Adela to Edgar 1918

16th January 1916 Arthur tries to placate Dollie, as one of his recent letters to her has obviously been cut by the Army censor; Arthur is very pleased to hear brother Alfred has been awarded the MC – but he … Continued

15th January 1916 Arthur and his Company are now out of the front line and he is enjoying being in a “most luxurious cellar” which “boasts of a pukka door with a latch to it”, “a folding bed with my … Continued

13th January 1916 A quiet night and morning, with little shelling by the enemy; wet and windy weather; Arthur is busy instructing 3 Cadets from the OTC at GHQ – all previously experienced men from the ranks. Arthur to Dollie … Continued

12th January 1916 The cloudy weather has brought a return to the intense bombardment from the Germans as the British planes can no longer operate effectively; the trenches are “blown all over the place”, but fortunately there are not many … Continued

10th January 1916 An evening move for Arthur and his men up into the front line; the weather is fine; occasional strafing from the Germans; Arthur’s new army issue trousers arrive just in time to save his blushes! Arthur to … Continued

9th January 1916 Arthur is solicitous for Dollie’s health – her teeth are still being a problem; Dollie is still organising the gift of a cigarette case for Arthur; Arthur and his men are now down near Loos – having … Continued

7th January 1916 Arthur has been for a recce of their next post – another mining village, just behind the lines; a slow ride into a local town – for a hair cut and tinned supplies – in a dilapidated … Continued

6th January 1916 Letters from Dollie and a parcel from home; new billets in a miner’s colony at Corons (Les Brebis); Arthur is settled with a dear old couple who “cannot do enough for me” and for once has a … Continued

4th January 1916 After an early morning start Arthur is now back in reserve at Houchin and revelling in the arrival of the post from home – including a letter from sister Daisy and a food hamper from his employers … Continued

3rd January 1916 A short letter from Arthur, who has hopes they will be relieved tonight – never to return to this section of the front: “This is a rotten bit of trench – opposite a place called St Elie, … Continued