r as possible with
confidence. From the general point of view that is not an easy
matter as things stand. I am bound to say I am getting
pessimistic about the War. The chief trouble is the total lack of
action that characterises it. This grovelling in ditches is a
rotten, foolish business in many ways--though to me sitting in
comfort and safety behind the lines is a great deal worse.

We passed a pleasant Christmas. I had dinner and tea with the men
of the Brigade Headquarters--the former one of the most pleasant
functions I have ever attended. I much prefer a ceremony of this
kind along with Demos to the "Tedious pomp ... and grooms
besmeared with gold" that Milton denounces so scathingly.

I am sorry the Dulwich 1st XV didn't have a very good season. To
judge from the photos in the _Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic_,
the forwards don't know how to pack. One of the "scrum"
photographs is one of the best illustrations of how not to pack
that I have ever struck. It seems to me that there has been a
lack of training. But what I do remark with joy is the care that
has been taken with the games. All will be well with the school
if the games are keen.

I have just been reading the first book that I've found that
absolutely gets the atmosphere of the Western Front--namely, "The
Red Horizon," by Patrick McGill, the navvy poet. It really is
great. He doesn't spare the horror of the thing one iota, but it
"gets one right." "Sapper" has a good picture of the fighting
man, but a very bad one of the Front. McGill has got a pretty
good one of the man and a superb one of the Front. He describes
to a "T" one's sensations under shell-fire.

_January 11th, 1917._

Congratulate me! I am, as I have every reason to believe, on the
verge of the most stupendous good fortune that has ever yet come
my way. Last night I got a wire ordering me to present myself at
Headquarters, Heavy M.G.C., for interview with the
Colonel-in-charge. Well, I went up for my interview this morning,
and was tested for vision by the Colonel with my glasses on.
Finally he told me that he was going to recommend me for the
Tanks, which means that the thing is as good as settled. I had
not dared to hope for such luck, owing to the fact of my n