Adela to Edgar 1918

23rd June 1916 Arthur has had his tooth fixed – Dollie is all concern for his welfare and wants to send him some fish; there is an air of confidence among the troops and rumours of peace ; alas there … Continued

22nd   June 1916 “And when they were up they were up, and when they were down they were down, but when they were only half way up” … Arthur should win an award for describing the most confusing Company … Continued

20th June 1916 A very short letter from Arthur today and news from brother Tancred he is delighted to hear; also the congratulations are pouring in after his recent Mention in Despatches. Arthur to Dollie Billets, 9.20 pm Tues Quite … Continued

19th June 1916    Poor Arthur is still struggling with a toothache; he is pleased about his “mention” and says it is all for her [Dollie’s] sake; the Company are still hard at work even back in rest billets but Arthur … Continued

17th June 1916 Arthur has just heard that he (and some fellow officers) have been mentioned in despatches; the tooth ache seems to be bothering Arthur a little less today; a view of some dummy trenches and more work on … Continued

16th June 1916 Arthur has marched the remainder of the Battalion back to safer billets in Halloy; the officers have a comfortable mess room for once and Arthur even has a bed – but alas they will only be there … Continued

15th June 1916 A short letter from Arthur today as he and his men have been hard at work again, preparing the trenches for occupation; tomorrow they face more of the same – with a nine mile march to new … Continued

14th June 1916 French summertime starts today, robbing everyone of much needed sleep; Arthur is weary from working all day in the rain and having to cope with the loss of some of his men:   “They are working in … Continued

13th June 1916 Dollie’s letters have started to arrive again – to Arthur’s intense joy; the rain is relentless as the working parties continue to improve the new trenches; Arthur now has a bomb-proof waistcoat; meanwhile morale is good “Everyone … Continued

12th June 1916 A wet Whit Monday with not post from home – but so far Arthur has escaped a spell in the mud, being kept busy on Company business; a tea-time trip to see the Division Pierrots – the … Continued