Pièce 1 - Letter from George to Ruth Mallory, 2 January 1917

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'Jan 2 1916' [it was actually written in 1917] after his return to France from leave

Comments on his recent time at home during his leave.

Had been assigned to look after a Colonel but said he wasn’t a valet. It was a cushy job, very quiet and safe not far from the batteries. He shared a dug out with Robinson, the acting adjutant. It leaked a bit but they had a fine oil stove. He would rather be alone but was happy enough.

They lived less under ground than in the battery. The office was a canvas hut, the mess room was a tunnel shaped chamber. There was a gay atmosphere, the doctor was ragged a good deal and officers from the batteries were entertained a good deal - Anderson from 109 had spent the previous evening with them.

Hopes his breeches will arrive soon as he could see himself tramping about observation posts as his knowledge of that work was his chief utility. The reconnaissance report he had written was being considered by Royal Artillery Headquarters.