The month started with Gwynne in England. Whilst he was planning for the visit of the archbishop of Canterbury to the BEF, he also took the opportunity to spend some time with family in the Wirral. Much of the middle of the month was taken up with the visit of the archbishop. Gwynne was conscious of the continuing battle taking place between the French and Germans at Verdun.

1 May

Worked at the War Office part of the morning. Lunched with the Archbishop of C. at Lambeth and talked over the arrangements for his visit. Went back to the W.O. Saw Howell at 5 at his office. Dined with Bland Sutton, Howell and Edie. Slept at the Club.

2 May

Worked at my letters, visited the War Office, visited the Academy, lunched on sandwiches at Lyons. Spent the night at Northwood with the C.G. London much interested in the Compulsion Bill. Walked out before dinner and spent a quiet evening.

3 May

Came to town by 10 having breakfasted with the C.G. Saw Dick at the W.O., took him to lunch and caught the 2.35 train to Neston.5 Arrived with Charlie soon after 7 pm.

4 May

Went out all day with Charlie. Train to Hope Village, walked up Ffrith valley had tea at Caergwrle and caught the 5.40 train back. Col and Mrs Dobby dined and we spent a very pleasant day. It literally poured with rain all day, C and I came in drenched. However I managed it thoroughly.

5 May

A very unpromising outlook in the way of weather kept us in until 12. Part of the time I employed in writing up the Diary and writing letters. At 12 we faced the dreary weather and walked through Burton – Puddington – Shotwick where we ate our sandwiches in the Porch of the church which dates to the 11th Century and whose stones were ribbed where the spear heads were sharpened. We walked back thro’ the rain and reached Neston before seven. The Staffords dined with us.

6 May

Notwithstanding all efforts to show itself the sun failed to pierce the clouds, so C and I essayed forth in gloomy weather and walked through Heswall and along the sands towards West Kirby. We returned to tea at 5 and spent a quiet evening at home.