Cecil Slack's letters: Volume 13

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 WHS and WS; 2.10.16.

My dear Father and Mother,

We are out of danger for a short time, after an exciting time, as you will see from my letter to Bob.

I am very glad you are getting off for a holiday Father, I'm sure you're ready for one. I hope the weather's decent at Edinburgh.

You are quite right in your supposition about our Divisions being one of those to receive Sir Douglas Haig's praise. You will no doubt remember that in our first big "do" when we came out raw, Sir Herbert Plumer was very pleased with us. I think I am doing no harm in giving a slight description of the tanks. They move about on wheels somewhat like a bicycle chain and will go over anything in the way of trenches and medium sized shell holes. The beauty of them is that they are practically invulnerable, except by very large shells. I hear the Bosche have been complaining that they contravene the rules of the Hague Convention, in that they are machines that should not be used in civilized warfare! Their main weapon of course is the machine gun. Their "trampling" methods are of course very useful at times. They look very droll when moving, rather like what a canal barge would look like at sea with a few rolling billows about.

You will see from the papers that we have advanced another 1000 yds since my letter to Bob was written.

In reading over the recent lists of awards one gets very disgusted at some of them, not that they are not deserved but because they are given for deeds which are done every day, as a matter of course.

Our stretcher-bearers, when we went over, carried on their work under constant shell and rifle fire, as did every other stretcher bearer, and THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT. I see one doctor receives the M.C. for "carrying on" for 48 hours whilst his dressing station was being shelled. Our doctor and hundreds of others did the same, again, AS A MATTER OF COURSE. It makes me laugh to read for what, are now, (sic.) paltry things a man is decorated. There are MANY cases in our own battalion which are far more worthy of recognition than those in the latest list, and they will pass by unnoticed, officially.

The old rumour that we are to go to India has again sprung up. I wish it were true, and that we could get away from the ever-present feeling of Death lately. I have received two letters from widows, tonight, whose husbands were in "C" Company, which I now command. They have received no news, and it will be my painful duty to let them know. I will tell nothing of the sights of the battle field until I come home after the war.

I think I shall come through. A few days ago I saw something which brought tears to my eyes, - it was grand and British. The Division on our right had to occupy a German trench which was believed to have been vacated. They had to walk across 500 yards of battle-field. At the given time in the afternoon they got out of their trench and commenced to walk, just as if they were strolling across a field in England. There was no excitement, some of the men had their rifles slung on their shoulders, some had their hands in their pockets, some were smoking, an officer was carrying his coat over his arm. The Bosche put up a barrage at once, and men began to fall, but the troops went on through the shells without taking the slightest notice of anything except their line of advance, and so into the Bosche trench. Perhaps you will wonder why they walked. If they had hurried they would not have had the strength to charge had the line been held. It was only what any Division would do, and has done, but it was a glorious sight.

I received a letter and parcel from Mother today, for which many thanks. The parcel contained socks, cake, etc. Norman will be pleased to have got into the Cadets. Poor old Bob - I should think he's awfully fed up about being taught Latin by a female. I understand that he has now been passed fit by a specialist.

I was very glad to get the letter written from Penrhos.

Love to all,

Your affec. son,

Cecil.

CMS to Dora; 2.10.16.

My Dear Dora,

A good deal has happened here since I last wrote, and we are still a little further forward. A division on our right "went over" the other afternoon to occupy a vacated German trench. It was a wonderful sight and one that made the tears come to my eyes. They had to cover about 500 yards of ground. The Bosche of course spotted them as soon as they left the trench, and at once put up a barrage. The men just walked on as if nothing was happening, some with their rifles slung over their shoulders, some with their hands in their pockets, some were smoking, an officer was there with a coat slung over his arm - it was glorious. They walked right on through the shells, with men dropping here and there, till they got into the Bosche trench. You will probably wonder why they walked. If they had hurried they would have been tired when they got near the Bosche trench and would not have had the strength to charge if the Bosche had been there. Of course any other Division could, and would, and has done the same thing. I shall never forget it.

I was in a barrage myself a few nights ago, and had some marvellous escapes. One small "whizzbang" shell burst at my feet not more than THREE YARDS away, but neither I nor my orderly were touched, although we could not see each other for half a minute, owing to the smoke and dust. We got through 600 yards of barrage without a scratch. Later on the same night I was with a party carrying up bombs and ammunition. We had just stacked our load and were moving off when a great shell burst about 30 yds from us and a splinter of it exploded one of the bombs against which I had been standing 15 seconds before.

