Cecil Slack's letters: Volume 24

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; Tues. 26.6.'17

My Darling,

You must be frightfully hot 30ft. underground I think - Pater says it is cool as far down as that but I'm sure it must be abominably stuffy at any rate. I'm glad you like the photographs and Jimmy Raffan - I thought he seemed very nice and quite jolly. Its quite true they ARE bucked with themselves and think that nobody else is, or can possibly be as happy as themselves. You wouldn't know Emma now - her manner has absolutely changed and seems quite different - dropped her Cambridge "views" I think! We had a letter from Marjorie Barker this mg. They were married at Killybegs - Co. Donegal then came back to Killybegs - it seems that Billy Richardson is out on his submarine for nearly a fortnight and in for 7 days and out of that time he can get odd hours off and also 48 hours leave. Marjorie is living in the little hotel there and they have a sitting-room of their own. She says there is another officer's wife who is a very nice girl so she gets on very well and says she is VERY happy and "to put it mildly he is a perfect dear". So I'm awfully glad she has got on so well - she deserves to be happy - she is such a sweet kid.

It is a pity you were two points below the other bloke in the shooting competition - rather a swiz that he practised. While I remember - Mrs. Maurice Goschalk (who lives in N. Pk.) told Flossie that Waite was engaged to one of the Clarke girls - they are four pretty girls who live in Westbourne Ave. - cousins of the Kirkella ones I think - I know Ena the eldest one best - we've been to their house once or twice. Did you know anything about it? How is he now-a-days - is he better and how's Norman Ingleby?

I went over to see the house at Beverley on Sat. - it is really very nice and I like it very much - they have almost decided on it but not quite. It is in Lairgate exactly opposite Admiral Walker's entrance - Lairgate is the street at the back of Bev. - running parallel (I have quite forgotten how to spell p - l - , it's ages since my geometry days - tush! - and Claypots who taught me!) with the Westwoods - you go through it - if you go the Cottingham way into Bev. To continue about the house - it is Georgian I think - about 80 yrs. old -

Do you compris all this? Its really a very nice house and I like it very much - one drawback is that there is not too much garden - there is about as much at the back as the front - but they might be able to take in a piece at the side with fruit trees in. They have a little green house too - in fact it is very nice and quite old world. I'd love you to see it and see what you think about it. If they can get the telephone installed I think they will have it. Mother has come round now to their getting married in Sept. sometime - I don't know what date it will be yet. I do wish you could get leave for it - ask for special leave for a future sister-in-law wedding - I thought they gave special leave for weddings. Still you will be over before then - what a joy - I'm simply longing to see you again - I've never wanted to see anyone so badly before - more than last time before you came over - because its different this time isn't it?

I expect we shall all be fearfully busy till Sept. Flossie will anyway and we shall help too.

Don't worry about my V.A.Ding old boy, I'm not going until after the wedding - should like to - but I don't see how I possibly can - do you? I shall thoroughly enjoy going with old Hartley again for next winter - but I don't expect I shall be able to get off before the beginning of October really. I must write to the V.A.D. H.Qs sometime soon and tell them when I can go again and that I want to go with Hartley.

Do you spend your time in the dugout doing the adj's work or have you to be out in the trenches the main part of the time.

Bye-bye my darling and come and see me soon.

Yours with love

Dora.

Aunt Mary to CMS; 29th. June, 1917

My dear Cecil,

I only have time to send you a few lines by the mail going out today, but I want to send you my greetings for your birthday at the end of July. May you have many happy returns of the day, and I do trust and pray ere another comes round, you will be safe back in England with all those you love so dearly. What a long time before the end begins to dawn, but you are ever remembered by us out here, and I'm sure God has answered prayers on your behalf, and brought you safely through some of the dangers you've been exposed to. We got news of you this week from your Mother and we are indeed thankful that you have been spared, but what narrow escapes you've had, and so many of your comrades cut down. How nice it must have been the few days you had at home.

