16th February 1916
The wet and windy weather makes for difficult training conditions; Arthur misses Dollie and their inspiring CO is away: “I wish the CO was back, for he is a CO – a soldier & a leader of men….”
Arthur to Dollie
Hotel du Commerce, Wednes 12.30pm
I am eagerly expecting a letter from you to-day. It’s pouring with rain. I’m feeling rather dull and miss you awfully.
We were very quiet last night & turned in early. This morning breakfast at a quarter past eight and parade all the morning. Most unpleasant as it has been pouring with rain & a driving wind. Our parade ground is on top of a ridge where one feels all the wind, so that it’s almost impossible to stand & difficult to make oneself heard. So that drilling is a farce & not very pleasant, for the rain is “awful wet”. I wish the CO was back, for he is a CO – a soldier & a leader of men….
I am writing now, dear, for the post is collected at a quarter to four & we are on parade again this afternoon…