Cecil Slack's letters: Volume 2

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 Father (W.H.S.); 17.4.15

My Dear Father,

I am writing this at 12.30am, Saturday. I have been working hard all day and am feeling quite tired. I shall turn out the guard in a few minutes and then go to sleep in my clothes on the floor. Our train goes at 8.30am and takes us, I think, to Folkestone. I expect we shall cross over on Saturday night. My address will be:

We are not allowed to say whereabouts we are.

Love to you all,

Your affec. son,

Cecil.

From CMS; 18.4.15

I am quite well. Letter follows at first opportunity.

Cecil M. Slack.

CMS to WHS; 27.4.15.

My Dear Father,

You will probably receive my last letter, addressed to Mother, about the same time as this.

I wrote it several days ago but was unable to post it, it has, together with some letters of men in my platoon, been under fire in a big battle, reposing safely in my haversack.

Last Thursday night about 11.30 we were aroused from our slumbers, and had to turn out, immediately, to the battalion alarm post. We spent the rest of the night trying to sleep in the cold. About 11.30 on Friday morning the battalion boarded motor buses, and arrived at about 2.0pm. We then had a short march to some huts. In the small hours of Saturday morning we were aroused from a most uncomfortable sleep in the draughts, and ordered to go out to the trenches. We got to the banks of a canal as dawn was breaking. About 6.0am they started shelling us, together with a number of French who had come up. At 9.00 am we moved off a mile or two, under shell fire. So far our casualties were three men wounded.

We then started scraping holes, "hell for leather". After a short interval the shells came again bringing with them a horrid, cutting smell, which blinded one, and made one's eyes and nose water. (*1) There was a continuous call for stretcher bearers. At 4.30 we were ordered to take part in a counterattack.

We advanced, under showers of shrapnel, into a small Hell. The Regulars whom we passed praised us afterwards unstintedly, saying they would never have advanced under such fire, themselves. But, or course, we had our orders. It is a miracle that we lost very few under the shells. After advancing about half a mile the bullets came, and men began to drop.

We lost the Colonel, Major Theilman, and Farrell, the senior captain, within a quarter of an hour of one another. I only had one man wounded in my platoon. Once, as I was lying down, a bullet hit the ground a few inches from me and filled my eyes with earth. Again, as I was lying down amongst some small manure heaps with some of my men, a string of mines (*2) went off 20 yards in front just as I was getting ready for another rush. The attack was a success. At dusk we returned, after many wanderings, to our original "scratches" in the ground. We spent the night in a wood, tired out, sleeping in the rain.

On Sunday morning, about 8.0 we were ordered to fill some trenches about a mile away. We got there under heavy shell fire. We at once began to improve our dwelling which was being hit by shells. The Germans had our exact range. Two shells burst within 10 yds (ten yards) of the dugout where I was sitting. We felt the hot gases. It was most uncomfortable.

At midnight on Sunday we were relieved, in order to go to some other trenches. This order was afterwards cancelled, and we were allowed to straggle back to our huts, utterly worn out, having had practically no sleep for four days and nights, and at one time going for 36 hours with no food. I had picked up a couple of dirty crusts from the ground, which I shared with my sergeant.

We have been officially congratulated. Our casualties total about 105.

On Monday we rested. We were not due for any fighting just at present, but the circumstances were exceptional. Besides the above mentioned officers killed, we have two wounded, Capt Morrill, and Lt. Grindell, and 2/Lt Thorp missing.

The villages are frightful, just piles of bricks, doors and windows, and along the roads and ditches are dead horses and mules.

This morning I went into, which was being shelled, with a party of men to get firewood for the battalion, from the ruins.

Yesterday I spent two hours censoring the letters from my platoon.

Love to all,

Your affec. son,

Cecil.

Notes made later by CMS:
*1 These were teargas shells
*2 Later experience is that "the string of mines" was machine gun fire.

CMS to Mother(WS); 28.4.15

Am well, and unwounded. I am writing next post.

Love to all,

Your affec. son,

Cecil

CMS from Bob; 30/4/15

Dear Cecil,

I am very glad you came out of the scrap safely; it must have been exciting. I am very sorry to see that Colonel Shaw, Major Theilman and Captain Farrell were killed, and that the casualties amongst the men were so heavy. The "head" referred to the loss of the officers at school this morning, Farrell especially, since he was an old Hymerian.

