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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

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

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

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.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Avington Park Camp, Winchester

The adjunct said he wouldn't be on church parade for the next two weekends but the course he was taking was due to go to a remote place called Lavington in Wiltshire. The Colonel had mentioned Friday 26th but he feared they would keep them there all weekend. After completing the course he would get 48 hours leave and then could put in for six days overseas leave before going out.

The canvas part of his bed had not come with his kit. Asks if it had come back to her and if so could she send it by parcel post.

Interesting lecture on gas shells. The Germans had great difficulty getting gas masks due to the shortage of rubber.

Hoping to get to Winton after tea to get the clutch adjusted on his motorbike.

[Continues later] - it was raining so couldn't face going to Winchester. Still doubtful if he would be home after the trip to Lavington but he didn't think it worth postponing the christening.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Southgate Corner, Winchester

Had lunched in one of the houses at Winchester College [his former school] and watched fifteens afterwards. Sat besides Robinson, a young master. Had been for a walk with Rendall and for tea with the Irvings. Then was due to have dinner with Williams, a second master in College. Planned to do some more of his won writing.

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

Could understand Ruth's feelings but didn't think she should come down to see him as it wouldn't be for very long and then she would get distressed at leaving him. He was seeing Mrs Garbutt that afternoon and would ask is she knew of any rooms.

Had spent the morning in his room working on his Alpine article. Would sent it to Herbert Reade for approval. Would try and get Winton to go for a walk with him or if not he would go on his own.

Had watched a thrilling football match at Winchester College the day before which brought back a host of recollections. Then went to evensong at the cathedral before walking back.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Newcastle

Was sorry she wouldn't have seen anything of Avie and was glad she had been to St John's Vicarage [his parent's home].

Was delighted by events in the Balkans and in Palestine. The defeat of Bulgaria was more important as it would involve the railway to Constantinople. The American advance of 11 kilometres sounded like a good start. Someone had told him the war would be over within 3 weeks but even in a dream he couldn't swallow that optimism.

Describes a series of games he organised for the men on the beach which including nude swimming race, a three legged race and steeplechase.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

Asks Ruth to send some curtains for the Officers' mess and gives dimensions and opinion about colour and material. Describes the Officers' mess which was in a converted truck and includes two drawings showing the plan and the elevation.

The sleeping quarters were less glorious and comfortable.

Sends the proofs of his photographs which she can choose from although he didn't think they were very good.

He regretted the lack of solitude He could stay up later if it was warmer or if he didn't have a cold.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

The post had become erratic again and, as he didn’t have a letter from her to respond to, he didn’t feel like corresponding as there was nothing much going on. The most exciting event that had happened was his visit to a lagoon with Wilson and Knibbs. These were a series of large ponds on the other side of the river. He had previously discovered a boat there which turned out to be a lumpy old barge with two improvised oars and one seat for the oarsman. They explored the lagoon and then decided to transfer it to the river which was hard work. They planned to go down river and visit a friend of Wilson’s. There were obstacles near where the French were reconstructing a railway bridge over the river and they had to get them to help partially demolish a wooden foot bridge to let them pass. They did so willingly and were amused by their performance. When they reached their destination they found the man they had come to see was out.

Today was wet and he had only left the truck to go to A. [Arras] to interview the joiner about some windows. The Major hadn’t gone to Versailles in the end. Wilson had left to go on a three week gunnery course. Glad it wasn’t him. The left section were still at the Base. Hoped they would come up soon as it would be amusing to see them.

Frequently thought of their future at the Holt with relish but how would she solve the preliminary difficulties of fuel and servants etc. He was impatient about the delay in publishing terms and hated to think of the war lasting a day longer than it needed to. Had rather lost interest in the war and politics at present although that would change when peace talks started.

Wanted to hear more about her trip to London. What books did she find in the London Library? Thanks her for looking for articles for him.

Sends his congratulations to her father on his recovery and asks when he was likely to walk again.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

Had meant to answer her letters before dinner last night but had written to Mary Ann and after dinner he was very tired. Mary Ann had asked when he was likely to be back. They thought it would be six months after an armistice was called. This was silly as quite a large number would be gradually released as soon as an armistice was fixed and before general demobilisation. It was uncertain as they they didn’t know what reply the A. C. would make to Fletcher’s application [to release him early as he was a school master]. Would need to consider the situation regarding the supply of coal over the winter. Couldn’t turn the O’Malleys out of the Holt or themselves into the cold so they might have to live at Westbrook for 10 weeks.

