Stuk 31 - Letter from George to Ruth Mallory, 11 June 1916

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from 1st Echelon 40 Siege battery, 30th HAG, III Corps, B.E.F.

Realised he had missed her birthday and asks her to buy a copy of Shakespeare’s sonnets as a reminder of his love for her. Recommends editions and where she could buy them.

Describes their arrival at new position. Doesn’t know how long they would be there. Hard work of digging in chalk fields began again [sketch of the stone and earth above them making them safe]. Had been ragging the mostly town born men who had been happy to leave last place expecting the next to be better but it was not. The men were friendly. Had slept in the open under a Poplar tree but was positioned badly and a trickle of water had got in his waterproof bag. Then guns started firing around him. Glad to be up at 5am.
Supply of water was three miles away. Last supply of water had been poisonous even when boiled.

Discusses latest thrilling war news, including high hopes of Russian advance and hopes rumours were true that the German fleet had come out again and been beaten.

Food was difficult to get and asks her to send soups and a ham.