Meerut British General Hospital
Rouen
1/10/15
My dear Mother
I moved a short distance last Monday to the above address, just south of No 9 General on the edge of the forest. I have been appointed bacteriologist here, so shall have a busy time, as this is the isolation and observation hospital for all infectious diseases. The great part of the work is the investigation of typhoid or suspected typhoid cases all such cases from the Base and the lines of communication are sent here. The work is done in the new lab in No 9 General, as there is no lab here, so I am still in touch with the other place. There are four other officers here, we live in tents, not quite so comfortable as the huts of No 9, however I daresay we’ll get along all right. Our tents are in an apple orchard, rather a pretty spot.
I got Father’s letter this morning with news of Cyril and George. Rouen has been frightfully busy since the big fighting began, and every hospital is expanded, but understaffed.
It is too soon to know the net result of the fighting, there are some indications today that things are quieter, I hope all goes well.
I think George’s regiment must be near a village which we captured in the first day or two of the battle.
I was interested to hear of Muriel Holmes’ marriage – it must have come as a great surprise to all her friends, at such short notice.
Mary seems well, and Baby is doing well I gather, and begins to take notice of people. I daresay she’ll be with you soon, I hope before the weather gets very cold and damp.
What a pity Cyril couldn’t have come home and got fit there – I expect it is a matter of transport partly.
Tell Father I will notify my banker about the Loan being completed. I expect soon they’ll be issuing another one.
I enjoy the riding lessons, and have done quite a lot of jumping. Just now it is rather difficult to get off for an afternoon. We are glad of stoves now in the tents – another month and it will get quite cold up here.
The new lab is very nice to work in, there is a good view of Rouen when one isn’t looking down the microscope.
I hope you will get news of George often, of course the postal service up the line just now is likely to be delayed.
With much love to all.
From your son
Arthur
