Cecil Slack's letters: Volume 17

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.

Dora to CMS; Saturday 31.12.'16. 2.45 pm.

My Love,

I have arrived - I must say I wondered what in the world I was coming to and felt in rather a funk about it all - because I had never been on my own before - I have always had some one to take me, meet me or do something silly with me. I managed to drag myself across London and arrived here 3.30 y'day - there was not a conveyance or anyone to meet me so dragged my way up here - the place is the Town Hall really (about 10 yds. from The Abbey) but the Red Cross V.A.D. took it over at the beginning of the war and have 50 beds in the big hall. I went in the wards last night for a little and then rose at 6.15 am. to-day! In the ward at 7 am. had breakfast (have to have a meal in a little room off the ward) and have been working hard till 2 pm. - just written to the parents and now I am writing to my love - then Hartley, another nurse who came y'day and who is sleeping in my room - and I are going for a walk - Have to be in the ward at 4 pm. again for tea and will be working until 9 pm. and then will be in bed jolly well and rise again at 6.15am. and so on - so now you know what I am doing don't you.

I didn't think the hours would be quite so long but I am sure I shall get along very well but at first it is rather awful. Meeting fresh people - not knowing a soul - fresh methods and not knowing where to find things - it makes one feel rather a fool at first but in a few days I shall get on better.

They have been AWFULLY kind to me and put a fire in our room last night and gave us a spirit kettle to make Oxo when we like. They are awfully nice people working in the hospital too and that makes a huge difference - all except the Quartermaster and she is rather a middle-aged fusspot and called me for goodness knows what but the nurses say I mustn't take any notice of her as she pokes her nose into everything.

The hospital is run by people who live in their homes just like the Naval at Hull but the nurses had been wanting a holiday - one is off with jaundice - one with scarlet fever - another one has brothers with mumps - so they had asked V.A.D. H.Qs. for four nurses for a time to help them thro' - and that's why I am here. Hartley came last night from Preston Lanes and is a very nice girl - seems to be anyway - and that is one good blessing as she sleeps in my room.

I think I might get a letter forwarded on to me from you to-morrow - I left on Sat. by the 7.30 before the post came - and I am simply longing for a letter from you - one wants letters more than ever away from home. I had my photograph taken in Sheff. on Thurs. - hope I shan't be so sappy this time. I am sure it will do me good to be on my own for a bit - I felt I was turning into a fearfully mawdling creature at Heath Cottage. I think it must be 10 o'clock when I think of you each night - or even 9.45 sometimes because I shall have to go to bed v. early as I have to rise at 6.15 and work so hard I need so much sleep don't I so do you mind thinking of me then my love - I mean specially - is your watch going well. I am not allowed to wear my ring or watch bracelet ever in the ward AT ALL - so the Tommies and nurses will miss a lot won't they! I wear it when I go out and as soon as I get into my room at night and keep it on when I sleep - I love to feel it first thing when I wake and as I go to sleep.

Hartley is waiting to go out a walk - must get out as it is 3 pm. now and we have to be in the ward by 4 pm. so we haven't much time out of doors. DO please write as often as you can to me - I know and see now why you like me to write to you a lot my darling. I have happy memories of that week - and it is lovely thinking about it all and the beautiful evenings.

Good-bye my love,

Your own love

Dodo.

Rev. George Brown to WHS; December 27, 1916.

Methodist Church of Australia, Kinawanua, Gordon, N.S.W.

My dear Will,

Yours of Oct 23rd came duly to hand and we were all very glad to hear from you. We are too grateful for words to express to dear Winnie and yourself for your kindness to dear Leslie (Dinning). Of course it was just what we would expect from you both but none the less do we appreciate your great goodness. The last news we had was "condition satisfactory" or something to that effect. We feel now that no news is good news but we are still very anxious.

I was much pleased with Cecil's account and I wrote a few words of introduction and sent it to the Herald and to the Methodist. I did not mention the name but the Herald rang up and asked for it and I saw no reason to withold it.