How's the cottage getting on? Have you decided on one yet? Is it that one on the hill you mentioned before? I hope it's a cosier place than the one I'm in now, a compartment of a large Bosche underground dugout. There are three of us in this little place, myself and my two subalterns (I'm a company commander now). There are three officers in "C" company at present, but we are expecting some new hands shortly.

The old rumour about our going to India has sprung up again. I wish it would come true. Wouldn't it be fine to be in India for the rest of the war with the knowledge that your life was safe. There is always a feeling that one may die any minute, it's not exactly fear, but just a very strong feeling of "not wanting to".

I'm not afraid of Death, but I'm very fond of Life. I think it will be most interesting to find out what happens to us after Death, but when one thinks of one's relatives and friends left behind it is rather sad. I don't believe for a minute that one ever really dies, one just leaves one's body. I'm afraid this is a very morbid letter, but I have seen such a lot of pitiful sights lately.

Somehow I think I am to come safely through the war; I have always thought so, but have not mentioned it before.

Your letter of the 26th has just come in, and I see you think the same.

When leave starts for us I may get my decoration leave right away, but I am not at all sure.

I am awfully sorry you haven't been able to get the cottage. I'm afraid I don't know of any. I should think advertising later on will be quite useful. Sorry you haven't had anyone to bathe with. I wish I could have. I'm afraid you must be feeling just a little bit lonely.

I note the pattern of the coat with much interest. It looks blue at present because I'm writing by candle light, but I like the material. But it's no good asking my opinion about a lassie's clothes. I know anything you wear will be all right.

Father enclosed a letter which Hilda and Mabel had written home a few days ago. It brought me back to the old Colwyn Bay days - the happiest I have spent. Hilda is a prefect now and has to dish out biscuits in the mornings. Bob's papers have gone in for a commission, or a place in the ranks of some Cadet Battalion. He had a bit of trouble with the doctors about his heart, but I think he has managed to get through.

I expect I shall be getting another pip shortly, but don't know.

Goodbye for the present, my love.

Love from

Cecil.

Dora to CMS; Tuesday 3.10.'16.

My dear Cecil,

Isn't it getting awfully cold - I expect you are feeling it during the night - you must be careful your rheumatism doesn't come on again - have you got your winter things yet? It seemed awfully cold this morning and it seems heaps more like winter now that we have put our clocks back an hour. Mother and I went to Sheffield y'day for the day and it was a fearful swiz - when we got there we found it was the Whitsuntide Bank Holiday they were having and EVERY blesséd shop was shut up so we came back by an earlier train. In Doncaster on my way back from Scarbro' last Thursday, we thought we would do a little shopping and when we got there found it was early closing day - so altogether we feel rather fed up in that line just now.

I have been busy putting away my summer clothes this morning and getting winter ones out - at least as far as we can "put away" and "get out" in this little rabbit hutch. It would be nice for Bob if he can get out in the 4th E.Y. to you - he won't have to go through the mill in quite the same way as if he were to go alone.

There is an H. Oughtred E.Yks. wounded in y'day's list - is it Jack or his brother - how is Jack getting on? We have been brambling this afternoon in those woods near the trench field if you remember where it is - it came on to pour with rain while we were out so had to run into the Orderly Room till it stopped - had a talk with Old Alderidge - he and Mrs. A. have left their digs and taken a very small cottage. We only have two E.R. officers here now - he and Brodie - a Scottie. Post time now - I only had a few minutes but thought you might like a note.

Are you still having a bad time - there are going to be some more Somme moving pictures - so shall look out for you in them when they come to Barnsley.

Love for yourself

Dora.

Gordon to Dora; Oct. 2nd. 1916.

Dear Dora,

It is a long time since I wrote to you and a little longer since hearing from you. I have now found the address of your adopted home and write to ask for more news. Are you still living at the same Camp, and very accustomed to it and happy there? Or very anxious for better times which are certainly nearer than they were, dont you think, to those that needing them, wait. It is rather nice to be a next door neighbour to Essex in these days when so much useful work is moving in the air in that County. I just missed seeing what some of my friends travelling with me from London saw. Our Station and the neighbourhood of Chatham and Gravesend was shown to be a prohibited area for the monsters. A wonderfully up to date map and chart of the Thames estury was found in L15 and a red ring was drawn all round these parts. There are big guns about and perhaps the Germans think the Armament Experiment people have something new up their sleeves. Brock explosive bullets at any rate seem to save the situation for us sometimes. These go off by friction as readily as a match, and the friction is set up when they strike the fabric of a Zeppelin.