Was sorry she wasn’t able to see the desired exponent of Montessori but she had been successful in getting the apparatus.

Glad his letters were arriving more regularly. Had she received the one in which he asked for a plane and a chisel? If not then she needn’t bother about it.

Liked what she said about Will and Ka who were a lovely couple. It would be a joy to knot up friendships after the war. They would have a sense of wonderful freedom from a depressing load after the war. He wrote to David that he felt that the sum of all the springs was bursting upon them. The only jar to their happiness would be his personal ambitions and she would have to help him keep them in order.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

He was feeling lazy tonight and hated himself for it. He seldom went to bed before midnight but was always first to breakfast which they never had before 9 am. They were having very bad weather which was rather depressing. Went to Arras that morning with Knibbs to shop for the mess. The cathedral had been used as an observation post and suffered damage.

Had received three letters from her and the curtain which he would hang tomorrow and it would be admired. He was happy to have the bill. They were cosy and had two rugs of the thinnest and meagrest description which served to cover the worst of the floor near the fireplace.

They seemed in agreement about returning to the Holt. He wasn’t tiring of Montessori, it was interesting that she was learning all about it. To answer her question about furniture they had apart from the table, they had three armchairs and the low deep shelves. It wasn’t a big apartment. He had been wondering about the Alpine Journal and was glad she had sent it but it hadn’t arrived yet. They ought to get advice about a piano and had better get a second hand one to start with, though even that would be expensive.

Glad he had been mostly right about the end of the war. Had seen some quotes from the Times which were idiotic. The Manchester Guardian had been quite good. A recent article upbraided people for not wanting peace now it was in sight and it had been very angry with the armistice terms to Turkey for not insisting on occupying Armenia for the sake of the Armenians. It drew attention to the Austrian situation fairly early. He hadn’t really thought about the issue of punishing individual Germans. It wasn’t worth fighting a day longer for that. What crime compares with the original one of starting the war for which the whole country was responsible and would be punished. Where would you draw the line when punishing individuals who would argue they were following orders?

9th - A lovely frosty, sunny morning. Would possibly go searching for Geoffrey Keynes who was about 20 miles from there. The car would have to get beer for the men.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

Had hardly got back from Geoffrey’s C.C.S. when Trafford arrived and carried him off to stay with him at an aerodrome south of Cambrai. Was delighted to see Trafford who was in tremendous form - happy, gay and full of life. He gave the impression of success. He affected magnificence running about in a splendid Crossley car giving orders like Alexander the Great or Lord Northcliffe or Rockefeller. He enjoyed every detail of a successful action and had a wonderful forward looking conviction and was untroubled by doubts or reflective inconveniences. Didn’t have the air of one who had been through a time of anxiety or felt the burden of responsibility. His success was evident from the engagements and liaisons he had with the big wigs in the Flying Corps and Tank Corps and even the G.O.C. RAF himself.

He was to have stayed overnight but Trafford had been summoned to confer with a General at the Tank Corps.

Last night they celebrated peace in Cambrai at the Officers’ Club. It was a good evening, the kind one would expect from the public school type of British Officer - much hilarity and no drunkenness. The prevalent feeling was the elation that comes after a hard game or race of supreme importance won after a struggle in which everyone had expended himself to the last ounce. He was inundated by waves of untroubled joy which he hadn’t known since war began. He doubted if he had realised before what a load they were carrying about constantly.

Wondered if Fletcher had applied for his release and how soon he would see her again. They would have a wonderful life together and what a wonderful thing they must make of such a gift. He wanted to loose all harshness of jagged nerves and above all be gentle.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

Had received three lovely letters from her including one in which she talks about their views on religion. One of letters must have gone astray as he found out she had recovered before he knew that she was ill.

He hadn’t been surprised by the armistice once he had heard the result of the Versailles conference. Hoped there wouldn’t be anarchy in Germany. There was no indication of it merely a bloodless revolution they could heartily welcome. Any attempt at a coup by the wealthy would be disastrous but he didn’t think it was much to be feared. The end of the war, so far, had been perfect.

The Daily Mail was still talking about peace traps and political camouflage. Was this amazing blindness or wilful folly? Had she seen Carson’s speech about Lord Northcliffe? It pleased him very much.

Was surprised and delighted to hear her father was progressing so well and he might be walking again soon.
Was interested to hear about Clutton Brock’s book. If he might send him a copy then she should wait before buying one.
He had received The Alpine Journal, three pamphlets from the Civic Arts Association and a New Europe. The A.C. looked dull, except his article.

