22 Jan 1915
My dear Mother
This is a wretched day; mixed rain and snow have been falling all the morning, driven by the eastest of east winds. I have only just recovered from a short attack of influenza so I am staying indoors and refusing to do my work. Influenza is the rule rather than the exception just at present; a scourge of it is passing over the troops, but luckily the type is not very severe. I spent two days in bed (Monday and Tuesday) during which I had all the regular symptoms, but I have thrown them off quickly and now, with the exception of a slightly tired feeling, I have quite recovered. I am sure that you will be pleased to hear that I am continuing the ‘Angier’ treatment as regularly as if I were within reach of your own medicine glass. I hate it, but I think it likes me.
The last letter I received from home had a note on the back saying that Arthur’s was likely to come home for three days; I wonder whether he has yet come. I suppose he would be likely to be bringing Mary back with him if the move of his hospital were soon to occur.
I think I said that we have been suffering from much inspection recently. We have had at least one more since my last letter and I believe there will be another before long. The Inspecting Officer is of more imposing rank on each successive occasion. The last one was Sir Ian Hamilton; rumour has it that the next will be the King and Kitchener. I think that will have to be the last – unless perhaps Winston…..!!
We have heard no more about the grant of five-day passes. I don’t think there will be any more given now.
What news of Cyril lately? That was a most unfortunate occurrence; the suicide of his Colonel.
Love to all from
Your affectionate son
George