How have you fared for the holidays this year? Of course I have often thought of you all in your camp-connected life, and supposed that Mr. Willatt "Captain" I should say. It does not come so readily. Commander or Acting Commander, whichever is right - has never been able to be spared for long together from the Station. On the other hand, these if ever are the times of changes, and I am most anxious to be told of all your doings. One of our men is a Hull born man, so we have exchanged memories of names - places rather than people, till neither of us could think of another road, building or neighbouring Village to mention.

We have a lively number of men, numbering about as many as the crew of a large Cruiser that is between 6 and 7 hundred. We are supposed by all rules and regulations to be on board a ship. A land-ship "President II". It is partly a seaplane Aeroplane X Kite Balloon Base and partly a Factory - Experimental work in nine cases out of ten. I had my first and only flight a few weeks ago. It was most interesting and fascinating. The C.O. took me up in a B.E. "British Experimental" machine. The speed would be about 90 knots - rather slow! and we did not reach a height of much over a thousand feet. The clouds were low and we went through them for a while. It was then that you felt your speed and a sense of insecurity asserted itself. We flew over the river Medway and gained remarkable upside down views of Ships and the Country side as a whole. Denny and Co's Ships were there. Coming down and skimming over the tops of the sheds and alighting is very exciting. The Aerodrome looks all too small for your great planes to settle and come to rest upon. I hope to have the experience of a flight in a sea plane some time.

We have some music on the Station. A male voice choir is gaining strength and besides half a dozen very clever pianists and singers and a violinist or two, a group of men get up sort of plays, and give us amusing evenings occasionally. Leave to go off the island has been curtailed lately. A week end, Saturday midday to Monday, is granted once in six weeks, and we can get as far as Chatham or Sheerness one evening a week. Neither of these are entrancing places, but I meet friends amongst the soldiers when I go and the trips across the water is nice. Of course the week ends with the relations in Norwood or at home constitute the greatest enjoyments. Arthur's boy walks and is altogether a nice baby. We had a splendid four days at Ventnor. At least it was four days for me. The others had longer. Now as I have not written for ages I have written at length hoping you won't find that a bad feature.

Please give my kindest remembrances to all.

Yours sincerely

Gordon.

V.J.Cousins to WHS; 4th. Oct. 1916

Dear Mr. Slack

It was a great pleasure to me when talking to Pte. J.H.Collins, (4th. East Yorks) on Sunday last to hear how highly he spoke of Cecil. He told us that your son was exceedingly kind to the men, and very popular in the Battalion. His description of Cecil's get up just before he went on the trench raid, and the condition in which he returned, was very interesting. You and Mrs. Slack must be very proud of your Soldier Son, and I pray that his life may be long spared to enjoy the Great honour which I know he so richly deserved.

Collins is a very Genuine good hearted little fellow, and I have quite enjoyed the talks I have had with him. I am pleased to say both Bromby and Collins are getting on nicely, but I am afraid it will be some time before the latter is able to use his arm again.

We hope you are all well, and with kindest regards to Mrs. Slack, and yourself, in which my wife joins.

Yours sincerely

V.J.Cousins.

CMS to Dora; 5.10.16

My Dear Dora,

Just four months ago today, isn't it? It seems more than that to me sometimes, but your letters make the waiting easier.

I am sitting all alone in my tent, all the other officers of the company are away, one in a rest station, one on a course and one at Amiens. Another officer came to the company two days ago. Van Oppen is his name. Do you know him?

I expect to be having a day in Amiens myself shortly - we are all going in turn, six or eight at a time.

I don't think now that I shall get another pip just yet, owing to a little red tape, but if I command the company for a month I shall be made a captain whilst in command of it. I am very glad you have had such a decent time at Scarborough. Yes, I SHOULD think myself lucky if I got a fortnight there just now. (The colonel's just sent to see if I will play bridge so I'm afraid I'll have to go. The colonel's wish in the battalion, is the same as the King's in the Empire, namely, a command).

