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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 France on 'Feb 3 1917'

Was sorry to hear how ill her father was and that he had a lack of desire to live.

Describes the death of Boal who had been wounded after observing at the observation post.

He had been making shelves all morning. He had made a letter rack which was useful if people would use it. It was impossible to achieve a modest standard of comfort without tidiness as they lived at such close quarters.

They had received yesterday’s paper with the text of the German Note to Neutrals which he felt was an admission of weakness.
Was glad she had sent away the unfavoured nurse and advises her to interest her father in everything. Was glad he liked to see Clare.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'Feb 14 1917'

He had not received any letters from her since 2nd and was hoping to before he left the next day for a new liaison posting.

He had been very happy with these people who were very agreeable and intelligent especially Bonneau. The next lot didn’t attract him although they lived in a very nice place – a little village of dugouts in a big chalk quarry. He didn’t expect to be there long and afterwards would be with General Perkins at III Corps H.A.

His liaison had been a success from a personal point of view but not much use otherwise. Was pleased with the report he had sent in after seeing the Aviation. He had gone to a lot of trouble to understand the French artillery and understood it in general terms better than their own.

Last night he had played chess and dined with some anti aircraft people nearby including Fowler, a very nice Wykehamist [attended Winchester College with Mallory] and was a very good mathematician and Fellow at Trinity.

He was still in bed at 8.15am when a Frenchman arrived to collect his luggage. He had it ready in 40 mins. It was a lovely morning and the crows had arrived. He loved crows as they were reassuring. Wished he was going to the next place in 6 weeks time as it would be lovely in the Spring.

He was anxious for news of her. Had a vision of her crying with her head in his lap and he had the feeling that she was trying to reach him.

[He then includes some extracts from his literary notebook]

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'March 10 1917'

He was just back from the observation post where he had had quite an interesting time. It was very misty last night and they had experienced endless difficulties laying the wires which he describes.

Had received a letter from his Mother about the Cheshire cheese she had sent ages ago which had just come back mostly eaten by rats.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'March 18 1917'

Had a splendid walk into P. which he thought must have been one of the most lovely towns in the world. The enemy had gone away and they wouldn’t see action again until they crossed the river.

Lithgow was as cheery and energetic as ever. They had joined up again with all seven officers in the mess together. Hoped the battery would stay together when they moved otherwise he would be with the left half with Glen, Dunbar, and Johnson.

He was back again in his deep dug-out with Wood and Hutchinson. Wood was much brighter and quite talkative. He was a northerner and quite enterprising and amiable but not interesting.

The pursuit was very slow and they would probably be held up in front of St Quentin.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'March 21 1917'

Evenings were spent discussing the situation over maps and intelligence reports. Yesterday from 10.30 to 7pm was spent in a prolonged reconnaissance with Lithgow and Glen which was a very pleasant excursion into the countryside. They were out of the action and would be for some days or perhaps weeks. They were taking the opportunity to smarten up the battery. Spent the morning drilling and instructing their sections. This afternoon they were to have a full dress parade, the first since he had joined the battery.

Had received a parcel of chocolate and plums from her both of which were excellent. Also some beautiful socks. He was short of medium socks, rather thinner than Mrs Steele’s because the two pairs of boots he mostly wore seemed to require thin socks, so he would be glad of three more pairs.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'March 24 1917'

Was a great pleasure to receive three letters from her yesterday and one today. He was delighted by the photos of Clare. Was sorry she wouldn’t have Diana with her and that the O’Malleys had had such bad luck over their house. Would like to hear from Mary Ann but supposes she is too busy. The chocolates she sent were a great success and the plums continued to be so. It would be a mistake to send more uncooked sausages as the weather should soon be really warm. Asks for his tent as the Germans had destroyed practically all their dug outs so they would be short of stores for the foreseeable future. Also wants her to send back his shirt and pyjamas but not the underclothes, ½ pint enamel mugs, and a small pocket torch with a metal filament lamp and six refills.

Gives his views about the Russians.