There is a lot of uncertainty just now about overseas mails as the Censor has forbidden all publication of the date of sailing of overseas vessels. I fancy they have heard of a German raider which is said to have escaped and they are afraid that she may visit Australia or be on the look out for Australian ships. In my opinion it would be a good thing if some ship were to pitch a few shells into Sydney. It would be a good lesson to a lot of those shirkers - Australia is the most rotten country I know. We shall have some great changes soon. Hughes (the Premier) as you know has only 13 followers in the House of Representatives. Cook and the Liberals keep him in power. I expect he will form a National Party and go to the Country on that line. The I.W.W. lot are as bad as they can be and the P.L.L. are gone mad and are expelling all the best men of their party. Anyone who votes Yes has to go and all who favour vigorous recruiting are marked men. Do you wonder that I call the country rotten.

Love to dear Winnie and all of you. What a change from the Xmas we spent with you three years ago. In haste

Your affectionate Uncle

George Brown.

Cutting enclosed, probably from Sydney Herald:
COOL AND COURAGEOUS SPIRIT OF OUR SOLDIERS.

A young officer, who has been actively engaged at the front from the early months of the war, in a letter to his father, Mr. W.H. Slack, in England, written in October last, gives a graphic account of an incident which is not only interesting as a snapshot of one of the scenes which are witnessed on the battlefields of Europe, but is also a proof that the old spirit of devotion to duty, contempt of danger, and dogged courage, which won for the Empire so many victories in the past years, is still manifest by the Home and overseas men who to-day are fighting for the Motherland and for the freedom of the world on the battlefields of Europe and elsewhere.

The officer writes:- "A few days ago I saw something which I shall not forget - it was so 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 battlefield. 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 Bosches 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 is only what any division would do, and has done; but it was a glorious sight."

C.H.Gore (Headmaster of Hymers School) to WHS; Jan. 1. 1917.

Dear Mr. Slack,

I am sorry to lose your son, (Bob) but I think your plan for him is the best under present circumstances - The war has of course, made the close of his school life rather a vague and uncertain affair but I hope when better days come he will be able to take up his work again and I feel sure he will do well. I have no doubt I shall see him some day soon at the school when he has spare time to pay us a visit. Cecil's letters are among the most vivid things I have ever read - The conditions he describes are frightful beyond words and how the men can "stick it out" one can scarcely imagine - How we all hope and pray this new Year may see the end of it!

Thank you for the Magazine - the case of young Robinson is particularly sad - I saw a good deal of him and his friend C.E. Hurst (since killed) just before they went out to France.

With my good wishes to you and Mrs. Slack for the New Year

Believe me

Yrs sincerely

C.H.Gore.

MJW (Dora's Mother) to CMS; Jan 2nd. 1916 (mistake for 1917)

Cecil,

Dora was so sorry these cakes were not quite ready for sending before she went to Waltham Abbey -

I heard from her this a.m. and she seems to like her work, but I DO miss her - Flossie is busy getting ready for going to a school for motoring in London next week.

We spent a most enjoyable time at Dr. Slack's last week it was so nice getting away from this place - I am hoping they will be able to come here soon.

We were quite gay on New Year's Eve. We were invited out to dinner at the camp. We all enjoyed it although the going through the mud was dreadful and we had to wear top boots.

I hope you are keeping well - we have all developed colds.

I saw Bertie Alexander at Reggie's funeral, he was asking about you. and is wanting to be transferred to Silkstone again -

With all good wishes for the New Year and the best of LUCK

Yours affectionately

Mary J. Willatt

Your Mother and I had lunch together in Hull, I had not time to go down to your home. I think we both enjoyed our talk. I don't think our camp M.O. is as nice as yours.