She asked if it was too early to start teaching Clare about God. He thought it was but didn’t know when they should start.

When he had met Geoffrey they had talked and talked. Geoffrey had been in close contact with Cosmo Gordon for the past 2 years. They had met when Gordon had been in the operating theatre near to Geoffrey’s location and had asked to se him.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

Fletcher had wasted no time in applying for his early demolilisation [his occupation was schoolmaster]. He was staying with Trafford. He had a good place in a farm house about 6 or 7 miles from Doullens on the Arras road. It was a very comfortable camp and the countryside was quite unspoilt and rather attractive. He was interested in the army schemes for occupying itself pending demobilisation. Trafford’s Squadron were training as they would in England as if the war was continuing which was ridiculous but they had to be employed. He believed the Army had some educational scheme but he wondered who would organise and teach it.

Trafford had a good deal of the regular soldier about him. Wishes he showed a little more sympathy. Wonders what he will do in civilian life and what manner he would adopt.

The cold snap had ended and was agreeably warm. The window’s of the Officer’s Mess in the truck had been put in lettin gin light and air. He would get back the velvet curtains and maybe some others as they would go well in his study.

He hadn’t received a parcel since the one from Fortnum and Masons and they were short of flour again.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

He had only just received letters from Mildred and learnt that she had been ill. It was horrible to think that she had been ill and he hadn’t known. She should be careful and recover.

He had received a letter from David in which he said that a mutal friend had told him that after observing her behaviour he believed Jelly was in love with him [David] and he wonders if he should try and fall in love with her. Wasn’t sure if this was correct or what to think about it but hoped they could pull it off.

Paris leave was open now but he didn’t think he would put in for it.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

Was glad to hear about her recovery from pneumonia.

He was getting impatient to know if he would be home in a matter of weeks or months. Was hoping for sometime before term started.

They were to move the following day as the French needed their line as they were building a bridge. They would not be moving far - a few miles outside Arras in the unstrafed countryside and he would be much happier.

Expects she is spending time reading in bed and wonders what she is reading. He had just finished Bleak House which was very long and not all of it very interesting. When Dickens was good he made the most convincing and lovely people. He loved his characters himself and that was a great charm. There were at least 50 characters in Bleak House and of those Dickens only really hated one and mildly disliked half a dozen or so. Wished Dickens was a more careful writer but he poured it all out from the fulness of his observation and experience. He could never quite get over his Victorian weakness for easy sentiment. He didn’t know if his best characters, the shoddy dingy servile, crowd interested him.

He was reading Beaumarchais’s play Figaro which was splendid and reminded him of Mozart’s music. Beaumarchais was one of the great men and he wanted to get hold of an autobiographical book, Mémoires.

An allotment of Paris leave was going begging and he had put in for it. If he wasn’t released before 29th he would console himself by going to Paris and spending his evenings in theatres and concert rooms and his days in bookshops. Wishes she could be there too.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

Had been frustrated in his attempts to get to Paris. No side car had arrived from Trafford’s Squadron to pick him up. Was hoping to get to Amiens in a car belonging to a neighbouring battery. Otherwide he would have to get a train to Rouen or Abbeville.

Wishes he had received a letter from her before he left to reassure him about her recovery [from pneumonia].

Would enjoy the victory celebrations in Paris if he could get there as the French were friendly now.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Paris

Had just got in from a concert which had gone on for a long time. He had made friends with a group of young French people but was rather desolate when they had to part. Had been to a sermon in an interesting church. He fell in with a Frenchman on the way to the theatre and they kept company for the evening. Was annoyed at first that it wasn’t The Barber of Seville but Rossini’s opera-comique but it very closely followed the dialogue and the music was charming. Was feeling rather hungry as eating in restaurants was very expensive.

Monday morning - had spent the evening eating with pleasant companions in a cheap restaurant. He always made the first advances as the Parisians didn’t expect him to speak French and they didn’t speak English. His fluency was increasing. Was going to enquire about trains at the Gard du Nord and then go back to the Bibliotèque Nationale.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

Sends his Christmas wishes for her and describes the new room he has moved into a short distance from the mess. He would be able to spend a great deal of time there except for occasional duties as orderly officer and a French class he was going to start for a few of the men.