Asks her to send him Wells’s book as he had seen it reviewed and gathered that he was very unfair to the regular soldier.

Was feeling depressed and out of temper yesterday. They were living in very close quarters with seven of them living in the mess from tea time onwards. They were happy but noisy sand not much room for writing a letter or quiet reading. Had been on long walks, today with Lithgow and Glen and they investigated a very pleasant little copse. Was anxious t get in and help beat the enemy. Wasn’t depressed today but didn’t anticipate any very immediate action.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'March 25 1917'

Discusses the move and how much including books had accumulated. He had rescued her lovely bowl from the mess kit and was going to pack it into his rucksack. It was nearly a year since she had painted it at New Romney. It was easier to face another year after the last one but he could do with three weeks of New Romney to start with. She must be prepared for a bad time with the post but he didn’t expect a dangerous time for the present.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'April 3 and April 4 1917'

They had been very busy preparing the roads for their advance.
Had got very wet the previous evening as had the signallers who didn't have their coats and the storm was so bad it was impossible to carry out any observation.

4th April - had been unable to finish the letter the previous evening as he had been busy. Didn't like the way Lithgow discussed battery business all through meals but he was very good at his job and he was always in agreement with his schemes and was very willing to serve under him. He liked the strenuous life.

The right half were under canvas and he had expected to leave their comfortable billets before now but the advance had been held up. When hey did move it would be tents and cellars which was fine in good weather but miserable in the current weather. It was now snowing.

He had sent two parcels of books back to her. The Ages of Man was very good but the others wouldn't interest her as she didn't read French. He would send back The New Europe as far as he had read. It was very well done and full of interesting things. He would arrange for it to be sent to her so she could read it before sending it on to him.

He was sending back a parcel of her letters, his drawers (which had been burnt by his servant when drying them near the fire) and the oil silk cape. The pockets were in a ridiculous place and he had torn it when getting out of a car wearing it and asks that if it could be mended to return it to him.

Discusses the reasons for the lack of leave, who had been out longest, and who should be prioritised.

Asks questions about Clare - how her walking was progressing and whether she was talking yet. Thought her disposition might be taciturn considering how reserved her parents were.

Disagrees with her comments about tanks.

Thanks her for parcel of sausages and dates which were excellent and they would try the cream tonight.

Wonders how Bob and Mildred would like Ogwen Cottage and supposes they would fish

[last page is missing]

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'April 19 1917'

Had been reading the six letters that had arrived from her and discusses the news in them mainly about friendships and their daughter Clare.

He had shared the dug out with an infantry man who had got very wet and was shivering. They messed together all day but the infantry man had to stay another 24 hours. The infantry had to endure bad times and had a much worse time of it. Showed the Colonel around and he had been praised for his work liaising with the infantry. The Colonel said he would tell the General. Wood was returning and Dunbar was going on a course. A treat that he had refused.

He had received a letter from Lieutenant Bonneau [whom he had met when he was liaison officer with the French] and it was settled they would stay with him and his wife in Paris after the war and then they would visit them.

Yesterday he wore a thick vest, two flannel shirts, a woolly waistcoat, a thin tunic and a mackintosh and was moderately warm.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'April 23 1917'

He had received some old letters from her and isn't happy that the post is so bad. They hadn't heard much more about he great operations in the north and south. Had received a letter from Polly. Her father had suffered two bad strokes. He was in his 80s and had married again. As he was semi paralytic his wife was also nursing him. Polly was quite calm about it and didn't really know or love her father and couldn't like him but wouldn't have the new Lady Jenkinson in her home. Polly was capable to creating and living in false worlds. She was nursing and it he thought it would be as well for her if the war went on for another 30 years.

Had a good time at the observation post and had conducted a shoot of 100 rounds. Too cold to walk in the woods but had picked some polyanthus and grape hyacinths which he had put in her bowl in the mess.

There was a good deal of activity about inoculation. So far his servant had given notice that as a result of his inoculation he wouldn't be able to shave him for some days.

