Pièce 62 - Letter from George to Ruth Mallory, 8 August 1916

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Aug 8'

Another officer had arrived. The weather was very hot. Glen hadn’t returned yet and his recovery would be slower than previously thought. There was a scarcity of papers and he hadn’t heard much of what was going on in the war elsewhere. Was due to visit the Field Cashier and hoped to get French papers.

They were settling in quite happily. Violent bombardment last night but he didn’t know the results. Believed something important was going on where the French were but didn’t know which side was attacking. Had read Keats to soothe himself to sleep. Asks what she was doing and wishes he could bathe in a cool river. Bike punctured so had to walk. Came back with a bunch of flowers.
Disturbing news about lack of information about Kut prisoners. Comments on a letter from Mr Allen. Comments on Ruth’s letter and why people read something which is not for enjoyment.

He was in the dug out with Bell who was on the top bunk. They were idle and enjoying the sunshine. His wits were too dull to write a longer letter. Asks for news of the garden at the Holt.