The Letters of Arthur Martin-Leake February 1915

From Arthur's Wartime Photo Album - Hertfordshire Archives & Local Studies

 

Letter 86963

Hertfordshire Archives & Local Studies

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6/2/15

My dear Mammy

We seem to be settled down here for a bit. It is rather an uninteresting kind of an existence & the only thing in its favour is that we get a daily paper. We have a largish hospital, but only keep cases that will be right in a few days, all others are sent farther on. The fighting does not seem to be much in these parts just now & things are fairly quiet.

The Russians are at it again & appear to have given the Austrians another kicking. If Roumania {sic} comes in they ought soon to be able to settle Aust[ria]-Hungary & this will be a nasty blow to Germany.  I have every hope now of being able to get away at the end of my year. Have done half very nearly & think there is little doubt that Germany will be pulverized in another 6 months… The Turkish attempt to cross the Canal was quite amusing & must have given much satisfaction to the troops out there.

Have just got a letter from India. Mrs Clark’s boy is training out there & hopes to get here before long. There will be quite a number of B.N.R. men here soon. Best love & hoping you are quite fit.

Y[ou]r affect[ionate] son
AMLeake

{HALS reference 86963}

20/2/15

My dear Mammy

A splendid parcel has just arrived. Thank Bella very much for it; it is full of surprises & delights & will spread joy in the mess. Quaker Oats are very popular & cannot be obtained out here. We have had no mail or papers today but received those which should have come yesterday. The weather has been better for the last few days & there has been some sunshine.

I took off today to pay the dentist a visit. He has opened shop in a place about three miles from here. It recalled memories of visits to Bennett, but such different surroundings & such a different method of taking oneself to the examination. The dentist quite a good chap & doing most useful work. Fortunately I only had a small job for him, just a bit of stopping out.

Am very glad your cold is better & hope it will be the last for this winter.

We are much pleased to get some news of Russian successes. It comes from a French paper but I suppose it is fairly correct.

Hope the Channel boats will be going again soon, as usual. It is regular German beastliness having our papers & letters cut off…

{HALS reference 86967}