Cecil Slack's letters: Volume 21

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; Sat. 24.3.'17.

My Darling,

I'm so glad about your little holiday in Paris - it will just cheer you up and I do hope you have had a good time and enjoyed yourself - it would be awfully nice for you going with Norman Ingleby. I would simply love to have been with you but it is quite impossible really - besides the Government wouldn't have allowed it either - I believe they only allow parents or wives of soldiers to go over at all now. Do tell me what you did and all about it. Father and Mother took us to Paris on our way there and back from Italy and we had a lovely time altho' I wasn't so fearfully keen on Paris after Italy. The Parisian life seems alright for a day or two but I shouldn't like to live it for very long. We will go to Italy together someday - it is simply gorgeous all about there - I was nearly sixteen when I went and I'm sure I should appreciate it more the next time.

I'm so glad you haven't decided about the R.F.C. yet - please don't go Cecil - I feel sure you are heaps safer where you are and now the summer is coming on I don't think things will be so bad in the trenches. William and Flossie came over yesterday - he is spending the weekend at Silkstone - and has just come up from London after a few days there with Wilfred and some of his R.F.C. friends who are flying to France anyday now. The casualties are terrific in the R.F.C. in France just now - they say, and they are going to do some great stunts a little later on so that is why they are wanting as many pilots and observers as they can get I should think. So please don't go to the R.F.C. unless you absolutely think it is the best thing for you to do for yourself.

Mother's operation is postponed till about the middle of next week again; as she seems to be getting stronger the Dr. thinks it will be far better to wait a little longer yet.

You will miss the M.O. if he has already gone - I expect the war will be over before his year is up though. Father is coming over to spend the afternoon with Mother to-day.

Goodbye, my love,

Yours with love

Dora.

The M.O. to CMS; 24/3/17

Dear Slack,

Just a line to say "cheeroh" and "so long" - sorry I did not see you before I went. Am, as you see, still in this smokey town and am fed up to the neck - I want to go home!!

The great and mighty ones are messing around in the usual manner military and boats for down under don't seem too frequent - still, with a bit of luck, I hope to make a start about the end of this week.

By the way, my Australian address is -

"Roma", Leichhardt St, Waverly, Sydney, Australia.

so when you and your best beloved drift out to this little island you will know where to find me or at all events my people.

Still I may see you again in Sunny France before then for don't reckon this little international disturbance will cease for a year or so - hell!! Drop me a line now and again to let me know how the battle is raging.

Say the glad word to everyone I know and give my love to your lass and lots of luck for yourself.

Cheeroh, J.M.Jamieson

P.S. What does one do when persued (sic.) by a wild submarine?

CMS to Dora; 28. 3.17.

My Love,

I'm sorry you've been without a letter from me for a whole week: it must have been a torpedo or something, because I've never missed more than 4 days at the most. I expect the missing one will turn up from the bottom of some post-bag. I like the crèpe de chine very much. I'm sure you'll look ripping in it. I'm awfully sorry about the finger and the ring. I do hope the finger gets all right and the ring hasn't to be cut. If it has, you'll let me know how much it costs, won't you? It would be better to let Barnby and Rust do it, if possible, as we know them, and they wouldn't swop the diamonds for bits of glass.

I don't think I shall transfer to the Flying Corps after all. You aren't very keen on it, and Father and Mother aren't either. I had a joy-ride in an aeroplane yesterday for about ten minutes. A number of us were attending a sort of class, but only two of us went up, as it was a very windy day, with snow squalls, and "bumpy". I had several "bumps". One feels one's guts coming up, and gets the wind up horribly, especially when the pilot "banks". I enjoyed the trip immensely.

Today the Brigade has been having its photograph taken. We were cinematographed as well, each battalion, so you may see me on the screen sometime at Prince's Hall, or somewhere. I was a company commander at the time.

I am glad that your Mother is getting on so nicely.

Yours with love,

Cecil.

Dora to CMS; Thurs. 29.3.'17, 9pm.

