25th September 1916
A reflective letter from Arthur – with hopes that soon special leave may be open so they can marry. Meanwhile the battle continues: “ Sept 25th what a date to conjure with. Last year it was a dull damp day – the day of Loos – & we were in the thick of it at Fauquissant. To-day too, there is a big show on again. It will mark another big step in the Somme battle. Our Corps next to the French is going for Morval & Les Boeufs. The assault was launched about half-past twelve – not quite 3 hours ago. As far as we can find out from where we are in support, things have gone extraordinarily well. Not many casualties have passed through yet: a little fellow coming down with 15 prisoners says we are already well into Morval. Good news!”
Arthur to Dollie
Mon. 3.20pm
… Sept 25th what a date to conjure with. Last year it was a dull damp day – the day of Loos – & we were in the thick of it at Fauquissant. To-day too, there is a big show on again. It will mark another big step in the Somme battle. Our Corps next to the French is going for Morval & Les Boeufs. The assault was launched about half-past twelve – not quite 3 hours ago. As far as we can find out from where we are in support, things have gone extraordinarily well.
Not many casualties have passed through yet: a little fellow coming down with 15 prisoners says we are already well into Morval. Good news! The weather still continues glorious. It seems so strange sitting here on the hill-slope, in the middle of the strafe, to write to you, dear, to think that the same sun is looking down on both of us alike. God bless you.
If you see Sammy, dear, or speak to his wife, remember me to him. I’m sorry to hear that his knee may remain stiff. We all hoped it would be nothing really serious. We hear that the CO has just gone down from Corbie to Etaples. He was bad. It was a case of angina pectoris, and as far as one can gather, it was a serious attack. I expect he’ll be back in Blighty before long.
There is every rumour of an early relief, and of a spell “out” to get things going again. No news yet of leave, save that last night one special grant for a man was allotted to each battalion. Whether it is a presage of the future, I don’t know – but things are hopeful.
Excuse the pencil, darling, the ink in my pen is exhausted. I’m just longing to get home for you, queen of my heart. I wonder so much what you are doing now – its just on 4 o’clock. I almost wonder what its like to be out of the sound of guns & home with you, where all is peace and quiet, and the happiness of perfect love.
Keep up your dear heart, always so wonderfully brave and uncomplaining. The time is rapidly approaching when by the grace of God, we shall be together again. Au revoir, dear comrade, my queen, my beloved. God bless you…