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Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Pen y Pass

He was writing on Saturday and would be leaving on the following Monday to spend one night with Avie. They made a new climb on the west peak of Lliwedd under his lead which had some very good bits. H. V. R. [Herbert Reade] couldn’t manage a bit near the bottom without help. Climbing had just enough competition about it for the leader to enjoy such a moment. Wasn’t too wet during the climb but at that moment the wind was raging with savage gusts. Rain was coming down at intervals in torrents.

Her letter didn’t mention her health so he supposed she was better. Thought her idea to move in with Aunt Pattie was excellent. Apologises for forgetting to post his last letter to her in Chester so it would arrive later than intended.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Warwick House, Weymouth

The Weymouth Queen which sailed between Weymouth and the Channel Islands was unloading below his window which was faintly cheering the scene and the grey blight of the everlasting east wind. It had been a very bleak day.

He had selected his landlady and moved his things in the previous evening. It was not the most comfortable room nor the largest but had the right aspect and if the sun ever shone again it would shine on them.

A good landlady, although a trifle lazy, but clean and homely and not avaricious (although she was Scotch). Room cost a guinea a week with light and coal extra. Two armchairs in the room and not much room for clothes in the bedroom. Bed was comfortable and the sheets were linen and rather good. Breakfast was nicely cooked and the damsel who waited upon him seemed alert and willing.

She was not to count on joining him in Weymouth until he could write again after seeing Clarke. He had read most of Hugh’s letters and was vastly impressed and moved.

Postscript – I wonder what you bought in London today?

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Weymouth

Had seen Clarke and there was no hope of him going to Lydd immediately so he would be in Weymouth for about a month. She would be arriving the following day and he wouldn’t be back until about 4.30pm. Reminds her to change at Basingstoke if she comes by the 12.50. The house was in the block on the right near the Pavilion [he has drawn a sketch map showing the location of the house]. The landlady’s name was Mrs Plumbe.

Asks her to bring his white buckskin rubber shoes. Besides that the most important things were flowers and tea (Miss Jekyll’s kind).

Not quite so grey today, little rain in the morning but lots of mud.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from 14 Royal Terrace, Weymouth

His weekends would be free and there was plenty of good country for her – he liked the looks of the east side of Dorchester.

There were 14 in the house all feeding together and 100 in the drawing room. He was sharing his bedroom with another man who looked a quiet, gentle sort. The folk at the Barracks looked very nice especially Clarke who knew Ralph Brooke [his brother in law]. Usual questions this time from a Colonel assuming he was a child of 17. There was a group of Irish from Dublin University who would probably be amusing.

Was glad he would have to search for rooms for her at the weekend as there was nothing else to do. Then there would be lectures, lectures, lectures and for fresh air gun drill.

He would write as soon as he had seen some places nearby - he liked the sound of Todpuddle, Tincleton and Little Bredy.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from 14 Royal Terrace, Weymouth

Had been looking for rooms for her but hadn’t been successful yet. The country east of Dorchester to Weymouth had been eliminated. Preston and Osmington were no good. Dorchester was unattractive but small so she could get out to the countryside easily. There was Brockhampton which was in a lovely situation sloping down to the river. There was a cottage kept by a spinster of about 40 and she would need to bring bedding and order food from Dorchester. Asks what she thinks about it all and outlines other possibilities.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Weymouth

He had been sick and had a sore back which he had been rubbing and was feeling better. Things were settling down with a quiet, agreeable set of men. He had been for a walk with Dodds, late of Oxford and the Admiralty. Hooper, whom he shared a room with, was not interesting but unobjectionable and disposed to be friendly. They were to start at 8.30am next morning which was too early a start considering the number of men staying in the accommodation needing breakfast.

Wonders what she thought about his last letter [describes potential places for her to live in the area]. Would not be able to do anything more about it until next weekend.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from 14 Royal Terrace, Weymouth

He had not a moment to write to her in breaks during the day. Had spent 3 ½ hours on gun drill. About 6 men stand around the breech of an old gun and load and fire it. When giving the order you had to shout to be heard over the noise of imaginary guns going off all round in the drill hall. The loads weighed 100lbs and he had been concerned for his back but it had survived so far. He listened to explanations without comment as it was part of his present mood not to do so. He was still of the opinion that it was a good Christian job. The lectures that day had been elementary.

