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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.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Avington Park Camp, Winchester

Hopes she will have had the baby by the time he arrives on Saturday.

Had dined with the Garbutts last night. Hoped to have the motorbike back by early next week. Had visited the Courtneys. Courtney had been in Mr Newton’s office and asks if she had heard of him. Thought her father would know of his name.

Busy day of odd jobs for him as orderly officer. Had been late for 6.15 am parade as his servant hand’t called him and he been reported by the brigade adjunct but been leaniently treated by the O.C.

The horses were constantly being groomed, fed and watered. His hand was cold from the last stint in the rain so was writing more crooked than normal.

Had heard from David who referred to ‘bad news or absence of news’ about Geoffrey Young. Was feeling anxious about him.
There would be an announcement about his second pip in the Gazette.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Avington Park Camp, Winchester

Describes the musical life in camp with men performing on the piano, banjo and singing.

The was even less to do on a wet day than a fine one. He had written bravely to Geoffrey [Young] who’s address he got from his father who said he was ‘going on well’.

Had received bad news from his mother about Avie’s John [i.e. his brother in law] who had had three heart attacks recently and was thin and weak. Avie’s former doctor had joined up and was stationed there although not in their mess. He was going o go round and see him and believed he was a charming man.

His train had been delayed on the journey back the previous night. It had started raining heavily as he got on his bike, and the lamp blew out. As he was taking the short corner into camp too, too fast because his brakes were inadequate, a violent gust took him and in almost pitch darkness he suffered a severe side slide.

Had received a letter from Geoffrey Keynes with a postscript from his wife Margaret who sent Ruth her congratulations. She was expecting a baby too. He wouldn’t be able to see them as they had settled in Sussex rather than Hampshire.

Had been thinking of getting Jelli for a concert at Charterhouse.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Avington Park Camp, Winchester

Glad all was well with her. They had just spent 1 ½ hours doing a Muster call at which the name of every man was read out and he was cold after standing about.

He had gone to bed earlier than usual and adjusted his bed so it was more comfortable. As a result he was up early than usual and took a walk between breakfast and parade at 8.45 am.

Had to take some signallers over to be inspected at 4pm when he was hoping to go into Winchester.

Had a letter from Avie and there was some prospect of her house being settled with a good cook and a nursery governess. Hopes she will be able to get away soon. She was anxious about John. Polly thinks they will name the new baby Althea so there was one for the list but she had probably made up her mind already.

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

He had rather a distressing evening as the worst of the piano friends had drummed out his nauseating tunes for about two hours. Another of them was at it now but wouldn’t go on for as long.

It was wet and he had spent most of the time in his cubicle reading a novel, Sonia by Stephen McKenna. He was a Wykehamist and the book begins about life at Winchester but it was heavily disguised and might be any big school. It was quite interesting.

He had got some notes so he could prepare for his course next week but they didn’t seem to deal with very obscure questions or be particularly difficult to understand or be particularly illuminating.

He would have to go out for some fresh air. How long since they had a good walk together?

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Winchester

The mess was now no more than a billiard room. He had just been beaten in a game in a tournament. He was annoyed as he wanted to play a particular opponent in the next round and he could have beaten this man 9 times out of 10 but you can’t win against bad leaves and a series of flukes.

He had enjoyed the previous evening. He had found Rendall in and gone for a long walk with him and discussed schemes for a war memorial. He agreed that if they could get the money it should be done in the grand style. Had enjoyed dining with the Courtneys who were kind people.

He was to go on a senior officers course next Monday which would last a month and probably be boring but would give him something definite to do.

Today he was wearing his spurs but had displeased one whom he called ‘our drinking captain’ by adopting an attitude not precisely correct when standing to attention on parade.

He had enjoyed a walk in the woods, eaten blackberries and nuts, and sat on a threshing machine and worked on his poem.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Avington Park Camp, Winchester

He had just been writing to Rendall who was a goose. He enclosed Rendall’s letter which had made him angry. Why had he engaged Jelli to play without fixing terms first? Thought Rendall ought to offer her 10 guineas without bringing him into it. Wishes she could come with him to hear the performance. It looked a lovely programme.

Thanks her for crediting him with a gift of a woolly coat for the baby. He was ashamed to say the gift he referred to, which now seemed commonplace and even vulgar by comparison, was a box of chocolates for his wife.

Hoped to be with her as early as possible on Saturday.

Duncan had written making three impossible suggestions but he did want to see him and it may be his only chance. It wasn’t highly convenient and she might say no.

He was going to Winton tonight to dine with the Irving’s.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Avington Park Camp, Winchester. Undated apart from 'Tuesday'

His name had appeared in the London Gazette together with that of Earl, Bliss, Courtney, Thomson and Strain and some others of the Weymouth course. They were all to have 2nd pips [ie made Lieutenants].

Had an oily job in the afternoon taking down the buffer of our guns which was quite interesting.