Flossie to CMS (sent with MJW's letter)

Dear Cecil,

I hope you'll like Dora's old cakes! It was quite a rush getting her off to Waltham Abbey and I very kindly ironed her aprons and things for her, while she went to Sheffield with Mother to buy a few things she wanted. I'm going to London next week sometime to go in for a motor driving course, so D. and I may meet, she's not a bad old sort really, but a little of her goes a long way with me, I believe the feeling is quite mutual!

With love and every good wish for 1917. Your devoted sister,

Florence. (Best wishes to the MO)

Dora to CMS; Wednesday 3.1.'17.

My darling Cecil,

Joy!!! I got a letter from you this mg. at last - the first I have had since the Le Havre one - and it was written on the 21st. and in it you said you had written on the day before too so I hope that letter will come along too.

I am getting into the work more now - and finding the places for all the things - I felt an awfully foolish kid at first not knowing where things were kept and then they have three shifts a day for the nurses - 7.30 to 2pm. 2pm. to 5 - and 5 to 9pm. (we are off during the middle shift now every day) but two different lots of nurses a day rather bewildered me. The nurses aren't particular about cleanliness and tidiness so Hartley (she is the other V.A.D. who sleeps in my room and is AWFULLY nice and a good sort) and I are working harder this week to bring the ward up to a better pitch. Y'day we both felt quite done as we had to stay on an extra hour in the afternoon because of the Dr. - making 12 1/2 hrs. - swish I was done when I rolled into bed last night - however I shall get used to it in about a week - its my feet that feel so done.

I am writing this in the train going to Enfield - hence the straggly writing. We rushed off at 2pm. and had to walk a mile to the train and it is now 3 pm. and we are nearly at Enfield. They say it is rather nice there - why we are going is that Hartley has contracted five blisters on her feet in four days so she is going to get a new pair of shoes! The majority of the nurses and helpers are a bit mincing and fussy in their ways we have found out but there are one or two who are very nice indeed. Several of them have a FEARFULLY cockney accent and I am developing one at a breakneck speed. Shall be quite an " 'arriette on 'ampstead 'eath" next time you see me, old chap! We have half a day a week off and a day a month so if you got your decoration leave to London I would beg a day off and also have the following month's day off too so it would be glorious wouldn't it ?!! Hartley and I are going to London for our half day this week - shall leave here 1.30 we think (it is only half an hour to town) and there is a train getting in here at 8 pm. again so we should just manage it nicely. I don't know whether we shall be wanted here more than a month or not yet - will write more next time my love, but we have such a very little time off - always roll into bed at nights and there is no time for writing letters in the ward on duty.

I do hope your dinner was a success - tell me the names of all who were there and all about it - it was lovely to get a letter from you this mg.

Goodbye my love,

Yours, with love,

Dora. (I mean my ending up like yours)

CMS to Dora; 3.1.17.

My Darling Dora,

I am writing this in bed, with Bertha burning merrily on the floor by my side. The asbestos idea works splendidly. I live in a tent with a fellow called Green, of our battalion. He is going on a course soon, and is just passing the time here.

There are about a dozen fellows in the mess, but as they are mainly D.L.I. it is not up to much.

Owing to our being detached from our battalions there has been a delay in our post, with the result that I have not had a letter from anyone since last Friday, when I got one of yours.

4/1/17.

I had to stop writing last night because I couldn't do it properly lying down. There is nothing doing this morning as it is raining hard, so I am going to have a spring cleaning. My dressing table needs tidying up for one thing, also my wardrobe. I've got quite a nice dressing table: it's made out of a biscuit box, and is covered with some stuff with a pattern on it. I have an idea that one calls it "chiffon", but I'm not quit sure. Then there is a bookcase, also made from a ration box, so you see I'm really very comfortable for a poor infantryman.

Now and again I think of the poor fellows up in the line, and shudder. I shall do my utmost to keep this job for as long as it lasts, both for the sake of those at home in Blighty, and my own.

This morning I have asked Bertha to cook me some bacon which Mother sent out to me in a tin. She responded nobly to the call, and Green and I had quite a nice little mid-morning lunch of biscuits and bacon and chocolate.

