Cecil Slack's letters: Volume 1

The body of each letter is as transcribed by Lady Joan Slack. In each case the name or initial of the writer is followed by the recipient, the date (where known) and the address from which the letter was sent. For convenience, these have been presented in a common format. CMS is, of course, Cecil Moorhouse Slack.

CMS to Grandma Watkins; Sept. 12, 1914.

My dear Grandma,

I was very glad to get your letter for my 21st birthday, and thank you for the helpful advice you give.

As you know, we have just returned from our holiday at the sea-side. I had my holidays earlier in the year, in Scotland, where I was cycling with a friend, and so during August I have had to travel to town daily, which meant getting up at half-past five in order to get a bathe before catching the train: I am not sorry we are home again.

All work is now standing aside for most of England's young able bodied men, on account of the war. About a hundred have gone from Reckitt and Sons, and are drilling every day. I am a lieutenant and am training six hours a day, but shall get more than this in a few weeks time. I have volunteered for foreign service, but do not know where I shall be sent.

Of course this war is a terrible thing, but it will do an immense amount of good to the young men who have enlisted, in the way of physique and discipline.

As you probably know, Father has bought a motor-car: he does not drive it himself yet, but will learn as soon as the chauffeur gets thoroughly used to the car: I shall also learn.

Trusting this letter finds you in good health,

I remain, Your loving grandson,

Cecil.

CMS to Aunt Marie; Sept. 12. 1914.

My dear Auntie,

I thank you very much for your letter and wishes on my 21st birthday. I wish as much as you that we could all be together.

My examination will have to stand by for the present, as I have joined the army for the time being. I had part of my uniform tried on yesterday, and by the time you get this letter, will have been wearing it for some time.

Mr. Quant has given me a beautiful pistol which Mother hopes I may never have occasion to use. If the war is over soon I shall not use it- we just have to wait and see what happens. Father will soon be driving the motor-car; I shall not be able to, as I shall be away whilst the war is on: Bob wants to learn but he cannot get a license until he is 17. He rides about, however, on a small motor wheel which is fastened to an ordinary bicycle, the age limit being 14. Norman goes off to Colwyn Bay in a few days: he is busily engaged at present in filling his "tuck box". He will have a good time at Rydal Mount, in every way. He is going with John Taylor, the brother of poor Tom Taylor who was shot by a sentry, owing to a misunderstanding. It will be a good thing for John to get away from home.

London has this week been lighting up the sky at night with searchlights to guard against hostile aeroplanes. We do not expect them, but we are prepared.

Hoping you are keeping well,

I remain, Your loving nephew,

Cecil.

Karl Kolloch on POW ship to Dora Willatt; 7/April 1915.

My dear Dora,

I was very much surprised at receiving your parcel and letter which both are a charming token of the concern you so fondly have for me. I was not in hopes of ever receiving a few lines from you for reasons which are very obvious and it is why I am all the more touched by this unexpected pleasure. I am in pain about your hard work described in yours but since you do it for your country the satisfaction will help you bearing the fatigues. I often mention your name in my conversations with friends and refresh my memory with the joyful old days. If it is no trouble to you, you will oblige me for sending some photos- I read and take the air on deck- that is the account of my actual life. I need to conclude this, for the regulations permit no more. My compliments to your family and believe me

Your humble friend

Karl Kolloch.

Muriel Edwards to CMS; April 10, 1915.

My dear Cecil,

I had intended coming round just to say Good-Bye to you, but I find I cannot do so. Your going brings the War and all its possibilities too near; so you must please forgive me for not coming.

I know that if Mr. Edwards were at home he would be wishing you God speed. I am writing to him tonight and will tell him you are soon off to do your "little bit", and who knows how big that "little bit" may be!!

We shall always remember you in our prayers, and I trust you will soon be at home again in safety.

I can only wish you the best, whatever that may be.

Good bye and God be with you

Yr. sincere friend

Muriel Edwards

CMS to Mother (post card); 15.4.15

My dear Mother,

We have of course been very busy yesterday and today.

The transport, including about 40 mules has gone this afternoon and has taken our kit along. Tonight we shall have to sleep in our clothes on the floor, and continue doing so until we see our things again. You would probably get my bed etc yesterday. I am sending a large parcel tonight. In this you will find a cardboard box and my little dispatch case. Will you please make the contents of these into a parcel and send them on to me later, when I will let you know the address.

A part of our second line were under fire last night. An incendiary bomb dropped 6 yds from one of the men, but did no harm.

Love from your affec. son,

Cecil.

P. S. Also please send jersey and slacks.

Battallion Orders by Lt Col G.H.Shaw
commanding 1st. 4th. East Yorks

The battallion will move on Saturday.
Headquarters with A and C companies will entrain at Newcastle Central Station at 7.45am April 17th 1915. B and D companies at 8.20am

Signed

W.T.Wilkinson DSO

Capt.+ Adj.

Winifred Slack (WS.) to CMS; April 24th 1915

My dear Cecil,

We were delighted to receive your letter yesterday (Saturday) and to know you were well and in good spirits at time of writing. We wonder each day where you are and what you are doing. It must be awful to be within sound of the guns, but infinitely worse when you get into action. Mrs Willatt rang up during the week to ask after you. Dora has had an operation and had tonsils and adenoids removed. As they are not using their motor just now, I have promised to take them for a motor run during the week.

We have made good use of the car this week, taking Elsie and May about. On Friday we had a delightful trip to York and back. All enjoyed the time spent in York, visiting the Minster and Museum Gardens. Elsie and May return home on Tuesday.

Tonight Kitty and Hilda have gone to Holy Trinity Church. Miss Newton was to meet them at the tram terminus. Mabel has been at home resting. She is looking better.

Last Thursday the new organ at Brunswick was opened. Mrs Ferens unlocked it and Mrs Preston, the organist of a Church at Jarrow-on-Tyne, gave a recital, afternoon and evening. We enjoyed the evening recital better than the afternoon. The selections at night were very sweet and pretty.

Mr. Edwards came to Hull on Wednesday night, to give the dedicatory address at the opening on Thursday, but his voice failed him, and he was unable to take the part expected. However, he did give a short address after Mr Hanby had given the dedicatory address. He looks remarkably well. To-day he is preaching at Queen's Hall and to-morrow giving an address there. He has had from last Wednesday night till to-morrow night (Monday) leave. That is not bad, seeing it is only six weeks since he was home before. Bob returns to school during this week. Father, Norman, Harold and Bob have been to Chapel to-night. Mr. Leech gave a short organ recital and lovers of music will appreciate it. Just at present, Father is comfortably seated in his easy chair, in front of the fire, reading, Mabel, likewise in the opposite chair, Norman looking through a magazine, at the supper table, and you see how I am employed. Harold, Ralph and Kitty are comfortably tucked in bed. Bob is out walking with John Taylor. We are waiting for Hilda, Elsie and May to come in before starting supper.

I will see Mr. Selle to-morrow and ask him to send off your boracic powder ointment.

We have been discussing our Summer holiday and cannot decide where to go. Some suggest Filey again, but I am afraid to venture anywhere on the East Coast, whilst the war is on, so where we shall go I do not know.

Rev. Jaby Bridge came to Hull for the Organ opening, and preached at Brunswick this morning. Ralph was amused and said "he was a-wobbling all the time". The girls have just come in, so we must get to supper.

Very much love from all, my dear boy and God bless you

from

Your affec. Mother,

W. Slack.

Have you received the letter sent last week?

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