In France
14 April 1916
My dear Mother
It was dreadfully disappointing to hear that you are not so well. I am so sorry. Take all the care of yourself you can and please don't worry because you can't do much. If you have to be lazy now, you are only making up for the past when you did far too much.
I'm very glad that Arthur’s was able to come and see you, even if only on a flying visit. He was lucky to get away, for leave is stopped again, much to the disgust of the few men who came out with the battalion at the beginning and have not yet had leave. There are only about a dozen of them and another week would have seen them all away so it is very bad luck that the stoppage should come just now.
I expect Arthur was well satisfied with Dolly Molly, her manners and appearance; if not he is a hard Father to please. How does he get on now with his work? Last time he wrote to me he was well satisfied and felt that what he was doing was worthwhile. I hope he still remains of the opinion.
I am very sorry to see that the Kut relief force is now held up by floods and bad weather. It begins to look terribly serious for Townshend’s force, but perhaps, even at the worst, he may be able to make a sortie and fight his way through to the relieving force. Still I hope it will not be necessary to have recourse to any such forlorn hope.
We are comfortably established now and expect to remain in our present position as long as the battalion is in this part of the line. The QM Stores and ourselves remain where we are while the battalion rolls round us in the usual rota of firing-line, support and reserve. They are never more than a mile or two away, so it is not worth while our moving every time they change ground. It is easy to work supplies from here, wherever they happen to be.
Glad May is getting a holiday. Ethel ought to have the same, for her visit to Deal must have been sheer hard work and trying both to mind and body.
I hope for better news of you next letter.
Love to all from
George
PS - My promotion is now in Orders.