8/10/16

Lost 5 francs to the Colonel, no time to write on the 6th. went to Amiens for the day on the 7th. and it's now tea-time on the 8th. and I haven't got this off yet! We did all sorts of things at Amiens, chiefly eating. I had my second hot bath since leave. It was glorious - a great big bath nearly full - the water came up to my neck when I sat down. Shopping took up most of our time. I got an ink-stand made out of bits of shell. I have had it posted on to you by the bloke in the shop, also a bottle of scent. I said the scent had to be très, très bon scent, in case the other parcel goes west. I expect the ink-stand will not arrive just yet, as it's going by rail. We had a tip-top lunch, and dinner, with real plates, and knives and forks etc.

I am awfully glad you've managed to spot a cottage. I don't think I know the one you mean, but I know whereabouts the gap is.

Yours with love

Cecil.

Dora to CMS; Friday 6.10.'16.

My dear Cecil,

I was just reading your letter through again when I made this fearful blot - flicking my pen aimlessly about - I should think.

You must be having a terrible time and it is a very big strain on your nerves too - don't you feel it so sometimes? I know what a sight it must have been to see those men go over to get into the German trench - I think really only British men could do it - and I don't wonder tears came into your eyes, Cecil my love. I am awfully glad about your other pip - if you get it - I'm sure you deserve it after two years service - is "C" Company yours and who are your two subs?

I should be awfully glad for your sake if you were sent off to India for duty there. I didn't think your letter was a bit morbid - never mind what you tell me about how you feel or anything - I think it rather helps one to say just what one thinks or feels like - I mean to tell someone who loves and cares for you - this last fortnight or so I have loved and do love you now, more than I have ever done before and I have wanted you more and that is why I have felt lonely I think - I seem to have seen and met a good many fresh people but they weren't you, my love.

I should have written to you y'day but a lot of things happened so I hadn't time. Mrs. Bowmer and two kids came for the day and just as we were having lunch Capt. Bowmer came in and said he had got his last leave suddenly and must go off to the front straight away. I felt AWFULLY sorry for Capt. and Mrs. - it did seem terrible that he should have to go off and leave her and the lovely kiddies when they are so happy altogether and then perhaps never come back again.

The war seems absolutely awful - really - well, we decided that Capt. and Mrs. ought to go off together for his leave and we should have the kiddies meanwhile - they were persuaded at last and they left them here last night and they went off to London by the early train this mg. The kiddies are awfully good - the Baby is 13 months old called Ernest and is ever so good - just lies in his pram all day and gurgles mainly - never cries - Stanley is four and can more or less do for himself. Flossie has gone away to-day to stay with the Todds in Hull for a week or ten days so I am looking after the infants on my own - you would chuckle if you could see how I keep them in order - I don't spoil them a bit.

I will write again soon - we have two officers wives coming in for tea in a minute and I have to change the infant's dress first - the wives are rather sappy so it won't be entertaining for us at all. By the way have you got the French Military Medal too - I saw it in the paper about a week ago - a Wesleyan "do" I think and somebody was making a speech and talking about those who had won distinction.

Do you think leave will be on soon - praps it won't be long before I see you.

Goodbye, my love, I have heaps more to say really but haven't any more time to-day.

Love from

Dora.

Bob to CMS; 8/10/16

Dear Cecil

Thanks very much for your letter, I got it last Monday. You must be getting it jolly hot. Your letter to Father and Mother arrived this morning.

I have passed fit for general service, at the City Hall, and I have had another Cadet Battalion paper filled in by another doctor. So all I have to do now is to get a copy of my birth certificate and give the lot to Colonel Easton.

There have been four more killed added to the school list. One of them E.W.England was only out three weeks. Another Crabtree, has been missing for some time but is now reported killed. I think they both came to the school after you left, but Helmsing and some of the other officers would know them well.

The bike is running very well at present. I took it down and decarbonised it during the week and it has made a lot of difference. Father has gone to Scotland, and will be back on Friday, when Mother is going to Colwyn Bay for the Penrhos prize-giving.

I have skilfully avoided nearly all homework this term so far and am going to see how long I can go on doing so. I have chucked Latin now and do Science instead, so the female no longer takes me, which is rather a good thing, as she was beginning to find out that I didn't strain myself at Latin, and she had started trying to be sarcastic, but it didn't work, as I got quite used to it last year.

Harold is fed up with Cobby as a form master, as he makes him work and shouts at him.

Your affec. brother

Bob.

WS to CMS; Oct. 9th. 1916.

My dear Cecil,

Your welcome letter arrived yesterday. You will be relieved to be out of danger for a time. I wish you could all have a good rest, you must need it but I suppose you will still have to stick at it for a time longer.