Morning - the bed was comfortable. He was busy writing Xmas letters and would write to Mary and Mary Ann. He was annoyed they had rushed them out of the Holt but it wasn’t their fault. He thought it was Fletcher’s fault as he should have found out that demobilisation would be taken out of the hands of the War Office as soon as the armistace was signed and so applied for his release before the armistace and then let him refuse if the war had continued. He should have let them know at once that the arrangements had fallen through.

Was glad she was getting on well about servants. £35 sounded a lot for wages but supposed paying extra was worth it for good servants. Hadn’t heard if he had secured the purchase of the painting in Paris. What would she do about labour for the garden at the Holt? It might take 9 months to get demobilised but might not take that long.

Had two photos of her and Clare on his mantlepiece. Sends his love to her father, Mildred and Marjorie, the Lawrence Turners and the Haves Turners.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

Thanks her for her letters and the account of Xmas Day. Wishes he could have seen the children open their presents and he loved a Christmas tree.

Couldn’t bring himself to write too much as he was expecting to be released soon and he might get home before the letter. Wouldn’t write all he thought about Studies in Christianity for the same reason although he was highly delighted with it.

Thanks her for sending Stephen Tallents letter. Had to just be patient and wait. He had been writing. What did she think of his definition of the highest aims of education - “to stimulate consciousness of unconcious values”?

Letter from George to Ruth Mallory from France

He had got to bed at 3.30am and slept until 11.30am. Had been feeling feeble but was much better today. Disappointed to still have heard nothing [about his return home]. Had not been writing over the last few days wilst he had the flu or whatever it was. Had to give a lecture on ‘Civics’ so would have to think of something to say as the Colonel and some other officers would be there.

Was sorry the return to the Holt had been delayed and supposed it was because of Owen’s flu.

Letter from George to Ruth Mallory from France

It was only 10 days until term started and he still hadn’t got his release. When was she moving into the Holt? Was sure he would come in for the move. No move would be complete without him.

She mentioned Mr Brooke several times. Thought he had met him at Brooke Hall and expected him to be quite interesting. Did she see the Head Master’s speech at the Head Master’s conference in which he said they should aim for voluntary Chapel which seemed a very long step for him. Wonders if he had read Clutton-Brock’s book and if so what he thought of it. Thought he would offer to preach in Chapel as it was important to have religious teaching other than official Church teaching.

Thanks her for the parcel of chocolates which were very good. Was sorry about the bad news of Violet’s father’s leg. Was afraid this would not increase the chances of Violet staying with them.

Had prepared his lecture for that afternoon which was on the growth of freedom in England.

Was sorry Clare had been unwell and she was to give her his love and tell her Daddy said she must be gay and happy and not cross.

Letter to Ruth Mallory, written onboard the S. S. Sardinia, on his way to India to unite with the other members of the Mount Everest Expedition.

He had suffered from the most acute depression after she left, not just because of her leaving but because he had lost a suitcase. He was very relieved when it had been found. He had been reading Queen Victoria and talking to three of his fellow passengers. He describes the man sitting next to him in the smoking room and his clothing. The ship was rolling quite a bit.

Letter to Ruth Mallory, written aboard the S.S. Sardinia, 'Nearing Port Said’

Brief Summary
Describes the weather and motion of the sea. He had been sight seeing in Malta. Some uncertainty about end of voyage as there would be a delay in arriving at Calcutta. Due to arrive in Port Said the following day.

Detailed Summary
He had been very busy since they left Malta and the weather had been wet, muggy and windy. There had been a good deal of motion and quite a big sea the day before but he had not been seasick. There was something disturbing and restless about the motion of the sea which made it very difficult to concentrate on anything, it affected his head and produced a kind of dullness that made it impossible to write. Malta was a great joy, but he had been so busy seeing things he did not get newspapers or postcards and it was beyond him to describe Malta without the postcards as it had a very complicated harbour. There were several battleships in the harbour. Describes what he did during his four hours on shore including a visit to the church of St. John [the Knights of Malta] and seeing a very fine collection of armour at the Governors Palace.

He had completed one green rucksack and was happy about his equipment. Asks her to convey his welcome to the Holt and to their friends the Hodges who were visiting her. Asks her to return Hodge’s compass which he didn't need and would be sorry if it got lost. Asks her to send a copy of Robert Bridges Spirit of Man to V. J. Hamilton.

