Item 123 - Letter from George to Ruth Mallory, 31 December 1916

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on '31 Dec 1916'

Didn’t enjoy his day at the observation post which had been a sloppy messy day. The last work he was doing before leaving the battery had been the construction of a little tin hut for observation, sunk in the ground and his first work on returning was to use it. There was a foot of water in the bottom. This made him think of war as a colossal futility. These were the bad results of going on leave. Was cheerful by the time he returned and had a pleasant evening playing Bridge with Platnauer, Earl, and Grant.

He was to be made an Orderly Officer at Headquarters whilst the adjutant was away. He would learn his job and it would last at least five weeks. He was told that the Colonel was a very nice man, the acting adjutant and signalling-officer were decent fellows and the doctor was a bore. He considered it a good move.

He had begun to read Raymond. He hated Oliver Lodge’s style. Thought the communication from Myers (‘Turnus’—a spirit guide?) was interesting but might be a case of thought reading. Mrs Piper was well known to all the S.P.R. folk [Society for Psychical Research]. Discusses mediums and their work.

Thanks her for the socks, stockings, and chocolate cake.