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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 'March 28 1917'

They had slept two nights in this wonderful and pitiful old town and had quite good billets. They occupied the two upper floors of a large and well built house which he describes. They had had a comfortable start to the war of movement. The first day was miserable as it rained a lot but he had spent yesterday position hunting with Glen and Hutchinson. They had found quite a good place and hopes they shall go there. Describes a very pleasant walk he went on and a garden he saw.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'March 31 1917'

They had been very lucky since they had left P. The village was more or less unstrafed so they had a sound roof over their heads and glass in their windows. They had worked hard but had an easy move.

They had fired for the first time and he had been observing. It was strange not seeing trenches in front of them or hearing guns firing on either side. He had nearly had a nasty fall when coming down from the first floor via the rafters and a ladder but had managed to save himself.

He had an exciting climb up a fallen tree and observed their firing in a gale of wind. It was foolish to destroy future billets but they were only carrying out orders.

The infantry were attacking i.e. walking slowly across open fields until they reoccupied the village in front almost without opposition except for some slight firing from the Germans but there were no casualties. Two Lewis guns were firing near him which were spotted by the enemy who sent over a dozen ‘whizz bangs’. The gunners had to move but his signallers had cover but it wasn’t pleasant for him.

He returned from the observation post exploring two copses. Spring was late that year.

Went to the Cavalry mess and sat talking and smoking with them when suddenly there was a fearful crash and the windows shattered. He had never seen men move so quickly. He thought it was a shell and remained where he was as he had learned that the next shell would be very unlikely to land in the same place and had long ago ceased to be startled unduly by loud noises. Another fearful bang had come and they saw it was his gun firing. A call had come but they had time to warn them to open their windows. He had to apologise and lead them to a position behind their gun to see the work that was going on.

The Major came and said they had to move that night and he had to go with him to find a position at once. That was at 6pm and they were back by 7.30pm. No position had ever been found so quickly. They had no choice. He was prepared for a night up and a strenuous day next day getting things straight. When they got back orders had come in that it was the other half of the battery who had to shift. They had had the worst of it. He shared a room with Johnson and Dunbar and expected tow of the right officers (Glen, Wood and Hutchinson) would join them leaving only one at the new place.

Thanks her for the parcels of cake and sausage rolls.

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 7 1917'

Describes his observation work and how it had changed.

He had now settled into a cellar with some of the men of the battery, his servant and a cook. The Major had gone up to the guns.
He had made a make shift fire and cooking pot and they had cooked the sausages she had sent. His servant had brought up her parcel which was a godsend - a cake, rug and the best torch he had seen and exactly what he wanted. He was up on the guns in the snow between 11.30pm and 2am.

His ankle had gone again and he could only limp around. He hated being half crocked.

He had lost a secret code book and was frantically looking for it. Usually he would say it was lost in the move as he seldom lost things but a higher authority wanted it and he would probably be shot at dawn.

Was glad Ralph's measles were only German ones. Was sorry she had such a hunt for his tent and hoped he would use it now.

Comments on the actions of America and gives his opinion about the President.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'April 9 1917'

Still hadn't found the secret code book.

The 1st, 3rd and 5th armies had achieved their first objective and the next act in the war was to begin. He could only watch on and would rather be in the thick of it. It seemed all the world depended on the next few days or weeks.

He was sitting in a tent waiting for Hutchinson to return from dining with the other half of the battery. It was a cold night. They needed fine weather for real success. Had spent two days nursing his ankle and he hated enforced inactivity.

Had heard more about the offensive and he details numbers of guns and prisoners captured.

Parcel of clothes had arrived with the other mug and six refills. The only thing he wanted now was more toothpaste.