There was some uncertainty about the end of his voyage as the ship would have to stay at Madras unloading heavy cargo, delaying his arrival in Calcutta. Had written to Younghusband and Raeburn asking what he should do in Darjeeling. They were due to arrive in Port Said early the next day but he wouldn't receive her letter. He would try and send a postcard but it was unlikely as the mail steamer was short of coal. He thougth about her alot and had her photo in the book he was reading. He had received a jolly note from Rupert Thompson [a friend from the Pen y Pass climbing parties] and would write him a line of thanks.

Letter to Ruth Mallory, written aboard the S.S. Sardinia, ‘Approaching Calcutta'

Brief Summary
Would think of her on her birthday. Had sent a parcel including beads, lace collars for the children and a seed necklace. Had spend 48 hours with the Vernon's in Madras. Describes first impressions of life in India. No-one had met him at Calcutta. Made arrangements to travel to Darjeeling that evening to meet up wit the rest of the party (except Dr Kellas).

Detailed Summary
Hopes the letter would reach Ruth in time for her birthday and would think of her on that day. He had sent a parcel from Colombo and he wants her to keep what she’d like but wasn't sure whether she would like the beads. He had sent three lace collars for the children and a seed necklace for Beridge. The other object in the parcel was a garland presented by some of the natives to Mrs Vernon which he thought Franz might have.

They had spent 48 hrs in Madras where he stayed with the Vernons. It had been a great comfort to get ashore [encloses a photo of the house]. Describes the house in detail which was typical of the better houses. He was delighted by his first sight of Indian life, which he intended describing in his journal. Madras was flat like a garden and it was very hot. He hadn’t been feeling fully well but now was feeling quite fit again. He had walked by himself through the native quarters of Madras which had been thrilling. They were within eight miles of Calcutta and so should be well up the river tonight and at their place of dis-embarkment in the morning.

The voyage had been detestable relieved by occasional moments which he wouldn’t have missed for anything. He had done his Muller exercises that morning. He could never forget how brave, unselfish and loving she had been about the project. Asks after John and wants their children to know he often thought of them. Would it be worthwhile having the leaves from his journal typed as he feared they were difficult.

[Postscript] - Contrary to expectation no one had met him in Calcutta despite having received a letter on board ship from Howard-Bury saying arrangements had been made. He was also told that he must act independently at the same time. He contacted a survey officer and walked two miles through the docks in the heat of the day to square the customs. He was due to start for Darjeeling that evening [18 hour train ride from Calcutta to Darjeeling]. He was to stay with the Governor of Bengal but wasn't looking forward to official circles. The rest of the group were at Darjeeling except Kellas who was last heard of as having climbed a mountain on 5 April and Raeburn was anxious about him.

Letter to Ruth Mallory, written from Rongli Bridge, Sikkim. [First letter written on ‘Mount Everest Expedition’ Letterhead]

The weather had been very bad, monsoon clouds had been blown up from the south on the day of their departure and there had been very heavy rainstorms. The rain clouds were spoiling his views. There were difficulties with transport, muddy paths, and trouble with the mules, which were not accustomed to going down steep hills. All the misfortunes had brought them to a halt in a warm valley bottom. He had nailed a pair of climbing boots greatly to his satisfaction. He describes Sikkim [a state in northwest India] - the hillsides, valleys, the cultivated land he sees on the higher slopes, the rich green growth, and the considerable variety of lilies which made the air fragrant. Wollaston could only name a few of the trees but did know a good deal about tropical things. One of the best moments on their last march was sitting on a bridge waiting for ther ponies and seeing gorgeous butterflies circling about like gently mooring birds.

Letter to Ruth Mallory, written from Gnatong, on ‘Mount Everest Expedition’ Letterhead

His journal was a scholarly effort and his letters were more personal. The expedition had experienced problems with the mules carrying the expedition equipment, despite a day’s rest in Kanhi [village], and so local ponies were hired. He was happy to leave Darjeeling as Government House was rather trying.

He didn't get on with Howard-Bury and had difficulties with him and Raeburn. Marching was a slow business. Describes his daily routines. He often found himself with Wollaston admiring their surroundings. Had given a sick man a ride on his pony and gives details of the journey up the valley. Describes the flowers and the differences he observes as they rise in elevation. He compares what he is seeing to the environment of the Alps. Describes heavenly meadows 'indescribably desirable’ as they travel upwards, and his negative observations of town of Gnatong. For the first time it was cold and fresh and he was delighted to meet the cool air. As he walked up the last 3,000 ft he felt very slightly the effects of the height which pleased him as it seemed like the real thing. They were leaving the last village in Sikkim and were soon to cross the Jelep La into Tibet.