26th February 1916
Arthur is feeling dull at the prospect of yet another move to new billets, early tomorrow: “I’m a home bird & hate this nomad sort of existence, where one is forever settling down only to have to leave & start afresh after every few days”; the men have been kept occupied clearing the local roads of snow; Arthur is concerned to hear how the Pater’s arm is mending; the “Jovilians” give another concert party.
Arthur to Dollie
The Mess, Saturday 3.45pm
…To-day has been a dull day – no mail & we know that we are moving forward to-morrow early. Our ultimate destination is about half-way between here and the front. We shall be on the road two days & perhaps three. Its an awful nuisance, dear: I’m a “home” bird & hate this nomad sort of existence, where one is forever settling down only to have to leave & start afresh after every few days.
Yesterday Hammerton asked me to dinner with him. Evie [Noel] was there & Bobbie Page, Abbott, Garrard, Jones & Henri. I wasn’t fearfully excited: to tell the truth dear, I was somewhat bored. This morning we had no early parade: the men went to baths this morning, & so we all had breakfast late about 9.20. The weather is still very wintry: the country is covered in snow. The men have been out all day, clearing the roads. The General’s inspection for this afternoon was cancelled.
We’ve a very decent mess room here. The only trouble about it, dear, is that it contains a very fierce stove that keeps the atmosphere awfully dry. So please forgive me, little sweet heart, if this letter sounds dull.
How is the Pater’s arm, dear. I hope its pretty nearly all right by now. I’m very fit DG, but rather stiff, partly from our football of the other day & partly from our snowballing yesterday. Is the Mater fit dear, give her my love, you know, love like a son has for his mother, NOT the other kind, which is all for you.
This evening our Concert Party “The Jovilians” are giving another show at half-past 6. We shall all go along…