c/o GPO, 216 KAA Bty R.A., Brough, E. Yorks. - Leopardi is wonderful, and Trevelyan's translations some of the best work he has done. Had leave last weekend and spent a night with the Waleys, then stayed with Sandra [his sister] and Theo [Rikh, her fiancé] at Henley. Glad to hear they had visited Trevelyan; asks what he thinks of Theo, who 'was completely enchanted' by Trevelyan. Also rang up Joan [Allen], but she 'was busy with nursery centres and the Lloyds'. Is reading Rex [Warner's] latest novel "The Aerodrome", which is 'very Kafkaesque... a little sordid' but still interesting. Joan's brother David [Gill] is now stationed nearby at Leeds which is good as Yorkshire people are 'amazingly kind' but he misses his southern friends. Hopes Trevelyan is not too depressed by the news from Greece.
J.M. Luce c/o Grindlay's Bank, Bombay. - His sister Sandra's husband Theo has been killed in an accident in Italy: is writing on his father's behalf to let friends know the circumstances. Is glad Trevelyan likes the Darjeeling tea. Has acquired a new rank [Captain]; is still commanding a troop of Bofors guns, but for more pay. Still living under canvas, occasionally with a break to the hills or the sea, but life is mostly 'a continuous doldrum'.
100 Weston Rd, Gloucester. - Has written to the editor of the "Abinger Chronicle" to order the number containing Trevelyan's "Reminiscences" and something by E. M. Forster. Has been helping at the Gloucester Food Office for the last two months, writing identity cards and ration books: not profitable but he hopes useful, and he can do it with an easy conscience. Has taken one holiday of three days, cycling round the Cotswolds and comparing late Norman churches with Burmese temples. John has had his embarkation leave and left [for India]; he has a great 'βοῦς ἐπὶ γλώσσῃ' [lit. ox on his tongue: Aeschylus, "Agamemnon" 35] and has become very introvert. Sandra thinks that active service will help, as it did Theo, though Luce is doubtful. Wonders how Julian [Trevelyan] reacted to active service; his job, however, was not killing his fellow men as John's is. Hopes Ursula is well: has meant to go to Winchcombe to see her Pottery, but it is rather far from Gloucester. Laments the bombing of Italy, and questions whether anything will be left of the Renaissance; fears the Byzantine churches of Palermo will be dust.