Was hoping for some warmer weather. He had found some daffodils and Lithgow some rhubarb which they planned on cutting. The cream she had sent was very good and asks her to send more and to continue sending the sausages. He had ordered two pipes from Cambridge and told them to send her the bill. Asks her to send something for his hair which inclined to scruffiness and his barber servant said he should have some dry shampoo which he thought was a good idea as it was hard to wash his hair out there.

The battery were all together and Wood was sleeping with him in Dunbar's place which he was glad of as the effort of dispelling Dunbar's habitual cloud of gloom was wearisome.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'April 25 1917'

Comments on her letters saying she seemed very happy with her two babies. Didn't fully understand what she meant by saying she felt completely grown up now unless it was that life had filled out. Wasn't sure he felt older since he had come out to fight but did feel less puzzled by life.

They were having an easy time but had started to dig as the Germans showed a slight disposition to nastiness. He would be sorry to return to a dug out but must have one ready in case it became necessary. His servant and many more had been inoculated.

Describes looking for cellars in a large villa that had been burned down.

Her parcel with Well's book had arrived and he had plenty to read as 10 numbers of The New Europe had arrived. Marvelled that his oil skin cape had been mended. He was very glad to have some chocolate. Wanted more refills for his cooker.

They had heard little news of the battle. The French were doing nothing more at present and there seemed little opportunity to snatch more territory at present. The Germans would have reserves up in strength. They needed the Russians now but how much were they good for?

Reminisces about a trip to Winchelsea and Rye in the spring.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Skipness on Sunday

Describes his 2 1/2 hr journey on the steamer, his fellow passengers and then the 1 1/2hr coach journey to get to Red House where Ethel Graham was waiting for him in a car. Describes the countryside, house and gardens where he was staying. Amongst the other guests were Cosmo Gordon's father and Lee Warner [who ran the Medici Society], Mary Ann and Frances [Cosmo's wife]. Arran was visible and he was going there on Wednesday to stay in the hostel in Corrie.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Avington Park Camp, Winchester

Explains leave arrangements and how he could travel to her via train and bicycle. Hadn’t been give duties yet but he would need to learn to ride a horse. Had been to the station to collect his bag and mackintosh and had then been to buy a tri basin, soap and a pillow and visit Wells the booksellers where he had bought a map, several volumes and learned the news as to who was in town. Was pleased to have met Fearon, his first headmaster at school, who had invited him to tea any day. Had visited the cathedral and includes a transcript of an inscription and then been for a walk.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Avington Park Camp, Winchester

Is thinking of her constantly and longs to get a telegram to hear she has safely had the baby referring to it as Edwin or Arabella.

Had been writing his Skipness Legend. Planned to go into Winchester and call on the 'Bear' [William Fearon] and possibly another master. Would probably bathe and might go and fetch the motobike.

Had seen some excellent boxing in a ring which had been put up in a field in the camp.

The Colonel’s horse had slipped his headstrap in the night and made off and had reappeared whilst they were on parade lead by a gunner. He had gone to welcome the horse who had bitten him on the arm.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Avington Park Camp, Winchester

Hoped the birth would be easier for her than last time and that it would be over soon.

His main job for the day was to attend to the men’s meals. There were 14 men to a table and food was divided onto plates for them before they bagan to eat which worked to bring some dignity and restraint. Thought the Germans would be more gluttonous and the French much dirtier. The food was excellent. For beakfast they had a kipper, a large ration of bread, butter, a small ration of marmalade and a great bowl of tea. Dinner was a beefsteak pie and rice pudding and custard. Supplies were abundant particularly of vegetables. Only 2 out of 500 men complained of small helpings. Describes the system for washing up.

Had visited the ‘Bear’ [William Fearon] who was quite glad to see him. His wife was deaf so it was a difficult call but they got on well enough. Went to buy some braces as he had left his at Westbrook. Bought an expensive and very beautiful pair of gloves.

