Stuk 6 - Letter from George to Ruth Mallory, 27 January 1917

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.