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Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Aug 8'

Another officer had arrived. The weather was very hot. Glen hadn’t returned yet and his recovery would be slower than previously thought. There was a scarcity of papers and he hadn’t heard much of what was going on in the war elsewhere. Was due to visit the Field Cashier and hoped to get French papers.

They were settling in quite happily. Violent bombardment last night but he didn’t know the results. Believed something important was going on where the French were but didn’t know which side was attacking. Had read Keats to soothe himself to sleep. Asks what she was doing and wishes he could bathe in a cool river. Bike punctured so had to walk. Came back with a bunch of flowers.
Disturbing news about lack of information about Kut prisoners. Comments on a letter from Mr Allen. Comments on Ruth’s letter and why people read something which is not for enjoyment.

He was in the dug out with Bell who was on the top bunk. They were idle and enjoying the sunshine. His wits were too dull to write a longer letter. Asks for news of the garden at the Holt.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Aug 23 1916'

Had been unwell and in bed all day. Was sending her a chapter of the Book of Geoffrey and how he might improve it.
[postscript] – the document is too precious to send to Aldeburgh

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from 'Dug-Out' France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Aug 29 1916'

Had returned to the battery and the other half had left for the rest camp. They had been replaced with new men. His back hurt and the world of war was dismal. Torrential rain had been very hard to keep out of their holes and half his hole was a puddle and in a great mess. Describes how he had dug a soaking pit and diverted the water from the roof.

Had been busy on his day off attending to a new dug out which was to be a den of pleasure as the mess room was too dank. Had the holes in the ceiling of the mess room blocked up too.

30 Aug – Very wet day. Had been doing jobs around the battery. Describes the telephonists dug out where he was sitting writing and what he could see from there.
Comments on the good news from Romania and the interior of Germany where it must be bad if their troops were running short of food.
Had received letters from Uncle Hawes and Aunt Jessie but they were badly written. Describes how to write a good letter.
Had written no more of his Book of Geoffrey.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Sept 2 1916'

His off day had been busy keeping an eye on various odd jobs and getting provisions for the men.
Glad she wa enjoying Aldeburgh and sea bathing.

Discusses the state of the war and the internal pressures in Germany.

3 Sept – Very busy morning on the battery with much fighting. Had seen prisoners passing by them which was a hopeful sign. Had been blessed with fine weather.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Sept 16 1916'

The battle continued in their favour so far. Was the most exciting day since the bitter disappointment of July 1st. Had been reading Old Mortality during the night watch (expecting a counter attack). Gives his opinion of Walter Scott and his writing.

Asks how she is getting on with Boswell. Recommends reading it straight through for first time and then picking out bits. Recommends different editions.

Explains why the observation post work might be less dangerous as they advance.

Very cold weather. Two cakes had arrived. Asks her to send some fresh butter.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Oct 4 6.30am'

Had to go on obervation duty which would be difficult as the line was rather muddled. It had been raining again and everything was in a horrid mess and had stopped operations. The last two days had been very quiet. He was still in his old dug out. Lithgow was with the left half forward position. They should have all been together but the digging hadn’t got on due to firing and wet weather.

Acknowledges receipt of the cake. Had been looking at the photos of Clare again.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Oct 9 1916'

Refers to letters from her, Brother Giles, Mother, Avie, and Mrs B-B.

Had a tiresome day inspecting damage to Pys church and tamping to a trench to register the German line. It went wrong and they discovered the sight on the gun was out of order.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Oct 13 1916'

Had heard from Hugh Wilson’s mother on the anniversary of his death with two photos and notice from Rugby School. His brother Stewart had been injured. Also had a letter from Mr Hoenni.

Would be busy at the battery tomorrow. They were having an idle time and describes a walk he had taken. Seemed to be getting on slowly now and he didn’t feel so happy about the was as the enemy seemed stronger again on their front.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Oct 16 1916' [looks like he originally wrote 15 but corrected the 5 to a 6]

Had received a chocolate cake and case of apples (cookers as they weren’t sweet).

