Letter from Major-General Sir George Spafford Richardson to C.E. [Charles Ernest] Archibald, 2 January 1918

Typed letter to 'Archibald' [Charles Ernest Archibald] from 'G. S. Richardson' [George Spafford Richardson] dated 2 January 1918, from the 'Administrative Headquarters, N.Z.E.F. 31 Bloomsbury Square, London, W.C.1.' contemplating the duration of the war, decisions made during its course, and when it might come to an end. (3 leaves)

Extracts from the text reads as follows:

Extract 1

[Page 1]

"Another year has gone and still we cannot see the end of the war... At the present time I know of no one who can give any idea as to the probable duration of the war, or as to how it will end."

Extract 2

[Page 2]

"The men themselves are getting tired of the war and are not so keen as formerly...

Our men were very bucked up after Messines but I noticed a different spirit among those I met after Passchendaele."

Extract 3

[Page 3]

"There is nothing decisive in any of these and I fail to see how any decisive success can be gained in 1918. Whether I am right in thinking so, history will prove. What I wonder is how the politicians would act if they received a crude and superficial appreciation similar to that given in this letter. I guess they would immediately replace me by a more optimistic General."