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

He was exceptionally busy. Glen was due to have an operation and Bell was away for four days rest. They had three new officers and Lithgow was unwell with a slight chill. Describes the new officers.

Rest cure was where two detachments at a time go off to spend four days in a delightful country place. His turn was next. He had designs on Amiens Cathedral.

Asks if she was still intending to visit the East Coast. If so asks her to choose a place well armed with anti Zepp guns. He was very please about the fall of Georgia and it made the Austrian situation worse because more men would be needed to defend that front.

Likes the flowers in his dug-out and asks if she could make him some pot pouri.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Aug 15 1916'

He had been rather depressed as he had visited their trenches after a futile attack. Describes his reaction to seeing corpses and the fact that seeing the wounded always distressed him.

Communications had failed as all the wires were broken when he arrived. He had a line laid and hoped to do useful registration but due to a disgusting piece of mismanagement by higher authorities he couldn’t get anything done.

Had been busy the day before in the battery and doing the accounts for the canteen and the mess which he hated doing.

Thanks her for the parcel and especially the lavender but says the rock buns arrived in a bad state. He asks her to rethink her packaging possibly using tins. Bell has stuff put in tins and then wrapped in cloth. Soup tablets and prunes arrived in good condition. Asks for a new strap for his wristwatch.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Aug 24 1916'

Was feeling a bit better. Her letter had arrived quickly. Still no date for leaving rest camp. She wasn’t to be anxious about winter as there would be less fighting and so less chances to be killed. He had his job and time passed quickly but it must be harder for her. Thought Clare must have changed since he last saw her.

Was pessimistic about the war and asks why they hadn’t done anything about Salonica. Everything in that area depended on Romania coming in which would only give two months to cut communications between Germany and Turkey before winter set in. Thought that with Romania's help Russia would be able to beat Austria. Hungary would be less willing to make terms if Romania cames in. Very strongly thought they should take stock after the Autumn campaigns and offer terms accordingly. Didn’t doubt they would win eventually. Thought Germany could defend herself for at lest two more years and practically nothing was worth two more years of war.

25 Aug – had finished the letter but had mislaid her Aldeburgh address, which he had now found, so was writing more. He would be in camp all day and was reading a French book by Rene Bazin about Breton peasants. Discusses places in the book and why he would like to visit Brittany and how he views rural England from a distance.

Hadn’t yet received the apples or grapefruit and asks where she sent them. Suggests that she use wooden boxes and tells her how to make them. Thinks a plum cake is the one most likely to survive the transport. Doesn’t need any more soup tablets.
Had just received and eaten a grapefruit which was delicious but barely ripe so he would save the others.

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, 'Sept 23'

His hand was wobbly after driving in a stake with a very heavy maul. Was hoping he would get fit before he went climbing again. Intended to enjoy the late summer as there would be gloomy days afterwards.

Had been interested by Born in Exile [by George Gissing] which he describes.

Was sharing the work of the advanced section with Dunbar and describes his routine. Asks her to send out tea, about three packets of Mexican chocolate and a dozen soup squares.

He had seen Austin Earl twice more and describes his character. Had received a letter from Urquhart but felt too cynical to answer as he knew that he just wanted to hear how much danger he was in.

Looking at No. 4 gun under her camouflage of wire netting she looked quite a pleasant object but if Dante could see some of the terrible monsters out there he would write it was just what he needed for this inferno and would make drawings in his notebook (felt Dante was a notebook man). Thinks the inferno can’t have been such an unpleasant place. Compares his current situation and hell. Says hell is peopled by two kinds of bores – those with harsh insistent voices and the rest with polished manners. Asks her if she would rather go to Heaven or Hell. If Hell makes people aware that they were wrong, Heaven makes them no less conscious that they were right.

Asks her to copy out this letter for his mother. Hates to think of his letters going around his friends and this not to be among them as it was very like the real him.

Was glad she had spoken to Will and asks what he was doing.

Had just found four lice on a mackintosh cape on which he was sitting.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, '25.9.16'

Had been on night duty. For breakfast he boiled water to make tea, then put on a little porcelain dish in which he melted butter and fried two eggs with raspberry jam to follow. Then an apple. Had got the butter and eggs in Corbie where he had gone to get potatoes for the men. Had climbed an apple tree to shake down some apples. Thanks her for sending the cake and butter.

Was pleased by her account of Clare’s birthday and was anxious to see her again. Liked the photos and that she looked attractive when her face was in motion. Discussed Clare and her physical and intellectual development.

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

Describes visit to Amiens with Lithgow and his character and tastes which were very different to his own. After lunch Lithgow had gone for a hot bath and he had gone to see about the prices of vegetables in the market taking Mantle (the driver) and Ramsay (the Captain’s servant) with him. Had gone o his own to look for bookshops and curios but was unsuccessful. Only able to buy a dirty cravat for the embroidery and the new Larousse dictionary of soldiers slang. Lithgow wanted to buy fresh fruit for the men. Bought a black lobster and two baskets of figs.

