In a Ward / The Fisherman of Newnham

Manuscript in pencil in Ivor Gurney's hand. 'In a Ward' is after a pencil draft in the black manuscript notebook 64.5.7. The poem was published in 'The Spectator' on 11th January 1919, and was included in a J. W. Haines typed copy of poems by Gurney published in periodicals. Gurney mentions 'The Fisherman of Newnham' in a letter to H.N. Howells of 12 July 1918, dedicating the poem to his father. 'On Rest' was mentioned in a letter to Marion Scott of September 1918, and again in a letter to H.N. Howells of 21st June 1916. Both were included in 'War's Embers'. Written while Gurney was a patient at Lord Derby's War Hospital being treated for shell shock. Found in a burgundy notebook containing fair copies of poems made by Gurney. It appears to have been compiled primarily in 1918.