We have recently received the photos of Bob and your Dora, and there's no doubt Cecil your little lassie has a very sweet lovable face, and looks as good as she does sweet. Every one who sees it admires her face. May you soon be re-united to each other and be spared to many years of happiness together. It is a trying and anxious time at present. Dear Bob looks a fine boy. We all are proud of our boys who are so nobly and bravely doing their duty. We have just heard of Mervyn's engagement to a young lady out here. I only know her a little. but she is very nice. I wish you soldier lads could have some of the sunshine and peace we have here. God bless you everyone and bring you safe home bye and bye. Please accept my warm love and best wishes for your birthday dear Cecil. We've just received nice letters from Dora.

Your very loving

Auntie Mary.

Aunt Bertha to CMS; June 27, 1917

My dear Cecil,

I am hoping this will reach you in time for your birthday but the mails are so very irregular that it may be late. Let me wish you dear Cecil many more happy years, and I trust that ere another anniversary comes round this dreadful war will be over, and you back again in the dear home land.

We have heard very little news of you lately, but hope dear boy you are safe and well. We had nice letters from your Dora this week in which she tells us you were taking over the adjutant's work for a few months, I hope that means you will not be in such danger as you have been. You have a sweet girl waiting for you now, your Mother sent us out Dora's photograph and we all think she looks so sweet and nice. I remember her as a little girl, you have been in hospital with measles too we hear, well anyway that would give you a rest Cecil. Have you met Mervyn yet? He has just had a very narrow escape from a burning shell. I always pray as we all do for you two boys that God will preserve your lives if it is His will, in all the dangers you are both exposed to. Bert Storar is in the Engineers, his Mother tells me. I want to write Bob a few lines now, God keep you dear boys in His keeping and bless you. We are well here, Grandma needs a lot of care, but she is bright as ever.

With very loving wishes for the 30th. of July my dear Cecil

I am always

Yours very affectionately

Auntie Bertha.

Grandma Watkins to CMS; July 28th. 1917

My dear Cecil,

Hoping this will reach you by your birthday I am writing to wish you many happy returns of it and trust you will be safely kept to see many more useful and happy years. May God ever be with you my dear boy. We thank God on your behalf, that you have escaped thus far, the shots and shells of the enemy. We read with great interest the accounts of your wonderful and narrow escapes, in the fighting line. We do earnestly pray that this awful war may soon come to a righteous, and honorable conclusion. Its very dreadful that so many fine young men should be killed or maimed. We do pray that the days may be shortened, and that the reign of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace may be hastened.

Now dear Cecil, wishing you every rich blessing from on High, and many bright returns of your birthday.

With much love

Your ever loving Grandma

E.R.Watkin.

Cutting from news paper

The marriage arranged between Captain Norman W. Ingleby, East Yorkshire Regiment, younger son of Ernest W. Ingleby, Esq., of Melton Hill, Brough, and Kathleen Clarke, younger daughter of Colonel G.H.Clarke, J.P.,of Kirkella House, East Yorks, will take place at Kirkella Church on Tuesday, July 24th., at 2 o'clock. No invitations will be sent, but friends will be welcome at the church.

Dora to CMS; Saturday 30.6.'17. 10pm

My Darling,

I got both your letter and field post card to-day - by the same post! Rather a swiz for you wasn't it. I knew you were frightfully busy and your Mother told me on Thursday she had just got a letter from you and you were awfully busy - so I didn't worry and I didn't get the wind up either - marvellous to say! 30ft underground is very deep when one thinks - about the height of a small house really - and 42 steps down too - I expect you think twice before you run up and down. I think the idea of the staff job is simply ripping and I do wish it would come off - and if its not one of those "dud" jobs it would be all the nicer for you and more interesting too. I haven't mentioned it to a soul - it is rotten the way these things have of collapsing so suddenly often. I DO hope it comes off and then you can get away from those beastly blinking trenches.

Your Mother came down to tea yesterday afternoon and it was awfully nice seeing her again and talking with her. You know, I do like her - quite apart from the fact that she is your Mother. She brought me your letter to read that she had just received. I'm awfully sorry about the boils you have been having and I do hope you are better - you don't mention your little self in your letter this morning so I conclude you are. I am sure it is because you are run down - and drinking bad water and eating so much tinned stuff. You really want a change altogether. I'm sure. I rang up your Mother to-night and told her I had heard again - she hopes your leave will come in August really as the holiday at Filey would do you so much good. I'm sure the sea air would be good for you - I have been invited to go too if you are over then - I should love it - wouldn't you like a holiday there?