It's this evening now - I have been writing this letter in spasms - It's simply glorious outside and it makes me feel awfully poetic. It's beginning to freeze, and the moon is out, and with the beautiful woods that are about here, it makes a simply ripping picture.

Just as it was getting dusk today I was walking through the village just as the lights began to come in the windows. It made me think of the little home we shall have together one day. I did wish you were walking with me then.

Have you read "The Valley of the Moon" by Jack London, yet. It's rather a pretty tale, and I think you'd enjoy it, I did. I liked the "Rose Garden Husband".

The post hasn't come yet, I was hoping it would before I posted this, but I'm afraid there's nothing doing. Everyone is the same, and we are feeling VERY fed up with our Brigade, who promised to forward all letters and parcels, but don't seem to have bothered one little bit about it.

The pillow you sent me is very comfortable. I use it every night.

Yours with love,

Cecil.

WHS to CMS; 3.1.1917.

My dear Cecil,

Your letter recd. this morning intimates that you have become Adjutant - It is rather bad luck having to forfeit a portion of your pay, which I suppose will not be compensated fully for by "adjutant's" allowances.

I rather gathered when you were in Hull that in the event of taking the Office you would retain rank as acting Captain owing to the new regulations.

Some fellows meet with bad luck, as you will gather from the enclosed portion of a letter from Mr. Breaby re Roy -

I enclose a part also of a letter from Rev. Joseph Robinson which may be of interest.

Two of our staff are now at Withernsea, having been apptd. 2nd. Lieuts - vz Stables and Morton.

Bob is keen on joining the R.F.C. - I told him that if Dr. Davy reports his "heart" was sound I should not raise any objections. The Doctor has told him that he may pass if he applies, but that at the same time he has let me know that the heart is not quit "regular" - There is nothing seriously wrong, but I question if he will pass all the tests which are said to be very exacting -

Mr. Taylor is seriously ill and in a very weak condition. Two specialists have seen him, one of whom reports there is a "Kink" in the bowels - Morphia has to be injected frequently, and as he can now only be fed by the rectum you will gather that the family are very anxious about him -

Mr. Harry leaves on the 15th. inst. for France as an Army Chaplain and is looking forward to the work - He has for a long time felt that he ought to be doing "something" - He has the qualities which should make him an excellent PadrJ -

I am forwarding you a copy of the last "Rydalian" which will remind you of old boys -

Bob's "Kit" turned up the day before he left for Hornsea, and as there was nothing missing he may consider himself lucky -

A "Tonk" is coming to Hull on Monday to collect a "million" or two - It will be quite an event for the local folk -

With love from all

Your affec. Father

W.H.Slack.

ENCLOSURES.

Card, Much sympathy for Lieut W.R. and yet congratulations on his preservation, and good wishes for his recovery. Have been pleased to hear from time to time of the brave achievements of Capt. C.M.Slack, M.C. May both be spared to render useful service. My son hopes to meet the Capt. shortly at the Front.

Very kind regards to the honoured Parents,

Jos Robinson.

20th. December.

E.R. Robinson appointed Senior Chaplain to the Non Church of England of the 14th Division and is stationed at Head Quarters of the Division and is billeted with the Church of England Senior Chaplain with the rank of Major. He has had some narrow escapes. On one occasion he was helping at an advanced dressing station when a machine gun was turned upon them and he and the doctor sought shelter in a crater when a shell burst just outside and sent in the sides and they were covered over by the debris. One of his Wesleyan Colleagues was killed a few weeks before and another Wesleyan Chaplain is in Wandsworth Hospital with a shrapnel wound in his head. I saw him about a week ago and found him recovering splendidly. George heard that Cecil's Division was likely to join his and they may have done so by this time. George has to superintend all Non C of E Chaplains, including Roman Catholics. I am much gratified by your kind reference to my son. Again thanking you for your most acceptable gift and with hearty reciprocation of New Year's Wishes,

I am,

Yours most truly,

MJW to Dora; Thursday morning - 9.30 (estimated 4.1.1917.)

