Pièce 96 - Letter from George to Ruth Mallory, 18 October 1916

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.