It seems very sad about Easton and Oughtred after all this time - but it is far better that their people shouldn't know - as you say - I won't mention it to anyone - it oughtn't to get out at all.

Monday morning 2.7.'17. I intended finishing this letter on Sunday but I couldn't find time for it - Mr. and Mrs. Elwell came early in the afternoon and stayed tea and supper - then we took them to Cottingham station. They really are awfully nice and we enjoyed their coming over very much. Freddie Elwell thinks he knows you by sight - probably passing through Bev. I should think. Anyway I am to take you over to see them when you come on leave so I thought we could go and look at St Margarets (that's the name of Flossie's house - William has taken it now) and go and see them too. They are simply full of colour schemes and what they are going to have and what they are NOT going to have - Mother is just as full of it - in fact she talks as if it were HER wedding sometimes!

My nose is absolutely put out - I can tell you, Cecil - I shall put it in again when you come on leave though - RATHER! Pip-pip. So it is your parents' Silver wedding on the 23rd. of Sept - it would be awfully nice for them if you could get over for it - wouldn't it.

Wilfred Todd flew over here on his way from Newcastle - after fetching an aeroplane yesterday - he circled twice over our garden and the Todds and came VERY low - nearly on the tree tops - we waved sheets etc. and we could see him waving quite clearly. We often get R.F.Cs. over here nowadays - there's one that's always coming - his best girl is the milk girl at the corner of the park and he comes and circles over their farm - seranades I s'pose!

Bye-bye - I must go now - I am always waiting for you to come home on leave - I don't think it will be so very long now.

Yours with love

Dora

CMS to Dora; FIELD POST CARD. Post marked 1st July 1917

I am quite well.

I have received your letter dated ----

Letter follows at first opportunity.

Cecil.

CMS to Dora; 2.7.17. 10.20 pm

My Darling

We came out of the line this morning arriving at camp at 5.0pm. I had breakfast at 1.0pm this afternoon. I expect you're wondering why I haven't written but we've had another busy and bad time and have again been let down by people on our flank, who said they had reached a place which they hadn't, with the result that we have 3 officers and 60 men missing. These poor fellows had the Bosche guns of more than two Divisions shelling them for 18 hours and they were buried and blown to bits. It's awfully bad luck. Capt. Morrill is one of those missing. It's his first tour since when we first came out.

Holtby came back yesterday, engaged. I think I shall be handing over to him. I'm going to Le Touquet on the 9th. for a Lewis gun course and am rather looking forward to it. What happens to me after that I don't know.

We have been living in a tunnel 3 or 4 miles long, in the trenches, and about 30 ft. deep, not one I mentioned before. It was built by the Bosche, and we pinched it. It's much cooler than on top, but the atmosphere's a bit muggy after a time. I was standing at the entrance of it a few nights ago when a Bosche whizzbang hit the parados a couple of yards over my head, and filled my guts with smoke. If it had been a gas shell it would have killed me.

No, I didn't know that Waite was engaged. I'm awfully glad if it's true. He's a ripping fellow. I think Norman Ingleby's going to be married soon. I owe both of them a letter. I'm awfully interested in the drawing of Flossie and William's house. I wish I could get home for the wedding, but I shan't be able to manage it unless my leave comes then. I expect it will come before that though. I think I shall have more time to myself now that Holtby's back, so shall be able to write a bit more.

Yours with love

Cecil.

CMS to Dora; 6.7.17

My Darling,

I'm very glad you're not going V.A.Ding again just yet. Although you will no doubt be fairly busy preparing for Flossie's wedding it will be a rest for you. Are you able to get tennis nowadays or has it died down for the time being?

I'm having an easy time now. I haven't got a job at all, but am just a parasite on H.Q. I have been trying to make a football field out of shell holes today. I think I told you Holtby came back engaged. He's got it quite badly. I sleep in the same tent with him. I saw a photograph of his girl today, and she's awfully pretty.