My dear Dora,

There is nothing from you again this morning - I hope you are alright - Am sending the dress and do let me have a line every other day. I hope you had good news from Cecil - and that the dressing gown came alright; had not heard anything about the pyjamas from J.V. -

Capt. and Mrs. Walley came to tea last aft. and went about 7.30. He is very nice and only 24 quite interesting to talk to - and well informed - she is a bit better for knowing, but not up to his standard - Then Mr. and Mrs. Marsland came in, she brought her knitting and Mr. M. brought a nice box of cigars - and she thanked me for looking after Dorothy on Sunday night -

Flossie not up again yet and there will be a fearful rush when she wants to go to London. The weather is brighter this am. Your Father is not going to Board Meeting - has to see Col. Bingham at Sheffield - on duty 3 pm. with Major Dodds - William may come for week end.

DO WRITE.

CMS to WHS and WS; 4.1.17.

My Dear Father and Mother,

I have settled down comfortably in a tent, with a rabbit wire bed, and boxes for tables and chairs. I have about 200 men to train. The job is a good one, and I hope the Colonel doesn't want me up in the line too badly.

There are about twenty officers here, but that number will soon dwindle to about a dozen. The mess is not too cheerful, chiefly because it is composed largely of D.L.I. but it's a good deal better than a cold wet trench. It may pick up in time.

One unfortunate thing about being here is the postal disarrangement. Our letters go up to the battalion and take a long time to come for us, with the result that noone has had a letter since we came here.

Please thank Mr. Rea for his congratulations. Dora says the news seems to have gone round pretty quickly.

Re the appointment of H.C.Jackson and N.W.Ingleby as acting captains the colonel tells I was gazetted an acting captain some time ago in Army Orders, but nobody seemed to know about it. I am entitled to nearly 3 months captain's pay. I am not putting my third pip up until I get definite orders to do so. There is a lot of red tape about these things and I don't think anyone knows what I really am.

It is quite likely I shall come across Mervyn. I shall be on the look out for his battalion.

I am glad you like the photographs. I hope Dora's come out as well

Love to all,

Your affec. son,

Cecil.

Dora to CMS; Saturday 4.30 pm. 6.1.'17.

My love,

I have only time to scratch a little note to you as the Q.M, has just been in our room and stayed gassing for ages and time has gone now - have to get some tea and be in the ward at 5 pm. Haven't heard again from you yet - do write as often as you can won't you?

I have never received the letter you wrote the day before the last one (21st Dec). I am getting into the work better now and not so tired - excuse scribble my hands are frightfully cold. I will write to you to-morrow - a nice letter if I can -

Goodbye, my dearest one, take care of yourself,

Your Dora.

CMS to Dora; 7.1.17.

My Darling,

Your two letters of the 28th. and the one written on the 31st. Dec. arrived yesterday, together with several other letters, so you see I've been feeling a bit lonely too. I am horribly fed up about your not having had a letter from me for over a week since you got the one from Le Havre. That was written on the Monday and I posted another the following Wednesday when I got back to the battalion, and either two or three, more the same week. I suppose it has been the Christmas rush, but it's very annoying. I expect you've got them by now though.

I note your Mother says you won't be getting married for years yet, but I most certainly agree with you that one of the joys of married life is to enjoy it together, young. I don't think it will take very long for me to settle at work when I begin again after the war, and what is to stop us getting married then I don't know. We had a wonderful week together, a week I shall never forget, and as you say, when we are married we shall have a wonderful week all the time.

I am glad you saw my uncle and aunt. My aunt is rather a quiet little lady, but I rather like her.

Yes, Dodo, we shall be lovers all our lives. I simply can't bear to think of us as a stodgy old couple. I'm quite sure we won't be.

You have gone to the Hospital in rather a rush in the end. I'm sorry the hours are so long. I think they're much too long, but I think in spite of that the work will help you to pass the time till we see each other again. I'm awfully glad you've got amongst nice people. I'm sorry you can't wear the ring always. Yes, the watch is going splendidly; I've had to put it back 6 minutes but I always remember.