You will feel having to write to the widows of the men in your Company. Do they live in Hull? If so, perhaps I can call and visit them, if you will let me have their addresses. It is sad visiting, but the least one can do, and the widows will appreciate a visit from somebody interested. Oh, it is awful to think of the sadness brought into so many homes, through this awful war. I am devoutly thankful you are able to stand the nerve strain so well, and keep fit in health.

One seems to live in the spirit of prayer for loved ones on the battle field. Wonders can be wrought through prayer. Mr. Harvey gave a good sermon on prayer yesterday morning at Chapel.

Old Mr. Taylor always asks after you, also Mr. Scurr. It is a fortnight since Mr. and Mrs. Scurr heard from their son and they are anxious.

Broxham expects to be leaving England at the end of this week, probably for the Mediterranean.

Bob has been passed as fit for general service by three Military Doctors so he is rather bucked up. All being well, I hope to go to Colwyn Bay on Friday, for the distribution of prizes on Sat. If all goes well at home, I shall stay a week and perhaps a night or two at Manchester with Mr. and Mrs. Brealy on my way home. Auntie Florrie is coming to-morrow to look after things during my absence. Kitty was indoors all last week with a bronchial cold. She returned to school today. She and Ralph joined the Swedish drill class this afternoon, and enjoyed it.

Very much love from

Your affec. Mother

W. Slack.

Dora to CMS; Monday 9.10.'16.

My dear Cecil,

I'm feeling fearfully tired to-day - absolutely worn out from head to foot - the result of having these kiddies here I should think - they're awfully good on the whole - the baby is a positive gem and as babies go - is very little trouble. Stanley is getting to be rather a rip and wears one out with "Why" and "What for" from morning till night and he begins his "Why" etc at 6am. regularly! I don't envy nursemaids job at all but they will only be here till Thursday or Friday I expect - still it really is jolly rotten of me to grouse when Pater has had to go off - but I shouldn't mind if I didn't get so tired so easily which is rather a nuisance and I felt so much better just after I got back from Scarboro'. I went with Ma to see Dr. Baine about her - that day we went to Hull from Scarboro' and he said I was run down and had to drink 2 pints of milk a day which is simply appalling but I manage to gulp one pint which isn't so bad. I have lost half a stone since June so I expect that is why I have to drink so much.

Ma has gone to Hull for the day - she is ever so much better now so p'raps after all I might be able to get off nursing soon. I've made a beautiful chocolate cake for you to-day and I will send it off on Wednesday - it has risen like the Eiffel Tower in the middle of it.

I'm awfully glad Hilda has been made a prefect. I must say I felt rather important when I was first made one but it soon wore off, they pile plenty of duties on and a few extra privileges in proportion. Dishing out biscuits means being downstairs by 6.50 a.m. and giving three biscuits, and no more than three, to any girl who gets up early to study. Then we had to rake round the cloakrooms for things left about and make them pay fines for them - not to mention the good influence that we were supposed to create.

We were allowed out on Saturdays by ourselves which was really very nice and jolly - taking it all together we got a lot of enjoyment out of everything. I had a little study to myself the latter part of the time I was there and it was lovely. But really we didn't get half such a good time and amount of liberty as you Rydal people got. I remember seeing you in chapel once or twice but I never even dreamed things would turn out like this. Whatever was it that first made you love me at Rydal? I really hadn't thought seriously of Love until you told me in June and then I began to think. I do want you so badly this afternoon, my love.

We heard from Flossie this morning - she seems to be revelling in real, live hot baths. I think you know that when Flossie broke off her engagement, the Todd family were fearfully angry - naturally they would be, but Mrs. T. was rather too unpleasant about it. I know it was fixed up in the beginning very hurriedly and Flossie ought to have thought over it longer than she did but William was very keen on fixing it up then. By the Xmas after war began she thought she didn't know her own mind properly and only thought of William as a friend so they both decided it best to break it off. They still remained friendly and it was only about May that they fixed it up between themselves again but it isn't known in Hull I don't think anyway we are not saying anything about it outside the family. It is only a week ago about that Flossie went to see Mrs. Todd and made friends again and this is the first time she has been to stay with them but I think she is getting on alright. William is an awfully decent sort and I like him very much indeed - he seems simply devoted to Flossie - she's an awfully rummy girl you know, I expect you do, never bothers about anything - careless and untidy but always gets through with things somehow - someone always there to help her - so I expect she will always have William now to help her through with everything.

Goodbye, my love, I must go now the kids want stuffing with their teas, swish! Write to me often - I do like your long letters - do you like hearing from me more often - I won't if you get bored with my tush and nonsense.

