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

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

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

A Carthusian came in, not Lampard, and they talked so much it was almost time for the post and he hadn't written to her. His wound was better but it was slow and the surface skin was dead but he had no pain. Had been busy with gunnery problems and finished reading a work by a Frenchman about England. Since lunch he had been reading Catriona.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Magdalen Camp Hospital, Winchester. No date

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

Full Transcript

My dearest Ruth,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Farewell to you sweet love,
Your loving George

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Magdalen Camp Hospital, Winchester.

Thanks her for her letter, the book, and the letter from David. Had been feeling demoralised and spent his time reading a book by Galsworthy which was 'poor stuff'. He likes the design of her new dress and asks about the colour suggesting dark green. Was glad his kit had turned up at last and asks if his field glasses came alright. Comments on the state of the war in France and the area around Passchendaele and the state of support for different parties within Germany. His foot is still the same as yesterday.

Along the margin of the second page he writes 'David tells me he is going to leave Will because Muirhead Bone according to a previous unfulfilled arrangement is going to live with him. Bad luck isn't it - he'll be sorry. Great love to you dearest. Your loving Ruth'

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Magdalen Hospital, Winchester.

Thought there would be some delay so that 28 October wouldn't be their last weekend together. Had been hoping to leave hospital on Tuesday but his foot was still too weak. Had been reading The Loom of Youth which David had sent him. Comments on Sherbourne school and the idea of boarding schools.

Wishes he had been with her as it had been lonely. He had been sitting reading in another ward where the stove burns without smoking and he could see the hills beyond Winchester. Was pleased with reports in the newspapers and thought the Germans couldn't have been feeling very cheerful if they hadn't launched a counter attack. Von Capell's resignation was a good thing and Tripitz had climbed down in his estimation of the prospects of submarines.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Magdalen Hospital, Winchester.

Gives his opinion about what colour and type of fur she should buy and the colour she should chose for her new winter dress. Was happy about how well his foot was healing. Had been enjoying the past few days reading by a warm stove looking out at a pretty view. Inspired by Loom of Youth he had started writing a series of articles about education. He intended to send the first to the Daily Telegraph when it was finished. He rejoiced in the fine weather even though he couldn't walk on the Downs as it meant everything for the men in Flanders and our chances.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Avington Park Camp, Winchester

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

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

Writes about Raymond who had been killed in action.

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 Avington Park Camp, Winchester. No date except 'Tuesday'

Their written exam would be on Wednesday afternoon and there was a good deal to look up before then and he had only just managed to get hold of a handbook of the gun. This morning they had passed through the gas chamber. They had to go in and change their masks. He didn’t realise the chamber would be full of gas when they entered as it was usual to let the gas off once they were inside. He mistook the practice change for the real test. He had some difficulty with his helmet. The tube which was supposed to go in his mouth seemed to be going into his eye so he took it off to get it right and had a whiff of gas. The gas must have been very light as he felt no ill effects except a slight headache.

Was going to dine with the Irving’s that evening. They would be outdoors doing map work during the afternoon.

The exams would finish on Thursday so he might come home straight after. The motor bike had blown off its exhaust so he was getting one of the fitters in the camp to mend it.

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

Had just finished the exam. The examiner had been just plain nasty but he should get 75%. On his last weekly paper he had got full marks.

He had his medical board this morning. They said he would be unfit for a month and gave his two weeks light duties and two weeks Home Service.

He had a letter from Mrs Benson to say A. C. Benson had had a nervous breakdown but was getting on quite well. This was better than he had expected.

Had put in for leave for Friday to Tuesday but didn’t know if he would get that.

Had to get off and prepare or the practical exam tomorrow.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Avington Park Camp, Winchester

Describes his journey back to camp. Despite his enquiries of her and his servant he was amazed and delighted to find his glasses and revolver there. Was a good thing he hadn’t already written to the battery.

No duties had presented themselves so he would go into Winton and see the Courtneys and Irving’s and make some arrangement for tomorrow to see the fifteens.

Would send a parcel of books to her as he was preparing for a move.

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

Was awaiting his movement orders so his plans for the weekend were uncertain. Recounts more about his time at Winchester College the day before. Had received a letter from Hoenni telling him that he had proposed a duet with Jelli who wasn't in her class as a fiddler. The boots had arrived from Anderson's.

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

Had received an order last night stopping all leave. No sign of a movement order yet and he was getting impatient. He had finished 'Hope' but if he were to send it to Jelli as she asked he would need to make a copy first. Was working on his Alpine article again.

Had been to Winton and called on the Maitlands and went to the booksellers to get a Christmas present for Robin Garbut but was unsuccessful. He only bought books for himself - the last two Henry James's and two Thomas Hardy's.

Last night he had dined with Dr Browne in his mess. Was much excited by the possibilities on the Italian Front.

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

Had arrived in France from Newcastle and describes the journey in trucks and the extra provisions they had managed to sneak on board.

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

They had the great news and it convinced him. He expected there would be an armistice in a few weeks time. Believed the Germans would decide to cut their losses as they were fighting without allies, were economically isolated, and wanted to prevent invasion of their country. He didn't feel they had been sufficiently punished but never could be. Sets out his views on how he thought the war would end.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

Is keen to know what she and everyone at home thinks about the German Note and wants to see the English newspapers and describes how it is being reported in the Continental press. He thinks the journalists misunderstand the German and particularly the Prussian psychology which he sets out.

