8th March 1916 Arthur’s belongings (left at home on his previous leave) have finally caught up with him, and the welcome parcel includes the added bonus of chocolate, socks and cocoa; a request to Dollie to send more envelopes … Continued
7th March 1916 The Company boxing tournament organised by Arthur was a great success: “ Though the boxing wasn’t very wonderful, it made up in energy what it lacked in skill”; a celebratory dinner of sorts with fellow officers … Continued
6th March 1916 Dollie has written to Arthur about his recent letter being defaced by the base Censor – he is fed up that his letter has been damaged but admits the man is only doing his job, for everyone’s … Continued
5th March 1916 No post today but a parcel arrives from Dollie’s mother – alas the packaging has been damaged in transit, but the surviving rock cakes are consumed by the Mess with gusto; a football match against the men … Continued
4th March 1916 Parade is cancelled due to more wind and snow, so Arthur lectures his Sergeants on map reading; a hair cut and promise of a welcome bath later in the day; the post finally arrives and Arthur … Continued
3rd March 1916 Arthur tries to reassure Dollie that they are not in any danger of being called upon to support the French at Verdun ; he expects to stay billeted at St Ouen for a few more days at … Continued
2nd March 1916 A short letter from Arthur who has been fully occupied with Company business for much of the day; the CO and Beresford are both under the weather. Arthur to Dollie Billets, Thurs aft. 3.30pm … They’ve … Continued
1st March 1916 The Company are settling into the usual routine in new billets at St Ouen – an early morning run for the officers, parades and a route march for the men; the weather has been glorious and Arthur … Continued