January remained a month of relative quiet for the BEF. Gwynne was on leave in England until the 8th. During that time, he spent time with the CG at his home in Norwood. He joined with the Reverend Dr J. Simms, the principal chaplain, in a complaint to the AG about instructions being given to chaplains without the knowledge or permission of their respective offices. The question of who exercised authority over a chaplain was a matter of concern for the churches. The reference to the town of Kut was to the British force that had been besieged in the town since 7 December 1915.

1 January

Holy Communion at 8 am with Dick and the girls. It poured with rain, but Howell, Edie and I motored to see the Stackpoole’s for lunch. They have a very nice house and seemed very pleased to see us. In the afternoon on our return Howell and I went for a long walk in the Park and visited the game keeper to see about ferreting for rabbits.

2 January

I had a blessed Sunday. Early in the morning I went to the Holy Communion and preached in Dick's Church on S. Paul's epistle to the Romans. The whole creation groaning etc. In the afternoon I spent quietly in the Rectory and had a walk out before tea. I preached again at the Evening Service on Ps LXXI, ‘If ye had hearkened not my voice. I should soon have put thine enemies to confusion.’ I had supper with the Mawbyns and good talk with Howell and Harry afterwards.

3 January

Dick and I walked in the Park all morning and met Nellie and the girls taking the air.

And in the afternoon while Howell and Donald Snow beat the bounds in the glebe, Harry and I had a shot at the birds – none of us were clever enough to bring one down.

4 January

Charlie arrived yesterday afternoon. I walked towards Dunmow in the Evening. This morning we had some ferreting with dogs – a poor miserable sport wh. soon sickened me – so Charlie and I went out for a long walk and talk all over the park. In the afternoon we had another shoot over the glebe without much result. Harry left tonight.