It's to be 9.45 each evening then, right oh, it's quite all right for me. To make quite sure shall we say from 9.20 to 10.0. or any other time you like. It's just after 10.0 pm. now and I've been thinking of you of course all the time I've been writing. Perhaps you've gone to sleep by now, and have been dreaming of me. I always go to sleep thinking of you, but can't remember any dream next morning.

I hope the photograph comes out all right. I am eagerly waiting. The ones Bob took are no good so he says. He either gave too much or too little exposure, or did something silly. He started work on munitions on January 1st., and starts work at 6.0 am. and knocks off at 5.30 pm.

I have had letters of congratulation from Arnold Cleminson, and Mrs. Cousins, Reckitts Liverpool representative. He's an awfully nice chap. Do you know him?

Today I have had a game of football. It was rather cold, but I had a nice hot bath with a sponge and a bucket afterwards. I'm turning in now, so goodnight my sweetheart.

Yours with love,

Cecil.

Dora to CMS; Sunday 4 pm. 7.1.'17.

My love,

I have had two letters from you to-day! It is heavenly really - they came at 8 am. but I never had time to read them till eleven and I was simply aching to - one was written on Boxing Day and the other on the 28th. - I do wonder where the letter written on the 20th. has hopped to. I'm glad you've had a nice Christmas and the concert and dinner and everything else was a success. Your photographs haven't come yet and the proofs of mine haven't come either - am expecting them any day - but I think it will be the end of the month before you get them.

I have been here a week now - it really seems ages ago since I came but I expect the time will fly now. I don't think after all we will change the time when we think of each other specially every night - as I don't get into bed much before 10.30 now - I don't require quite so much sleep as I did when I first came. I think it is really for our good to go through what we are - and if we were together I know we shouldn't be able to do it in quite the same way - so we shall be all the more fit in every way when we start life together. I am awfully glad you have got a musketry job, do try and stick to it or anything else, more than go into the line again.

I don't want you to get wounded either - not when I see what some of these men are going through - It is quite bad enough to see these men suffer and it would be far, far worse if I knew you were suffering too. I'm sorry if I am a wee bit doleful but we have rather a bad patient in the ward at present. DO try and stick to a safe job. It is 4.40 now and we have to have tea and be in the ward at 5 pm. - we have only been out for about half an hour to-day - we came in and lit our fire it is so cold - Hartley has been asleep and I had begun this letter and then looked into the fire a long time in between writing this to you on my knee. I was thinking of you and how we looked into the fire together at Heath Cottage.

Goodbye my love,

Yours with love

Dodo.

MJW to Dora; Saturday 5.30 pm. (estimated 6.1.'17.)

My dear Dora,

We were pleased to get your nice long letter and do write to me when you can but not to sit up all night, it would be a nice change going to Enfield - I don't know whether Selfridges would be the best place for pyjamas, did you receive what I sent. I don't think they were half bad - when washed. I do think you ought to have a bath, but you can wash down in a hand bowl quite well if nothing better. You have got some OLD frumps of nurses - and the "pills"; arn't there any nice nurses who will ask you to their houses for tea for a change for you?

The photographs came this morning I have written on what I think about them. Flossie does not think they are very special she says - After all I should really like you to have some done at Turner's when we go into Hull again and just have 1/2 doz of each of the two best of these, but say what you think yourself. Cecil's have not yet arrived - yesterday I posted 2 letters from him and one today. I always get them off before 10 am. let me know how he is getting on. He would enjoy giving the dinner - I would have liked to be wafted over and look at them all.

I hope the dress fits, the buttons may be a nuisance taking off and putting on but she only charged 4/6 altogether; hope you received the other safely, I wont pay for them till I know it fits, dont keep it if it doesn't and dont you alter it. You have not time for sewing; it will take you all your time to keep yourself clean. Write letters and go out.

