HG12/13/6

Letter from Henry Hugh Longuet Longuet-Higgins, Headquarters Mess, Cantonments, Potchefstroom, South Africa to Edith Augusta Mary Bazeley.

30 Sep and 4 Oct 1915

From: 1915 To: 1915

Describes the behaviour of the Germans on the Kaiser's birthday. Writer will get no holiday this year, which is unfortunate as he would like to visit Mina[?] who seemed rather down when he last wrote. Responds to items in Edith's letter. Present house is one storey; previous accommodation was 8 storeys with shops with flats and single rooms above. Mentions death of Hugh Arnold and 'Dobbin' Barnett [Kenneth's greatest chum [Denis Oliver] Barnett, who died of wounds.] Has not had time to read the weekly Times for 6 weeks. John [brother] has had a slack time with much riding and fishing and swimming and courts martial and records etc., but was chosen to be offered a special job up in the action line which he took - must have been in all the fighting that is reported now and 'it makes one feel anxious.' 'Suvla Bay seems to have been pretty grim.' Writer is very nearly a militaty chaplain these days. Is hanging on hoping to be appointed garrison chaplain, as they will need one. Describes accommodation and surroundings. Describes work 'frantically busy and having a glorious time.' At the moment is 'on loan' from St Mary's. Describes fall from a horse and another fall backwards off the motor lorry on which is carried the harmonium and lecterns and from which preaching is done.

item

Longuet-Higgins, Henry Hugh Longuet,
Bazeley, Edith Augusta Mary,
Longuet-Higgins, John Esmond Longuet,
Barnett, Denis Oliver,
Arnold, Hugh

general correspondence, South Africa, World War One, The Times, chaplain