My Darling,

I got your letter all about Paris an hour or two ago - I am awfully glad you had such a ripping time and I don't think you could have managed to get much more in - in the time you had there. I loved reading your letter and read it two or three times and I can remember now just what you did the whole of the time - it would be awfully jolly for you having Ingleby. I can remember nearly all the places you went to - wasn't the huge "Rose" window lovely in Notre Dame - but I thought it seemed a bit dark inside - but I was really rather disappointed with it after seeing the gorgeous cathedrals in Italy. I remember Napoleon's tomb very well - the lights and colouring are really wonderful aren't they - there's a blue light shining through the window on the tomb and a gold light - but it is such years and years (tush!) since I was there I forget. The roads and squares are beautifully laid out too arn't they - Paris has a lot to thank Napoleon for in one way. We had a day at Versailles too - the grounds are beautiful and we saw the fountains playing too - the Palace is awfully interesting isn't it and I expect you saw the rooms furnished just as they had been left. I remembered the view on the postcard you sent me.

I expect your head buzzed and eyes ached with all the things you heard and saw - didn't they - I know mine did. Isn't the Grand Opera a huge place we went there one night to the Meister Singers but Pa didn't take us to any Folies Bergères or anything - probably thought they were a bit too "high" for us! What an interval - one would really hardly think it true! You lived in the lap of luxury with your suite, you would feel an awful "bump back to earth" sort of thing when you got back to your billets. I don't think I remember the gardens of the Champs d'Elysées - anyway we will sooner live quietly in between and have nice holidays and see things - wouldn't you rather?

We stayed at the Palais D'Orsay on our way to Italy - it is very near the Louvre - on the banks of the Seine and opposite the Jardins des Tuileries. We stayed at the Louvre Hotel another time - it is exactly opposite the Grand Opera House but at the end of a very long Avenue - so the Avenue de l'Opéra lies between them both. We had about a week there altogether. I wonder you didn't take a run and a jump up the Eiffel Tower while you were there!

Flossie telephoned from Silkstone and said a parcel had come from you so she is bringing it along with her to-morrow. I am awfully excited about it and I know I shall like it because have chosen it - it was sweet of you to send me something. I will finish this letter to-morrow when I have got the bag. By the way - I forgot to tell you before to address the letters to this place - when I told you not to - when we first came - I thought we might have gone back to Silkstone before I got a reply - I didn't think it would be such a long affair - but we shall be here four weeks after the operation I expect.

Have got a bath chair and a man and I took her out on Tues. and y'day and today I managed to get a Victoria and we went a drive - it really is very pretty round Sheffield. Our clocks do not go on one hour until April 8th. so I will think of you at 9.30 until then - it has turned that now and I am thinking of you now. Goodnight, my love.

Later:Friday Morning

Flossie has arrived and brought the parcel - I an AWFULLY pleased with the bag, Cecil, and thank you ever so much for it - I will give you a kiss for it when I see you - the colour is awfully nice - inside and out - so you needn't have worried about it at all and it will go with all the things I have - it was the one with a D on so it will be mine - what colour was your Mother's - I expect I shall be hearing from her again soon - she will be awfully pleased with it. Flossie and I are just going out in town - We are trying to get Nurse Waddington over for the first day or two after Mother's operation - it would be a relief if she could come - I shouldn't feel half so anxious - if she gets over the first 24 hours or first three days after the operation she will be alright and we needn't worry then - but we shall be awfully anxious until it is over. I am so glad you are not going to the R.F.C. after all - I'm sure you will have heaps better chances in the infantry - the R.F.C. is rotten in France just now - everyone says so - and look at the results in the papers too - always some machines lost everyday.

Goodbye, old boy and thank you ever so much

Dodo.

Dora to CMS; Monday 2.4.'17.

