‘I expect you are wondering whether I have absolutely given up letter writing or whether I am very busy,’ he wrote to Pips. ‘If so, the latter is correct as we are back in the line and I am on a special Engineering job of draining trenches etc. It is quite an interesting job if it lasts and I have to look after parties of men scattered about in various places, wandering round at various times and giving occasional advice. Our second in command put me in charge of the job – because as I put in for an Engineering Commission I suppose he thought I understood a lot about it. As a matter of fact the Engineering Course at Romford [he had initially trained as an Engineer for his first few weeks in the Artists Rifles’ Camp at Gidea Park in Essex in January 1916] comes in very useful and I also learn a good deal each day. While I am here I do not have to do long hours of duty, but simply superintend the various working parties.’

All of which meant that his letters for the next few days would be short at best – but he promised to make up for it when they went back into rest.

[Next letter: 15 January]