21st March 1916
A dull day for Arthur – spending the morning marching along the wet roads – then filling the time with routine company work; a parcel from Dollie’s mother helps relieve the boredom.
Arthur to Dollie
Billets, France, Tues. even. 9.8pm
To-day has been a dull day: dull weather & dull programme – only enlivened by a parcel from your dear Mater – for which ever so many thanks. Please heaven, I’ll be able to get a letter off to her to-morrow.
This morning, dear, we did a route march from 9 – 12: it had rained during the night & the roads were sticky. The sky was heavy & clouded, so that it wasn’t very pleasant walking. For the reminder of the day I’ve had nothing very much to do: that is to say, no parades – but of course there is always a certain amount of company work to be got through. So I was in all the afternoon. After tea I went out with Davis, the Transport Officer, when he did his rounds. So you see, dear heart, to-day has not been altogether bright. The weather DV. will clear up to-morrow.
I am eager to hear how you got on on Saturday, dear. I should have loved to have been there, & to have brought you home. Well, dear, it’s getting late, so I’ll say Good-night…