He had found three men drunk when they should have been on duty and he would have to give evidence to the Colonel. Two would be in the soup as it was a very serious offence. He disliked the whole business very much.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'April 12 1917'

They had had a good move and everyone was sufficiently accommodated. Some were in a tent. The cow byre he had found had been converted into a mess as the pigsty next door was good for a kitchen. He had found a shanty and been able to sleep there and as it had a stove could cook his dinner. Dunbar was sharing it with him. It did have a table and he had put her cloth over it. He had received an Easter card from Brother Giles who was in hospital after an operation to his knee. The Major was in a brick cabin near the guns which was a warm place and very convenient.

He had got up early to set the line for firing so the guns could begin. Describes the news they had heard about the advance and the break throughs on the Hindenburg line.

Was glad she was so pleased about the Americans coming into the war. It was an assurance of success. Was more worried now about the German submarines. Everything depended on the Western Front and it was there that they had to win the war. Wishes the weather wasn't against them.

His ankle was no better. He could get around in gumboots but not boots and he was doing no observation work.

He was enjoying life. He was getting on very well with the Major who trusted him and thought him useful. He might find himself in some dirty rubbish heap but he positively enjoyed the fun of getting the best of it. He had torn down a wooden shelter to provide materials for the wall of the hut.

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

He had seen the doctor about his ankle and it was bandaged to give it support and he would need an operation after the war. He was glad to know what was wrong and that there was a remedy. He hated the present trouble because it was a weakness and a sort of deformity.

They had not received anymore information and if there had been a big success they would have done so. He wasn't happy about that.

Dunbar had had a nasty fall and hurt his knee so the doctor looked at it and he was to be chief nurse in looking after Dunbar.

From today they were going to have to man the observation post from dawn until dusk and were making a little dugout for shelter. They would probably go back to the 48 hour system which was on the whole the best. He thought about pitching his tent in a wood nearby but thought it, or the contents, might be stolen.

Wonders how Mildred and Bob were getting on [in Wales]. Asks if she remembers their time there with David Pye.

The men were trying to find more cellars but they had all been blown up.

Was glad to hear that Mary Ann was going to have a rest and that Ruth would be staying with her. Thought she would enjoy London by way of a change.

Talks about the end of the war and her nervousness about his return.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'April 17 1917'

Had been doing observation work. Saw Germans against the skyline but his battery weren't allowed to fire. Two hours later a few rounds were fired but did no good so that was disappointing. He had been exploring a wood for a new observation post as he didn't like the place Hutchinson and Johnstone had found because it was a favourite dugout of the Germans. Many trees had been destroyed but he liked being in a wood and the feeling of the earth under the trees. Green things were beginning to carpet the ground and he saw wood anenomies and oxslips. He built a fire and had coffee and sardines for breakfast. He found three good O.P.s in the woods and had wires laid.

Describes firing on a target before an infantry attack, the bombardment from the Germans, and how the communications were managed.

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 21 1917'

Acknowledges parcels received. Had sent off his bank book to Cox's. Sets out what their income might be after the war and whether the government might tax capital. Thought life would be expensive and it would be a good plan to insure their children's education. Asks her to get papers from The University Life Assurance.

The right side were going to be joining them so they would be together again. He was busy with works on the mess. The General and Payne had been round with the Colonel and had said he had been told of his valuable help to the infantry recently.

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 France on 'April 27 1917'

Had just had an Old Carthusian turn up – a boy called Manly who was now in the Royal Flying Corps. He rather liked such meetings.

He had walked through a wood on the point of bursting into green with the honeysuckle already in leaf. Was most delighted with were the white wood anemones and yellow polyanthus. The loveliness of flowers particularly spring flowers after this year spent at war was more wonderful to him and more entertaining than ever.

Had a good day at the observation post. He made an interesting reconnaissance to a village in no man’s land and manged to get in without being seen by the enemy. Saw some wire that was in question and other things and picked a bunch of daffodils. On his way back he showed them to some infantry men and one said they were lovely and reminded him of home.

Orders had come in about firing so he must end the letter. He would think about whether it was right to keep sending parcels of food.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'April 28 1917'

He had been busy building a bathroom with a floor and thin walls but no roof.

