28th June 1916
28th June 1916 (Wednesday Y Day) “The weather is still rotten. Very, very wet & everything is under water & fearfully muddy. Last night most of the company under Lloyd were out working. We received the usual dose of shells … Continued
26th June 1916
26th June 1916 Still in the middle of a constant artillery barrage – and Dollie is eager to hear Arthur’s thoughts on who their bridesmaids should be (he thinks sister Daisy too old!!); the fish has arrived but Arthur describes … Continued
25th June 1916
25th June 1916 (Sunday – V Day) A lively time of it for Arthur and his Company – with the deafening noise of the bombardment from behind, plus being strafed by the enemy from the front. In the midst … Continued
24th June 1916
24th June 1916 Despite rumours and fears the mail is still getting through to Arthur; conditions where they are at the moment are terrible: “…there’s a great battery just behind us here that makes an awful crash every time it … Continued
23rd June 1916
23rd June 1916 Arthur has had his tooth fixed – Dollie is all concern for his welfare and wants to send him some fish; there is an air of confidence among the troops and rumours of peace ; alas there … Continued
22nd June 1916
22nd June 1916 “And when they were up they were up, and when they were down they were down, but when they were only half way up” … Arthur should win an award for describing the most confusing Company … Continued
20th June 1916
20th June 1916 A very short letter from Arthur today and news from brother Tancred he is delighted to hear; also the congratulations are pouring in after his recent Mention in Despatches. Arthur to Dollie Billets, 9.20 pm Tues Quite … Continued
19th June 1916
19th June 1916 Poor Arthur is still struggling with a toothache; he is pleased about his “mention” and says it is all for her [Dollie’s] sake; the Company are still hard at work even back in rest billets but Arthur … Continued
17th June 1916
17th June 1916 Arthur has just heard that he (and some fellow officers) have been mentioned in despatches; the tooth ache seems to be bothering Arthur a little less today; a view of some dummy trenches and more work on … Continued
16th June 1916
16th June 1916 Arthur has marched the remainder of the Battalion back to safer billets in Halloy; the officers have a comfortable mess room for once and Arthur even has a bed – but alas they will only be there … Continued