Monthly Archives: November 2016

9th November 1916 Arthur is now back in the front line, but entreats Dollie not to worry: “… for I expect that by the time this reaches you, I shall be out. So there will be no cause for apprehension … Continued

7th November 1916 A cold, wet, tedious day for Arthur – full of company business. They are out of the trenches – in leaky huts, with no windows – for which he supposes they ought to be grateful. No letter … Continued

6th November 1916   –  Riez Bailleul Camp Another two days of travel for Arthur but now he is finally back with the Battalion, in a familiar place. Brother Alfred is away at Army School so Arthur is once again … Continued

4th November 1916 After a decent night’s sleep and breakfast at the hotel, Arthur and his fellow officers have a morning to see the delights of Rouen, as they are not wanted until 2pm. He writes to Dollie asking if … Continued

3rd November 1916 Arthur finally crosses the channel – having slept on the floor for most of the journey. He then faces a long wait while the enlisted men disembark at Le Havre, and their boat carries on up the … Continued

2nd November 1916 – 5.20pm Having reported to the docks mid afternoon, and managed meanwhile to telephone Dollie, Arthur is now back at the South Western Hotel. There is still some doubt that they will sail tonight: “One boat in … Continued

2nd November 1916 – 11.15am Arthur has now left the docks for the relative comfort of the South Western Hotel. The latest news is that they expect to sail this evening. He has tried to phone but there is a … Continued

2nd November 1916 – 10.30am The start of a frustrating journey for Arthur, having left Southampton in the early evening of the 1st, they sailed as far as Portsmouth but were turned back to port. Arthur is writing his first … Continued

1st November 1916 Arthur is now back on the train again – heading towards Southampton and the docks. He fervently hopes his outward journey may be delayed a little longer – so they can meet up one more time… Arthur … Continued