He had found more grape hyacinths, a patch or rhubarb and some leeks.

He had been reading Well’s book which was very amusing and interesting in parts. Agrees that the offensive is the winning side at present provided it had command of the air and no effective means had been invented for stopping submarines. Agrees with Well’s opinion of the army. The waste of men was amazing and using less horses would be an economy. Doesn’t agree about German airmen who were a nimble lot. Can’t dispense with horses for field batteries without very seriously impairing their mobility.

Gives his opinion on how the war might end – cutting the railway to Constantinople, Russian and the Romanians retaking Romania. Germany may collapse in the summer but he didn’t believe she would and then everything depended on the Balkans.

Looked as though compulsory rationing would be the order in England so she should stop sending cakes. She seemed to fear going seriously short of food but he hopes she will have plenty of vegetables in the garden.

His ankle was behaving badly again and he was going to try and wear shoes for a time.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'May 2 1917'

He supposed he had been in the country for a year now. Holidays weren’t so frequent now as they used to be. It wouldn’t be so bad to get a month’s leave. Supposing he were to come home suddenly and walk into the orchard and find her lying under the trees. Or she could join him in the wood and see the flowers. Yesterday when of all days they should have been together he was condemned to sit all day in a trench and she was no doubt sewing in the nursery.

Life wasn’t very exciting, they were having a slack time and enjoying the sunshine. Dunbar’s absence had a soothing effect. He had finished Well’s book on the war which was very interesting but the end part on European civilisation was not very satisfactory to him and explains why giving his opinion on having religion without churches.

Thanks her for her parcel of sausages, potted meat and camp pie. Was amused to hear about Marjorie’s last place and interested in Clutton Brock’s views on the war. Thinks they need to put things right outside Germany by having self governing states in place of various oppressed members of the Austro Hungarian Empire, breaking down German power in Turkey and Bulgaria. If only they could go on until they could put matters straight but they could only go on until it was evident that they couldn’t.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'May 4 1917'

Busy day at the observation post. Had tried to hit some distant Germans but missed and he was keenly disappointed. They had fired a lot in the last few days but were no further forward and there seemed little happing further north too.

It was lovely and warm and he was feeling quite sunburnt. There were larks singing and swallows who couldn’t find eaves on houses to nest in.

Was glad she had seen Trafford and Doris. He didn’t know Trafford was going home, thought he was to get a job in France. Trafford was a Major now but promotion in the Royal Flying Corps was rapid. Was glad he was safely back. Was surprised Mary was having another baby as her health was delicate.

He kept looking up at the German planes which they were shooting at as he had never seen one shot down.

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 Skipness

He describes a walk up the burn, clambering over obstacles, and descending to a cave where he crawled through a small hole to get out. There was lots of rock scrabbling but he was feeling feeble, stiff and old. His ankle had been feeble. Frances had received a letter from Cosmo [Gordon, from France] and he was alright and out of the line. He had been taking and developing photographs.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Corrie, Isle of Arran, on Wednesday

Describes an expedition to a distant glen. Frances [Gordon] took him in a pony and trap to catch the steamer for Arran. He had a lovely walk over two of the best mountains and was supposed to meet David Pye and Will Arnold-Forster but didn't see them. He saw them later on another summit but didn't try and reach them. Instead he had a bathe and returned to the hotel. He was much pleased with Arran.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Corrie, Isle of Arran, on Friday

Describes climbing with David Pye and that Will Arnold-Forster had caught three mackerel from a boat.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Avington Park Camp, Winchester

Was just outside the village of Winton. Was annoyed he was with a heavy rather than a siege battery. Would have to buy a basin, pillow and straw mattress. Didn't know what they would be asked to do.

