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Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Aug 4 1916'

Full Transcript

Dearest Ruth,

I’m still in the battery, neither Bell nor I was up in the line yesterday and he is taking his 3rd day now – tomorrow my turn again. The men are digging themselves in very comfortably down here, and most of them have very good places to sleep in – much more agreeable than the old dugouts a little way apart up the hill in the trenches but not so safe. I am sitting in the evening sun on the steps of the Xc’s post & much busyness is going on all around me – the making of wire beds etc. This gorgeous weather with a clean cool breeze is the greatest blessing. I only wish the nights were as peaceful as the days. But we have good news from the infantry again today and German helmets of prisoners are in evidence. The men here at once say that the war will be over for a fortnight, and evidently some of them do quite definitely entertain the happy thought without really believing such an event probable. What a sum total of thoughts there must be about the end of the war!

I’m with you very often in Westbrook garden and in the drawing room too and many a time Clare is with us. I like all you tell me about her. You don’t seem to understand why she doesn’t crawl but can’t you see the heredity in it as how would you expect a daughter of mine to be crawling – did you ever see me stick my knee against a rock if any foothold would serve? Naturally she won’t rub her knees along the floor when she sees other folk walking. I imagine the garden quite glorious now in the golden sunshine. I want to see the great elm trees looking dark above the valley on the far side of the corn fields – or is it no corn that one may see this year from the look out by the spring garden? I know what the heart will leap to most readily – just cultivation – to see land solid well cared for, teams of cart horses t work in the fields, the farm hand sowing or reaping it doesn’t matter which and good manure being dug well in. I think I should fancy Herefordshire for mere country after this plaque spot – or the Tern Valley which we will assuredly one day visit, that would do me.

I wonder if you’ll find me different I think not. Slightly more self indulgent perhaps, a bit easier going – I was wanting to be that before ever I came out here. But I don’t think I shall ever be a person to let myself off easily because if ever I’m finding excuses for myself I’m desperately unhappy and that gives the show away.

Lazy – you may find me very lazy, I hope not. One thing has come upon me lately – its no god pretending I can be satisfied with life if it offers too few opportunities for deep thinking; nothing annoys me more than not to be efficient and yet I perceive a real opposition between what is usually meant by efficiency and the experience of thought as I understand it, its no use any more pretending there is none. I can very often get myself to do correctly a number of little things which efficiency demands (I’m not only referring to the soldiers life) but they give me no satisfaction when done, my mind is in a state of constant rebellion. I believe that always will be so.

Yesterday in some spare moments I began a poem, I don’t imagine it will ever be finished perhaps never continued but when I tell you what it is about you will understand my state of mind. It is called ‘BED’. Not that I am as a rule particularly fatigued – merely that Bed is the nesting place of ideas. There I can be alone in high solitary state and simply think. That is good.
Well my dear Ruth. I want you far more and more ans see my life as it were from a considerable distance. I see you more and more clearly as the one person for me. Dearest how I love you! How the great understanding has grown between us! Don’t you feel that? You’ll never bore me and I’m sure you’re the ne person in the world who wouldn’t.

Fare thee well beloved. Kiss Clare for me and then the Westbrook household.
Your loving George.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Aug 27 1915' [was actually 1916]

Had a desperate hunt for the notes for the Book of Geoffrey. Thought his valet, Symons, had tidied them away but then he had found them. He should really have been attending a service and singing hymns.

Was feeling fully recovered. Had gone in the sidecar of a motorbike driven by an Irishman going very fast along some of the worst roads in the country. Had bought some things for the men in Corbie – some pretty cups and a big china teapot.
Describes the weather, countryside, and his opinion of tents including the charm of them being the way one looks upon the world through the slit.

Describes some of the A.S.C. [ammunition column] men he had met and the rather empty headed youths who said ‘Cheery Ho’ and ‘Here’s fun’ and carried handkerchiefs in the sleeves.

Had received a long, interesting and affectionate letter from Trafford who was having a good time building a tennis court. Comments on her letter and what she had said about Mrs Huxley and her attitude towards her children.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Sept 5 1916'

Had received two letters from her. The Garretts used to live at Aldburgh and had a sailing boat there. Describes how Uncle Lawrence, Aunt Patty, and Doris would react to a boat.

Had been in the observation post yesterday using visual signaling and it had been rather an enjoyable day. Had arranged to furnish the new ante-room which was for reading and writing [sketch provided]. Describes layout and that it would seat 3 comfortably or 4 at a pinch.

Wood was getting scarce and much time was wasted collecting it. Had improved his dug out with steps to his bed and a square self next to his bed.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Sept 6 1916'

Unpleasant afternoon spend at an inquiry into which battery had been firing into their own trenches. Describes why it was all so hateful.

