In France
13 May 1916
My dear Father
I was very glad indeed to get your long letter and I wish that mine had not taken so long to arrive (though a PS to Judy’s letter told me that it reached you on the 8th) Letters seem to take longer in transit than they used to do.
You told me just the things that I wished to hear. I would have so dearly loved to have been at home; but as that could not be, it helps very much to have every little detail of dear Mother’s last days and after faithfully told by those who loved her so well.
I explained to Kathleen that it was impossible to get leave, but perhaps my letter did not reach her till she had left home. If your telegram had reached me a day sooner it might just have been possible for me to get special leave, though it was not at all likely. As it was, there was not sufficient time to make application through the necessary sources of order to get away on Tuesday evening (as would have been necessary to be with you in time) so I had to abandon any attempt.
I am so very glad that I did see, comparatively, so much of Mother quite recently: and above all things that she was able to see Rosie just once. Though I should have loved them to have had time to get to know each other thoroughly.
It is good to know how kind all the villagers have been and what a deep impression dear Mother left upon everybody. Though I never doubted that. No one who knew her could fail to respond to her perfect influence.
You have been at work again now, no doubt, for some days and that is best. Work is a very present help in trouble. I carried on with very little intermission, though everybody did all they could to save me trouble, like the good comrades they are. I shall treasure very dearly the parting gift that Mother left for me.
Much love from
Your affectionate son
George
PS – I enclose a letter for Mela which please give to her, or send on if she is not still at Badsey.