Flossie had a nice long letter from Mrs. Varley this morning saying there is room for her there - where she is staying so I think she is going on Wednesday - so you will soon be near each other - will write on Monday and let you know for certain, she is very jealous about my doing things for you and says I am not helping her a bit, but I have done up her evening dress piped it all round the bottom, taken off the fur and it was sewn on so fast, and done it up generally and now I am doing her fur coat - making it shorter and making arm holes wider - you might send me some letters to read - and I can burn them - I am going to ask the Slacks for next Wednesday - The Aldridges came for high tea yesterday and brought his sister. She has not much about her - just sits and goes all round the table like Aldridge - only Aldridge was very funny last night. Your Father went to Barnsley to a camp dinner - Aldridge does not care about going and said he did not care to take his wife to the dinner on Sunday night - he did not think the officers were quite nice enough for her to meet - they are very close about whom they know -

There was a fancy dress ball at Silkstone School room last night - for the Village folk. Cephas came and asked us to go about 9 O/C , the Aldridges went early, Mrs. A was going by 7.30 train to Cave to take his sister back. They were really very good. Mr. and Mrs. Marsland looked in and Dorothy - Cephas wanted Flossie to dance but she would not rise to the occasion, was tired as usual, no sport; did I tell you I had decided not to have Frank and Queenie - after their house I think the sanitation and everything must be horrid and I am not at all well yet. This week end I did not feel equal to going to Barnsley for shopping for them. Your Father has got a bit of Bronchitis like I had, but is getting rid of his cold slowly.

Flossie has walked to Barnsley to meet William and he has come on his side car. I do think it is silly this weather - they have gone to look at the table etc.. I seem to have been very busy since you went and I have heaps of mending to do from the wash which was a huge one. Shall not let it go so long again.

If there is anything you are wanting let me know. I am glad you are learning new ways etc. and doing massage. I am glad you are not scrubbing and doing taps. I don't think we shall have any more of Cecil's letters here - because he will be getting yours - Did I tell you I sent Choc. cake off Monday they were very nice. I put a letter in and so did Flossie and a message for the M.O..

The roads here are all mud - have not been a walk since you went - only necessary errands. Flossie is sewing hard when she gets up. Made a nice pair of knickers yesterday - she is paying 35/- for her board (in London) and will be with Mrs. Varley not out of the way for London.

Have you worn your velvet yet. I don't think it will be any use asking Mr. Quant now that you are both away do you? Have not time to say more.

Much love, Mother

do write.

Dora to CMS; Tuesday 9.1.'17.

My darling,

I got another letter from you yesterday and you said you had just started work with the new musketry school - I hope you are getting on alright with it and haven't heard anything of being sent back to the line. Have you another officer under you or are there any more officers working where you are?

I am writing this in the train - hence the wobbliness - it is our half-day and Hartley and I have caught the 1.17 train to London - it is gorgeous having half a day off from work - never wanted half a day off so much before. We are coming back by a 6 pm. train we think and then will light a fire in our bedrooms - get our stiff collars, cuffs and aprons and caps off and sit in the firelight and talk or write letters or something and then roll into bed - that's what we do every night after 9 pm. when we come off duty. Do you know the last two nights I haven't been able to wear my dear little ring - I can get it on at night quite easily - just as I generally do but my hands get so swollen by the morning - the other day I thought I should never get it off when I got up. Its with the hardwork and putting one's hands in and out of strong lotions and water and not being able to dry them - I don't want to have it made bigger because it is alright in the daytime (I've got it on now) but my hands must swell in the night or something silly - I can't bear not wearing it - I love to wake up and feel the two little stones and think who gave it to me.

Hartley is engaged - at least privately to an Australian and says she is going to Melbourne after the war - with him - but the parents and relations are against it at present so nothing can be done - she feels awfully down about it sometimes that's why I think we have been so awfully lucky.

