Pièce 101 - Letter from George to Ruth Mallory, 27 October 1916

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

Had got things straight in his dugout with his table cloth on and the potpourri open when he was at home. The lavender bag was amongst his clothes and he could sit on the cartridge case at the table or in the arm chair next to it. Hoped Dunbar or Lithgow would be buying him a stove in Amiens that day. Had been writing to Mrs Wilson in answer to her letter and thought he might spend a night of his leave in Winchester. Had been on a voyage of discovery to a neighbouring battery to find a young master at Winchester called Platnauer who he thought would have mutual friends.

Had no duties all day as it was wet. Thought there would be more such days during the winter.

Had received a waistcoat from his mother which was a great success and he felt impervious to cold. Had received a new pair of breeches and a new coat from his tailor.

28 Oct - Had received her letter and was sorry Clare was not feeling like herself. Was shocked and grieved to hear about Persis.

The war was too disgusting to think about and the Germans were too good at the game. They ought to give up talking about a fight to the finish as the V.D.C. [Volunteer Defence Corps] folk had said all along. The French capture of Donaumont was a good knock.