2nd August 1916
A mixed day for Arthur of travelling in extreme heat, choking dust and lectures: “At 4 we had a lecture by our Divisional General of the part our division did in the show. There was a great assemblage of ‘brass hats’ including the Corps Commander”. Poor Dollie has lost a prized brooch, but there are hopes it will turn up at friend Elsie’s – or Arthur will have a copy made.
Arthur to Dollie
Wed. 7pm
… A mail turned up after all yesterday but awfully late: so I got a letter. I was pleased & to-day Sunday’s came. Thanks ever so much, dear.
To-day has maintained its reputation for heat – it really is awfully hot. So I’m sitting at the window of my billet, but there is very little air.
Darling, I am sorry about the brooch. Let’s hope it will turn up. Perhaps by now it has. It may have got entangled in your dress, dear, & Elsie will find it. Even if it was lost outside, it may be found, for its sentimental value outweighs its intrinsic worth. If it doesn’t turn up, we ought to be able to get a copy made.
This morning an early morning parade; after breakfast we paraded at 9: & went in motor char-a-bancs to a Mortar School, about 20 miles away. It was exceedingly interesting. We were due back by 1; so as to be on parade again at 2. Rather luckily we didn’t arrive till 2.30 – so the parade was cancelled.
We had a wash (the dust was indescribable) & a late lunch. Then I changed into slacks. At 4 we had a lecture by our Divisional General of the part our division did in the show. There was a great assemblage of “brass hats” including the Corps Commander. It was extremely interesting.
Then tea & voilà. There is a concert to-night at 8.30, dear, so Mess is at 7.30. You have been in my thoughts more than ever to-day, darling … God bless you, darling of my heart & keep you fit and happy…