She wasn’t to worry about the towels if they were hard to get at but he did want her to send the calling cards as he had to pay calls to a general, colonel and the mess.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from 14 Royal Terrace, Weymouth

Looking forward to seeing her on Thursday and suggested meeting at George the Confectioners at the continuation of Royal Terrace. Mrs Q was so nice he was feeling happy about her [Ruth]. He had written to his mother to see if she would come but doubted she would. Had lectures all day and no physical work. He thought the pain in his side was muscular. This afternoon’s lecture had been given in the gun shed with him laying on a coil of rope.

He had made friends with an architect and climber called Courtnay. He had received a cheery letter from Graves who was safe for the present and also a letter from Raymond who was not safe and he didn’t expect him to survive the war.

Postscript - asks her to bring some tea as the mess would be glad of some.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from 14 Royal Terrace, Weymouth

Thanks her for sending the mittens, towels and calling cards.

After working hours they had a long meal in the evening for which they made a rule for sociability. He liked his companions very well.

Yesterday an old acquaintance turned up – his first tutor in college at Winchester. They were all to be examined at the end and he would be happy to come half way down. Most of the tests so far had been physical and despite his weak right side he had done fairly well. Today they had loaded against time. He was one of two that had to lift the shells and put them in the breech. It wasn’t easy to load quickly and neatly with a 100lb weight. They had also had lectures in the drill hall and there was a certain amount of standing around which the men found trying.

He had written to Miss Whittaker to make arrangements for her [Ruth] to pay 30s a week and have a trial week or fortnight.
He had learned by heart a list of what the nine at the gun and 4 others have to carry as hand props. It was an incredible number with such words to describe the equipment.

Sends his love to all at Westbrook.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from the Grand Hotel, Littlestone-on-Sea, Kent

He had left Weymouth and been allocated quarters in Lydd which was an empty house and he was kitless. He had finally got permission to travel on to Littlestone-on-Sea and he was glad of dinner at 9pm when he arrived.

It was only a 3 week course and Friday morning leave was a myth. He wouldn't finish until 12.30pm on Saturdays and would probably have evening work 5-6pm. He had to be at Lydd that morning. He would try New Romney for rooms which was 1 1/2 miles away. He would send her an address if he could but if she didn't hear from him she was to bike along and enquire.

He had been trying to find rooms for them and had talked to different landladies but he hadn't finalised anything yet. Wonders what Clare's weight was that week.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from the British Officers' Club, France [he had arrived in Le Havre, France]

Had breakfast in the open air at a café and had experienced the same note of pleasure as he had when in France before. He had ordered and made purchases in French as his companions didn't speak the language. They were pitched very happily in quite a grand house with spacious florid rooms, oak parquet floors and much ornamented ceilings.

[Broke off writing to attend an office in town to receive his orders] - he had learned nothing of his destiny except that they would go to a camp that afternoon and he would send her a postcard with an address if he knew it by then.

He had had an uncomfortable journey the night before but couldn't tell her any details for fear of infringing the laws of censorship.

He was missing having her with him. She was so beautiful and splendidly brave yesterday afternoon. Their last moments would stay with him in spite of their sadness, as great joyous ones. He had gone off with her return train ticket. Hopes that having a practical thing to bother about would have helped her.

He found his companions very kind and pleasant yesterday. Hopes that she will get the letter tomorrow and wants to hear that she is somehow happy.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Le Havre, France

Asks her to address letters to 2nd Lt G. Leigh-Mallory, No. 1 Base Depot, B. E. F.

There was little to tell. He expected to move on shortly and spend a few days in another big town on the way to the front. It was a lovely part of the world but he hadn’t explored it yet. That morning they had gone to see various infantry works and that afternoon made a very long expedition to Le Havre to get certain articles from a hangar in the middle of the docks.

He was living in a hut with Smith, Green and Satchwell. He acts as the cook’s agent for them in the town [he could speak French]. He calls it a hut but it was really a little canvas shelter. His camp kit was satisfactory. Had a hot and cold shower that morning. They didn’t much like waiting there but he supposed he would receive plenty of shocks before long.

He was feeling sleepy so apologises for the feeble letter. Wonders when he will receive one from her. This place was 4 miles out of Le Havre, was very pretty and was situated on the side of a hill overlooking the junction of two wooded valleys. He was amazed by the care that had been taken to make the place agreeable.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from No. 1 General Base Depot, B.E. F. France

Once he began his next move he might not be able to write for a day or two. He had no news of that kind yet. He didn’t like waiting. They had been sent to see various works going on in the training ground and were supposed to censor letters in the mornings. He liked his days full and planned out so was not enjoying the waiting.

