2nd October 1916
All change again for Arthur (still in charge of the Battalion), as after an all too brief rest “we came into the line again – a mile or two further N. – on Saturday evening. At present we are in reserve in old trenches and dug-outs some thousands of yards behind the line. When we will actually move ‘in’ I do not know, but I do not think it will be for long D.G. My present HQ are in an old Hun dug-out. A very massive affair of logs – strong, but damp and draughty & well-stocked with rats & mice!” Meanwhile Dollie is still sending Arthur notes on her trousseau and he is understandably “all impatience to get home …”.
Arthur to Dollie
In an old Dugout, Mon. aft 2.15
… Alas our hopes of staying back here have been postponed a week. We came into the line again – a mile or two further N. – on Saturday evening. At present we are in reserve in old trenches and dug-outs some thousands of yards behind the line. When we will actually move ‘in’ I do not know, but I do not think it will be for long D.G.
The weather the last two days hasn’t been bad; but it’s an absolute pig of a day to-day – autumnal rain, not very heavy but very cold & persistent. It is most unpleasant.
Edouard [Noel] is a local “town major” – which, here, is another name for a “camp commandant”. He is in charge of an area – and is responsible for it & for the allotment of trenches, bivouacs &c to the troops temporarily in it. I think it was Hull, the Divisional Commander, who put me in charge of the Battalion. Anyway I am awfully bucked, for it is a tremendous privilege, especially at such a time as this.
Several new officers have turned up & the younger Page is back (though he is already unwell again). There are only 5 or 6 of us left of those who started in this show together just on a month ago. With our new officers we are about 20 officers strong. They are rather a mixed lot, 3 from cyclists, one from the Middlesex Yeomanry &c. My present HQ are in an old Hun dug-out. A very massive affair of logs – strong, but damp and draughty & well-stocked with rats & mice!
I am awfully sorry to hear about Bert Pearce, dear – he is a good chap. I hope he’ll pull through, but he had some dirty wounds. I’m following the process of your trousseau with fearful excitement… I am all impatience to get home to you. The time seems to drag! Anyway I’ll not forget the dates! God bless you, dear, for your sweet letters; I’m awfully busy. The situation is strange, my position is strange, & is one that requires unremitting care & forethought & industry. Your dear letters & your sweet memory come as a comfort & a great help to me to carry on with my big job for your sake…