Had written a long letter to his mother chiefly about the babies name. He wanted to work in Beridge if they could.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Avington Park Camp, Winchester

Describes a fall he had suffered on his motor bike which resulted in an injured left hand and strained thumb. The whole camp had attended a lecture on venereal disease given by the Chaplain. Had spent the evening talking to Avie's doctor who was the medical officer in the battery next to his. Describes a "morbid and terrible" dream in which Ruth had died and his emotional reaction. Refers to Uncle Hawes and Aunt Jessie's plans to live in Canada.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Avington Park Camp, Winchester

Was sorry that she had caught a chill. Was also sorry the weather had broken as it was the worse thing for the war.

They performed their gun drill this morning and spent the last 1 ½ hours in the lecture room. It was quite interesting learning the ways of a new gun. The lectures were somewhat childish but he officers weren’t very learned from a mathematical point of view.

Had been in to Winchester to have a new pipe put in the carburettor of the bike but the expert said it couldn’t be better than it was and he couldn’t think of a way to reduce petrol consumption. He had called on the Courtneys and been congratulated on his 2nd pips [being made a Lieutenant].

Thought he might go into Winton and see Rendall but might not go out in this weather.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Avington Park Camp, Winchester. No date except 'Monday'

Describes an accident he had on his motor bike when returning to camp from visiting her for the weekend. The result of which was a crushed right foot which he was unable to walk on.

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 'Wednesday'.

Thanks Ruth for sending Catriona. Describes the wound in his foot which wasn't painful but was tender and he couldn't walk on it. The chances for him seeing her at the weekend weren't rosy. He wasn't distressed by being bedridden as it gave him time to read and think and he had a little work to do. His bed was hard but he had had a fire all day. His consumption of cigarettes increased in proportion to the pressure on his backside but they tasted of chloroform so that helped reduce consumption. Had been reading whatever newspapers he could. Wishes they could go on making a push every five days as the Germans must be feeling tired.

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. No date

[Letter is written in pencil and is very faint so full transcript is provided]

Full Transcript

My dearest Ruth,

I’ve no chance of seeing you this weekend – it’s very sad but there it is & we must make the best of it. Kenway very kindly wired yesterday offering to call for me on Saturday morning.

Well, you’ll see by this address that my situation has changed. It all came of the silliest little row between my batman & the mess servants – they kept him waiting ¾ hr for my dinner & he objected, & they told the mess secretary that I was complaining – I being the most humble innocent of mortals among my books & papers, and the mess secretary who presumably had a point of injured innocence to make at a mess meeting must need speak of an officer in his quarters, which meant me, making complaints against the overworked staff of which there came a hint to the doctor, instigated by the Colonel who knew nothing but what he had heard at the mess meeting dear man & that it was time I went to hospital. And so here I am & I don’t know that it’s a change for the worse only I hate the way it came about.

The ward is a dreary enough great room & at this moment I’m alone – the one officer who shares it with me having gone out for the afternoon. It has been perishingly cold till just now – there was a theory (not very far wide of the truth) that the stove smoked so much that it was not worth while lighting it. But ultimately an attempt has been made & though the room was full of smoke for ½ hr while the fire burnt up I could do with a lot more than that for the sake of the warmth we have now.

I had a letter from Jelli this morning. It’s annoying in a way that Tressler, as it appears, seems to have got in first & Jelli has engaged herself to perform at one of his Chamber Concerts on Oct 28 – that by the bye is the date which suits her; & you’ve fixed it with Marjorie Waterhouse [old school friend, they attended Prior's Field School] too haven’t you? Will you make the other necessary arrangements about escorting Jelli & hiring the Church Padre?

I also heard from Mary this morning & she says Ralph is very keen to get me into his battery & is moving all he can. I think I ought to get that fixed up through Col. Dawson; anyway I shall try. And my dear one, I’m bound to say I feel its high time I should go out again; the present events in France just put that into my blood. I expect I had better go & see Col. Dawson as soon as I am passed fit for GS at the end of this month & get him to send me out as a reinforcement to Ralph as soon as a batch is going - & that’ll perhaps give me a fortnight more.

The Hoennis seem greatly to have enjoyed their visit to you as I gather by a note from Hoenni this morning.
I suppose the post has again failed us as you say you have no letter from me. I hope you will get this one all right tomorrow morning.

About the O’Malleys, I really feel I don’t know – wouldn’t it be worth while asking what is their address in any case – you have the Denton one on a letter from Ursula. I must be writing to Mary Ann some time. I will send back the Golden Bowl to the L.L.
Dear love it’s very hard not to see you this weekend & although such a stupid little accident, it’s a wonderful pleasure to see you so happy & so lovely & now just when you will be more free I can’t come. Mrs Munns I suppose leaves you tomorrow – give her my kind regards & say I believe I have a a hanky of hers she used for my thumb last Sunday & if it is hers I’ll have it washed and sent on.

Farewell to you sweet love,
Your loving George

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

Had been released from hospital and returned to camp although he still couldn't walk very far. He would attend the lectures in camp but not the physical drills. He expected to be detailed for church parade at the weekend so wouldn't be able to visit her. Reminds her to let him know about the condition of his field glasses and was interested to know what else had come back in his pack.

Had only just finished his first article which was longer than expected and more suited for The Educational Supplement than the daily press. Was writing it more for the intelligent parent than the professional educationalist.

Writes about Raymond who had been killed in action.