I am finishing this letter in Harrods writing room - we have had tea here and it is about 5.20 and we are going back by the 6 pm. - we really feel as if we want to get a little extra sleep to-night and roll into bed early - we haven't been getting into bed until about 11.30 lately - just sat over the fire and I have got rather worn out with it - getting up at 6.30.

There is a rumour that we may go on night duty from the end of this week - 9 pm to 8 am. are the hours - think I shall like it again - I have only done a week of it in the Naval Hospital - however nothing is settled yet.

We must go now to get to Liverpool St. Station - we can get a tube from here.

I do think of you so much my love, but I am much happier when I know you are safe - it does make such a difference.

Goodbye and cheerioh - Hartley and I are very chirpy.

Yours with love

Dora.

CMS to Bob; 10.1.17.

Dear Bob,

I'm sorry the photos haven't come out, because I'm sure I looked charming, outlined against the gaps in the wire netting of that thing the roses climb on.

I suppose you're a frightful nut now that you are earning a bit of money, and are allowed to walk about in the streets by yourself.

Harold must be frightfully awed. Do you take your meals in one of those square tin things like money boxes, and do you carry cold tea in a tin bottle, and do you wear a dirty scarf round your neck, and a bird-nester two sizes too large?

We are rather badly off for letters and parcels here as everything goes up the line first and if the battalion is particularly busy our post has to wait.

But I'd sooner be here and wait, than there. There is a frightful noise going on "there" whilst I write. It has been one continual rumble for the last 48 hours.

It is very amusing to read some of the letters the men here write. They think they are wonderful bugs because they have heard the big guns roar, and have seen several aeroplanes in the air together.

I felt very sorry for some of them a few days ago when I had to send a certain number up the line. Poor devils, they had not the slightest idea what they were going to. I felt a frightful louse staying behind in comfort and security.

You will probably know that C.M.S.Carr is amongst the New Years D.C.Ms. Our Regimental Sergeant Major has been awarded the Military Cross, and the Transport Officer has been mentioned in dispatches. They all deserve what they have got, but it is very sickening to see certain other names in the same lists.

Have you seen this month's Strand Magazine? There is an account of the second battle of Ypres. The 4th. East Yorks are mentioned.

Your affec. brother,

Cecil.

MJW to Dora; Wednesday morn 9 am.

My dear Dora,

We only got your letter yesterday tuesday morning. I was pleased to hear you liked everything so well. The pencil was rather indistinct, write in ink if you have time, I am glad you like your room companion but I an sorry you have not a room to yourself, it is nice to be alone sometimes. But don't forget and do as we arranged and lock your things up. It is better in the end I think the hours are long but you must get out, and don't write long letters to people just short notes - I hope you got the night things safely they looked nice washed - let me hear from you often. I miss you very much, but it is nice for you meeting fresh people. I wonder if you are glad you have taken your "mufti". I feel better today - thought I was going in for a bad time Monday. Yesterday I was tidying up all the time - and putting my room right - the first time before Christmas.

Flossie is not up yet. She says she is going next Wednesday, William may come for week end she says - I sent the cakes off last night they were quite set. and nice and they charged me 1/4. I am sure they put it on - The girl from Manchester Flossie wrote to can't come; her Mother says it is too far. So I have written to the old Meg. I don't think I shall bother with Frank and Queenie yet. I am really nervous about them, they have such good cooking and if you arn't here it will be hard work and I was afraid of having anything arranged for this week end. Mr. and Mrs. Tully are coming in to tea today. Nobody has been in since you went. Only the Halls Sunday - and only letters I am sending -

May is doing better, she got the oven very hot this morning but it is too late now. The weather here is wretched so wet and dirty it is not really fit to ask anybody - The letters you write, I don't think I shall get until 2 days after, no photographs arrived and post not in before 8.45 - I feel glad you like the food -

Much love, Mother -

Write often. have written for flash light.

I do wish Flossie would get up - such a lot waiting for her to do - lamp and ironing -

I am really fed up with this place - Monday was the limit.

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