My Love,

Mother had her operation yesterday morning and has come on very well indeed so far, but we shan't feel quite safe about her until three days after the op. We have been awfully lucky and have had Nurse Waddington over - she came on Saturday night and was with Mother all yesterday and last night until four o'clock this morning - so she has really been with her over the worst part. I stayed up till eleven and then went off to bed - it really was an awful day yesterday and I shall never forget it - it is a different thing altogether being with one's own people if they are very ill indeed and especially one's Mother.

So I really feel rather weary to-day but I am so thankful that Mother is going on so well. The operation took nearly two hours and it was an awfully big one. I shan't be able to leave her for a year!, I think, except for little holidays, as I don't think she will be strong enough to be by herself altogether and of course I wouldn't then if she didn't feel alright.

It is just eight weeks to-morrow since I came back from Waltham Abbey - I've really done nothing but look after poorly folk since I last saw you - have I? I feel at present as if I didn't want to see any more ill people at all but I expect by the time Mother is quite better I shall be ready for hospital again or something else nice and cheery to work at. The Sister of this home says it is a very great mistake if I don't go in for a proper training and be a trained nurse - what do you say to that? Hartley and I had serious thoughts about it at Waltham but it takes three years of scratching and slaving before one is considered anything.

William has been awfully decent and it is through him entirely that Nurse has been able to get over - altho' she has had to go back to-day - he went to the Infirmary to see if she could get over - we had never dreamt of her being able to get over before.

Yours, with love

Dora.

I am awfully glad about the R.F.C. - it has taken quite a weight off my mind to think you are not going there - I wish I had been able to have a joy ride in an aeroplane - it must have been lovely. I shall look out for you on the "pictures" if they come to Sheffield. Are you near the camera?

The lost letter of yours hasn't turned up yet.

CMS. to Dora; 5.4.17; 12.35am.

My Darling,

Just a line or two to let you know I'm still alive and kicking. I haven't been able to write for the last few days because I've been so frightfully busy. I have taken over the Adjutant's work, and shall be acting adjutant for two or three months all being well, as Holtby has gone for a long course at Aldershot. I have taken over at a most awkward time - the censor won't let me explain, - and what with getting hold of the ropes of past, present, and future work I have not had a single minute to spare for the last four days. It has been a loss of time to get meals even. I have had very little sleep, and this is my first opportunity to write to you, and it's after midnight now, so please forgive my not writing sooner, and for writing such a short note now. One thing to be thankful for though is that I get a very decent billet with my new job, and also five bob a day and groom's allowance extra; and of course I've always got you to think about as I go off to sleep.

I simply must turn in now my love: I can hardly keep my eyes open and I've to be up early in the morning, so goodnight

Yours with love,

Cecil.

CMS to Dora; 11.4.17.

My Darling,

You may have received a letter from one Major Jackson telling you I've got measles. I wondered whether I'd be allowed to write in hospital, for fear of carrying infection, and Major Jackson, who's an awfully nice old chap, said he'd write and explain things if I liked. It seems I am allowed to write, so I'm spending a pleasant Wednesday afternoon. They're only German measles and are practically better now, but I've got to spend three or four more days here to stop being infectious. I'm awfully annoyed about it because I was most awfully busy, and the colonel's fed up about it too because it means a tremendous lot of extra work for him. It wouldn't have mattered so much at an ordinary time, but, as the papers will tell you, things are humming out here just now. It's a very nice rest though, and I'm having a ripping time. Breakfast in bed, get up when I like, nice fellows in the other beds, nice nurses, and plenty of books and papers.

I'm so glad your Mother has got over her second operation and is going on well. I know how you must have been feeling, we felt the same when Mother had an operation some years ago. I hope for both your Mother's sake and for yours that all will be well now, for you've had a most trying time.

I'm glad you like the bag, and I'm so glad the colour's all right. Please excuse this scratchy writing - I've been doing it partly in a chair by the stove, and partly lying on my stomach on a bed.