Had enjoyed working on the ante-room. Had gone into Albert to get a stove to warm them but had been unsuccessful. Had enjoyed a chat with the old woman in the ironmongery and come away with another oil lamp.

Had received the good news of the capture of the Combles by the French.

Comments on her letter and the childish activities that can be enjoyed by the seaside. Asks if the seaside made any difference to Clare.

Was lying on his bed in pyjamas. All their dug-outs had been christened for the convenience of the guards. His was called ‘Fathom Five’. Was off to sleep as breakfast was at 7.30am and he had very poor sleep in a chair the night before.

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

Things were moving there. The noise of heavy firing had been incessant since the advance a few days ago when the French had done so well. Would be disappointed if they didn’t get on a bit. The battery was back together which was a relief.

Had read Coxon Fund by Henry James and comments on the phrase about women 'the fastidious sex'. Describes how he will behave after the war.

Had been in the trenches and seen a really beautiful face different to most officers who had the air of intending to fight. Describes the R.F.A. man.

Had a long and tiring day in the trenches trying to get information and then hours of close observing. Exciting work as they were expecting a counter attack and both sides were firing on the area to his right. The attack must have begun just after he had left as the noise was as loud as the thunder of Niagra Falls.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Sept 19 1916'

It was extraordinarily quiet with hardly a gun firing. It had been raining and he was afraid the bad weather had stopped their push. All the land they had established was no better thana bog and very slippery. Much worse than on July 1st. There wasn’t a square inch for 2000 yards unaffected by shell fire and not a blade of grass to be seen.

Comments on the account of her journey in her letter.

The Major of another battery had been a guest at dinner. He was thrilled to hear it was [Austin] Earl’s battery and hoped to see him today.
Planned to write to his tailor and order a new pair of breeches and a tunic.

[Postscript] – had received her letters and photos of Clare which he liked very much.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Sept 29 1916 The Ante Room'

Describes his view of the Infantry attack and capture of Eaucourt L’Abbage.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Oct 6 1916'

Nothing further had happened as bad weather was preventing movement. Very wet and muddy getting to an from the observation post. Had been with Lithgow in the morning working on the observations of the previous day and then working the guns for Bell who was observing. It was a long business as their line was constantly out of order. The Captain’s Office was a deep hole which also served as a bed chamber and was connected byt a covered passage to where two signallers worked the telphone, slept, and ate.

Was being sent on a commission to [censor has cut out the name] where he would see friends at the regrettable garden and talk to the lady of the omlettes, buy some flour for the men and plenty of papers.

Wishes for letters from her as they helped to make her qualities become a person.

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

They were leaving their old comfortable quarters in the rain which was unlucky and unnecessary. Had eaten an early breakfast and were waiting for a lorry to take up their kit. Wasn’t sorry to be moving and would soon be comfortable again. Hoped for a better dugout.

Previous day he had started writing a poem and then Boal from 109 Battery came and spent the evening with them.

Yesterday he and Bell had a day out in Amiens buying potatoes. They were hard to find and they had to go to a cheap vegetable market in the old quarters. They gave a rather jolly woman a ride in their car from her house to a stall in the market which she enjoyed. He bought eggs and then went to a haberdashery so Bell could buy two garments for his little girls.

He enjoyed chatting with French people, who had a quick sense of humour and seemed good simple people. Was glad he was in charge of buying provisions. It helped that he could speak French so he got it cheaper and wasn’t cheated and he got to go on jaunts away from the battle. It was extraordinary how little was doing there now. No talk of leave and Lithgow and Bell would go first.

Had received two letters from her. Comments on the Northcliffe hero. Says its the regular Daily Mail nonsense but was surprised and disgusted The Times printed that sort of stuff. Wondered what America is going to do.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Oct 26 1916'

They were firing at a slow rate and he was looking after the gun. The programme was written out so he had almost nothing to do and could retire to his dugout at intervals. Liked to do what the other men did and help when the gun needed pulling out of the mud.

Had a Canadian parson and an Irish parson to dinner and had an amazing argument about bequests which was rather refreshing.
Wood, Dunbar and Casey had established a mess at the right half which was a relief as the Captain dislikes them. He, Lithgow and Bell got along quite happily. Had seen Earl and Williams the previous evening at their mess which he could see from his dugout. Saw little of them as their battery had no system of relief and they never knew when they would definitely be off duty. Austin had an old complaint of the kidneys made worse by damp and it would be difficult for him to keep well in these conditions.

Discusses Kipling’s report of the Battle of Jutland and asks Ruth to see if there are accounts about the actions of different ships during the battle.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

Had got things straight in his dugout with his table cloth on and the potpourri open when he was at home. The lavender bag was amongst his clothes and he could sit on the cartridge case at the table or in the arm chair next to it. Hoped Dunbar or Lithgow would be buying him a stove in Amiens that day. Had been writing to Mrs Wilson in answer to her letter and thought he might spend a night of his leave in Winchester. Had been on a voyage of discovery to a neighbouring battery to find a young master at Winchester called Platnauer who he thought would have mutual friends.