During the holidays John Taylor joined the golf links as a junior member, and we went round together a fair number of times, but very seldom had time to do a whole round at once, on account of rotten play, and looking for balls. John broke my record of 144 by going round in 166. One day we did about three quarters of a round in the morning when I lost two balls, and a little over half a round in the afternoon, when John lost his last three balls in three successive shots at the longest hole, which we decided should be the last for the day. We did not waste a score card on the scores.

I don't suppose you have had time to take any photos, but if you do get any and can't get them developed there, don't forget to send them home, and I'll develop them and send you back prints.

I went over to Hornsea the other day, with the Taylors in their car, and while I was there a private "Commercials" named Streat who was in the same department as you at Reckitt's asked after you and asked me to remember him to you when I wrote. We started school yesterday, Norman and John go back next Tuesday, and the rest on Wednesday.

In case of an air raid in future, the special constables will be called out, which will be better than sticking indoors.

The despatch riders in our lot have been told to parade round their area now and again to see that lights are kept low. They are advised to go in pairs, in case a witness should be needed on refusal to lower lights (in other words in case the owner should try to knock one of them down for cheek).

I hope you get a bit quieter time for a bit, as seems to be suggested in Major Easton's letter, published in the paper.

With love

From your affec brother

Bob

WHS to CMS; April 30th. 1915

My dear Cecil,

Please excuse the greater part of this letter being in type. This morning we were greatly relieved to receive, by the same post, your letter dated the 20th. of April, (that is, a few days before you went into action),, and your postcard of the 28th stating that you were well and unwounded. There were ugly rumours in Hull last night as to the severe losses sustained by your Battalion, and, as no details were given, I telegraphed to London, and was much relieved to learn that your name was not on the list of killed, wounded or missing.

During the afternoon Mr. Grindell, brother of Lieut. Grindell, telephoned me stating he had received a letter from his brother, who was in hospital in London, giving him particulars of the loss of life, but intimating that he did not know all. This morning Mr. Grindell has telephoned me that he has had another letter from his brother stating that, whilst in the trenches, he was struck by shrapnell, and that a piece of the iron is still in his body, and that the same shell which exploded killed Major Theilmann and Capt. Farrell who were in the same trench with him.

I am posting you a copy of today's "E.M.News", which gives particulars so far as the Press has been able to obtain them. It will have been a great blow to the Officers and men of the 4th. E. Yorks to have lost their Commander, Major, and Senior Captain in the first encounter, but from the reports I gather the Battalion has been engaged in one of the hottest fights which has taken place for some time.

Mr. Fellowes told me that he has an arrangement to send money from time to time to friends, and that he is informed the best arrangement is to remit 1 Franc notes, as they can easily be disposed of for the purchase of food etc. amongst the French farm people. Thinking that this may be of service to you I have written to Mr. Harris at our Paris Office 49, Rue Fromont, Levallois-Perret, (Seine), telling him that should you apply to him for money he is at liberty to send you, from time to time, 1 Franc notes, and debit me with the amount, so that if you care to take advantage of this method of getting money by all means do so, and let me know by letter from time to time to what extent you have drawn. I told Mr. Harris that you would not be asking for more than say 20 or 30 Francs at a time.

Mr. Selle will forward the tabloids and other things you have asked for by the first opportunity.

In your letter you refer to not being able to state exactly where you are located, but you will gather there is no secrecy about this now after having been in action. From maps which I possess I have a very good idea of where you have been fixed.

You will not have much time for writing, but we shall be glad to have field postcards from you as frequently as you can send them, and should you at any time have information in regard to Hull men who may be unable to write themselves, let me know at the very earliest, as a number of friends of Officers have already telephoned me about various people to ascertain if I knew anything of their whereabouts. I have told some of the friends of Lieut. Joy that I have asked you to write me about him should he at any time be unable to write himself, and that you will let me have any news at the very earliest opportunity.

I was shown a letter this morning from one of our Cannister Works men describing what the battalion had gone through It must have been a terrible ordeal to undergo.

We are of course very pleased you have come through safely, but what a fearful thing it is for those who have lost their relatives.

With love and every wish for your continued preservation

I am Your affec. Father

W.H.Slack

Mother (WS) to CMS; May 3rd, 1915

My dear Cecil,

We were most thankful to receive your p.c., followed by your letter, saying you were safe. What a terrible experience you have had, but I am most thankful to God that your life has been spared and continue to pray that you may be preserved. It is terribly sad for the widows and children whose husbands and fathers have been killed so soon, but there, you have enough sadness about you now without my dwelling on it.