In a letter I had from Mother about ten days ago she said your photographs had come, I expect she means some more, because she got some a long time ago. She says she doesn't think they do you justice. They're awfully nice, but you're heaps nicer really, don't I just wish I could be with you to tell you so? Please don't go in for a course of trained nursing - you don't want to nurse after the war do you - and besides. 3 years training!

The weather's simply awful here, six inches of snow, and cold winds. It's rather bad luck just at the beginning of the Push. I wonder if this Push will finish the war in a few months. I hope so.

I smashed the glass of my watch the other day, but I've got it mended, and put a cover on it.

Yours with love,

Cecil.

Dora to CMS; Friday 13.4.'17.

My Darling,

I am wondering whether you have gone up to the line yet - there has been a pretty stiff do on by the papers this morning and things seem to be going very well - but do take care of yourself and not take unnecessary risks - but I don't think you do. You must still be fearfully busy or I should have heard from you. Pa was over y'day and thinks the war will be decided by the autumn and peace declared by the spring - so I think the worst will be over by Sept.

Mother is getting out of bed tonight for five minutes and I expect we shall be going back to Silkstone about a week on Tuesday - about the 23rd. I have made a delightfully chic little hat out of the dark green silk that was on the top of that grey fur hat I wore when you were over - have put little flowers round it and it really is a little duck - I do wish you were here to see it - I'm sure you will like me in it.

We still keep having snow here - I don't know when the trees are going to bud. We had your Aunt from Rotheram - I mean Mrs. Percy Slack - over to see Mother on Wednesday - it was awfully good of her to come and it was so nice to see somebody fresh.

I noticed that Vimy Ridge is taken by the Canadians - I remember you telling us about losing it last June - I think - but I'm not sure.

We shall really be awfully glad to get out of this nursing home - they are not particularly clean - and when there are people ill in a place and one or two with some kind of germ or something I think they ought to be MOST particular about cleanliness - but they don't seem to bother. Anyway I'm glad I'm here to look after Mother - and I think sometimes that it is marvellous that she has come through it so well and without a hitch.

Flossie is coming over this afternoon so I am going to meet her in town. Queenie is coming over to see us again next week.

Goodbye my love,

Yours with love,

Dora.

Dora to CMS; Friday 13.4.'17. 6.30pm.

My Darling,

Flossie brought me a letter this noon from Major Harold Jackson which had been sent to Silkstone - and said you had gone to an isolation hospital with a mild attack of measles - on April 8th. I do hope you are better by now - you ought to be over the worst and most uncomfortable part anyway. I was awfully surprised about it because you wrote on the 5th. and didn't say you felt rotten or anything. Have they had many cases of measles in your battalion? I only hope they are looking after you properly and you have got decent nurses - don't begin to read until your eyes feel strong enough will you - because it affects the eyes if you are not careful - still, by the time you get this letter you will be about better I hope. Shall you be able to work a bit of sick leave for Blighty - I expect you will try to get some out of your M.O. - I daren't think about it too much - because it seems too good to be true - Mother says I'm not to count on it at all - but they oughtn't to send you back to the rest until you are quite fit. It will have put an end to your hard work for the time being but I hope you'll be able to go back as adjutant again.

I do hope you havn't felt very bad, old chap, I only wish I could help to look after you. I had measles at Penrhos once - german measles - I think it was about Nov. 1908 and there were about 20 of us and we had a lovely time except for the first few days. You know it is a very babyish trick of yours to have measles! I'm hoping they will forward this letter on to you somehow - and perhaps I shall get a sterilized letter or something from you in a day or two to know where and how you are.

Goodbye, my love, and don't catch cold - 'cause one is very liable to it after measles (see what a learnèd bird I am!) are you in a room by yourself or what - and tell those V.A.Ds. off if they don't look after you properly.

Your love,

Dora.

Dora to Major Jackson; Sat. 14.4.'17.