Had a long and enjoyable day reconnoitring a lot of ground to find a suitable spot for observing German trenches and then laid a wire to the spot chosen. Were working with the 109 Battery. Both batteries wanted a registration. Went to see the Officers of the 109 on his way back. They were quite a pleasant lot and it was nice to get to know fresh faces. They were commanded by Captain Sayers, who was with 141 and was there with the half battery that relieved their [Mallory’s] men. Had to go back and recover a protector which had dropped through a slit in his mackintosh instead of into the pocket. Weather had cleared but it was very cold.

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

Had been very busy firing in a high wind which was exhilarating after the comparative idleness they had had lately. Yesterday he had been to the vegetable market in Amiens early to get potatoes.

Was now down in the mess having just finished censoring letters. Had just found a letter for her in his overcoat pocket which would mean she had to wait for a letter. Tells her not to be anxious as if he had been killed she would have heard at once.

He had heard from Trafford. He was in the next Corps to he hoped to be able to see him. Trafford was very pleased by Ruth’s visit to Doris. Was surprised that they couldn’t afford a nurse as Trafford was getting very good pay.

Two good evenings - Platnauer was quite a success and last night he had got talking to Bell till 10.30.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Nov 8 1916'

Lithgow had gone on special leave. Bell was in command and he was 2nd which meant they got to work together. The car was out of action for two weeks. Weather was fine and the wind had changed so hoped they would be spared the deluge for a day or two. His dugout leaked the day before yesterday. Thought he could take measures to prevent that.

Had received letters from her and Mrs Fletcher. The Headmaster hoped to be back at Charterhouse in September. She talked about the unfortunate interest in Robert’s relationship with Johnstone whose mother had found some affectionate letters and refused to allow Robert to see him.

Comments on the questions in her letters - the enclosure from Mr Greig’s solicitors and whether he needed a second table cloth.

Earl had come to lunch. They were in agreement about the war. He would like to cut the Germans’ communications with Turkey before they finished but that shouldn’t delay efforts to obtain terms. Discusses Germany’s move into Poland, French success being due to a mistake by the Germans rather than a weakening of the line, Italy’s advance, and that Germany were paying in the west for her efforts in the east.

Hopes Violet gets better from her toothache quickly.

[Postscript] - asks her to send any copies of his letters which mention the life of the battery as he had to make a war diary - a tiresome job.

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

Had been busy since Lithgow had gone on special leave. Had been up to the observation post and as it was too misty to observe had worked with two signallers to make a proper place for the F.O.O. [Forward Observation Officer]. Had gone to the village to meet a working party sent by Bell. The village was much less damaged and so more interesting than other villages in the area. Had waited in the growing moonlight watching the infantry coming and going but his party hadn’t turned up.

Car was out of action so had gone with Casey in the motor lorry to collect stores for the canteen which took a long time. Had two letters from her, one from Raymond and one from Harold Porter. Raymond regretted not being able to go over the top with the Guards Division on the 15th. Hoped to see him if he got leave next month. Only thing holding up regular leave was a lack of transport.

Interested in her account of Johnstone and was disappointed he hadn’t turned out more attractive. Robert wouldn’t tend to increase his modesty.

Not to send butter regularly as they could get it there. Asks if she had received any rent from the Greens as he had heard nothing since they had been at New Romney.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Nov 16 1916'

The men were working on a vast chamber 18’ x 24’ which he thought should be called the saloon. He had suggested a minstrels’ gallery at one end for the various performances on melodion, mouth organ, and penny whistle. It was to be warm. It would be a wonderful pleasure to the men to have a place where they can congregate and would promote song and laughter.

The ground had almost dried up and that was worth the bitter east wind.

Speculates about leave but doesn’t want to get his hopes up.

The adjutant had been in to dinner during which the enemy was shelling all around and the tear gas was penetrating everywhere. Yesterday Chamier came in to tea with his brigade doctor who was called Falconer, a very agreeable Scot. Was hoping Chamier would come in again with a boy called Shepperd who had been in his form. The sociabilities made all the difference to the monotonous life there and were indulged in more as the Captain was away.

