25th November 1916
Arthur has been asked by the mother of one of his comrades killed in action [Cyril Crichton] to see if he could visit her son’s grave. Alas “I haven’t been able to get down to Port Arthur & really hav’n’t very much hopes of being able to do so. It is in another Division’s front & is some way to our right”. Arthur and Company are still up in the front line and the weather has turned cloudy and wet. Dollie wants to send him some tinned food – but he advises that the cost would be expensive because of the weight, and “Besides which, one can always buy tinned fruits & fish &c out here either at the EFC or the Divisional & Regimental Canteens”, but is very touched at the thought of her generosity.
Arthur to Dollie
Satur: afternoon 4.30
Your dear letter of Tuesday came last night. You Darling, thanks awfully. I just live each day, hoping for the mail and your dear news…
Davis joined us I think at the YMCA just before we left for Malta. He was one of Alfred’s subs out here – then he had jaundice. Later on he was in my Company for a bit – last July when we were up here. Finally he took over the transport & has run it very well ever since. His wife is French – I think she teaches in a school in England but I am not sure. Her father, though an old man, commands a French howitzer battery. He was at Verdun for some time.
The weather has rather gone off since yesterday and has been cloudy and rather wet – with a corresponding shrinkage in the barometer.
I wrote a letter to Daisy last night. I haven’t been able to get down to Port Arthur & really hav’n’t very much hopes of being able to do so. It is in another Division’s front & is some way to our right. Jones came in again this evening for a few minutes. He is an awfully nice chap – with a very bonny youngster.
Dear, you ask about sending out tinned things. Its awfully sweet of you, darling, but I hardly think its worth the while, for they are expensive and inordinately heavy; aren’t they dear. Besides which, one can always buy tinned fruits & fish &c out here either at the EFC or the Divisional & Regimental Canteens. Thanks awfully for the thought … you are so thoughtful & generous.
Saturday has come round again – its five weeks since the day of our BIG SHOW. Its just on five o’clock. Do you remember we were at Victoria! feeling awfully proud & happy, looking forward to being alone awfully eagerly & a wee bit bashfully…