Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 24-25 August 1916 (Creation)
Level of description
Item
Extent and medium
1 item, paper
Context area
Name of creator
Archival history
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Aug 24 1916'
Was feeling a bit better. Her letter had arrived quickly. Still no date for leaving rest camp. She wasn’t to be anxious about winter as there would be less fighting and so less chances to be killed. He had his job and time passed quickly but it must be harder for her. Thought Clare must have changed since he last saw her.
Was pessimistic about the war and asks why they hadn’t done anything about Salonica. Everything in that area depended on Romania coming in which would only give two months to cut communications between Germany and Turkey before winter set in. Thought that with Romania's help Russia would be able to beat Austria. Hungary would be less willing to make terms if Romania cames in. Very strongly thought they should take stock after the Autumn campaigns and offer terms accordingly. Didn’t doubt they would win eventually. Thought Germany could defend herself for at lest two more years and practically nothing was worth two more years of war.
25 Aug – had finished the letter but had mislaid her Aldeburgh address, which he had now found, so was writing more. He would be in camp all day and was reading a French book by Rene Bazin about Breton peasants. Discusses places in the book and why he would like to visit Brittany and how he views rural England from a distance.
Hadn’t yet received the apples or grapefruit and asks where she sent them. Suggests that she use wooden boxes and tells her how to make them. Thinks a plum cake is the one most likely to survive the transport. Doesn’t need any more soup tablets.
Had just received and eaten a grapefruit which was delicious but barely ripe so he would save the others.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Finding aids
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Note
Written in pencil