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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 3 1917'

Was sorry to hear how ill her father was and that he had a lack of desire to live.

Describes the death of Boal who had been wounded after observing at the observation post.

He had been making shelves all morning. He had made a letter rack which was useful if people would use it. It was impossible to achieve a modest standard of comfort without tidiness as they lived at such close quarters.

They had received yesterday’s paper with the text of the German Note to Neutrals which he felt was an admission of weakness.
Was glad she had sent away the unfavoured nurse and advises her to interest her father in everything. Was glad he liked to see Clare.

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

Describes the room that he was sitting writing to her in. He was comfortable and alone and liked that. He had also had a change of companions from an English Colonel to three Frenchmen as he was now acting as a liaison officer. He felt like a stranger in a strange land as the French were kind and polite but didn’t like the English. He sympathised with them as he had often been amazed by the bad manners of the English Officers towards the French but he didn’t want them to have a bad opinion of the English altogether.

5 Feb – not much was happening that day. He was beginning to like the people there especially the Lieutenant. He describes the Colonel and Captain. The news from America had come through that evening which wasn’t surprising and was very satisfactory.

Had been reading Rupert Brooke’s book John Webster & the Elizabethan Drama and so far he didn’t like it. It had all the faults of youth and too little to redeem them. He was a charming person and he liked him up to a certain point but he didn’t feel like taking him as a gospel, much as he admired his talent for poetry. His prose was clumsy and ugly and he didn’t always know what he was talking about.

During the day they lived more or less in the office. Had coffee in the morning when they wanted it, lunch at 11.30am and dinner at 7pm (no afternoon tea). One retires after dinner. Had a pleasant walk although not as interesting as the marshes.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'Feb 7 1917'

Was still acting as a liaison officer with the French and describes how they viewed the English. He thought they were further on in their management of artillery and thought he would learn more by reading and discussing their pamphlets.

He had been recommended for a staff lieutenancy although he didn't know what sort of job he might be offered. He wouldn't choose that sort of job as it would always make him feel uncomfortable but it would be more active which he would like so if he was compelled in that direction he would be glad. He would be sorry to leave the battery and would find more people to dislike in the staff than he did in the group.

He liked the Lieutenant and Captain. They were above average intelligence and were ready to help and converse with him. He also liked their society because if he attempted to be humorous he was more likely to be understood.

He was warm by the stove and he had a charming man servant. He had been very lucky since he had returned from leave and hardly remembered what mud was and what it was like to be in a wet trench.

Thought she might be having a bad time but there was much to be happy about with a chance of real victory soon, a new baby, and him as safe as he could be at the moment.

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 'Feb 14 1917'

He had not received any letters from her since 2nd and was hoping to before he left the next day for a new liaison posting.

He had been very happy with these people who were very agreeable and intelligent especially Bonneau. The next lot didn’t attract him although they lived in a very nice place – a little village of dugouts in a big chalk quarry. He didn’t expect to be there long and afterwards would be with General Perkins at III Corps H.A.

His liaison had been a success from a personal point of view but not much use otherwise. Was pleased with the report he had sent in after seeing the Aviation. He had gone to a lot of trouble to understand the French artillery and understood it in general terms better than their own.

Last night he had played chess and dined with some anti aircraft people nearby including Fowler, a very nice Wykehamist [attended Winchester College with Mallory] and was a very good mathematician and Fellow at Trinity.

He was still in bed at 8.15am when a Frenchman arrived to collect his luggage. He had it ready in 40 mins. It was a lovely morning and the crows had arrived. He loved crows as they were reassuring. Wished he was going to the next place in 6 weeks time as it would be lovely in the Spring.

He was anxious for news of her. Had a vision of her crying with her head in his lap and he had the feeling that she was trying to reach him.

[He then includes some extracts from his literary notebook]

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

He had missed the dispatch rider and so had received no letter from her again and couldn’t give the one he had written to be taken.

He felt like a fish out of water [at his new liaison posting]. As there was no room where the Heavy Artillery were, he was billeted with some Divisional Artillery not far away. Everything was in a horrible muddle and he hoped to return to a more settled way of life in a few days.

The thaw had started in earnest. Wishes he could write a happy and interesting letter. Describes the Commandant who was the one person there who interested him.

