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
20th November 1916 Arthur’s day is filled with tedious Company business, but he finds time to write a short letter – mainly filled with recollections of the week before their wedding – and their thoughts and feelings at that time. … Continued
19th November 1916 Arthur continues the letter he began yesterday, before he was rudely interrupted by an order to report to HQ. He was just about to remind Dollie that at time of writing (a month ago) they had just … Continued
18th November 1916 Just one line today from Arthur – he is interrupted at the poignant start of his letter – and called away to HQ. Arthur to Dollie Saturday aft. 5.20pm … The mail is late again to-day: I … Continued