After leaving C.-on-T. I met Mrs. Foley in London, and gave her a note
to post to you. As you know, I spent the night at 24, Harrington
Gardens. I was up at 6 a.m., and Aunt M---- (Mrs. Cowell) had a lovely
breakfast for me. I was away by 7.30, catching my train all right at
Victoria. It was run in two parts. We had a rough crossing to
Boulogne, but I was not ill. We reached railhead at 8 p.m., and I then
mounted my horse and rode along the quiet country road in the dark.
The others travelled in wagons; I preferred riding to driving in
farm-carts. On arriving at my transport lines, I changed and came on
here, getting in about 12.30 a.m. My people had left their house,
having had a shell in the room we lived in, which had blown it even
more to bits than before. I went to our new abode, and then on to the
trenches to see how everything was doing, and got wet half way to the
knees in the driest parts; but I am glad to say they are steadily
improving things for us Regimental officers. I was in bed between 2
and 3 a.m., rose again at 3.30, and finally, of course, just about 5
a.m. for good. My feet were rather numbed after the cold water, as we
had to break the ice at every step. This morning the Frenchwoman
visited us. Each time she comes we are shelled, and Major Baker is
sure that she is a spy. To-day was no exception; we were well slated,
and two shrapnel hit the roof. Fortunately the firing has now stopped.
These Germans are malicious brutes, and would be glad to do one an
injury. Mincepies arrived the worse for travelling, though much
appreciated all the same. I want to find out more about your
suggestion for khaki flannel shirts. So far, everyone thinks they
would be most useful, but I must ask all the others. I believe they
would be gladly accepted, as the matches were this morning, with joy.
It is nice to think I managed to get over to see you.... Heard
yesterday that the authorities are still hopeful as to Germany running
short of ammunition, but, of course, the more we can get out of her
the better. Some big shells are falling near us now, whether theirs or
ours I have not ascertained....
IN BILLETS.
_January 14th, 1915._
So far, of course, no letter from England, though one may arrive
to-night. I beat the post by a little, you see! I heard from Lord
Grenfell yesterday on some business matters. He tells me that the
Russians were in a critical state three weeks ago with their
ammunition used up. I imagine, as he says, that they have now got it,
and their reinforcements, etc., are quite right again. I also heard
from Sir Charles Burnett, our Colonel. Enclosed is Mrs. Miles's
letter, a most broken-hearted one. I am writing to her, poor lady,
again to assure her that her husband's sword will be sent home. We
came peacefully out of the trenches yesterday, though Major Baker, who
marches before me, had plenty of bullets round him. To-day I have been
examining my new draft of men, quite a useful lot, and in the
afternoon rode over to inspect my transport. You see I have got the
pad you sent me, and am using it at once. About H---- I approve of his
going to Stanmore Park in a year's time. He will then be 9-1/2.