The French said plenty of nice things about our army and that the men were magnificent soldiers but they were disappointed and always waiting for us. The French were war-weary, not discouraged but bored. It was a great disappointment that they couldn’t get on faster on the Somme. The French were always ahead of the English, obtaining their objectives and then waiting.

Was thinking of her a lot and wished for a letter from her.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'March 1 1917'

He didn’t have time to write to her yesterday as he had to go to a meeting of intelligence officers and then a walk with the Colonel. Describes a visit to his old battery where he saw Wood and Glen who was in charge whilst Lithgow was at home on special leave. They wanted him to return to them once his current posting was finished. He would be very happy to return to them. He didn’t have great hopes about the staff job and wouldn’t set his heart on it.

Had received lots of letters from her. Was glad she liked his literary notebook idea and was glad to hear news about Clare. When he came home he would like to find her waiting for him at the Holt. They would walk out into the Loggia and stroll about their small domain looking at the plants and then go up to the nursery.

Describes what flowers and plants were out in the woods and asks what was out at home. Thinks they may start fighting again before the Spring. He had motored over to a village to put a marble plaque on a grave at the request of the Captain when he was with the French. Describes the decorations on the graves.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'March 6 1917'

He had received two good letters from her. He thought it very, very likely that the war would end that year but they had been disappointed before. It was worse for her as she was just awaiting for it to end whereas he was doing things. She was also doing less than usual at present [Ruth was expecting their second child]. Thought she ought to keep on her work for the Mothers Welcome if it didn’t overburden her. He hadn’t thought of Venice lately although they came back to that sort of happiness when they met.

He hadn’t had a very exciting day. He had been looking at maps in the morning and then later observing from a tree. He didn’t know the lay of the land and the man sent to help him wasn’t much use but he had enjoyed himself. He walked down to another battery for tea and was pleased to see new primrose leaves.

March 7 – a dull day but he was planning on going out to an observation post to look around. A great advantage of battery life was the opportunity to get out into natural daylight to visit places.

He hadn’t written to anyone but her for ages and he must try. He hadn’t heard any news from Charterhouse and asks after Mr Fletcher. He owed Hoenni a letter and would send a letter to Mary for Ruth to forward. He had received a parcel of sausages and would be glad of parcels now as when it was muddy the lorries didn’t get through and they lived on bully beef and biscuits.

He didn’t go up to the observation post in the end as it was too misty but would go up tomorrow and stay for two days which he would enjoy but it would probably rain.

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 10 1917'

He was just back from the observation post where he had had quite an interesting time. It was very misty last night and they had experienced endless difficulties laying the wires which he describes.

Had received a letter from his Mother about the Cheshire cheese she had sent ages ago which had just come back mostly eaten by rats.

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

He was now over with the left half of the battery – north of the river once more. Was in an agreeable place in a deep little valley. Unfortunately, the wood had been utterly destroyed. Spring had arrived and the last of the mud was over. It was so warm he had had to take his coat off.

He liked being with the left half again. The Officer quarters were not much to boast off and the mess wasn’t water tight but they didn’t expect to be there for long. He was alone with Dunbar at present. Johnson was at the observation post and due back tonight. He had read some poetry to Dunbar from The Golden Treasury and he had liked Shelly but didn’t care much for Keats.

The air was full of hopes again as it had been before 1 July [1916] and he describes his views on the current state of the war.

Asks how she was managing the War Loan and their bank accounts and asks if she can see if the dividends are being paid regularly.

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

He had been very busy with new ammunition. The Germans had retreated giving away a large chunk of territory on the Somme. Dunbar had returned from the observation post and Johnson had gone up. Wishes he was up there.

Three good letters from her and one from Mary. Glad she had been staying with Ruth. Was sorry to hear Ruth didn’t think Clare would be brainy but he was sure she would be a very nice person.

Would like to go up the line tonight but didn’t think he could do much good as it would take the Infantry a wile to make contact with the enemy as they had to cross the river.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'March 18 1917'

Had a splendid walk into P. which he thought must have been one of the most lovely towns in the world. The enemy had gone away and they wouldn’t see action again until they crossed the river.