Had no duties all day as it was wet. Thought there would be more such days during the winter.

Had received a waistcoat from his mother which was a great success and he felt impervious to cold. Had received a new pair of breeches and a new coat from his tailor.

28 Oct - Had received her letter and was sorry Clare was not feeling like herself. Was shocked and grieved to hear about Persis.

The war was too disgusting to think about and the Germans were too good at the game. They ought to give up talking about a fight to the finish as the V.D.C. [Volunteer Defence Corps] folk had said all along. The French capture of Donaumont was a good knock.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Nov 14 1916' [he has written 1914 but it is actually 1916]

Speculates about when he might get leave and how best to spend it so he could see family and friends.

Had been busy. Yesterday they started firing at 5.45am and today at 6.45am. Yesterday’s operation on the Ancre appeared to have been a success. Had not been content with life lately. He had spend too long making arrangements to avoid discomfort that he had got into the habit of thinking too much about comforts and living in a spiritually lazy way. He got a wonderful lot of sleep there and liked his bed too much.

He had head from his mother who had not yet received his letter thanking her for the waistcoat and he wonders if it is at the bottom of the Channel.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

Had received her lovely letters. The Captain was due back tomorrow. Bell’s move had been put on hold and he had put in for leave. Speculates on when he would get leave.

Discusses likely terms for the end of the war. Doubted it was possible to draw up terms which would prevent the Russians from exercising their old influence in Central Europe and the Balkans. Wonders at what point the price paid would be sufficient. If Germany were likely to collapse it would be advisable to carry on until that point but he doubted that would happen.

News of Clare was enchanting. Hopes she is better from the attack of vomiting.

Had heard from Harold Porter who was happy in his job of divisional signalling officer. Had heard from Brother Giles who was in Cambridge on a cadet course. Mentions the Greens [who were renting their house, the Holt] and the arrangements he had made with them about coal. Was missing her and looking forward to seeing her.

[Postscript written at 3.30pm on 23 Nov in pen] - was just back from a reconnaissance in their front line which had been an extraordinarily interesting and strenuous day in indescribable conditions. Was waiting for his batman to bring water in the hope of having a hot bath in his dugout.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France, 'Nov 27 1916'

Disappointment that his leave might not come through for two months.

The news from Romania made him feel that he could run like an ostrich and bury his head in the sand.

Lithgow was now Acting Major and Bell was acting Captain. He planned to go to Amiens to get food for the men’s Xmas. The plan for the day was 9am breakfast (an hour later than usual), porridge and sausage and mash; dinner - roast pork, plum pudding, dessert; tea - fresh butter and new bread, jam, biscuits and celery; supper - soup, bread and cheese. He had fixed it up with the Games Committee and the most surprising thing was the enthusiasm for celery for tea. He was planning a football match with Platnauer’s battery.

Asks if she was sending him an Xmas parcel. If so it had to be sent by 5 December. Thought mince pies wouldn’t last but if she sent mincemeat the cook could manage the pastry.

They had great music last night before, during, and after dinner. One of Lithgow’s Scots playing the melodeon, Bell on the flute, and one of the signallers and himself sang.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France, 'Dec 9 1916'

Didn’t want to say anything about leave again as she would be disappointed if it wasn’t true but he hoped his leave would be very soon. He was due to be at the observation post again tomorrow. The weather was more disagreeable than he could imagine and he hadn’t seen the sun for 20 days.

He hopes there wouldn't be any delay to his leave this time. [There wasn’t and he was home a few days later returning to France on Boxing Day].

Letter to Ruth Mallory written on 'Friday 29 Dec 1916' on his arrival back in France after his leave

He had made a list in pencil of requirement that he had forgotten to leave with her. He had arrived back early that morning. Men were all really pleased with Xmas Day. They were firing in the morning of Xmas Day so dinner was late - 3pm. There was a continuous session with food and music until midnight.

Mud was worse than when he had left. He had tripped over a wire but saved himself.

He had finished Mr Britling Sees it Through [by H. G. Wells] on the train which was very interesting and he would send it to her to read.

Talks about their time together whilst he was on leave.

He had found her parcel - plums, assorted fruits, ginger, chocolates, tinned turkey, and brawn. The mince pies were greatly appreciated and some mincemeat remained. Chocolate cake had not arrived.

Had to be up early for the Observation Post.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'Jan 6 1916' [it was actually written in 1917]

He had been hoping and hoping for this news [that she was expecting their second child] and they wouldn’t worry whether it was a girl or boy.