I'm off to Le Touquet on the 8th. I think; I'm afraid it's only for a week or ten days, but it's better than nothing. I shall probably miss a tour in the line over it. I was in the London Gazette a week or two ago as a pukka lieutenant - I was only temporary before. I am just on the verge of being a captain. We are having ripping weather just at present, but are away from our towns and villages, except broken down ones. The ground is covered with thistles: Bush my comic civilian servant put one in my sponge tonight, and when I groused about it said I did it myself.

I've got your photograph on my dressing table biscuit box. I think I shall get a frame for it at Le Touquet. Did I tell you Joy had come out again? He's a bit fed at losing his gas job at home. I'm awfully glad to see him again he's such a cheery individual. What do you think of the Russian push? I think it will help the war to finish this year, in, say 3 month's time.

Yours with love,

Cecil.

Dora to CMS; Friday 6.7.'17

My Love,

I'm awfully glad you are out of the line again but you have had a bad time, old boy - but you are out of it again now - the Lewis gun course will be very interesting - they have added it on to the Strensall course of musketry now. I do wonder what you will do after that - what job you will be given - I s'pose you've gleaned no more information about the staff job. It does seem wicked that the lot on one of your flanks should let you down for a second time - WHAT an escape you had with that beastly whizz bang - it really is a blessing that one doesn't know beforehand the narrow escapes one is going to have. Still it is all over now and you have come through safely and you will be on your course and then probably you will get your leave - Cheerioh!

There is a Mrs. Ward who lives in a cottage adjoining the Todd's garden and whose husband was killed on the 22nd. I think - in the 4th. E. Yks. - Capt. Morrill wrote and told her about it and Miss Walley the Todd's governess replied for her - but before he could receive the letter he must have been killed - she wrote to ask how he was killed or if it was instantaneous or if he suffered much - but now that Capt. Morrill has gone she will not be able to obtain any further account of it - I wonder if you know anything about the man - Mrs. Ward is an awfully nice little woman and Miss Walley says she is frightfully upset and I feel very sorry for her - she is being turned out of her cottage too - as it is the lodge to the new V.A.D. hospital for officers on Cottingham Rd. By the way, I think you had better come there when you get your "Blighty" and I'll come and talk to you over the garden wall.

I don't think I have any news at all for you to-day - things go on just the same - in fact Newland Park gets a bit monotonous - but I'm very busy really - I do all the house-keeping now and Mother doesn't get up 'till about 10.30 and Flossie is simply bubbling over with different schemes and plannings etc. - for their house - I think the house will be awfully nice and I'm longing to show it to you - they are beginning with painters etc. next week I think.

To-morrow Ma and I are going to your Mother's Young Leaguers' affair - I do hope it will be a fine day for it all - we saw Kitty and Miss Anderson in the train to-day - she really is a sweet little kiddy. Flossie saw Ena Clarke in town y'day and she says one of her sisters is engaged to a Waite boy - one that has been wounded - but I don't know whether it is the one you know or not as there are two of them.

When Ma and I were in Marris Willows the other day we saw old Pa Waite and spoke to him and asked how his son was - he seems an awfully nice old bird.

I owe simply TONS of letters - haven't written to a blinking soul except you - its simply chronic - I shan't have any friends left if I don't write soon. Mother has kept having different people in to tea to see her and that takes up a lot of time in the afternoon. Flossie and I often DIE for a game of tennis - just an odd set before we hop indoors - but our lawn is in a fearful state - so soft - just like a hay field after it is cut - I'm sure it isn't fit - and won't be fit to play on this summer - and on the other hand it would mean marking out the whole thing and nets up etc. for very little tennis really - as Flossie and William haven't time at all now they've got their blinking house. I keep intending to write to Hilda - I have owed her a letter for months - she must be quite a fully fledged prefect now and feeling important! - I'm sure Emma and I got beastly sniffy, the latter part of our time at Penrh^s - if I went back now I'd have a better time I think and not bother about detentions and punes etc. - I'd go in for them properly for a change!

It's nearly 11.30pm. now - have had to keep breaking off with this letter - I am going to hop into bed now to think of you and when I wake up in the morning too - I dreamt of you the other night,

Yours with love

Dora.