Dear Major Jackson,

Thank you very much for so kindly letting me know about Cecil's attack of measles. Mrs. Slack has heard from the C.O. of the Territorial Force Records. York, that he is at the 12th Stationary Hospital - St. Pol. - but I expect by now that he has got over the most uncomfortable part of his illness. People seem to be suffering from attacks of measles in all parts of the country at the present time. I hope it won't spread in your battalion although probably, some would enjoy the rest in a comfortable hospital at this strenuous time. With all good wishes,

Yours sincerely

Dora Willatt.

On back of this letter:To Lt. Slack. This correspondence must now cease please. H.B. Jackson, Major. In the field. E. Batt. 19/4/17

Dora to CMS; Sat. 14.4.'17.

My Darling,

I had a letter from your Mother to-day and given me the address of the hospital you are in - how are you getting on, old boy - I have been writing to Major Jackson thanking him for letting me know about you and have told him where you are so probably he will forward some letters on to you - I wrote to you y'day as soon as I got his letter so I hope he will send it on.

Pater was at the board meeting y'day and came as far as Doncaster y'day evening with Neville Joy - he has got a gorgeous job - inspector of gas - something - for the Humber and Lincolnshire Garrisons.

Is there anything you want that I can send out for you - or have you everything in the hospital.

I felt quite excited last night thinking you might have leave - I didn't get to sleep for a long time and then I woke up just after four again this morning. Probably I shall be hearing from you in a day or two when you don't feel quite so seedy and bad in the eyes - how do you think you have caught the wiggly germs? Your Mother thinks you caught them in Paris but it seems too long ago.

Marjorie Barker was to be married y'day (I think I told you) and we were going over for the wedding but Billy Richardson had to go to sea at a few hours notice so it is postponed for a month or two till his next leave. I may be going to Huddersfield for a night during next week to see Dr. Jim Raffan - Emma's young mam - I mean boy or fiancJ or something - you don't like "young man" I forgot! - she says they are contemplating getting married in Nov. before he goes to the front again - everyone seems to have got it very badly just now

We might go back to Silkstone next Sat. - a week to-day - if Ma is well enough - if not then, I think on the following Tuesday.

Goodbye, my love, and get better soon and get just a wee bit of leave, DO.

Yours with love,

Dora.

CMS. to Dora; 15.4.17.

My Darling,

I'm leaving here tomorrow. I've had a nice rest, but I shall be glad to get back to the battalion - there will be some letters waiting there for me. The Brigade have had heavy casualties, so I am told, during the last few days, but I can get no news of the battalion. I believe they've bagged a village.

I saw Sir Douglas Haig yesterday. I was awfully bucked when he acknowledged my salute. I'm writing this in bed as it's a very wet day and much too miserable to get up. This weather's awfully bad luck, we always seem to get it when we push. I've got absolutely no news, having been shut up here for a week, so cheeroh,

Yours with love,

Cecil.

Dora to CMS; Tuesday 17.4.17.

My Darling,

I was so glad to get your letter yesterday evening - I was wondering how you were and didn't know how poorly you might be so it was a relief to know you were alright - it is a nuisance you caught them when you were so busy and you seem to have got them far too mildly to think of leave -. By the time you get this letter you will most probably be back again with the battn. I never got your letter until about 10pm. last night when I was just going to bed and I was simply frightfully disappointed about no hopes of any leave - I really had been absolutely living on it since I got Major Jackson's letter on Friday so I felt simply horribly miserable last night - but I knew you were thinking about me so that was one comfort - I still feel very rotten about it to-day but I'm simply trying hard to make the best of things but it's awfully difficult isn't it? Its only now and again I get these wretched miserably lonely turns and I can't help it altho' you know I try to keep cheerful don't you? I know I shouldn't get them if I were V.A.Ding or with other girls but when I'm alone in a room all day with Mother I can't help it - I expect Ma thinks I've got a monkey on my back or something to-day!

You still think of me at 10.30pm. don't you - I have felt ever so near to you the last few nights - when I have thought of you - have I felt near to you?

I'm glad the nurses are nice - have they any V.A.Ds. there or were they all proper trained nurses? They are generally very particular whom they send abroad.