Lithgow was as cheery and energetic as ever. They had joined up again with all seven officers in the mess together. Hoped the battery would stay together when they moved otherwise he would be with the left half with Glen, Dunbar, and Johnson.

He was back again in his deep dug-out with Wood and Hutchinson. Wood was much brighter and quite talkative. He was a northerner and quite enterprising and amiable but not interesting.

The pursuit was very slow and they would probably be held up in front of St Quentin.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'March 21 1917'

Evenings were spent discussing the situation over maps and intelligence reports. Yesterday from 10.30 to 7pm was spent in a prolonged reconnaissance with Lithgow and Glen which was a very pleasant excursion into the countryside. They were out of the action and would be for some days or perhaps weeks. They were taking the opportunity to smarten up the battery. Spent the morning drilling and instructing their sections. This afternoon they were to have a full dress parade, the first since he had joined the battery.

Had received a parcel of chocolate and plums from her both of which were excellent. Also some beautiful socks. He was short of medium socks, rather thinner than Mrs Steele’s because the two pairs of boots he mostly wore seemed to require thin socks, so he would be glad of three more pairs.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'March 22 1917'

It was quiet with no sound of war where there used to be shelled daily. Wanders what she makes of the German’s retreat. The newspapers were making out that they were pushing the enemy back with desperate haste but that wasn’t the case and they were following in a most leisurely manner. Didn’t now if the Infantry were in touch with the enemy now. They weren’t two days ago. Most of the bridges had been blown up. Describes how some bridges had booby traps. He proceeded with caution over the recovered land.

Péronne made him angry as hardly a roof was left there and all the best houses were badly damaged. On entering the town the first thing he noticed a house on fire in the most medieval part and it must have once been a lovely place. It still had a charm and was rather like Rye.

When he, Lithgow and Glen had been out on their reconnaissance they had walked 20 miles and he had seen frightful sights which disgusted him like fruit trees all cut down. It drove away any feeling about the enemy other that the desire to destroy them.

The countryside behind the German lines was a pleasant surprise and they seemed to have made less of a mess with their dumps and camps.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'March 24 1917'

Was a great pleasure to receive three letters from her yesterday and one today. He was delighted by the photos of Clare. Was sorry she wouldn’t have Diana with her and that the O’Malleys had had such bad luck over their house. Would like to hear from Mary Ann but supposes she is too busy. The chocolates she sent were a great success and the plums continued to be so. It would be a mistake to send more uncooked sausages as the weather should soon be really warm. Asks for his tent as the Germans had destroyed practically all their dug outs so they would be short of stores for the foreseeable future. Also wants her to send back his shirt and pyjamas but not the underclothes, ½ pint enamel mugs, and a small pocket torch with a metal filament lamp and six refills.

Gives his views about the Russians.

Asks her to send him Wells’s book as he had seen it reviewed and gathered that he was very unfair to the regular soldier.

Was feeling depressed and out of temper yesterday. They were living in very close quarters with seven of them living in the mess from tea time onwards. They were happy but noisy sand not much room for writing a letter or quiet reading. Had been on long walks, today with Lithgow and Glen and they investigated a very pleasant little copse. Was anxious t get in and help beat the enemy. Wasn’t depressed today but didn’t anticipate any very immediate action.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'March 25 1917'

Discusses the move and how much including books had accumulated. He had rescued her lovely bowl from the mess kit and was going to pack it into his rucksack. It was nearly a year since she had painted it at New Romney. It was easier to face another year after the last one but he could do with three weeks of New Romney to start with. She must be prepared for a bad time with the post but he didn’t expect a dangerous time for the present.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks her for the parcels of cake and sausage rolls.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'April 3 and April 4 1917'

They had been very busy preparing the roads for their advance.
Had got very wet the previous evening as had the signallers who didn't have their coats and the storm was so bad it was impossible to carry out any observation.

4th April - had been unable to finish the letter the previous evening as he had been busy. Didn't like the way Lithgow discussed battery business all through meals but he was very good at his job and he was always in agreement with his schemes and was very willing to serve under him. He liked the strenuous life.

The right half were under canvas and he had expected to leave their comfortable billets before now but the advance had been held up. When hey did move it would be tents and cellars which was fine in good weather but miserable in the current weather. It was now snowing.