I got your letter on Tuesday and only posted on Sunday so it was jolly good I think - I was glad to get it - Pater told Mr. Slack I'd had one and he said he thought you must have just come out of the trenches.

Dora to CMS; Tues. 10.7.'17

My Darling,

I have only just time for a scraggy note now - as I have been writing a long letter to Marjorie Richardson - I haven't written since she was a Barker. I have forgotten where Le Touquet is so I'm going to look it up on the map again as soon as I've posted this letter. I shall be so glad when you are made a capt. - 'cause you ought to have had it long ago I think. Will Joy be made one before you - 'cause he is really your senior isn't he? but it seems rather a swiz when you have been out all that time. It's nice to have someone jolly for a change, I think too.

They have asked me to go on night duty at this V.A.D. hosp. on Cottingham Rd. about two or three nights every week - I'd like to go really but Ma and Pa won't let me - it would only have been for about two months or so - so that the other nurses can get their holiday. Rather a swiz about it I think.

I am enclosing a cutting that was in last night's Mail - I knew you would be interested. Mother and I went to the Garden Sale on Sat. afternoon for about an hour - they have done awfully well to get ,66 I think. I met your Aunt too - Mrs Fletcher - is that the one that was going to meet you in London on your way back through London on your last leave? Ma, Flossie and I are going to your Mother's for tea on Friday afternoon.

I hope you have a cheery time in Le Touquet - or will it be hard work all the time - anyway I think its always rather nice to go to a fresh place for a change.

Kathleen Runton's young man is getting leave in Aug. he thinks and he had his leave last Feb. - after yours by two months. He digs graves and counts prisoners behind the lines tho' I think as he isn't very strong.

Bye-bye - Yours with love,

Dora

CMS to Dora; 13.7.17

My Darling,

As I have only come to Le Touquet for a short time I am not having my letters forwarded as they would be almost sure to miss me, so I don't know much about you for the moment.

I had the usual trouble in getting here, taking two days to come a matter of 40 miles. It was quite nice weather and I met some more fellows coming to the same course, so I enjoyed the change from hard work, and just sat and smoked and played cards. I had a real anti-war lunch at the Officers' Club when I arrived.

It is glorious country here, any amount of beautiful woods and walks. It's another of many places we shall have to visit together some day. There are some very good links too, on which I played on Wednesday. It's over a year since I hit a golf ball, and I'm simply awful. Do you play at all now, or has it gone west during war time? I think you're keener on tennis, aren't you?

Yesterday afternoon I had a sea-bathe, the first since the war began. I didn't go swimming right away out though, as in the old Rydal days; I was afraid that after my wet experiences in the trenches I might get cramp. I shouldn't mind having those Rydal bathing days back again. I remember looking for you forming up in the "crock" ready to march back to Penrhos under the Bug. I felt an awful nib once when I did see you. I could never spot you in the sea though. You used to go out to the boat didn't you and dive into 3ft. of water. (I expect you'll stop loving me for saying that.)

We work here from 8.45 to 12.45 and from 2.0 to 4.0, and have the rest of the day to ourselves, so we're not doing badly.

I see that Bob has got his commission in the East Yorks. I wonder if the war will end before he is sent out here. I hope so.

Leave is still hovering about. It may have started for officers by the time I get back.

Yours with love,

Cecil.

Dora to CMS; Sunday. aft. 15.7.'17

My Darling,

I've been awfully busy turning out the writing desk in my bedroom - I haven't used it yet since I came home - at least this is the first time now. I hope you are enjoying Le Touquet - I looked it up on the map and I find its just below Boulogne and on the coast too - so it will be delightful there just now I should think - rather a holiday in fact - there's a golf course there too isn't there?

Kathleen Runton's boy is coming on leave in a fortnight's time - I simply fume inside about it when he had his last leave the beginning of Feb. or end of Jan. - I forget which. Father and Mother, Flossie and I went down to Wilton House to tea on Friday - it seemed awfully quiet with only three kiddies at home - Harold's hens seem to be thriving - I think he is doing jolly well with them and he seems to be getting toppingly big eggs. - I expect you'll thrive on them when you come on leave.