We learn by today's paper that the 4th East Yorks. have again been in action, and that 2nd. Lieut Hurtley is wounded and his brother telegraphed for. I sincerely hope he will recover, and the anxiety of his friends relieved. We shall be glad when your next letter comes and to know that you are still all right. My heart ached when I thought of you being 4 days and nights with practically no sleep, and 36 hrs without food. I have sent you the various things you asked for, and also some Allen and Hanbury's chocolates, which you may find useful, when you have difficulty in obtaining food. The children are sending you some mints this week. It was Kitty's fifth birthday today. We included you in the present she received, (a motor ambulance waggon) . She was very pleased.

Today, Hilda, Norman, Mabel, Harold and I motored to Scarborough. We had a most enjoyable day. It was fine, but very cold coming home. Norman returns to school tomorrow and the other children on Wednesday morning.

Mrs Edwards sends her love and Mr Macgarr asked me to send his, also to say that "you were doing for him, what he would do, if he were a young man".

Father is at Kingston Anniversary Meeting tonight. We are both asked to "Cleveland" tomorrow night to meet Mr and Mrs Irving, but Father may have to go to London, and I do not feel as though I care about going anywhere at present. It is as much as I can do, to keep a brave heart and bright face, when folks begin talking of the war etc.

Mr. Brealy came in for supper last night. He was interested (as many more are) on hearing about you.

Mrs Layburn (sister of Mr Percy Leech) is very anxious about her son, Angus, who has been fighting with The East Yorks. She received word that he had been wounded and in the hospital but has not heard from him for some time. Naturally she is very anxious, and thinks he must be very seriously wounded if he cannot write to her.

It is Brunswick Anniversary next Sunday. There is to be no additional orchestra this year, as it will not be needed with the new organ.

Father is arranging for a passport, in case of necessity to get to you, though I sincerely trust it will not be needed. Now my dear boy, good night and God bless and keep you

Very much love from

Your affec. Mother

W. Slack

CMS to WS (Mother); Tuesday May 4th. 1915

My dear Mother

Last Wednesday evening (April 28th) we went into the first line trenches, of course being shelled as we did so. We were relieved on Thursday night (the 29th), and took up our abode, after many wanderings, in some support trenches. There we remained until last night (May 3rd). We were shelled heavily night and day, and have suffered rather badly. I will not describe anything, it is too awful. On Sunday evening (May 2nd) a tiny piece of shrapnel paid me a visit in my dug out, but did nothing except cut my coat and trousers, and scratch my thigh. On Monday afternoon (May 3rd) about 3 o'clock I had my right wrist, hand and forearm spattered with shrapnel, making a bit of a mess of the skin. Two minutes later I got a terrific smack on my left shoulder, rolling me over, and making me quite worried. My left arm is consequently out of action for the time being, and there is a piece of shrapnel in the shoulder. After helping with the wounded men in the evening I cleared off to the dressing station. It was a most thrilling walk of about 2 miles. Shrapnel was bursting all over, and bullets whizzing by the whole time. Part of the way led through what was once a village, but it is now a mass of bricks, glass and shell holes, and broken furniture. I had my hand on my pistol all the way in case a sniper had got in my way.

Having arrived at the dressing station I mounted a motor ambulance, and came to another dressing station where I had a little iodine put on my scratches. After waiting a few hours I came, together with five other wounded officers, to here, by motor ambulance. I expect my small wound will be dressed shortly, and the shrapnel taken out. I do not know what is going to happen after that, whether I shall stay here, or go to base.

Reckitt's chauffeur, Dalton, died yesterday, going to meet his brother who "went home" a few days ago.

Once, whilst on the march, one of my corporals stooped down to pick up some cheese from the ground, and whilst in the bending position his ration bag was knocked off his back!

Love to all,

Your affec. son,

Cecil

P.S. Just after I was wounded I was moving along a nasty part of the trench and tumbled into mud and water up to my hips just as a sniper's bullet whizzed over me. This probably saved my life, but I was most uncomfortable afterwards, as I had to lie still, in a dug out, for seven hours.

Edith Lyndon to Winifred Slack; May 5th 1915

Dear Mrs. Slack

Thank you so much for sending us that paper, we were so interested in it, especially in your son's letter.

He said he would write but with their being rushed to the front like that, he would only have time to write to his nearest friends.

The last Sunday night they were here he came to chapel and he and Captain Quibell and his sister all stayed to the communion service. I thought you would be glad to know this.

