9th November 1916
Arthur is now back in the front line, but entreats Dollie not to worry: “… for I expect that by the time this reaches you, I shall be out. So there will be no cause for apprehension … I am holding practically the same spot as I did on Sept 26th of last year. It hasn’t altered very much but is wonderfully quiet D.G. Let us hope it continues so. The real trouble is the water; which the heavy rains of the last ten days have made into a serious problem”.
Arthur to Dollie
Thurs even. 5pm
… There was no mail again yesterday: I just hated it. I am hoping and longing for a mail to-day: for I am just yearning for news from you. The weather yesterday was very stormy which probably accounted for the delay in the mail; but last night was fine and clear and to-day has been beautiful.
We came into the line again yesterday about midday. I am holding practically the same spot as I did on Sept 26th of last year. It hasn’t altered very much but is wonderfully quiet D.G. Let us hope it continues so. The real trouble is the water; which the heavy rains of the last ten days have made into a serious problem. The country is absurdly low-lying. The French overcame the water difficulty by an extensive use of ditches; every little field is surrounded by a deep ditch, & every road is lined with them. We in our warfare are following in their footsteps: our difficulty arises at the points where the trenches have to cross these ditches.
The length of the nights struck me so forcibly as I came back. In civilisation one is rather apt to say “Oh, isn’t it getting dark early” & you close the blinds & turn towards the fire. Here of course, in the line, I must keep awake all night & sometimes the hours seem awfully long …You are not to worry at my being in the line, dear, for I expect that by the time this reaches you, I shall be out. So there will be no cause for apprehension.
I was censoring a man’s letter last night – he was thanking a pal for sending him out the halfpenny illustrated papers; for they contained so much of interest; “indeed one contained a photo of one of our captains & his bride”. That’s us, dear; what a ripping word “bride”: what a ripping “bride” you were, darling …