24th September 1916
Arthur is back under fire: “We are again in trenches and shell holes on the side of a hill – in brigade reserve – we moved in on Friday night. We have been doing a lot of working parties. How long we are to be up for, no-one yet knows – but we hope that after this the Division will come out for some sort of a rest”… “I’m awfully busy, dear. Running the Battalion, especially as this time, is no joke – but it’s a magnificent opportunity. Please God, I’ll live up to it”
Arthur to Dollie
Sunday aft. 1.45
…Your dear letter of Monday last reached me yesterday evening: thanks awfully, darling. I’m glad to hear you are well. I only wish I could be at home with you to chase the frowns of care from your dear face.
We are again in trenches and shell holes on the side of a hill – in brigade reserve – we moved in on Friday night. We have been doing a lot of working parties. How long we are to be up for, no-one yet knows – but we hope that after this the Division will come out for some sort of a rest.
Luckily the weather is very fine again – the nights are very cold, but we snuggle down as far as possible and have some sort of covering for our heads.
I’m awfully busy, dear. Running the Battalion, especially as this time, is no joke – but it’s a magnificent opportunity. Please God, I’ll live up to it. I’m longing to get out & back to you, little sweetheart. I’m just living for you. We’ve been in nearly 3 weeks now.
Well dear, I’ve got a job to do, so I’ll say Au revoir and hope to add a few lines later. God bless you…