Your Mother sent for six more photographs of me - to send to Australia I think - Queenie says she is not really very keen on either. Everyone likes the bag you sent me when I show it to them and I like it still more - I shall always keep it and treasure it because you gave it to me. Queenie is coming on Friday for the day so I shall show it to her.

What I was thinking about being a trained nurse was that when I go back to V.A.Ding I might just as well go and train at a proper hospital and have lectures etc. and then by the time I had finished - the war would be properly over and you would have got through your exam and would be ready for having me. Don't you think that will just be about the right time? I should be much more experienced then and I should feel as if I had accomplished one thing in life anyway. Then if we ever did happen to get very poor I could always have something to do so that I could help.

I looked up St. Pol on the map and it isn't very far from Arras is it? Was it a big hospital full of measles and did you have a bed in a room with some other officers in a ward I mean? You would have a nice rest anyway before you went back to hard work again. Yes, I see by the papers things are going in full swing now - DO be careful, wont you, when you go up and have your turn - still as you will be adj. and with the C.O. you will be safer won't you?

Do let me know how you are as often as you can won't you? and if you are very VERY busy and haven't time for a letter I shan't mind a beastly field post-card - so long as I know how you are getting on.

Goodbye, my love, I can wear my ring always now - I do like to feel I have got it on, I often think of our little home we are going to have some day and picture you in it - we will keep the garden nice won't we? Do you ever think of it now?

Yours with love

Dora.

Mother sends her love to you - we may be going out on Sat. or Tues. so don't send any more letters here please

I went into the theatre for an op. on Sunday - it lasted 2½ hrs. - I helped a bit too - it was awfully interesting - Dr. Philips showed me one or two arteries and little white nerves.

CMS to Dora; 19.4.17.

My Darling,

I'm afraid your hope of my sick leave is shattered. I hope you didn't expect it very much, because there wasn't any chance of it. I'm back with the battalion now, in the trenches, as Adjutant.

I'm afraid I've missed a few letters, as they were forwarded to hospital and didn't get there, and probably wont turn up now for a week or two. I got two of your letters the day I came back - one of them saying you'd got Major Jackson's letter.

It was rather a sweat getting here from the hospital as the R.T.Os were very antagonistic (R.T.O. means railway transport officer. They're a sort of station-master and are usually duds). I got a chit from the Hospital to the R.T.O. at St. Pol, telling him who I was and what unit I belonged to. I told him I wanted to get back at once, and after a long argument I got nothing out of him except that I could join a sort of reinforcement battalion about 5 kilometres away.

As I did not know where the battalion was I had to go to this place, and landed there after a lot of trouble, as I had about 80 lbs of kit. I told the Adjutant there that I must get back at once, and I got a chit from him to the R.T.O. telling him to issue me with a warrant. I also learnt where the battalion was. I got myself and kit back again to the station, and after a big strafe with the R.T.O. agreed to get half way on a civilian train and then trust to being picked up by a lorry. The train was not going till noon the next day, so I dumped my kit at the station and got a bed at an officers' rest house.

When I went for my ticket the next morning the R.T.O. said I absolutely could go no further by any train, but must go to the reinforcement battalion again. So I wouldn't have anything more to do with him. Just then one of our officers who had been in England on duty came up to me.

21/4/17 In great haste

Yours with love

Cecil.

Dora to CMS; Sat. 21.4.'17.

My Love

I am wondering how you have got on now you are back again with the battalion - things seem to be humming a good deal - by the papers at any rate - I expect you had enough of hospital in the ten days you were there - it is quite alright when one is working and seeing and doing things in the ward but I expect it must get a bit monotonous sticking indoors doing nothing. Have you taken on the adjutant's job again? I know you will be frightfully busy now you are back again and you will be having a very rough time I expect. Still you'll come through alright I know.

