‘I have not had a return of Neuralgia,’ he wrote to his mother, ‘so I have not bothered the Doctor – I am hoping if we can only get a few weeks rest I shall feel much better.’

Sherriff and his battalion were now in Lozinghem, about 10 miles or so back from the front line, where they would stay for another couple of days. About a quarter of the men had been given passes to visit local towns, and there was a general sense of relaxation.  ‘We are having a very nice time here,’ wrote Sherriff, ‘a quiet country village where only a distant rumble of guns can be heard.’

Percy High (rear left, with pipe). From ‘Memories of Active Service’, Vol 1, facing p 22. By permission of the Surrey History Centre (Ref: 2332/3/9/3/2)

He promised to send more photos of the company officers as soon he received them, and commented on how jolly his Mess was:

‘The company always seems to be very lucky in having nice men. I could not wish for better companions although they are mostly much older than myself. Do you remember that rather oldish man who was alone at Charing Cross Station the day I went off? He has now been transferred to my Company – and I am very glad, he is very nice.’ [The man was Percy High, about whom Sherriff wrote in his unpublished Memoir – a pipe-smoking schoolteacher who has a strong claim to be one of the main models for the character of Osborne in Journey’s End.]

There was still a chance he might be given 4 days leave to visit Paris, and although he would prefer 6 days, even the 4 might permit them to arrange a meeting in Paris. He would let her know as soon as he found out.

[Next letter: 24 April]