Pièce 9 - Letter from George to Ruth Mallory, 19 January 1916

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from 14 Royal Terrace, Weymouth

Thanks her for sending the mittens, towels and calling cards.

After working hours they had a long meal in the evening for which they made a rule for sociability. He liked his companions very well.

Yesterday an old acquaintance turned up – his first tutor in college at Winchester. They were all to be examined at the end and he would be happy to come half way down. Most of the tests so far had been physical and despite his weak right side he had done fairly well. Today they had loaded against time. He was one of two that had to lift the shells and put them in the breech. It wasn’t easy to load quickly and neatly with a 100lb weight. They had also had lectures in the drill hall and there was a certain amount of standing around which the men found trying.

He had written to Miss Whittaker to make arrangements for her [Ruth] to pay 30s a week and have a trial week or fortnight.
He had learned by heart a list of what the nine at the gun and 4 others have to carry as hand props. It was an incredible number with such words to describe the equipment.

Sends his love to all at Westbrook.