Monthly Archives: November 2016

30th November 1916 Arthur is writing earlier in the day because this evening he is off to La Gorgue to see the Bow Belles new show. No mail has arrived yet but they have a copy of a recent newspaper … Continued

29th November 1916 Arthur makes life in a derelict unfurnished farmhouse sound almost civilised – changing for dinner: “This afternoon I went up to HQ on some business at 2 but was back shortly before 4. I had a few … Continued

28th November 1916 News from Dollie – she has been to see a show at the Palace and Arthur remembers other visits there, in happier times. Dollie is also going to recite at a fund-raising concert – and is feeling … Continued

27th November 1916 A short note tonight from Arthur as: “A great heap of things have come in from HQ that must be seen to. They are a nuisance…” Friend Sandes is having yet another operation and Arthur generously suggests … Continued

26th November 1916 Arthur is relieved to be out of the front line and in new billets – they are a little spartan: “… there wasn’t a stick of furniture in it. But we’ve rigged up a table and borrowed … Continued

25th   November 1916 Arthur has been asked by the mother of one of his comrades killed in action [Cyril Crichton] to see if he could visit her son’s grave. Alas “I haven’t been able to get down to Port Arthur … Continued

24th November 1916 Still reasonably quiet in the front line and mercifully the rain continues to hold off – though it is growing colder. Arthur has a little moan about how aimless his life feels but realises it must be … Continued

23rd November 1916 Promotions are on Arthur’s mind – it seems brother Alfred [Agius] may be given command of the battalion, rather than Dollie’s brother Edouard – but nothing is certain yet. Conscientious as ever, a watch of Arthur’s is … Continued

22nd   November 1916 A letter from Dollie – to cheer Arthur’s heart, but he really is struggling to maintain a positive frame of mind: “… I feel as if I had lost some vital part of me and each … Continued

21st November 1916 Dollie has sent Arthur a new piece of ribbon for his identity disc and he is understandably overjoyed. News from brother Alfred – he is a bit fed up at Army School and Arthur will be glad … Continued