Mother is doing splendidly and we go back to Silkstone on Tuesday afternoon - we are taxiing as Ma can't manage a train yet - she will have to be upstairs a week and then will come down for an hour a day at first. Father hasn't come over to-day as he is busy planting potatoes in our little patch. The trees are only just beginning to bud and yesterday was really quite sunny and warm. Wilfred Todd is out in France flying - has been over the lines once - the R.F.C. have a very bad time - I think - I am more than thankful that you haven't joined them.

Queenie came over for the day y'day and we had ever such a jolly day - the jolliest we have had since Ma was ill - she thought Ma was looking very well indeed considering.

William says it is rumoured that Arnold Cleminson is engaged to Mrs. Theilman (the Major's widow) - I couldn't say whether it was true or not so don't let it go any further - I believe she is about ten years his senior and two small kiddies too - so he is taking on a handful. We used to call him the "Mothers' Hope" in Hull because everyone said he was such an eligible bachelor!

I have just packed up a parcel for you - it said something in the paper about no more cakes to be made after to-day - I mean little small cakes - so I thought I'd better bag a few for you - Ma has sent the chocolate I'll make you a chocolate cake when I get back to Lousy Silkstone. Bye -bye and take care of yourself 'cause I know what a time you are having - goodbye my darling.

Your love

Dora.

Dora to CMS; Wed. 25.4.'17.

My Darling,

I got your letter about the R.T.O. this morning and by the way, I DID know what R.T.O. meant without your explanation so I know a little more than you think! You really did have a rotten time with the silly man - I should have got simply furious - you described it beautifully but just when you got to the crisis you swished off - to be continued in our next I s'pose! I feel sure you are having a stiff time in the trenches but you don't say anything.

We arrived back in lousy old Silkstone again y'day afternoon - it really is lovely to be in the country again after the town - I don't want to live in the town again anymore and I'm awfully glad you like the country.

Pa thought he was going to take 300 men to France on Sat. but they are sending four strange officers over who are going abroad permanently - he is awfully fed up with his job here - he is awfully frightened they will eventually send German prisoners here to guard! I have been weighing out my bread today and I've only had 6ozs so I'm two ozs. under the ration - its rather interesting all this food economy - I made a maize flake pudding to-day and Ma and Pater liked it very much and I've made some very nice oat scones too - all war economy things.

Ma is staying in bed to-day to rest but she managed the journey very well and looks very well - she hasn't been so cheerful for ages. Its nice to be in one's own nest again but I wish it was Beech Croft. I have also been busy unpacking to-day and had to unpack my trunk that came from Waltham Abbey when we were in Sheffield - so I have been getting my caps and aprons etc. ready again for my next spurt off - WHEN that may be - I don't know.

I'm sorry you've missed some of my letters - but I expect they will wander round to you again 'ere long. Do you feel any worse for your blinking measles?

Post just going so I will write more next time - have been 'orribly busy to-day.

Yours with love,

Dora

CMS to Dora. FIELD POST CARD. Post marked 27.4.17.

I am quite well

Letter follows at first opportunity

Cecil.

25.4.17.

CMS to Dora; 29.4.17.

My Darling,

At last I am able to write. It's weeks since I last wrote and I expect you're feeling horribly fed (sic.) with me. I simply have not had the time: I've done nothing but work, eat and have short sleeps since I left St. Pol.

As you may know by now we have been over the bags again, and the battalion has been absolutely ripping. The Corps Commander particularly mentioned our battalion when congratulating the Brigadier. The Division is awfully bucked with itself, and it has every right to be.

Perhaps you will have seen from the casualty lists that the battalion paid very dearly for the glory it has won. Every officer who went over became a casualty. Cyril Easton, Harold Oughtred, and Boyle were killed, and two others are believed killed. Norman Ingleby is amongst the wounded. I saw him two or three minutes after he was hit. A machine-gun got him across the chest and arm.

The colonel has had a letter from him since, and he is quite safe.

I could not go over with the rest as I had to be with the Colonel. We were about 400 yds. behind the front line, in a bank.