Love for you

Dora.

CMS to WHS and WS; 10.10.16

My Dear Father and Mother,

We have had a nice restful time for the last week. We are living in tents and are having fairly decent weather.

Three more officers are coming to the company tonight, which will make seven in all - I was in Amiens last Saturday and had a most enjoyable day seeing civilization once more. I had my second HOT bath since leave in June! We spent a good deal of our time shopping and eating. Jolly good lunch and dinner, with real plates and glasses etc.

I remember you asking in one of your letters when I was sending on my "raid" clothes, for repair. I sent them in the big parcel of rubbish a month or two ago. The breeches had a yellow patch on the seat. They were beyond repair, so was the tunic. I intended sending another tunic for repairs, but have had it done here.

We are living along the edge of a beautiful wood. Tonight the full moon is out - it is glorious the way it is shining through the trees. We are right away from the battlefield, and only occasionally hear the rumble of the guns.

You appear to be having a very busy time at home with the Zeppelins. We hear rumours that Hamel, who was "drowned" some time ago, leads the raids.

I have run dry of news for the present, because we've just been training lately.

Love to all,

Your affec. son,

Cecil.

Dora to CMS; Thursday 12.10.'16.

My dear Cecil,

I was awfully disappointed not to get a letter from you this morning - not even a line - and it will be a week tomorrow since I have heard from you. The Bowmer family went off at 11 a.m. and it is blissful to be quiet once more altho' I do miss them. Mrs Bowmer came back from London late on Tuesday night after seeing Capt. B. off in the morning. The kids have really been very good on the whole but they do take up the whole of one's time and then when night came and they were in bed I felt I must hop off very early because they would wake me at dawn. They have gone down to Brighton to-day and will be living with her mother until she gets a flat there - she has stored her furniture in Newcastle until war is over. I shall miss the baby ever so much - he was such a lovely, chubby, cooey, good tempered little animal.

Flossie is staying at the Todd's until Monday next meanwhile trying to get a dairy job thro' the Labour Exchange in Hull but I don't think she will get anything decent through that - of course she might. On Tuesday Ma and I might be going to Hull till Friday to get some shopping done and get my green coat made. I am glad you like the material but you shouldn't say you haven't any idea about what you do like, and don't like about girls' clothes because you know when you like a thing and when you don't like a thing, don't you? So you see you must have opinions about it really - It doesn't follow because you are a man you know nothing about how people look and dress besides your own menfolk - I always know when I like a man's suit or tie or anything in their line.

I don't think I told you about the Filey cottage. I wrote to Mrs. Martin and her cottage turned out to be one of three on West Avenue just before you get to the golf links and right at the back of Filey. It is not really near the sea at all in that case, at least not as near as I should like it anyway - and the back faces seawards. I don't think it is what I want - I mean as regards situation 'cause there are respectable looking houses opposite I know and it would be far more conventional up there than on the beach and not so free and easy, bright and breezy. I am writing to-day to tell her it is not what I want exactly - do you think it is?

Swish, I AM sleepy this afternoon after these little brats have gone - bless 'em, but they are monkeys. Now write soon you naughty boy, tush and I'm sure I asked you a lot of questions in my letters from Scarbro' that you haven't answered.

Mother heard from Nellie (Quant) Hemmons the other day - John Hemmons has finished the O.T.C. and have 14 dys. holiday before his commission. Probably Harry Quant will be coming over here soon for a weekend. He's bought a new camera to keep in his pocket so that the authorities won't see it.

Are you still having a very rough time and do you manage to keep warm at nights now? Goodbye my love, I think about you so often, always every night when I go to bed - do you then?

Love from

Dodo.

Reggie Gaskell to Dora; 12 Oct 1916.

Dear Dora,

I hope you've nursed Mrs. Willatt back to convalescence. I've done a few sketches to pass the time away and as there are some rather sweet little things to sketch I'm rather sorry not to have more time for it. I humbly put before your super critical eye - an effort - and hope it may meet with your august Majesty's approval.

I take the exam on Tuesday and after that I've put down Catterick a spot in Yorkshire and near York, but whether I shall get there or not I cannot say. My brain expands visibly with all this knowledge of engines and if I buy a car I shall be a most particular person, ask all kinds of questions and then possibly buy a dud, through having TOO much knowledge on such matters.

We went riding on Sunday, and got some priceless sort of gee-gees, however they gave us exercise which was what we wanted.