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

Suggests the possibility of Ruth living in a small village nearby so he could live with her. Had walked to the top of a hill and described seeing a natural amphitheatre which consoled him for the shock of finding himself in a military camp. Dinner on the first night was very solemn and he addressed one remark to each of his neighbours and men opposite but no one opened conversation with him and there was no general talk. Describes the previous night’s dinner which began badly but improved and his neighbour was ‘quite human and interested’ and it was a pleasant little party.

His bed wasn’t a brilliant success as the straw was so hard. The camp was well arranged and hospitable and he had a good hot bath before dinner last night.

He was planning on walking to Itchen Abbas for lunch at the Plough Inn, then walk up the river and back over the hills.

[letter continues later in pencil] – the Plough Inn didn’t have any food so he had gone to the Black Swan and had white bread and yellow butter (not the military variety) and there was raspberry jam and white sugar lumps.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Avington Park Camp, Winchester

Comments on the news in Ruth’s letter and recommended she read novels all day [she was at the end of her second pregnancy]. Had hoped his gaiters would have arrived so he could idle on the Downs but an order had come prohibiting the use of riding horses by subalterns. He would only be able to learn with other men in the riding school which was a far less attractive proposal.

Hadn’t much to do except watch horses drinking and there was no compulsion for him to appear on parade. No one had explained what his position was and he had received no orders. He might be put on a course but that prospect didn’t thrill him.

Outlines the difference between heavy artillery and siege.

Describes his walk home the previous evening which totalled 22 miles and as a result his ankle as feeling ‘stupid’ as a result. He had asked the doctor about ionization but he didn’t know what that was and gave him lotion instead.

Tells her to be quick to get Edwin born and recover afterwards so they would live together. He had asked Avie to spend a weekend with him on her way to or from Bournemouth. Had lost his pouch of tobacco but found it in the billiard room.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Avington Park Camp, Winchester

Gives her Reade’s address. Comments on the timing of when the post arrives. He had found his pouch which was in his suitcase.

He had been watching horses being groomed, counted them and got them into line for inspection where they were inspected by a team of veterinary officers. Comments on how little there was to do in the camp. Had met an officer on a horse and had gone for canter which he had enjoyed.

Asks her to deal with the rolls of film and prepare a complete set of prints for Frances Gordon.

Had written to Courtney but he was with a battery in Macedonia. His parents had invited him to visit.

Thought he would bathe at Gunner’s Hole after evensong in the cathedral.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Avington Park Camp, Winchester

He had been given a useful job to do – inspecting old kit to see if it could still be used. Had spoken to a bootmaker to see if any of the boots could be repaired. There were many socks which had been cut because the men were supposed to darn small holes in their own socks.

He had been into Winchester yesterday evening but the choir were on holiday so there would be no music at evensong and he had left to do a few small jobs in the town. He had also been to bathe.

Describes a visit to Du Ponbet, a French Swiss master who was a good scholar but was critical of him. Du Ponbet wasn’t interested in him beyond asking which rank he was to be place in.

Weather was stuffy and they might have a thunderstorm. Was depressed by the Riga news which would buck up the Germans. It was possible the Germans would succeed in forcing Russia into a separate peace. With all their disorganisation Russians were good almost for nothing.

Hopes her baby would arrive soon.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Avington Park Camp, Winchester

Makes arrangements for visiting her at the weekend. Weather the day before had been very sultry and he had slept in the afternoon, then gone for a walk, lain on a grassy bank and eaten blackberries before the thunderstorm came.

Had been doing a lot of reading including an important chapter in the League of Nations on ‘The Economies of Peace’. Recommends she read the book describing it as ‘the best war book’. Had also been reading Rupert Brooke’s American letters which had a very interesting introduction about him by Henry James.

Was sorry he wouldn’t see Ursula again but describes the ways she irritated him although she was ‘a good woman’.

Thought he would take up Fearon’s invitation to afternoon tea describing being prepared for confirmation by him and what his wife was like. They used to call him the 'Bear'. Hoped to have a pleasant detour on his bicycle on the way back and have a bathe in the river.

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.