husband being called up. Tells him she has received his letters and that she will send him a song book. Describes the reading suggestions given to her by Robert Graves. Discusses living arrangements for when he is home. Asks him about how his book is progressing and insists he receive the hot water bottle she suggested.

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.

Updates him on her condition with influenza and tells him Clare might have the beginnings of it too. Relays news about Robert and Nancy Graves. Expresses her opinions about War and Peace and on the character of the German people. Asks him if he has received Mr Clutton-Brock's book. Discusses the progress of the peace talks. Describes the plans she has for the garden at the Holt. Discusses what items from his mess to use at home after the war.

Describes the weather and how it might affect the war. Discusses the progress of the war. Informs him that Raymond has been injured in the war and how Robert Graves is intending to visit. Describes tea with Mrs Kenway and the meeting about Highdons Ball. Describes her conversation with Violet about religion and expresses her own opinions about the ‘essentials’ of religion. Tells him about Owen’s thoughts about the National Mission. Expresses her wish to have another child. Asks him about his fits of depression. Updates him on Clare’s teeth.

Acknowledges his letter and asks him what his lecture was about. Expresses her hopefulness that he will soon be released. Updates him on Clare's health and Berry's progress. Discusses what to do with their letters to each other and suggests destroying hers but keeping his. Describes unpacking at the Holt. Expresses her longing for him to be there with her and her gratitude that he survived the war. Updates him on news from Robert Graves. Discusses the furniture arrangements and errands to do at the Holt. Tells him she intends to write to Robert and Mary Anne. Send him her love.