I miss those two dear boys out of my pew very much. I felt as if they were nice younger brothers especially your son. He came into supper that last night and he seemed very down at having to leave you all so hurriedly and he was wondering how he would behave when it came to real fighting.

We liked him all the better for not feeling so cocksure of himself, but we had no doubt about his bravery. My brother who is a sailor and a R.N.R. Lieutenant said: "That is the face of a man". His letters show my brother was right. We shall be glad to know from time to time how he is getting on. It was so kind of you to think of sending the paper there are many other names we know!

Colonel Shaw sent a very nice letter thanking us for all we had done for his men at Dalston Rd. It's awful to think of all these fine fellows being killed.

With kindest regards

I am, yours sincerely

Edith Lyndon

WHS to CMS; May 5th. 1915

My dear Cecil,

I posted you a copy of the "Hull Daily Mail" of last Monday, which was issued as a Souvenir. If you have received it you will notice a photograph of the Officers of your Battalion. The newspaper people rang me up on Sunday to ask if I had a photograph of you for putting in their paper. I told them in reply that I had, and that, in addition, I had a copy of the photograph of the Officers. This had not been seen previously by the newspaper people, and they were very glad to get it, and I loaned it for the purpose of being copied. As the newspapers have asked for as much detail as possible from Hull men who are at the Front, I thought no harm could be done by making extracts from your letters, and sending them on. You will see that they have appeared in the paper referred to. Quite a number of friends have rung me up since then to enquire about you, and have been glad to hear that you have safely gone through the first ordeal. The impression in Hull is that the Battalion has had as stiff an encounter as it is likely to get during the whole course of the war, and that it came rather hard on the men to be landed into the fray so soon after leaving England.

As we have not heard from you since last Saturday, we have come to the conclusion that you must have again been very closely occupied, and this is confirmed by the reports which keep coming in. Telegrams have been received from France intimating that Captain Ingleby and Lieutenant Hellyer have been wounded, and the latest report is that your Adjutant has been hit. The bravery and valour shown by the 4th. E. Yorks. in common with other Battalions of your Brigade, have been fully recognised in Hull, and the City is proud of the men who have done their level best under very difficult conditions. We are hoping to hear from you in the morning, though I fully recognise that in the midst of battle you possibly cannot get to the rest Camp, and that letter writing is out of the question; in fact, I presume there is no post.

I do not know how you are off for tobacco, but I have written to Martin's Ltd. to ascertain if they can make arrangements for supplies to be sent regularly, and, at the same time, I shall be glad to send a number of cigarettes each week, for the men in your platoon; that is, if I can make arrangements with Martins.

We have heard that Addison is in the Base Hospital in France, and that Gleadhill is in hospital in Dublin.

I am,

With Love

Your affec. Father

W.H.Slack

Norman returned to Colwyn Bay last night or rather yesterday.

POST OFFICE TELEGRAPHS

SENT FROM BOULOGNE on MAY 6, 1915 at 11.50 am RECEIVED AT HULL at 3.24 pm
TO SLACK, WILTON HOUSE, HOLDERNESS ROAD, HULL

Very comfortable at Seven Station Hospital Boulogne. Expect sail England soon.

Cecil

BRITISH RED CROSS SOCIETY POST CARD [May 7, 1915]

TO Mr. and MRS. W.H. Slack.

I have just arrived at King Edward VII's Hospital for Officers
at 9, Grosvenor Gardens, London. SW

Name: Cecil M Slack
Regiment: 4th East Yorks.

TELEGRAM

To W.H. Slack, Wilton House, Holderness Road, Hull. Sent on 7.5.'15. Handed in at 8.31 am. From York, O.H.M.S.

TR 572 Regret to inform you that 2nd. Lieut C.M.Slack was wounded 5th. May. Degree not stated . Further information when received will be at once notified.

Territorial Record Officer.

York

To W.H.Slack Wilton House, Holderness Rd. Hull. Sent 11.5.'15. Handed in at 10.5 am. From York, O.H.M.S.

TR 1174 Second Lieut C.M.Slack admitted No.7 Station Hospital Boulogne 6, May. Gunshot wound shoulder and arm.

Officer In Charge

Territorial Force Records.

York.

CMS to WS; Friday May 7th, 1915

My Dear Mother,

I am very comfortable indeed here, and amongst very nice nurses.

We left Boulogne about 4.30 pm yesterday arriving here about 10.30.

I was then undressed and put to bed.

Today I have been reading and eating, and this afternoon I had my right arm, and left shoulder X-rayed.

