10/2/18
My dear Mela
I have to congratulate you on recently getting a command of your own. I hope you like the post at Handsworth. Yesterday I saw with much pleasure that Cyril has got the MC. The Mesopotamian awards have been held back a long time and I began to wonder whether the expedition there had been given a miss by the War Office in the matter of decorations. I’m sure Cyril must have thoroughly well earned his recognition. It looks as though their job this winter is mainly to hold on to last year’s gains and not to attempt any big show.
I have very little news that I can give; can and could have vastly different significance sometimes haven’t they?
Is there any likelihood of your coming out to France? I believe the numbers of your Corps out here are steadily increasing.
I hope you get good news of Wilfred. He’s out east somewhere isn’t he?
Just now life is pretty monotonous, though I don’t grumble at that. I’ve settled my mind to the probability of two more years of war. I think a good many people have. I hope conditions at home won’t be so tiresome as to make everyone irritable, either politically or domestically. I’m sure it must be very difficult to run households at present.
Do you hold a rank equivalent to Captain or higher now? I’m addressing you as Unit Administrator, and hope that’s correct.
Mary and Baby are jogging along at Porthcawl, the housing question will be acute in April; up to date nothing has been arranged but I hope Mary will be able to find what she wants when she has to move.
With best of wishes to you in your fresh job and love
From yours affectionately
Arthur
