Adela to Edgar 1918

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 … Continued

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 … Continued

22nd September 1916 Arthur is in a reflective mood as he writes, imagining walking through Hampstead with Dollie by his side in the misty autumn air of evening. He is relishing his new position – in charge of the Battalion … Continued

21st September 1916 This is just to be a short note, dear, to say that I’m very fit & well and that we’re out, at any rate for 2 or 3 days… I’m most awfully busy, for the CO is … Continued

Tuesday – 19th September 1916 Arthur has been in the thick of it, but is now in reserve lines; the CO has been evacuated sick and Dollie’s brother Edouard is in charge of the Battalion – with Arthur as second … Continued

16th September 1916 – Saturday  A short note before the 1/3rds move back to Leuze Wood. Arthur will be unable to write again until the 19th. Arthur to Dollie We are still up – there have been no posts for … Continued

14th September 1916 – Thursday – Back in Casement Trench after a few days in Leuze Wood After a few days of not being able to write home, Arthur can finally put pen to paper and gives Dollie an account … Continued

10th September 1916 The oppressive weather is matching Arthur’s mood: “To-day is a rotten day: very dull & a heavy drenching mist – it is very like a late autumn morning… The padre built a little covered in chapel – … Continued

9th September 1916 More wedding plans for Arthur to approve in his absence. He just longs for leave so they can get married – but now he is near the front line and can’t give Dollie any clues to his … Continued

7th September 1916 – Billon Wood Arthur has managed to write a couple of letters to Dollie over the past few days – despite being on the move so much – and there are rumours that post has arrived for … Continued