Yesterday and to-day have been simply perfect days - it would have been simply gorgeous to have been at the seaside like pre-war days. I think your Mother is going over to Beverley one day next week to see Flossie's house. Wilfred Todd had two days' leave during the week and came to see us - I hadn't seen him for about two and a half yrs. - he is much fatter and before the war he used to absolutely scorn anyone who got fat - and used to run a mile round the park before breakfast every mg!

I'm going to help in the kitchen at the V.A.D. hospital here from 6 to 9 to-night - its only because someone has fallen off ill suddenly - but I'm not going to help in the kitchen again - when one has once worked in the wards it's a frightful step down the ladder to go into the kitchens! I wonder how soon the captaincy will come off - and I do wonder what job they will put you on when you get back to H.Qs. - I hope you won't be a blinking parasite again! Florence and William are trying to be sappy in the tent in the garden - they are killing birds!

Bye-bye - will your leave come in August do you think?

Yours with love,

Dora.

CMS to Bob; 6.7.17

Dear Bob,

I was very pleased to see your name in the paper a few days ago as having been granted a commission in the East Yorks.

As you are gazetted to the Territorials you stand a better chance of coming to the 4th. Battalion.

I suppose you will have joined the third line by this time, where you will wait for two or three months before coming out.

I am down at Le Touquet at present on a Lewis Gun Course. It is not far from the camp where all our reinforcements come to from England. I was sitting in one of the officers' clubs on Sunday afternoon when in walked my old platoon sergeant, Taylor, who has just come from a cadet school. I spoke to him and found that John Ferens was somewhere about, and was going up to join the 10th. Bn. today, Monday. I walked into the writing room and there he was!

I go back to the Bn. on Wednesday. I have had a splendid week here. Work finishes at 4.0pm., allowing plenty of opportunity for golf and bathing, both of which I got.

I expect you'll have some funny specimens of men to deal with nowadays. They're bad enough when they come out here, "trained"

Your affec. brother,

Cecil

CMS to Dora; 16.7.17

My Darling,

I go back to the battalion on Wednesday, so by the time you get this letter I shall have got news of you and from home. Any letters that have been forwarded haven't reached me yet, which is the only drawback to a jolly good holiday. I've struck a bit of luck in not going back tomorrow. The school broke up this afternoon, but the train service won't permit everyone to go, so half of us get a full holiday tomorrow, whilst waiting for a train.

Yesterday (Sunday) morning we knocked off work at 11.0am. I had six francs in my pocket, and the fellow with whom I have been going out had five. The Field Cashier who was about 3 miles away closed at 11.30am. for the day. We wanted money for lunch, dinner , a show in the evening and this was the only chance. We doubled off for a taxi, and after we had gone about 500yds. the fellow I was with found he'd left his pay-book behind! So I walked on to bag a taxi whilst he ran back to get his book. When he came back there was no taxi in sight, and 2 miles to do in 10 minutes.

By a stroke of luck we bagged a big empty car coming towards us, picked up 3 other fellows in a similar straight and went off hell for leather. One of the fellows we picked up was taking two V.A.Ds. out to tea that afternoon and had only 6 francs to do it with. The chauffeur fellow told some lie about not being allowed to go to the exact place where we wanted him to. So we paid him our last money and hurried off expecting that we should be late and should have to walk all the way back to the camp for our lunch. We got to the Cashier's at last, 10 minutes late, and as I walked up to one entrance the Cashier walked down the other, got in his car and cleared off. For several minutes I passed remarks about Field Cashiers, when a face came to the open window underneath which I was talking. I looked in and saw one of the Cashier's satellites. He asked me if I wanted any money! I said yes, but without hope. After an argument about life in general and in particular the absurd hours kept by Field Cashiers, he unlocked the door and let us in. There were only two of us, the others having gone off with their tails down. We got our money and had a slap up lunch at the club.

During the afternoon my old platoon sergeant, who has just got a commission, walked in, and I learned from him that John Ferens was somewhere about, and was going up the line today. I found him in the writing room, and talked for about half an hour. He's not coming to us, I'm sorry to say, but has been posted to the 10th. Bn.