Had revolver practice and would be able to shoot a German 20 yards away if he stayed still and gave him plenty of time to aim. The Colonel talked to them all and presented them with a reprint of an article from The Times on the ‘Soldier’s Character’ which he and Ruth had read on the train from Weymouth. They were then shown the gas helmet and how to put it on and how to train a detachment to use it. It was unpleasant to use and one was generally sick with the smell of it. He took it as part of the beastliness of war.

That afternoon was fine and fresh after the rain and he walked alone in the lovely country. The camp was on a hillside overlooking Harfleur [he has drawn a diagram showing the position of the camp and the route of this walk]. The countryside was brilliant with fresh greens, beeches and poplars. He amused himself in Montvilliers until the children all crowed around demanding souvenirs and he had given them her return train ticket and two pencils. The Church was very good. A service was going on in memory of dead soldiers. There was a list in the porch of 75 men from Montvilliers who had been killed. As the town was the size of Godalming that number didn’t seem that great and if you used that as a basis French losses would total about 300,000. This was quite enough in all conscience and he knew the losses were far higher.

Was going to enclose a cutting from the French papers about the British training. Think Uncle Hawes would enjoy it and asks her to pass it on to Clutton-Brock.

The bravest thing she could do is be cheerful. Hoped to receive a letter from her tomorrow.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Rouen, France

He was on the way. He couldn’t say much as he didn’t know where to go to get the letter censored. Would know tomorrow where they were going to be posted. He had done some sight seeing that day. St Marelon was the most beautiful church and the most perfect architecturally he had ever seen.

The party was splitting up and tomorrow he would be on his own but he was happy as he hadn’t liked the waiting. It was sad he hadn’t received a letter from her before starting and now he would have to wait at least another two days.

Hoped she wasn’t feeling anxious. He would tell her all there was to feel anxious about and hopes it won’t be very much.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

Apart from washing and dinner he had spent the last 28 hours on a train. They were very long with passenger coaches and trucks mixed up and so were very slow. The coaches reserved for Officers weren’t crowded so the snails crawl of progress wasn’t unpleasant. There was no onward train so he would spend the night in an hotel. He hadn’t yet reported at his Headquarters so didn’t know his Unit. He had a good companion for dinner. He was on leave after 8 bad months in the trenches. To think what these men had endured, he honored the Infantry. His mind had been full thinking of the beauty of Spring, the blossom and the beautiful buildings and war which was inconceivable and monstrous. He had been weighing his own personal courage and how she entered into his thoughts.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from 40th Siege Battery, B.E.F. France

She could clap her hands for the present and sing songs because as far as he could tell his fate was a good one. He had feared being sent to a trench mortar battery in the worst part of the line and the thought of telling her and making her anxious had been horrible. It had occurred to him for the first time that married men were out there month after month but she would be spared the worry those wives endured. He had been posted to a siege battery, not the biggest guns but big enough and in quite good general condition as to safety, a quiet place and a good deal of protection and a first rate lot of men. He was living in a cottage for the present with a 2nd Lieutenant as his companion, just the sort of man one wanted. He was brought round by Captain Lithgow and found him reading music and playing the flute. More than half the men in the battery were Scotch including the Captain. Might be busy that evening giving support to the Infantry in the trenches. Hoped he would be in charge of a gun in a few days time.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from 'A dilapidated old town in France'

He had received no letters from her and he wanted to hear from her very much. He seemed to have lived ever so long in observation and emotion since they parted and he had hardly told her anything of what he had thought and experienced in the last 10 days. He wanted to describe to her how he was living.

He was living in a cottage in the middle of a straight street which could have been described as a slum except for green trees looking over a garden wall. Running water at one end of the street with meadows, trees and farmsteads. At the other end was a half ruined church. They occupied 10 or 12 houses in a section of the street. His bedroom was on the ground floor at one end with the Officer’s Mess at the other end. These rooms had elegant furniture in them.