He wasn’t sure how to describe his job. Robinson had spent the first two days telling him there wasn’t much for him to do. He felt Robinson was impressed with himself in the role of adjutant and was anxious to do everything himself. His role was to look after the Colonel which meant accompanying him on his rounds and being generally informed. He had taken the Colonel up to see where they observed from. They had also ridden out to see an alternative battery position. He had only ridden a horse once in the last 10 years but it was a tame business. Thought their children should learn to ride.

He would have to get to know the other batteries in the group which would be interesting. He was in charge of the living quarters and would probably have to run the mess although McLeod, the signalling officer, was doing that at present. It was a footling old woman’s job. He hoped he could make a better job for himself. He liked the men there especially the Colonel and McLeod.

Wondered if anything would come of the strained situation between Austria and Germany.

Had to write letters to mother, Avie, Trafford and Geoffrey Keynes.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'Jan 27 1917'

Would be at Headquarters until Halifax returned on 6th. He supposed he would return to the battery then. It had got colder and colder and motor vehicles could hardly be got moving at all. They had been woken twice by big shells falling nearby ad the hasty entrance of the telephonist into their dugout.

Was sorry she sounded depressed in her last letter. Was evident she wasn’t feeling at all well.

He’d had a busy day. He was to have gone out with Glen to reconnoitre O.P.s [observation posts] but the cave came to grief before they set out. They talked over maps and Robinson gave him some jobs to do. The fire was very difficult to keep going as the wood was so wet.

Was getting on better with Robinson. He was sending of his sleeping bag which wants cleaning. Also the de la Mare books and Mr Britling. Was slightly disappointed with Peacock Pie.

Her letter gave him a most lovely pleasure. Was frightened a little in case he should let her down. He fell short of his own ideals but didn’t take himself over seriously.

Had read more of the Shepherd’s Life which was good.

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 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 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 '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 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 27 1917'

Had just had an Old Carthusian turn up – a boy called Manly who was now in the Royal Flying Corps. He rather liked such meetings.

He had walked through a wood on the point of bursting into green with the honeysuckle already in leaf. Was most delighted with were the white wood anemones and yellow polyanthus. The loveliness of flowers particularly spring flowers after this year spent at war was more wonderful to him and more entertaining than ever.

Had a good day at the observation post. He made an interesting reconnaissance to a village in no man’s land and manged to get in without being seen by the enemy. Saw some wire that was in question and other things and picked a bunch of daffodils. On his way back he showed them to some infantry men and one said they were lovely and reminded him of home.

Orders had come in about firing so he must end the letter. He would think about whether it was right to keep sending parcels of food.

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

He had been busy building a bathroom with a floor and thin walls but no roof.

He had found more grape hyacinths, a patch or rhubarb and some leeks.

He had been reading Well’s book which was very amusing and interesting in parts. Agrees that the offensive is the winning side at present provided it had command of the air and no effective means had been invented for stopping submarines. Agrees with Well’s opinion of the army. The waste of men was amazing and using less horses would be an economy. Doesn’t agree about German airmen who were a nimble lot. Can’t dispense with horses for field batteries without very seriously impairing their mobility.

Gives his opinion on how the war might end – cutting the railway to Constantinople, Russian and the Romanians retaking Romania. Germany may collapse in the summer but he didn’t believe she would and then everything depended on the Balkans.

Looked as though compulsory rationing would be the order in England so she should stop sending cakes. She seemed to fear going seriously short of food but he hopes she will have plenty of vegetables in the garden.

His ankle was behaving badly again and he was going to try and wear shoes for a time.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Avington Park Camp, Winchester

Was just outside the village of Winton. Was annoyed he was with a heavy rather than a siege battery. Would have to buy a basin, pillow and straw mattress. Didn't know what they would be asked to do.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Avington Park Camp, Winchester

Makes arrangements for visiting her at the weekend. Weather the day before had been very sultry and he had slept in the afternoon, then gone for a walk, lain on a grassy bank and eaten blackberries before the thunderstorm came.

Had been doing a lot of reading including an important chapter in the League of Nations on ‘The Economies of Peace’. Recommends she read the book describing it as ‘the best war book’. Had also been reading Rupert Brooke’s American letters which had a very interesting introduction about him by Henry James.

Was sorry he wouldn’t see Ursula again but describes the ways she irritated him although she was ‘a good woman’.

Thought he would take up Fearon’s invitation to afternoon tea describing being prepared for confirmation by him and what his wife was like. They used to call him the 'Bear'. Hoped to have a pleasant detour on his bicycle on the way back and have a bathe in the river.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Avington Park Camp, Winchester. Undated apart from 'Tuesday'

His name had appeared in the London Gazette together with that of Earl, Bliss, Courtney, Thomson and Strain and some others of the Weymouth course. They were all to have 2nd pips [ie made Lieutenants].

Had an oily job in the afternoon taking down the buffer of our guns which was quite interesting.

Had written a long letter to his mother chiefly about the babies name. He wanted to work in Beridge if they could.