10th March 1916
Snow at home and in France; brother Alfred (at Hurdcott Camp, near Salisbury) writes to say they are sending 4 more officers out from England; brother Edgar (also in England) has the flu; Arthur’s CO is suffering from bronchitis; dinner tonight with Dollie’s brother Evie in “C” Coy Mess; the new Padre is moving to another Division, to Arthur’s disappointment.
Arthur to Dollie
Billets, France, Friday even. 6.40
…Your dear letter of Wednesday last arrived safe & sound to-day. Thanks awfully for it. I’m glad to hear you’re well, dear, in spite of the snow. This morning we too found the ground covered when we woke. Nonetheless we had our usual parades. The sky kept dull & threatening, but it didn’t snow again, though its still pretty cold. This evening Lloyd & I are going over to dine at “C” Coy mess with Evie. He is very fit & bright.
The CO is still hors de combat. It is a form of bronchitis and this weather is not good for it. I had a letter from Alfred to-day from Hurdcott. He says that they are sending out four more officers. He also writes that Edgar has a touch of the ‘flu, as you say, dear.
Our padre is going to be relieved by another: when he will go on to the 30th Division. I shall be sorry when he goes for he is a good chap & we have just got to know each other. Otherwise news, dear, is very scarce.