The Officers in this mess were very decent lot of fellows. [Lieutenant] Bell was very studious that evening sitting up at the table, while he sat in an arm chair, translating the famous passage in Pascal’s Pensees. He sees practically no one else so its lucky he likes the man. He had now met three men who started in the Gunners at the age of 14 or 15 and taken Commissions during the war and all were quiet observing men with a marked refinement of feeling and living in harmony with life. All three were competent and easy going. Bell hadn’t any of the hard driving manner associated with school masters, Prussians and ordinary soldiers. He didn’t shout or swear or drill the men but they knew keenly what to do. They would be gently but firmly admonished if they didn’t.

He was learning from this example but hadn’t too much to do so far. He was in command of No. 4 gun detachment under Bell’s supervision. He had inspected gas helmets that day and would see the guard tonight. Had spent the time finding how everything worked and where it was. Had spent some time in an observation post. Nothing to be seen of the Germans. He had played the game of shell dodging on the way to the observation post. You could hear them coming and had time to get out of the way. Danger was of a battery being spotted by an aeroplane.

He would describe the garden in his next letter and asks her to send seedlings if she think they would survive. Asks her to send plum cake if its not too heavy.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from the Officers' Mess, Red Slum, France

Still hadn’t received a letter from her. Wants to know what she is doing and thinking. What had she decided about letting Violet go to munitions? Thinks she wouldn’t decide anything about that before her next period.

If the Germans were going to be so short of food next year it would be pointless for him to fight through another winter. The French had been expecting and hoping the war would end that summer or autumn.

Things had been fairly lively the last two days. Yesterday was wet so they had done no shooting but there was plenty going on and they took care to keep out of the way of the whizbangs. That morning he was awoken early by a tremendous dim – neighbouring anti-aircraft batteries pounding away. It was a bright morning and there was plenty of aircraft about so they took care to slink around out of sight in the shadows. They were shooting both morning and afternoon that day. The system was first one and then the other is on duty for a week. Next week he would take command of the guns.

The men had planted a variety of vegetables in the garden and there was plenty of space for flowers and they would do quite well for fruit.

He had to write a letter to Arthur Benson as he had seen that his sister had recently died and another letter to Mother.

Asks her to send the proofs of the photos.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

To show her what life was like he would describe two scenes. Scene I 12.30am to 1.30am – Noise of several hooters and the great bell clanging. Hurried figures moving in the street or standing at the doors of houses all wearing a mask with goggles. The gun numbers hasten to the gun carrying a large parcel on their tummies from which a snake seems to leap up to their mouths. All stand around for an hour imagining they see gas in the air. Then when its been established gas has not come their way they all troop back to bed.

Scene II – long grass and the breeze of early summer rustling the trees. Two men in the middle of a garden space looking at the sky through field glasses for hostile aeroplanes. A figure lying in a camp armchair idly reading a novel and another by him on the grass. Occasionally look skyward too.

He was sitting out now towards dinner time. Occasionally could hear a field gun going off but chiefly could hear the soft whizz of shells. Only 10 mins since their band had stopped – trombone, melodion, penny whistle, tambourine (very homemade) and Bell on the flute.

There were many idle moments but next week he would be on duty and his responsibilities would be greater. His stomach was out of sorts possibly caused by a stew and he couldn’t eat.

She is not to be alarmed when he talks about gas as the respirators were very efficient and not too bad to wear and they were far enough away to have plenty of warning. He is afraid the poor fellows in the trenches must get caught sometimes.

Sends his love to all at Birkenhead.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

He had a new job acting as foreman in construction work using bricks and mortar a mile from the German line. This was because the previous foreman was taking the place of a young lieutenant at Brigade Headquarters who was on leave for the next 10 days. He couldn’t tell her how dangerous it would be as he didn’t know but he didn’t think she should be too anxious. He was being frank with her as he said he would. He thought he would like the work and that it would be an adventure.

[Postscript] – he was glad H. V. R. approved of his pamphlet and asks her to collect any news about that.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

They had chopped down the pear tree, white cherry tree and black cherry tree which filled him with the burning sense of sin, shame and horror.

Had been out with the working party last night and had carried six successive sandbags full of bricks on his back for half a mile of rough walking. The authorities were pressing them to hurry but they couldn't build very fast with one whole brick to every twenty fragments. The heat had been unbearably oppressive and he had welcomed the thunderstorm but he had skidded in the rain on the motorbike and broken the glass in his watch. Asks her to send any kind of cover for it.

