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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.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Avington Park Camp, Winchester

Describes a fall he had suffered on his motor bike which resulted in an injured left hand and strained thumb. The whole camp had attended a lecture on venereal disease given by the Chaplain. Had spent the evening talking to Avie's doctor who was the medical officer in the battery next to his. Describes a "morbid and terrible" dream in which Ruth had died and his emotional reaction. Refers to Uncle Hawes and Aunt Jessie's plans to live in Canada.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from Avington Park Camp, Winchester

Was sorry that she had caught a chill. Was also sorry the weather had broken as it was the worse thing for the war.

They performed their gun drill this morning and spent the last 1 ½ hours in the lecture room. It was quite interesting learning the ways of a new gun. The lectures were somewhat childish but he officers weren’t very learned from a mathematical point of view.

Had been in to Winchester to have a new pipe put in the carburettor of the bike but the expert said it couldn’t be better than it was and he couldn’t think of a way to reduce petrol consumption. He had called on the Courtneys and been congratulated on his 2nd pips [being made a Lieutenant].

Thought he might go into Winton and see Rendall but might not go out in this weather.

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

Describes an accident he had on his motor bike when returning to camp from visiting her for the weekend. The result of which was a crushed right foot which he was unable to walk on.

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 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 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 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 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

Celebrations of peace had continued and took the form of a run out and a large meal. He had been to Lille with the Major, Pemberton, and three men from a battery in Arras. Lille was the third largest town in France, although France didn’t have many. They had lunch in a large hotel used an officers’ club which was entirely an English institution. They had then walked around the town and met others so the party grew to 10. He was depressed in the 1 1/2 hours in the ante room as it was impossible for him to join in the conversation and it was a crowd of rowdy officers of unprepossessing appearance. He skilfully manoeuvred himself to be placed at dinner between two men who seemed capable of ideas beyond incidents in military careers and performances of drunken heroes. Had a long and interesting talk about America. That and half a bottle of bubbly helped him survive the evening. He always started these evenings thinking he would enjoy himself with agreeable companions until he realised that, whatever they were individually, collectively they were all barbarians with whom he had nothing in common.

Trafford had turned up the day before yesterday and had lunch with them. His visit to Trafford was deferred until he had moved quarters. He was trying to arrange for Trafford to take him to Beauvais as he wanted to see the cathedral.

Was sorry she hadn’t found sympathy in the family for her Montessori adventures. That was so like families but she had any amount from him so she shouldn’t be discouraged.

He hoped Trafford would be sending over two planes to photograph the guns so as to furnish them with souvenirs.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France and the letter from David Pye that was originally enclosed

Hadn’t received a letter from her or Mildred and he wished for one so he would know she was still getting better.

He had written a long letter to David to try and help him fall in love with Jelly and reassure him that she would make a wonderful wife. Wonders who told David that Jelly was in love with him and if indeed she was.

Had talked to two other Officers from 471 Siege Battery one of whom was returning to England for good and he was a school master so he was hopeful.

It was infernally cold but the wind had cleared the mist which was a blessing. Thought they would be left there for some time. The Major was making no effort to move as he feared their trucks would be taken away which would be a disaster.

Thought it would be a wonderful Xmas and he might write some lines to greet their friends and she could make some illuminated cards. He wonders what stage she is in her recovery.

[enclosed is a letter from David to George written on 12 November 1918]

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

He had just finished Tess of the d'Urbevilles and talks about his reaction to the story and Hardy's writing.

25 Nov - he had to go to Arras to a Court of Inquiry which was a tiresome business. The Major had toothache last night. He was due to have dinner with Trafford next Wednesday to celebrate the aniversary of him taking over No. 8 Squadron. He would be in Paris on Friday but would probably miss seeing the King as he was due to go on Thursday. Planned on going to the Bibliotèque Nationale.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

Describes the purchases he had spent a long time over choosing which included embroideries for the Holt and some books. Describes the bookshops he had been into. Hopes she doesn’t think he has been extravagent.

Had been to the library and held with indescribeable emotion the manuscript of Figaro from which Beaumarchais had read out his play. It had many corrections. It was a genuine sense of wonder and enthusiasm to hold such a document in his hand and more than interesting to see the trials of authorship were the same as they were for him.

Answers her question about opera and explains how it is founded upon well known stories and the libretto was written by a composer.

Had been to the Comédie Française which was a good piece but not one of the very best.

Was sorry he couldn’t stay longer in Paris but was more sorry that he hadn’t received a telegram giving him leave to return to England.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

Was sorry she was cold staying with the Tallents but it would make her wear her fur coat. Wonders if she attracted more attention when she wore it. He had arranged a private room close to the mess and the prospect of being able to retire to solitude was a wonderful alleviation. She musn’t think of him being depressed at Xmas as they would have a very merry day in the battery.

Hoped to see Robert soon if he could find him in Dunkirk. was sorry she hadn’t see Robert and that Nancy wasn’t more forthcoming.Robert was a good person but his great fault was to value applause more than merit. That might be too hard but he did like publicity far too much.

He had ordered a pair of spectacles. Had been having headaches for the last two days and had hardly read anything which was depressing.