Item 102 - Letter from George to Ruth Mallory, 29-30 October 1916

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme

The day had been so disgusting that he was quite demoralised. Cold pitiless rain and so no duties. Had read Felix Holt by George Eliot which was very good and he earnestly recommended it to her.

Didn’t want to discuss religion in a letter in case he caused her pain as their views were so far apart, especially about the New Testament which he regarded as a fallible human record of a wonderful man which he tried to understand in its historical setting. She took more literal guidance from the Gospels. He had not the slightest respect for the Church as divinely instituted. He was afraid she had a long journey of doubt and difficulty before her.

Had received two letters from her and a cake. They had been enjoying the preserved fruits and ginger. He had gone to a canteen which he had not been to before to buy provisions but it was full of people so he decided to be there at 8am when it opened.

30 Oct - weather was still atrocious. Had got stuff from canteen. Bell was at the O.P. [observation post] but could see nothing. Last time Earl had been in the trenches he and another man tried for 15 mins to pull an officer out of the mud but failed until further assistance came. It had been quite a while since he had been to the front line. If they ever pushed the Germans over the Bapaume Ridge the fighting would start again. Couldn’t think how miserable the Infantry must be.