The Rusian news was absorbing his interest. The army was divided but he couldn’t believe they would get to civil war – or not more than one brief action. If they did it would be the most deliberate political suicide recorded in history.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Avington Park Camp, Winchester

Describes the erection of the billiard table in the mess which cost £70 and was paid for by previous generations of officers.

Had been to Winchester to see Robin Garbutt and fix up the final arrangemets for borrowing his motobike who had put it in order and he was to start with a full supply of petrol and oil. He was to fetch it that evening from a garage in Winton and he was feeling a bit nervous. Planned to be off by 10am and with her by noon the following day.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Avington Park Camp, Winchester

Describes his journey back to camp on the borrowed motorbike.

The Medical Board had given him one month’s ‘Home Service’ but he was sorry to say that didn’t mean he would be sent home. They could fairly reckon on 6 or 7 more weeks in England which didn’t seem very much. He would probably have six days leave.

That evening he was going to dine with the Courtneys and would look in on Rendall on the way as he had sent him an invitation for yesterday.

Wasn’t in the mood for writing to her as he was too hot.

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 Avington Park Camp, Winchester. No date except 'Thursday'

A Carthusian came in, not Lampard, and they talked so much it was almost time for the post and he hadn't written to her. His wound was better but it was slow and the surface skin was dead but he had no pain. Had been busy with gunnery problems and finished reading a work by a Frenchman about England. Since lunch he had been reading Catriona.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Magdalen Camp Hospital, Winchester.

Thanks her for her letter, the book, and the letter from David. Had been feeling demoralised and spent his time reading a book by Galsworthy which was 'poor stuff'. He likes the design of her new dress and asks about the colour suggesting dark green. Was glad his kit had turned up at last and asks if his field glasses came alright. Comments on the state of the war in France and the area around Passchendaele and the state of support for different parties within Germany. His foot is still the same as yesterday.

Along the margin of the second page he writes 'David tells me he is going to leave Will because Muirhead Bone according to a previous unfulfilled arrangement is going to live with him. Bad luck isn't it - he'll be sorry. Great love to you dearest. Your loving Ruth'

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Magdalen Hospital, Winchester.

Thought there would be some delay so that 28 October wouldn't be their last weekend together. Had been hoping to leave hospital on Tuesday but his foot was still too weak. Had been reading The Loom of Youth which David had sent him. Comments on Sherbourne school and the idea of boarding schools.

Wishes he had been with her as it had been lonely. He had been sitting reading in another ward where the stove burns without smoking and he could see the hills beyond Winchester. Was pleased with reports in the newspapers and thought the Germans couldn't have been feeling very cheerful if they hadn't launched a counter attack. Von Capell's resignation was a good thing and Tripitz had climbed down in his estimation of the prospects of submarines.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Magdalen Hospital, Winchester.

Gives his opinion about what colour and type of fur she should buy and the colour she should chose for her new winter dress. Was happy about how well his foot was healing. Had been enjoying the past few days reading by a warm stove looking out at a pretty view. Inspired by Loom of Youth he had started writing a series of articles about education. He intended to send the first to the Daily Telegraph when it was finished. He rejoiced in the fine weather even though he couldn't walk on the Downs as it meant everything for the men in Flanders and our chances.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Avington Park Camp, Winchester. Undated except 'Saturday'

Had received an order last night stopping all leave. No sign of a movement order yet and he was getting impatient. He had finished 'Hope' but if he were to send it to Jelli as she asked he would need to make a copy first. Was working on his Alpine article again.

Had been to Winton and called on the Maitlands and went to the booksellers to get a Christmas present for Robin Garbut but was unsuccessful. He only bought books for himself - the last two Henry James's and two Thomas Hardy's.

Last night he had dined with Dr Browne in his mess. Was much excited by the possibilities on the Italian Front.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

They had the great news and it convinced him. He expected there would be an armistice in a few weeks time. Believed the Germans would decide to cut their losses as they were fighting without allies, were economically isolated, and wanted to prevent invasion of their country. He didn't feel they had been sufficiently punished but never could be. Sets out his views on how he thought the war would end.