The success on the Ancre was growing with more prisoners being caught daily.

Acknowledges the arrival of a cake different to the usual Plum cake but quite good.

He was reading M. Chéradame’s Pan-Germanisme which was a very interesting account of Germany’s ambitions which made him want to keep on fighting.

Asks if she knows what happened to Daudet’s L’Avant Guerre as he took it out of the London Library and read what he wanted before he went down to New Romney. Thinks she has it and the London Library wanted it back.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France, 'Nov 19 1916'

He wouldn’t get away until the Captain got back as Bell was going home and then would probably get command of a Siege Battery. This was very good for him and he was glad for that reason but he was feeling much depressed as Bell was the only one he wanted to talk to. If he was left with Lithgow he would probably go off his head.

He wouldn’t write a proper letter as it would be too gloomy. They had a thaw which was no good for observation. He had to go to the tapping station in case he was needed. Four hours of standing doing absolutely nothing but with a very nice party of signallers so he didn’t mind. It was impossible to get warm. Was hoping for a letter from her but the post was uncertain again.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France, 'Nov 20 1916'

Was sorry for the gloomy note he wrote yesterday. The war was getting the better of him but he was getting his own back. The worse the weather the less they had to do but even that little was difficult to complete. He wished he had some fixed things at fixed times during the day but that was impossible. He would try and make a plan for the evenings. He would be less sociable once Bell had left which would make it easier to settle down to mental occupation. A lot of energy went into fighting the cold and discomfort.

Last night he was cheered by the appearance of Platnauer, George and Falconer. Had a good time playing Bridge and talking about books and art. He thinks he needs others to lift his spitis and it was feeble to be dependent on anything exterior.

Discusses the nature of his depression.

[Letter resumes shortly before tea time] - He had been digging and felt more of a man. He would like to be able to draw what he sees. He had acquired a quite special feeling about men digging. His diggers would be simple, solid folk like the sort that Jean-Francois Millet might have painted but his would be more in harmony with the soil.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France, 'Dec 3 1916'

Was largely occupied with thoughts of Xmas. Describes the large room which they had built and which was nearly finished.

Was arranging a football match on Xmas Day with Platnauer’s battery and he hoped for fine weather.

His week as battery commander was coming to an end and Dunbar would take over. He would be very busy scouring the countryside for beer and sausages. Had enjoyed the last week even though he had been stuck in the office as he needed to be within range of the telephone. The Major was building out a dining room [he includes a plan].

Lists various things he wants: Italian books; two pairs of thick stockings; two toothbrushes; Literary Supplement and occasionally other publications - New Statesman, Nation Review of Reviewers, and Contemporary Review; and some tea.

An excellent plum cake had arrived.

Would refrain from making any remarks about the war. He would await news and continue to believe in the Russian army.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France, 'Dec 6 1916'

It was almost lunch time and he was just up as he had a beastly cold. He had felt feverish when he played Bridge with Platnauer and then he had been out with the sergeant major in the motor lorry to get supplies which was a slow business. He went to bed early and took two vegetable laxative pills and was feeling better.

Bell went off yesterday in very high spirits. He would get a few days at home before his course began. Was surprised to hear that Ralph wasn’t coming out for a time before commanding a battery. Dunbar was staying there for his week as battery commander. Lithgow was in Amiens today.

Asks what ‘political thunderbolt’ means, that Lloyd George wants to get rid of Balfour or Asquith?

Earl was going home as his kidney weakness had been giving him a lot of trouble.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on '31 Dec 1916'

Didn’t enjoy his day at the observation post which had been a sloppy messy day. The last work he was doing before leaving the battery had been the construction of a little tin hut for observation, sunk in the ground and his first work on returning was to use it. There was a foot of water in the bottom. This made him think of war as a colossal futility. These were the bad results of going on leave. Was cheerful by the time he returned and had a pleasant evening playing Bridge with Platnauer, Earl, and Grant.

He was to be made an Orderly Officer at Headquarters whilst the adjutant was away. He would learn his job and it would last at least five weeks. He was told that the Colonel was a very nice man, the acting adjutant and signalling-officer were decent fellows and the doctor was a bore. He considered it a good move.

