27th April 1916
“To-morrow is my birthday – how strange it seems. Last year I was ‘up’ in front of Neuve Chapelle with the 2 / 8 Gurkhas & Molesworth – he teased me so about my birthday cake. We were heavily shelled on May 1st. Two years ago I was in Malta. Next year D.V. I’ll be with you – best of all birthdays…”
Arthur to Dollie:
France, Thurs. aft: 4.30pm
I have had no mail yet to-day: so I must write without, for letters have to be in at 5. To-day has been even hotter than yesterday: already I’ve left off clothes, in spite of the proverb – but its awfully hot all the same.
Last night we went up & bombed in the dark, practising night bombing attacks. It was great sport. The General came up & went through it with one party – a very sporting effort.
I turned in soon after we got back. It was very warm last night & this morning I awoke early, dear, & lay dreaming of you. Happy dreams – may they soon come true. This morning after breakfast we were on parade at the usual hours. It was very hot but we took things easily & practised throwing dummies.
Since lunch, little one, we have been out here in the orchard again. It is very pleasant, but it’s such an awful waste of fine weather without you … To-morrow is my birthday – how strange it seems. Last year I was “up” in front of Neuve Chapelle with the 2 / 8 Gurkhas & Molesworth – he teased me so about my birthday cake. We were heavily shelled on May 1st. Two years ago I was in Malta. Next year D.V. I’ll be with you – best of all birthdays… God bless you.