I've played quite a lot of golf since I've been back, really I wanted tennis but don't seem to have got started.

We had a matinee on Saturday in which sundry individuals of the Flying Corps took part and really the thing went off quite well.

How's the dear Bertie getting on and if he's likely to go to France again, when. (From this phraseology you can tell I've been reading exam papers).

Is Fanny getting any "fatterer" (as the little boy said to the parson-golfer) after that worthy individual had said he was shorter than Mr. Smith.

Love to all and hope you're all awfully fit.

Yours very sincerely

Reg.

Dora to CMS; Sat. 14.10.'16.

My dear Cecil,

It was awfully kind of you to think of me when you had your day's holiday trip to Amiens - and to send me those two lovely bottles of scent. One of them came yesterday and the one you sent off came to-day - I'm sure they are both très, très bon, and the rose one that you sent is just like roses. I use ever such a wee bit of scent so you have given me enough for years. The inkpot hasn't arrived yet but it will take a few days longer coming by rail it will be lovely to write to you with - won't it? Thank you ever so much for everything, Cecil. I'm glad you had a good scrape and meal while you were there. Its one of the things we look forward to when we go away from this hutch to have a real hot bath with real hot water tap etc. Its awful messing about with this flat round bath.

You certainly did have one or two shots at writing your last letter are you having a rest now? I know P. Van Oppen by name but have never seen him. I believe Flossie has been introduced to him at a dance but I'm not at all sure. I'll ask her when she comes back on Monday. I wrote a long letter to Miss Hovey y'day for her birthday today how old I wonder? I always write to her for her birthday and for the Old Girls at Whitsuntide to say whether I can go or not, I had to tell her I couldn't get off nursing just yet for a few months as she had given me a reference so I expect it will all be recorded in next term's magazine she always puts in all the tosh she can scrape up about Old Girls and I don't feel particularly honoured when tosh about us gets in. "So-and-so is busy washing up in a hospital" "Somebody else taking a Sunday School Class once a week." and so on.

It does seem to be a holy peace without those kiddies - Stanley - the elder one - always had the face of an angel when he went to bed at nights but he began talking and playing at 6 a.m. and was like a slippery eel in the bath at nights!

Reggie sent me a little sketch he had been doing of a gateway in Oxford while he has been there - done in pencil and quite nice - architect's style. I'm enclosing the letter and you'll see how he's getting on - I must write and thank him but haven't time today as I have to get a Y.M.C.A. overall thing finished that I have to wear at the hut when I go and help. Have you answered all your letters yet on congrats. - because you mentioned once before that you hadn't, so I'm giving your memory a gentle jog about it - if you haven't you ought to do them at once but I expect you have by now - have you written to Betty S'butts?

Dorothy Crooks came across this noon and wanted me to go across there this afternoon but said she must come here as I had the Y.M.C.A. overall to finish and she has just turned up - rather a nuisance really - she never has anything to say or talk about so it gets awfully boring in the end.

I think Ma and I will be going to Hull on Tuesday for a day or two but haven't decided yet - shall get my green coat done when I go.

Bertie in Reg's letter is Alexander - he has got into the Fortress R.Es. now and is on the Humber Batteries somewhere - his heart isn't strong after the gassing - and he isn't a SCRAP keen on going back again so he is thankful to get to Home Defence - I wonder if you would be keen to go back if you came back again for a few months again. Sydney Carlin of our R.Es has got the M.C. as well as the D.C.M. - I think I told you he had had a leg amputated just below the knee - he is in London now and doing very well.

It seems longer than four months since I saw you really and sometimes it doesn't seem long ago - it hardly seems any time since you said three months - then other times it seems positive ages since I have seen you.

I must stop now and talk to dear Dorothy the nuisance - very naughty of me to say that -

Good-bye - and thanks ever so much.

Take care of yourself my love.

Love from

Dora.

CMS to Dora; 14.10.16.

My Dear Dora,

It's quite strenuous being a company commander - answering chits from the Orderly seems to be one's chief occupation. I have six officers now, which makes us one over establishment. Their names are Monge, Brown, Waite, Van Oppen, Speight and Evans. It's the same old company, "C". Norman Ingleby had it before he went to England with trench fever. We are having ripping weather for our rest. We live under canvas just on the edge of a wood - the moon is shining through the trees now.

I had a lovely gallop before breakfast a couple of mornings ago - I have a horse now you know - I'm an awfully rotten rider, but manage to stick on.