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 France

Had received two letters from her and was interested in all her London plans and sent his love to all the people she hoped to meet. Hoped she would get to see Doris [sister in law, married to Trafford Leigh-Mallory] as he wanted to know what was wrong.

Was pleased she was getting on so well with Montessori and that Clare liked the buttoning frame. She should exclude other sorts of toys now. Mrs Irvine would be an excellent person to work with. She had always been friendly. He wasn’t so sure about Mr Irvine but thought he must be a good chap and it made a great difference having congenial neighbours.

Thought there was a good chance of Germany accepting terms. The surrender of Austria and Turkey was very opportune.

Had spent an amusing day yesterday making the shelves for the curtain. There was a certain amount of fitting to be done but he had done a good job. He had fallen in love with the curtains and wondered if they could be used for their bedroom at the Holt.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

Was interested in her visit to the Montessori school and wanted to hear all the details. It was a splendid enterprise of hers. Was delighted to think of her getting in touch with the Montessori movement and working out practical ways for it to work in Godalming.

She must have been very busy on her visit to London. He was glad Trafford was so bright. Had no idea Doris had been dangerously ill. Hoped to hear more on her visit to Will and Ka. It was a pity she hadn’t managed to see Jelly.

He had been made quite anxious by all the talk of influenza [Spanish flu] and hoped she wouln’t get it. The number of deaths seemed most alarming. The wife of one of the men there had died of flu.

Had spent a very quiet day. The Major [Gwilym Lloyd George] and Wilson had gone to Calais on a pure joy ride. He had studied French in the morning and gone to a neighbouring wood in the afternoon to collect Autumn leaves and berries. He had received two parcels from her, one with ginger, macaroni and flour and the other with an excellent cake from J & M. Also had two Manchester Guardians by post which were particularly welcome as they couldn’t get yesterday’s paper.

The Major [Gwilym Lloyd George] had received orders to proceed to Versailles for several days. He was lucky and he wished his father was Prime Minister.

Was greatly amused by Aunt Eleanor’s envelopes. Asks Ruth to note the correct spelling of ‘probably’. Also the words ‘apparatus’ and ‘jealous’ [Ruth was dyslexic].

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on Armistice Day

Full Transcript

My dearest Ruth,

This will only be a few lines. I have stayed the night with Geoffrey Keynes. We slept in a bell tent together & just before we went to sleep the noise of shouting confused & dispersed announced the fact that the armistice had been signed. Whether its a true fact I haven’t yet discovered - but any other would be so impossible that I’m prepared to believe it. I was thinking last night that I must be home for Xmas because I haven’t got Milton’s Hymn with me out here.

I can’t tell you how good it was walking & talking with Geoffrey yesterday afternoon. He is beyond Cambrai which is over 20 miles from Arras & the road was perfectly awful broken up pavé. I can’t think why the motorbike didn’t just break into fragments.

I shall write you a good letter this evening I hope. This must go now to catch the post.

Your loving George.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

Wonders what Fletcher had done about applying for his return. He might be home within a few weeks or if the application failed then it might take 3 months.

They had no orders to move yet and so they might stay there until peace preliminaries had been signed. There was uncertainty as to where they would spend the winter. The weather was getting colder especially at night.

That morning a plane had flown low overhead and dropped somthing red. It was a parcel for him from Trafford wrapped in red bunting. Trafford was going to come the day after tomorrow to take him off in his car to stay with him.

Wasn’t sure where the oak tree was that she mentioned but they would be glad of the wood if they could cut it up and cart it off. How was she doing for coal? Doesn’t see why the coal ration shouldn’t now be increased. Was sorry to hear that Violet may leave them as they wouldn’t get anyone as good. Agreed that the immediate future would be a good time to get servants. Thought it unwise to get Maggie Dunsby unless she was stronger than she used to be.

17 November - she might ask Violet to stay and nurse Beridge until she is 2 years old. Hoped to be back in time to have some time before term started.