I understand that this is THE Hospital.

Sister Agnes Keyser and her sister are friends of the Royal Family.

The walls are hung with signed portraits of Royalty. I have just been reading Princess Mary's Gift Book, in which she has written her name, and a sentence giving the copy to the Hospital.

Father has just been in to see me and is coming in again tomorrow.

I have given him the shrapnel bullet which went through my scapula.

My shoulder is of course rather weak and useless, but will pick up in a few days. The bruise has spread a bit, but I am as fit as a fiddle, and shall be in Hull next week.

Love to all,

Your affec. son

Cecil

WHS. to CMS; May 6th. 1915

My dear Cecil,

It was a great relief, although your telegram gave me a shock, to know something of your whereabouts, as we have been anxiously waiting for news for the past few days.

I at once telegraphed to Mr. Harris to run over from Paris to see you, and I wired to you stating I was ready to journey to Boulogne, and have applied for a passport, and I shall of course come if you have been severely hit and are likely to be in France for some little time.

I do not like leaving your Mother at the moment as she is anxious enough as it is, and she will be doubly anxious if I cross the water, but of course if I can be of any help she will wish me to go.

We should of course dearly like to see you at once, but we thank God your life has been preserved.

It is hard luck old man, having to be out of action so soon, as I am sure you would prefer to be with your men helping them in the ordeal they are undergoing The 4th. East Yorks has done splendidly, and Hull is proud of its bravery It is giving a great stimulus to recruiting in Hull, and today there has been a big march through the streets headed by a band, and big banner worded "I am the valiant 4th. E. Yorks".

Did you get the paper with the extracts from your letters I gave to the press? I am posting you another copy.

I have heard some splendid tributes to your personal work from various sources of which I am very proud.

With love from all of us and every wish for your speedy recovery

Your affec. Father

W.H.Slack

Pt. W. Gleadhill to WHS; Thursday, 6.5.1915

Dear Mr. Slack,

I received your very kind letter, and was very pleased indeed to hear from you, I am going on fairly well, but of course I have some pain yet, but I am looking forward to a speedy recovery, and then a few days at Home. I am quite happy and comfortable here, and the nurses are very kind to us, and will do anything for us. I am pleased to tell you that I am under the Command of your son, and he is held in the Highest Esteem by us all, in fact He is our Favourite Officer. I have read of the Action, in the Hull Daily News, and also read your son's letter, and I can honestly say that every word He says is quite True, it was awful, and I shall never forget it. I am receiving letters now by every post, so you may guess that I am having quite a busy time replying to them all. Please convey to the Directors, my Best thanks for their kind expressions of sympathy to me, and also accept my Best thanks Yourself, and I can assure you, when it is our turn again, we shall go forward in the same "Yorkshire Style".

Thanking you again for your Kind wishes, I am

Yours Very Sincerely

PTE. Wm. Gleadhill. 1/4E. Yorks. Regt.

Neville Joy to WHS; May 7, 1915

Dear Mr. Slack,

I am just writing a small letter about your son Cecil. He is slightly wounded not badly I think in the shoulder and arm. He got it dressed and came back to the trenches again to see how we are getting on he is a thorough little sports man and I think his men like him very much. He was quite cheerful when I saw him last and said au revoir to me. You will know we have had a pretty bad time the last day or two but have got a good name I believe. Well I thought I'd like to write a line or two to you of appreciation and let you know how he is for fear you had not heard Forgive me writing any more as I am dead beat.

Yours

Neville. H. Joy

W.T.William to WHS; 10/5/15

Dear Mr. Slack,

I am very sorry your son was wounded. He was doing very good work out here and we should like him back the soonest possible. His letters are being sent back and we will keep any parcels it is most kind of you to think about this. I am sure we shall all appreciate the contents.

Yours truly

W.T.William, Adj.

Adrian Farrell to WHS; 11 May '15

Dear Mr. Slack,

I should very much like to have some news of Cecil, as I have heard nothing beyond that he has been ill. I sincerely hope that it is not of a very serious nature and that B. Co will not be long without him.

I was hit on the same day and got here last Wednesday and am being well looked after. Please excuse this writing. It is a left handed effort as my right hand is a bit of a mess.

Yours sincerely

Adrian Farrell

P.S. Have you any news of Joy?

POST OFFICE TELEGRAPHS

SENT FROM BOULOGNE on MAY 9, 1915 at 17.30.
RECEIVED AT HULL at 11.26
TO SLACK HOLDERNESS RD, HULL. ANGLETERRE.