Having had no fighting for several days we had a water battle this evening. I received a direct hit on the back of the head with a full bucket; dirty water too.

No I haven't got any French Medals - the bloke in the paper doesn't know what he's talking about. We have two more M.C.s in the battalion, another D.C.M. and two Military Medals - won in the recent fighting.

I'm going to carry on this letter in the morning. There is an objectionable person making a lot of noise in our mess tent, and I can't collect my thoughts properly. Tomorrow will be an easy day - only a short church parade in the morning, and a "battle" in the evening.

15.10.16

Horribly cold this morning, especially the morning bucket.

16.10.16

I was called off for some trivial job after I started my writing yesterday and had to mess about up to 1.30, when we moved off for the "battle", and did not get back 'till 10.30 p.m.

It's this evening now but I'm going to stay up till I finish this letter even if I stay up till breakfast time. I'm feeling rather cosy just at present. Bertha is burning merrily doing her best to get a brick red hot, and thereby heat the tent, for it's freezing outside. Sorry the Kids you're looking after are such a bother. I used to get awfully fed with my younger brothers and sisters when they were that age. I didn't look after them though - I wasn't old enough - but I used to smack their heads, especially Bob's, and then get dry bread for tea.

Talking about Penrhos and Hilda, and seeing me in Chapel in the old Colwyn Bay days, you ask what first made me love you. The answer is "Nothing in particular". I just did, and always will. I like to think sometimes you know that most of us have had a previous existence. I imagine that you and I were Egyptians and were man and wife then and loved each other. I seem to have known you before, and we've just met again and found it out.

I'm awfully sorry you haven't been up to the mark and have to have a milk diet. I hope it isn't worry. I'm awfully sorry I've been so long in sending this letter but it really is very difficult to get time to sit down and write a coherent letter, and I do like writing to you because I feel I'm talking with you.

This writing is pretty rotten, because I'm sitting on my bed and have no table and only one candle.

I'm going to start another letter tomorrow, with any luck, so goodbye for tonight.

Yours with love,

Cecil.

CMS to Dora; 17.10.16.

My Dear Dodo,

Your letter of the 12th. came in a few hours ago. You will be glad of a rest now the Bowmer kids have gone. I thought Flossie was getting a job on some country parson's place. Didn't it come off ? I note the strafe about the not having an opinion on girls' dress. I didn't quite mean that when I wrote; what I meant was that I didn't know whether the material and colour in question was suitable for what it was going to be made into. Of course I know whether I like a coat or dress or not when it's on, but to give an opinion beforehand would be guess work on my part. Anyhow I'm frightfully sorry I didn't put it that way before. Am I forgiven? I'm sorry about the Filey cottage. No it's not the right kind. What you want is a place where you can have a glorified picnic, isn't it and don't have to bother about other people?

It's raining fast and it's very cold, but we're very happy, because we're not in the trenches.

I'm afraid our turn will be coming again though soon. I understand "John Bull" says there is a treat in store for the 50th. Division. But the same paper has already told too many lies for it's information to buck us up much.

The only way to get a soft job out here is to be a washout at one's own proper job. Our Division is too good to get a nice cushy job. We know it's a good Division because of the congratulations from various sources.

There's a frightful row going on in the tent - six people are discussing the food question and what is the best way to disguise ration meat. It's made me feel quite hungry. My little mincing machine comes in very handy. Fortunately we are all very fond of rissoles. There's a treat for us for tomorrow's breakfast - mushrooms.

As they have been picked by some of the men and have not been examined by us it's quite likely we shall be in Blighty on sick leave in a few weeks time. (Dinner time)

(After Dinner) No, there's no leave for us at present, but there are rumours.

I'm glad you think about me at night when you're in bed. I always, or nearly always, to be absolutely true, think of you as I go to sleep. I try to imagine that we're talking to each other by telepathy. I used to before I told you I loved you. I try to dream of you, and often do, but one doesn't always remember dreams, so I don't know whether I'm always successful. Of course I'm thinking of you at other times, especially nice times, but at night when one is in bed with nothing to do but lie and ponder, its very nice. I seem to feel as though I'm talking to you now, and you're listening. Are you? It's just after 9.30pm. Wednesday. I'm going to get undressed and to bed now, to think of you my love, I shall be able to gaze into the brazier which we have in the tent. It's rather nice lying in bed looking into a glowing fire, isn't it?

Well, goodbye for a few minutes, my darling.

Yours with love

Cecil.

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