Adela to Edgar 1918

13th May 1916 An account of the previous night’s work in the trenches; the weather was wet and the German’s strafed the Companies – there were seven casualties, one of whom was killed [Private Elston]; 2nd Lt Parry of “A” … Continued

12th May 1916 Another long night for Arthur, supervising the Company as they improve the old trenches; he is looking forward to leave, which should be granted in just a few weeks time, but after another spell in the front … Continued

11th May 1916 Arthur is almost too exhausted to write – their days have been re-organised to cope with working at night – after a long march they spend about 4 hours digging and repairing some front line communication trenches; … Continued

10th May 1916 Poor Arthur has been thwarted in his attempts to write a longer letter to Dollie – as they are doing night work, he falls asleep instead; the fine weather is making the nearby orchard look glorious and … Continued

9th May 1916 Arthur apologises to Dollie for not having written sooner; they are now safely back in billets after a “quiet” spell in the trenches; his Company is now back up to full strength with re-enforcements from the 2/3rd … Continued

6th May 1916 Arthur is now “up” in the front line at Hebuterne – writing a brief note to Dollie from his dug out in a village cellar. Arthur to Dollie In a Cellar, Satur. 8.15am This can only be … Continued

3rd May 1916 After Arthur has had an 18 mile journey to reconnoitre their bit of line, the Companies have left billets and are now on the march; they are temporarily halted a few miles back from their final destination … Continued

1st May 1916 Arthur, recently back from a 10 day course with some of the men, is now extremely busy preparing his Company for a move up to the trenches; he expects to be “up” for the next 6 days … Continued

30th April 1916 Arthur is back with the regiment after finishing his recent course; Dollie’s birthday cake has gone down a treat in the Mess; brother Joe has written and also Arthur has had a much-anticipated letter from the Pater … Continued

29th April 1916 Arthur is overjoyed at some important news in Dollie’s letters [the Pater has had a talk with Dollie’s Mother recently regarding the proposed marriage]; a couple of letters from brother Dickie – now at Rouen with the … Continued