Cecil parti en Angleterre pas grave.

Harris.

C. Mason to WSH; May 12, 1915

Dear Mr. Slack,

I have seen Mr. Albert Reckitt today and am pleased to hear from him that your son is not seriously wounded. He tells me that he is in London and likely to be moved down to Harpenden next week. I hope that for this purpose he will make use either of my Ambulance, if it is a lying down case, or of my car if he is able to sit up, both are at your service if you will name day, time and address.

The ambulance is very well sprung, and it is always a pleasure to do anything for those who are fighting for us, and more particularly for your Son.

Yours faithfully,

C. Mason

WHS to CMS (note)

I have acknowledged this to Mr. Mason with many thanks.

Perhaps you might drop him a line also expressing your appreciation.

WHS to CMS; May 13, 1915

My dear Cecil,

I enclose a few cuttings which may be of interest, also a letter from Farrell to which I have replied and I have at the same time taken the opportunity to refer to the sad death of his brother.

Perhaps you may like to drop him a line.

There were a lot of enquiries about you yesterday at the Synod which we attended.

Bob is quite jubilant at having been out two nights in succession till after midnight on air raid protection.

With love

Your affectionate Father.

War Office to CMS; 11th June 1915

Sir,

I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th June 1915 and to acquaint you that the General Officer Commanding in Chief, has been directed to cause a Medical Board to be assembled on 17th June 1915 to report upon the state of your health. You should , therefore, communicate your address to, and await further orders from, Headquarters Northern Command. York.

You are requested to take with you, for the information of the Board, a short statement of your case, of as recent a date as possible from your Medical Attendant. No expense to the public can be allowed on account of this statement.

You will be informed by the President of the Board if you are considered fit for general service, for service at home, or for light duty at home, on being so informed you must at once proceed to Landesborough Barracks, Hull and report yourself to the Officer Commanding the 4th Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment for orders.

I am, Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

F C Bentinck

Staff Captain, for Brigadier General, Director of Personal Services

Rev J.A. Broadbelt to WHS; May 18,1915

Dear Mr Slack,

I saw the other day a note that your son had been wounded at the front and we have wondered how he was getting on. It will have been an anxious time for his mother and yourself. I met, the other day an Old College Friend of mine who is stationed at Newcastle and he told me what a fine influence for good Cecil has over his men.

You will be busy but I should be glad to know how he is and where he is in London. I should like to go to see him.

With kind regards

I am yours faithfully

J.A.Broadbelt

WHS to Mr Brealy; 21.6.1915

Dear Mr. Brealy,

We were sorry Roy's visit was postponed but we are hoping to see him on Saturday.

Cecil was before the Medical Board on Saturday, and was passed "fit".

He left this morning for South Walton Camp, 15 miles from Hull.

He telephoned through this evening to say he was "in clover" having a room to himself in the hut, with electric light and other comforts.

To his surprise he learns he may be there for six weeks, the "reserve" of the 4th. E. Yorks, having orders to be ready for the front in 6 weeks time He thought he might have to return to Flanders at once.

We are looking forward to seeing you and Mrs Brealy shortly. Are you prepared for Zepp. scares? I was out on duty last Tuesday from 10 to 2AM but fortunately the Zepp left us alone.

With kindest regards

Yours sincerely

W.H. Slack

Auntie Marie to CMS; 28th November, 1915

My dear Cecil,

I have sent each of the others a few lines, now I want to send you also a message of love and good wishes for Xmas. I do hope dear Cecil you'll be able to spend it at home with your dear ones. We don't know where you are just now, but I hope you are safe from dangers. The outlook is not very promising yet, but we daily hope and pray that the end may soon come, and that the lives of all you brave dear boys may no longer be sacrificed. Several cousins are going from Auck, one as a member of the Ambulance, Fletcher Wallis, I hope you may meet him some day. He is a very fine young man. Evan and Irvine Mc Roberts are two more, and there are others.

I am up here just for a few days with Emily Mc Roberts. It is very nice here. It is a hot lake district, and is most interesting, yet uncanny and weird too. We go in for a hot swim before going to bed at night. I've not got any p.cards to send you, but the enclosed is a pretty peep of the Waikato River at Hamilton where I've been staying. I've not much to tell you besides what I've written to the others, and I'm going for a little walk before tea in the beautiful Sanatorium grounds opposite. Much love and may you be watched over during all the perils you're exposed to is the earnest prayer of

Your loving

Auntie Marie

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