He wants to know what her father thinks of it all and asks her to tell him what he [George] thinks.

Was finding G. Young's Balkans amazingly good and was studying Othello.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

Fletcher had written asking him to take advantage of an Army Council order and return to Charterhouse. Had agreed to the application being made as soon as the Armistice was declared as he was keen to return as soon as possible. Asks her to tell the O'Malleys about it [they were tenants at the Holt] so they could find alternative accommodation.

Thanks her for the flour and advises about what cakes she should send out and at what intervals.

Likes the photo of her and Berry. Refers to comments she made in her last letter in which she said he made different appearances in her mind and that he thought they weren't all very agreeable. Asks whether he appears as a domestic tyrant irritable and unkind. Says things will be different when they are living together again and that she need not have any fears for the future.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

The mess was very quiet. He had been very sleepy all day after an exciting night. Although he was never away from the old battle area the spirit of autumn was everywhere and there was nothing like the healing power of nature especially trees.

He thought much about Charterhouse and imagined teaching and dealing with boys there again and the prospect was pleasing in many ways.

That afternoon he had been to A. [Arras] and had explored the outlying parts. Some of the buildings had been damaged but very few in the south west of the town had been seriously damaged. He had talked to more than one lot of refugees. He had returned with a good supply of vegetables - cabbages, brussel sprouts, onions and celery, in his rucksack.

The post was unreliable because they didn’t have their own censorship stamps as they should and the letters had to pass through so many different and changing hands that he feared she would never receive some of his letters.

He hadn’t yet thought deeply about the latest German Note although it didn’t strike him as satisfactory. It was evident democratic opinion didn’t yet control Germany and they had to wait for that but he felt that miracle would happen.

He wanted very much to see Clutton-Brock’s book and asks her to order him a copy and send it out to him. He had almost finished George Young’s book about the Balkans which was very interesting. He had recently read George Eliot’s Silas Marner which was a very pretty story which she would like.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

Responds to her letter by setting out his views on the failures of the Passchendaele offensive and on religion. He was delighted she was taking trouble about her religious life and didn’t mind if they differed. Didn’t think he would have much use for outward forms of Christian ritual but had no objection to her or anyone else valuing them. He worshipped in his own way in places other than in a Church setting.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

Had received two letters from her and was interested in all her London plans and sent his love to all the people she hoped to meet. Hoped she would get to see Doris [sister in law, married to Trafford Leigh-Mallory] as he wanted to know what was wrong.

Was pleased she was getting on so well with Montessori and that Clare liked the buttoning frame. She should exclude other sorts of toys now. Mrs Irvine would be an excellent person to work with. She had always been friendly. He wasn’t so sure about Mr Irvine but thought he must be a good chap and it made a great difference having congenial neighbours.

Thought there was a good chance of Germany accepting terms. The surrender of Austria and Turkey was very opportune.

Had spent an amusing day yesterday making the shelves for the curtain. There was a certain amount of fitting to be done but he had done a good job. He had fallen in love with the curtains and wondered if they could be used for their bedroom at the Holt.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

Was interested in her visit to the Montessori school and wanted to hear all the details. It was a splendid enterprise of hers. Was delighted to think of her getting in touch with the Montessori movement and working out practical ways for it to work in Godalming.

She must have been very busy on her visit to London. He was glad Trafford was so bright. Had no idea Doris had been dangerously ill. Hoped to hear more on her visit to Will and Ka. It was a pity she hadn’t managed to see Jelly.

He had been made quite anxious by all the talk of influenza [Spanish flu] and hoped she wouln’t get it. The number of deaths seemed most alarming. The wife of one of the men there had died of flu.

Had spent a very quiet day. The Major [Gwilym Lloyd George] and Wilson had gone to Calais on a pure joy ride. He had studied French in the morning and gone to a neighbouring wood in the afternoon to collect Autumn leaves and berries. He had received two parcels from her, one with ginger, macaroni and flour and the other with an excellent cake from J & M. Also had two Manchester Guardians by post which were particularly welcome as they couldn’t get yesterday’s paper.

The Major [Gwilym Lloyd George] had received orders to proceed to Versailles for several days. He was lucky and he wished his father was Prime Minister.

Was greatly amused by Aunt Eleanor’s envelopes. Asks Ruth to note the correct spelling of ‘probably’. Also the words ‘apparatus’ and ‘jealous’ [Ruth was dyslexic].

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 on Armistice Day

Full Transcript

My dearest Ruth,

This will only be a few lines. I have stayed the night with Geoffrey Keynes. We slept in a bell tent together & just before we went to sleep the noise of shouting confused & dispersed announced the fact that the armistice had been signed. Whether its a true fact I haven’t yet discovered - but any other would be so impossible that I’m prepared to believe it. I was thinking last night that I must be home for Xmas because I haven’t got Milton’s Hymn with me out here.

I can’t tell you how good it was walking & talking with Geoffrey yesterday afternoon. He is beyond Cambrai which is over 20 miles from Arras & the road was perfectly awful broken up pavé. I can’t think why the motorbike didn’t just break into fragments.

I shall write you a good letter this evening I hope. This must go now to catch the post.

Your loving George.