I had a most wonderful vision of you on Sunday night. It was a dream which seemed to last 2 seconds, but I saw you perfectly, with love - light in your eyes, and I spoke to you, and kissed you.

Yours with love,

Cecil

CMS to Dora; 19.7.17

My Darling,

I left Le Touquet yesterday morning. I got up at 4.30am. and after breakfast had a delightful walk through the woods to the station.

The journey has been broken at St. Pol, and I go to join the battalion. I feel awfully fit after the holiday. It will be ripping if I could get the next one at Filey, when you come to stay with us. One of the things I am anxious to get back to the battalion for is to see if leave has started and this is possible.

How is the dugout in your garden getting on? Rather wet and slimy by now I should think. I have meant several times, but have always forgotten, to ask you to send me some more of that soap you used to send me. I think it's ripping soap, and it always makes me think of you when I use it. Can you send me some?

I am rather hard up for news, but I expect there will be plenty when I get back this evening; and then there will be several letters waiting for me too. I'm afraid that any that were forwarded to me have missed me and will not turn up for some days.

Yours with love,

Cecil

Dora to CMS; Friday 10.15pm. 20.7.'17

My Darling,

It must be simply delightful at Le Touquet and I should love to go someday with you - it will be quite a sort of semi holiday for you - and not very long working hours either. I had heard there were some good links there but I thought they might have turned them into the musketry affair. I'm really no good at golf - I wish I were - but I think it's because I was never taught properly and didn't follow it up - I used to go to hockey every Saturday and then the war came on - still I'd like to have another shot at it someday - but I think I really like tennis better on the whole. I've only played tennis once this summer at the Marslands at Silkstone so I'm really a fearful dud at that too now.

I think we are all going to Scarborough for Bank Holiday weekend about the 4th. Aug. it is I think. We are going to Red Lea Boarding House - its right on the front of the South Cliff and has a gorgeous view - Ma and I stayed there last Sept. William and Mrs. Todd are coming too. We would sooner go the weekend after Bank Holiday but William won't be able to get the Monday off if we do but I'm afraid it will be a bit crowded then. We all feel we want a breath of sea air so that's why we're going really.

If your leave is on then it would be awfully nice - we should love you to come to us at Scarboro' if your Mother wouldn't mind your being away from Filey for the weekend - still it's no good arranging anything if I don't know - or haven't the slightest idea when you will be over - but I am simply longing to see you again and I'm sure you'll be coming before very long now.

I've been writing this in bed and I'm awfully sleepy now so I must finish tomorrow and drop off to sleep now and think of you.

Saturday morning. I've had a letter from you this morning so I feel extra chirpy - I've rung up your Mamm and she's had one too - both opened by the Base Censor - cheeky man. I'm awfully glad you've had such a jolly holiday - was it at Boulogne you met Jack Ferens - I think it must have been, altho' you didn't say so. They asked me to go and be a scullery maid at the V.A.D. Hosp. up here to-night again from 6 - 9 - but I've struck and won't go this time. A V.A.D. who has worked in the wards is considered to be vastly superior to the scullery V.A.Ds. I think I'm doing night duty there in August sometime but NOT if you are over. It is too gorgeous for anything to think that I might see you before very long.

It was quite exciting here last Mon. afternoon. A friend of Wilfred Todd's flew over with their R.F.C. Major. He flew FEARFULLY low over the park and waved to me from the aeroplane and I could see him so plainly. They landed in a field quite near the park - they had come to see if it was suitable for an aerodrome as they want one in Hull but they said it wasn't quite wide enough. The Major was awfully young to be a major and in charge of an aerodrome near Lincoln. Of course fearful crowds collected from nowhere in the field but as we knew them we were allowed to be near the machine - and it did look simply delightful. I've been doing some gardening during the week and also framing some pictures with passe-partout - I really make them look quite presentable - but I'll show you them when you come. I think I'm going to Beverley this afternoon with Bill Todd and Flossie - help to choose wallpapers or something.

Heaps of love,

Yours with love

Dora

Flossie is having a little gas oven - very small one - with a glass door and you can see your buns cooking - may I have one when we have our little nest - I've read of a lovely job for girls - measuring timber and assessing quantities - am writing to Hartley to see what she thinks of it. I haven't dreamt of you for quite a long time now but I'm always thinking of you - I'm sure I ought to dream about you when I think of you so much,

always your love.