We were round the line just before zero, seeing that all was in order and wishing good luck. We were spotted going back, and about half a dozen Bosche started sniping at us, and we had to run, doubled up, below the ridge.

It was a glorious morning, clear and nipping, just after dawn. At zero the terrific barrage began, creeping slowly on, and followed by the infantry.

Prisoners very soon began to pour in. Wounded men coming past H.Q. reported that all was going well. Written reports came down saying all was well on the whole, but after a while serious reports came down, and later none at all. The Bosche had counter-attacked and had got back his front line and was expected to come further. We all "stood to" at H.Q., and reinforcements, tardily arrived, lined the bank. But the Bosche came no further. Soon we received a message from a lance corporal that he was back in our original front line with seven men of the battalion.

I set off to the line with a couple of orderlies to see what was doing. There was no communication trench, so it was quite a lively little journey. The Bosche was shelling pretty heavily too and there were some horrid sights about. When I got to the line I found two companies of a reinforcing battalion and ONLY TEN OF OUR OWN MEN with no officers and only one N.C.O.

On our right were some more English but we were not in communication with them. The Bosche was about 200 yds. in front. The people on our right were not in a trench but out in No Mans Land, 50yds. away, in shell holes. I left my two orderlies in our trench, jumped out, and ran like hell across the open, and got to the shell-holes safely. There I found out what I could about the situation, and gave them what information I had. Then I set off back hell for leather, but I was spotted this time and when I was about half-way - crack! went a bullet. I thought I could just manage the remaining 25yds. before another came, and just as I reached our trench I took a low dive and fell in just as another shot cracked over me. I expect the Bosche put it down as a bullseye.

The news, sympathetically speaking is very bad - 17 officers killed, wounded and missing, and all but 10 of the battalion. Later in the night and the next day a few men rolled up in small parties, and these, together with those who had to remain back in billets to make things look a bit more cheery now.

This is what happened:- The Divisions on our flanks failed to keep up. Our battalion and another battalion pushed on towards their first objective, which was several hundred yards ahead, in fact, nearly a mile. They did not all get there, only about a company of our people. We had a lot of casualties, and this, together with the fact that reinforcements did not come up to time, and our flanks unprotected, made things moderately easy for the enemy to counter attack, which he did on our right and left. He was held up on the right, but broke through on the left and cut off the whole battalion. It is a most awful pity, because the battalion did most splendidly, and took over 400 prisoners and a battery of guns, before it was cut off.

We, who are left, and everyone else, are most awfully proud of what the battalion has done.

Although not over the bags with the rest of the battalion I had a very unhealthy three or four days from shells, including sickly gas-shells. One evening a great big crump burst 50yds. in front of the colonel and me as we were walking along a road. During the strafes of attack and counter-attacks our little bank was continuously shelled, and a large number of men were hit.

We are in a village in a house with a ripping garden, and am very comfortable. I am just about getting on top of my work now. There was a frightful amount of stuff to get done, stuff which I took over from Holtby, and more stuff which accumulated while I was in hospital.

I am delighted that your Mother is getting on so nicely. This delightful weather ought to buck her up a lot.

I am awfully glad you've been able to get your ring on again. Thanks very much for the parcel. I got it yesterday. Remember this, my sweetheart, I have not taken any unnecessary risks during the recent fighting. Risks in plenty I have taken, but they have all been necessary to my duty, and because of you and my people at home I will be as careful as honour and duty permit.

Please forgive my long lapse in writing, but I know you will understand.

Yours with love,

Cecil

Note from: THE EAST YORKSHIRE REGIMENT in the GREAT WAR by Everard Wyrall, Harrison & sons; page 209, Wancourt.

“2nd. Battle of Scarp began 4.45 am. 23.4.17. 4th. E.Y. started at Wancourt/Cherisy Rd. Officers and men killed by British barrage which moved too slowly.Lost 17 Officers and 352 other ranks. Full account of battle given.”

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