He had begun to read Raymond. He hated Oliver Lodge’s style. Thought the communication from Myers (‘Turnus’—a spirit guide?) was interesting but might be a case of thought reading. Mrs Piper was well known to all the S.P.R. folk [Society for Psychical Research]. Discusses mediums and their work.

Thanks her for the socks, stockings, and chocolate cake.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'Jan 11 1916' [7 is written over the 6 correcting the date from 1916 and making it 1917]

He intended keeping up with the different observation posts. He and some men had to dig out a hole full of water at one observation post but the mud was so sticky it stuck tot he shovel, bucket and then the men up to their calves and they had to abandon it. They kept late hours as the orders didn't come in before midnight but as compensation they didn't get up until 9am.

He liked the Colonel very much but his deafness made conversation difficult. He wasn't a very good Orderly Officer yet as he hadn't got into the habit of offering people drinks not even the Colonel and of letting the fire burn out.

Comments on Ursula and how Mildred could be difficult sometimes.

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

He was very idle and so not very pleased with life. They didn’t know if they could stay in their present quarters as the R.E. and R.A. of their Corps were having a battle about it. It was a desirable place – a long terrace with a series of splendid rooms built into the bank which he describes.

He had decided to go back to the battery whether Halifax, the late adjutant, returns or not. He felt uncomfortable and not part of the war. He was enjoying the snow because it would be disgusting when the thaw came. It was a calm part of the line at present and he wondered where the next big blows would strike. The French thought the war would end mid year but he thought there would be heavy fighting before then. Didn't think the Germans would attack Italy.

Glen was Acting Captain and when Lithgow goes would be in command of the battery. Thought he would be good and he would like to serve under him.

They had secured part of their present Headquarters. He had been playing Bridge. Would go to bed soon. Each room was warm as they each had a stove.

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

The Colonel had visited the previous day and at his instigation brought a bottle of whisky with him which was well received by the French.

There had been a disquieting break before he could continue the letter but he couldn't give details except that the French batteries had been badly bombarded. He was mainly concerned with counter battery work.

He had walked a short distance to see an 'Archie' battery and found Buttonshaw who hadn't liked the O. C. in the 42 Battery and so had got out. Hoped they would do some good firing as the French weren't impressed with the English work so far.

He had started keeping a literary notebook in which to work out his ideas.

He hadn't written to anyone but her since he returned from leave. Asks if she had heard from Mary as he had received a letter from Ralph saying she was unwell. Asks how Doris Mallory was and if she had heard from her or Trafford who he was concerned for until he had got busy and then he had forgotten about him.

He liked the quiet exile as long as it remained quiet.

10th Feb - the Colonel had sounded happy on the telephone and he was going to visit the French aviation for him. He was glad of an outing. There was nothing much to do between lunch and dinner and they hadn't been receiving many papers which he wanted to read to see the opinion of the neutrals. He wanted America to join the war to damage German morale.

He wasn't in the mood to write to her but wanted to sit and talk to her and see her reaction to things. He was sitting in his white chamber which was rapidly becoming brown and black because of the stove. He had chill blanes on his right foot.

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

Was spending two days at the observation post where it had snowed and describes his work and a small attack they made which the Germans didn’t respond to.

He had a wakeful night, not because he was cold as he had his sleeping bag, but because he wanted the signallers to go out on the line at first light and he was worried they wouldn’t wake in time. He got up before sunrise and it was a very pretty morning.

A party had just arrived with rations, water, 2 miles of wire, which they would have to lay tonight, and a letter from her. He agrees about ‘Diana’ which was not one of his best and tiresomely clever. His servant was with him although he had little to do except wash up his plate and frying pan as he didn’t wash and shave up there and he slept in this clothes. He was glad he was there though.

Wished she was there but she might complain of cold feet and they would rub each others feet. He was feeling very cheerful and full of energy which was a good thing as he expected a very dark, cold night ahead.

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 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 '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

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 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.