6th September 1916 – Bois Des Tailles to Citadel to Billon Camp Dollie has sent Arthur details of her proposed going away outfit, of which he approves. His reply mentions no details of the fact that they are approaching … Continued
5th September 1916 – in Camp at Bois Des Tailles No mails for 3 days or so, and Arthur has been marching and digging in the cold and wet all that time: “On Sunday we gave a demonstration before Joffre … Continued
1st September 1916 A morning note and an evening letter from Arthur. The weather is now drier so the long route march to work every day is more pleasant. Tonight they have night operations to look forward to. Dollie voices … Continued
31st August 1916 A very brief line from Arthur today – he was so tired last night he fell asleep and did not close the day’s letter to Dollie: so he sends her a good morning wish. Arthur to Dollie … Continued
30th August 1916 A miserable sort of day for Arthur: no mail from Dollie, soaking wet after a day’s training, and the final blow – eviction from their school house Mess when the Schoolmaster’s family turn up without warning (during … Continued
29th August 1916 Another long, tiring training day for Arthur, in close and muggy weather – they are finally drenched returning to billets by a storm, which “fell upon us with a fierce violence”. Arthur is delighted to receive two … Continued
28th August in 1916 Arthur has the final confirmation from home that sister Inez has died and he resolves to write to his Mother. The early morning training sessions are taking their toll – the days are long and the … Continued
27th August 1916 Poor Arthur is in a quandary – he hopes against hope that the news about sister Inez is not true. It would appear Dollie has written to him suggesting they scale down their wedding plans after hearing … Continued
25th August 1916 Arthur is thankful for the arrival of the post and a parcel from Dollie’s sister Amy. The weather is oppressive and threatening, with a downpour earlier in the evening – and the rain has started again. Most … Continued
24th August 1916 Arthur has been on the march for the past two days and has had no opportunity to write to Dollie – nor has he heard from her. Dollie’s celebrated her birthday on 22nd August, and Arthur is … Continued