Sherriff had been at the ration dump, because his men had ‘not been getting their proper share’. Modest as ever, he told his mother that, although his presence may not have made much difference, the ‘presence of the uniform of an officer did’, and they got their proper rations.
Sherriff in the uniform of a 2nd Lieutenant in the East Surreys. By permission of the Surrey History Centre (Ref: 2332/6/4/2/1)
He and Gibson were still living a quiet life, ‘away from our Regiments’ [about which he was probably very happy, since the 9th East Surreys had gone back into the line, in Hulluch (quite nearby) on 31 October, and were still there]. They got on well together, and had done from the beginning, because of their time together in the Artists. But she should not think there were no risks: ‘There are times when walking about the line when you get a rifle grenade or a bullet whizz past you, which makes your heart go “pit a pat”…I don’t want to make you think I have a fearfully risky job, because I have not, but I don’t want you to think that I am sitting in an armchair all day.’
He was not sure how much longer he might be attached to the RE [Royal Engineers], but he was hoping he might stay for some time. Apart from wading about in the mud up in the front line every other night he was enjoying it: ‘It is very pleasant being able to do just what you like and managing your little body of men and seeing to your own meals, especially when you have a jolly good cook, as my servant is turning out to be. I have never had a piece of steak at Flemings or an egg either, so well done as he does it – you are the only cook he can’t beat yet.’
Another parcel had come while he was writing to her, and he was looking forward to the ginger cakes at tea, having already started on the almonds and raisins (‘which made things seem very Xmassy’). It would be ‘fine’ if he were to be home for Christmas, he wrote – though he hardly expected it, since very few Regiments (especially in the Infantry) offered leave within three months. But if it did not come, then they should simply have to start looking forward again – and in the meantime, the addition of some socks, pencils and peppermints in his next parcel would at least help keep him comfortable.
[Next letter: 5 November]