Comments on the news in her letters about a disagreement with Violet, her conversation with Ursula about old age, and sends his congratulations to Marjorie [Ruth’s sister] on her new job.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme

Acknowledges receipt of pears and apples and approves of the cake box which they reused to pack cups for the move. Thanks her for the prunes but says he can buy them in Corbie [struck through]. Was pleased with the potpourri and will give some to Earl whose battery is close by.

Started his new dugout but didn’t have time to cover it. Thought they were to have fine weather but it started raining in the night and he had slept in the Mess room [includes a plan]. Rain had washed mud down the stairs and it was disgusting. They were be able to settle in if they have some dry days.

Discusses German food shortages and whether Romania can hold on.

Bell had been awarded the Military Cross.

20 Oct - a very bright day and cold east wind with a perceptible frost.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Oct 22 1916'

Apologises for missing two days before writing as he had been dining with the 109 battery and then unexpectedly been observing. Had received three letters from her and was glad Clare was alright and she was better from her illness. Thanks her for the ginger cake.

It was very cold already and it was still Autumn so asks her to send him two pairs of warm pyjamas, two short woollen drawers (hard to get), two medium woollen vests, two thick flannel shirts, and a face towel.

Was interested in the Arts and Crafts exhibition. Asks if she had been to a private view and wants very much to see it with her.

Had seen Earl who was more depressed and tired than the last time. He disliked the whole business more than most and was in an uncomfortable battery having to use clumsy great ammunition. Earl was delighted to hear about her gift of potpourri.

Lithgow was giving himself a rest so he and Bell were doing most of the observation work which he describes.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Oct 24 1916'

Bell was playing the flute and they may soon be singing. Dunbar was keen and knew many songs. Wood had one song - Clementine. Casey takes no part. Says a book of general English and Scotch songs and some folk songs would be very useful and ask her to try and get one next time she is in London.

Tiresome day spent collecting stuff for mess and canteen. Low heavy clouds and rain meant very little firing. He had finished The Woman in White. He would have the opportunity to continue writing his book soon.

Describes his dugout and draws a plan of it.

Likes to hear about her working in the garden at the Holt. Talks about the neighbours and asks her to rake up all the Charterhouse news and send it to him. Asks for Pollly’s address and says she shouldn’t have the bother of having to copy out his letters for his friends when he had time to write to them himself.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme

Had met a Carthusian called Chamier who had been a member of his old modern sixth and was a particularly nice boy.

Yesterday started in mist and rain and he had done drearily in the mud to a half way house (old German dugout) to wait on the weather.

When he got to the trench he expected it to be half full of liquid mud but the Infantry had cleared the wort of it. No shelling of them all day. Platnauer arrived just as he was turning in. They talked for a bit and then he asked him to dinner. Had celebrated Casey’s 21st birthday.

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, 'Nov 25 1915' [it is actually 1916]

The Captain thought, as they all did, that he did too much himself so they were taking it in turns doing the Battery Commander work. He had begun today and was in the Captain’s dugout and was in charge of the battery so far as shooting was concerned, orders from HQ, ammunition etc.

Yesterday he had been to the observation post taking Dunbar’s turn so he could get a job finished but the light was bad so he didn’t succeed. It was atrociously cold. Some pleasant infantry fellows were occupying the trench. They shared lunch and chatted around a fire.

Had been writing a report about his reconnaissance which was a voluntary stunt which be thought was interesting and hoped would be useful.

He was beginning to have little hope of leave in the near future. Had received her letters and was glad that Clare was better. It was splendid to hear of her standing. Didn’t want her to become bandy legged. The song books had arrived as well as a chocolate cake.

Thanked Mrs W. for her noble efforts.

He had managed to have a hot bath which was the first since he had been out there.

‘It’s been soaking wet all day’ is written up the margin.

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 2 1916' [it was actually written in 1917] after his return to France from leave

Comments on his recent time at home during his leave.

Had been assigned to look after a Colonel but said he wasn’t a valet. It was a cushy job, very quiet and safe not far from the batteries. He shared a dug out with Robinson, the acting adjutant. It leaked a bit but they had a fine oil stove. He would rather be alone but was happy enough.

They lived less under ground than in the battery. The office was a canvas hut, the mess room was a tunnel shaped chamber. There was a gay atmosphere, the doctor was ragged a good deal and officers from the batteries were entertained a good deal - Anderson from 109 had spent the previous evening with them.

Hopes his breeches will arrive soon as he could see himself tramping about observation posts as his knowledge of that work was his chief utility. The reconnaissance report he had written was being considered by Royal Artillery Headquarters.

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 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.