Monthly Archives: January 2016

Arthur is travelling home on leave and sends this telegram to his beloved Dollie… (Next letter will be on 13th February)

24th January 1916 Arthur is writing his last letter to Dollie before his leave begins on Wednesday night; meanwhile he has a mountain of work to complete for the CO; despite that he finds time to attend Mass and fellow … Continued

22nd January 1916 Dollie is anxious as she has not heard from Arthur for a few days; meanwhile he is relieved to be out of the front line action for a short while, and hopes to be home by next … Continued

20th January 1916 Arthur now has the time to write a decent letter to Dollie – there is much to report; he is currently an instructor (temporarily) at Divisional HQ; more importantly – his name has been put forward for … Continued

18th January 1916 Arthur has been so busy he has been unable to write to Dollie for a few days – they have been on the move and are now back in billets for a rest; good news for Arthur … Continued

16th January 1916 Arthur tries to placate Dollie, as one of his recent letters to her has obviously been cut by the Army censor; Arthur is very pleased to hear brother Alfred has been awarded the MC – but he … Continued

15th January 1916 Arthur and his Company are now out of the front line and he is enjoying being in a “most luxurious cellar” which “boasts of a pukka door with a latch to it”, “a folding bed with my … Continued

13th January 1916 A quiet night and morning, with little shelling by the enemy; wet and windy weather; Arthur is busy instructing 3 Cadets from the OTC at GHQ – all previously experienced men from the ranks. Arthur to Dollie … Continued

12th January 1916 The cloudy weather has brought a return to the intense bombardment from the Germans as the British planes can no longer operate effectively; the trenches are “blown all over the place”, but fortunately there are not many … Continued

10th January 1916 An evening move for Arthur and his men up into the front line; the weather is fine; occasional strafing from the Germans; Arthur’s new army issue trousers arrive just in time to save his blushes! Arthur to … Continued