He had sent two parcels of books back to her. The Ages of Man was very good but the others wouldn't interest her as she didn't read French. He would send back The New Europe as far as he had read. It was very well done and full of interesting things. He would arrange for it to be sent to her so she could read it before sending it on to him.

He was sending back a parcel of her letters, his drawers (which had been burnt by his servant when drying them near the fire) and the oil silk cape. The pockets were in a ridiculous place and he had torn it when getting out of a car wearing it and asks that if it could be mended to return it to him.

Discusses the reasons for the lack of leave, who had been out longest, and who should be prioritised.

Asks questions about Clare - how her walking was progressing and whether she was talking yet. Thought her disposition might be taciturn considering how reserved her parents were.

Disagrees with her comments about tanks.

Thanks her for parcel of sausages and dates which were excellent and they would try the cream tonight.

Wonders how Bob and Mildred would like Ogwen Cottage and supposes they would fish

[last page is missing]

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'April 7 1917'

Describes his observation work and how it had changed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Still hadn't found the secret code book.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'April 19 1917'

Had been reading the six letters that had arrived from her and discusses the news in them mainly about friendships and their daughter Clare.

He had shared the dug out with an infantry man who had got very wet and was shivering. They messed together all day but the infantry man had to stay another 24 hours. The infantry had to endure bad times and had a much worse time of it. Showed the Colonel around and he had been praised for his work liaising with the infantry. The Colonel said he would tell the General. Wood was returning and Dunbar was going on a course. A treat that he had refused.

He had received a letter from Lieutenant Bonneau [whom he had met when he was liaison officer with the French] and it was settled they would stay with him and his wife in Paris after the war and then they would visit them.

Yesterday he wore a thick vest, two flannel shirts, a woolly waistcoat, a thin tunic and a mackintosh and was moderately warm.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'April 21 1917'

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

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

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'April 23 1917'

He had received some old letters from her and isn't happy that the post is so bad. They hadn't heard much more about he great operations in the north and south. Had received a letter from Polly. Her father had suffered two bad strokes. He was in his 80s and had married again. As he was semi paralytic his wife was also nursing him. Polly was quite calm about it and didn't really know or love her father and couldn't like him but wouldn't have the new Lady Jenkinson in her home. Polly was capable to creating and living in false worlds. She was nursing and it he thought it would be as well for her if the war went on for another 30 years.

Had a good time at the observation post and had conducted a shoot of 100 rounds. Too cold to walk in the woods but had picked some polyanthus and grape hyacinths which he had put in her bowl in the mess.

There was a good deal of activity about inoculation. So far his servant had given notice that as a result of his inoculation he wouldn't be able to shave him for some days.

Was hoping for some warmer weather. He had found some daffodils and Lithgow some rhubarb which they planned on cutting. The cream she had sent was very good and asks her to send more and to continue sending the sausages. He had ordered two pipes from Cambridge and told them to send her the bill. Asks her to send something for his hair which inclined to scruffiness and his barber servant said he should have some dry shampoo which he thought was a good idea as it was hard to wash his hair out there.

The battery were all together and Wood was sleeping with him in Dunbar's place which he was glad of as the effort of dispelling Dunbar's habitual cloud of gloom was wearisome.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'April 25 1917'

Comments on her letters saying she seemed very happy with her two babies. Didn't fully understand what she meant by saying she felt completely grown up now unless it was that life had filled out. Wasn't sure he felt older since he had come out to fight but did feel less puzzled by life.

They were having an easy time but had started to dig as the Germans showed a slight disposition to nastiness. He would be sorry to return to a dug out but must have one ready in case it became necessary. His servant and many more had been inoculated.

Describes looking for cellars in a large villa that had been burned down.

Her parcel with Well's book had arrived and he had plenty to read as 10 numbers of The New Europe had arrived. Marvelled that his oil skin cape had been mended. He was very glad to have some chocolate. Wanted more refills for his cooker.

They had heard little news of the battle. The French were doing nothing more at present and there seemed little opportunity to snatch more territory at present. The Germans would have reserves up in strength. They needed the Russians now but how much were they good for?

Reminisces about a trip to Winchelsea and Rye in the spring.