They had cut the trees down to make room for two new gun positions. Asks her to thank Mother for the excellent pencil.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

Acknowledges receipts of a batch of her letters and answers her questions – they encountered no submarines on the crossing, describes living arrangements which he shared with Bell, and his manservant who valets for him. Outlines the organisation within the battery with him and Bell alternating being on duty for a week at a time, and having special responsibility for one gun. Had continued working on the building project. Reassures her about the dangers of casual shelling. Had been complimented for setting a fine example to the men on the building works by visiting Generals. Had to clear a barn of straw. Asks her to send tea.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

Had been a long way on the motorbike on filthy roads to get equipment for the building project. Bought supplies of food but the lemon squash and a tin of fish paste had broken and made a mess in the box on the bike. Was asked to tea in the farmhouse on his way back and was making friends with Captain Matheson. He was on duty that night. Thanks her for the cake.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

It had rained during his night shift and he was lucky to only have fallen once in the mud. Would have to brief new N.C.O.s for the week ahead. Cake she sent was excellent. Stationary balloons had appeared some miles away and there was shooting in progress. Had spoken with Lithgow. Pay Sergeant was coming down. His part in the project was chiefly the demolition of a wall to recover the bricks for use in building. Wasn’t sure Ralph ought to tell her where he was but as he thought she would find out he says he is near a famous place P in Belgium but asks her to keep it secret.

Saturday – Colonel was pleased with the works and he thinks they will finish in three more weeks. Answers her questions as to why the town wasn’t systematically shelled. It was noisy but he wasn’t nervy yet as they hadn’t had much shelling. He liked the photos of her but was critical of the ones of him.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

Believed they were moving that night south to the 1st Army. Orders had only just come. Had only that afternoon planted all the seedlings from Westbrook. Only half the Battery was to move. Lithgow and Bell were to go with him. No more bricks and mortar. Was sad he wouldn’t see the end of the building project. Thought they would be touring the country in motor lorries for a few days which he would enjoy but it was going to be wet. Was glad of a servant who packed for him and would upack. Was glad to think of her with Avie.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written 'On the road'

Describes their move south, temporarily to a hot point of the line. Reassures her and asks her to be brave. It was a great adventure and a rich experience and she would love him more for it when they meet again.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

Describes their new position on a chalk hillside with woods behind and the struggle they had to get the guns up the valley into position using teams of horses and with the help of a company of Infantry. Problem was ammunition they were given 900 rounds and had used 600 already. Object of the move was to support an Infantry attack. Describes his dug out and that he suspected a rat. Asks her to send ‘Liverpool Virus’ in large quantities. Weather was fine at the moment but there were some unhealthy spots which they would have to inhabit if it rained. Reassures her. Gives his new address as 40th Siege Battery, 15th H.A.G. IV Corps Heavy Artillery, B.E.F.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

They had a busy three days but things were settling down. Describes his duties of setting the men to work and checking on them. He was in charge of the guns for the first week, and had to see to ammunition. Asks her to send ‘Liverpool Virus’ as soon as possible to deal with the rats. The wild strawberries were delicious. Describes some of his companions - didn’t like two young subs but did like Lithgow, Bell and the Captain of the other half battery. Next week he would be doing O.P. work [observation post]. Cakes and soup tablets were most welcome.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

They didn’t move on yesterday but were to go on tonight. Last two days had been idle and he had read the weekly Times and Daily Mail. They were all thrilled with the great sea fight [Battle of Jutland]. Felt the war was beginning to move, wonders about the effects of the artillery on both sides and what will happen when all the enemy attacks fail. Enemy was capable of inflicting great losses and the French had lost enormously at Verdun. They had been practically unmolested. Hopes they will move south. Germans were busy around Ypres.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France, 'On the road'

Thinks war is moving on and it was time for them to attack. The French had lost Vaux and must be hard pressed. Was no certainty among the French up there that Verdun would be held, nor any opinions about the war just patience. He admired the attitude of French women. Had been talking to the farmer’s wife where he had been billeted. Her husband was near Verdun but she faced the facts with calm reason and took an intelligent interest in the war. They couldn’t let France or Russia bear all the losses. Was quite hoping to take part in an attack. They were travelling easily. He had been arranging for the men to have a hot bath, visiting the town mayor, and getting money from the field cashier. Was elated at the capture of 51,000 Austrians. Good for the Russians to deliver a smashing blow like that.