Dora

Hilda to CMS; July 21st 1917

My dear Cecil,

Thanks very much for your letter; you must have been slightly mad when you wrote it - why on earth should a pink hat remind you of a white rabbit; that poor hat is pink no longer now, it has faded a most hideous dirty pale colour; it's a swiz, when it cost 6/11 (6s and 11d). Do you really think I am a grown up flapper now? Because you are quite mistaken if you do; I'm exactly the same as I was when you saw me last, but very much wiser owing to matric effects; the results come out next week. I am almost certain that I've failed in English, Latin and German and most likely Arithmetic and Algebra - the only thing I feel safe about is Geometry; but that won't pull me through the whole exam. I quite believe you have side-whiskers and a beard; you'll never be kissed if you have, so I should shave them off if I were you.

You must think I am pretty bad at French if you put in brackets for my benefit that "après la guerre" means "after the war". My dear boy, I talk French most fluently, carry on long conversations in that language every day of my life (in imagination).

Ma and Betsy have bathed quite a lot this term; Betsy goes in without a bathing cap; she looks just like a farm labourer: yes, she still walks down the middle aisle with her hat on one side and her walk on one side also; she is dressing most stylishly this term: Poor Ma is left quite behind; in fact she went to chapel the other day in her old curtain dress and a grey shawl over her shoulders and some sort of head-gear, I believe it was supposed to be a hat, tipped right forward in a most jaunty fashion, so that she could hardly see: she looked two or three degrees worse than a coster-woman.

I don't talk when I'm swimming, my dear donkey. I've no breath left for that; but my mouth opens naturally. I couldn't swim with it shut; most of the girls are terribly afraid of jelly fish; Mabel is for one, also of beetles and spiders; she nearly goes into hysterics when she finds them in the bedroom, and we get them almost every day.

The girls who have been taking the Cambridge this week went to Rydal for it; fancy Ma allowing it: it is too wonderful to speak about. Well, yesterday, when the girls were there, one of the boys gave a letter to one of the girls to take to another girl and one of our mistresses who was there, saw this. So of course there has been a row, but I haven't heard yet what happened; Ma will most likely say she feels too grieved to continue at the school any longer and will resign, let us hope so!

I am really writing this letter to wish you many happy returns of your birthday; you are getting ancient, you'll be twenty five won't you? I hope you'll get leave in the holidays: what's all the rubbish you wrote about not seeing us again for three years; are you a pessimist now? You usedn't to be.

I must go and get my lunch now, a piece of bread and butter, so adieu, fair friend.

Prithee accept my love for thee (that sounds rather good doesn't it)

Hilda

CMS to Dora; 22.7.17

My Darling,

An officer went on leave 10 days ago! I am now second or third on the list, so may be home this year with any luck, and with great luck in August or September.

I had a very tiresome journey back, and started work at 4.30 the first morning by taking a working party up the line.

I have been officially posted as Assistant Adjutant, Intelligence Officer and Lewis Gun Officer, so shall still have plenty of work to do.

I was very interested in the cutting about Norman Ingleby. I thought he would be getting married this time. I think he has about a month's leave before going to the third line for two months. Has Flossie fixed her date yet?

I got a letter from you yesterday, posted last Sunday or Monday, and another one today which had been forwarded to Le Touquet and which has been following me about.

I nearly got pipped today: a fuse from an anti-aircraft shell came down plonk at my feet from about 2 miles up. It only missed me by a few inches. The people near me thought it had touched me.

In your letter which I got today you called Kathleen Runton's boy her "young Man". It at once made me think of trippers, and Margate, and Blackpool, fish and chips and winkles.

I'm sorry Wilfred Todd's getting fat. I don't like fat young men. I'm trying hard not to get fat myself.

I am glad you met my Aunt. I don't know her, as I don't think I've seen her since I was about two years old, but I daresay she's quite nice. Yes I think she was the one I was going to meet in London. I'm glad Harold's hens are doing well. I shall be able to pick up some tips from him for when you and I grow them.

Yours with love,

Cecil

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