Cecil Slack's letters: Volume 27

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; Thurs. 4.10.'17

My Darling,

I am wondering how you are getting on - probably you are in the support line now - anyway I hope you are going into rest very soon now - you must have been pretty busy or I should have heard from you more often - but please write more when you get into rest. We have Mr. Stewart's sister staying with us this week - the one who married Flossie - he has also been staying in Hull for some harvest festivals so we have seen him a good deal - he was in last night also the Todd girls - Enid was quite sprightly for once - I believe Wilfred and his wife are coming over to Beverley for this next weekend.

I do hope you haven't been having such a bad time in the line this time. I have sent off a cake to you to-day - that Mother made - all Flossie's wedding cake was eaten up so another had to be made and so Ma made you a wedding cake too - hope you will like it.

Nellie (Quant) Hemmon's husband has been wounded recently - slightly in the head and his right hand off - he is in London now and Nellie sees him twice a day - she is really thankful to have him back again and out of danger and to know that he is not to go out again - I know I should be thankful if I were she. One thing I know, if you did happen to be very badly wounded I should feel sorry I wasn't married to you so that I could always be with you to look after you better - still I don't think for a minute you will ever be badly wounded - I think it must be hearing about Nellie Quant's husband that has made me a bit anxious for the moment.

This afternoon we have been with your Mother to the Child Welfare and Food Economy Exhibition at the Guildhall - t'wasn't bad really - in fact rather interesting - it is supposed to teach poor and dirty people how to be clean and make the best of things and be economical etc. - so I hope it will do some good. Have you got a Cedric Earle a sub. in your coy? - I spoke to his Ma the other day - I used to go to the same gym. class as he and his sister went to at the Young Peoples' Institute on Sat. mgs. - I should think I was about 7 or 8 and he would be about 5 then! and I haven't seen him since!

Goodbye my love, now - I wish you had been here last night we had an awfully jolly evening.

Yours with love

Dora

Harold to CMS

Dear Cecil,

We let our hens all over the garden now. 3 came into the house the other day. We have got Cockrel which crows in the morning, I heard before 5 o'clock this mouning.

We are going to kill a hen soon. I went for a drive the other day, and we stopt at a farm I fell of the top a hay-stak 10 feet high and turned a sumersalt on the way down, but luckilly fell on my feet. I got the back of my shoe bitten by a rat the other night when I was in the hen house. We got an egg 4 inches long the other day and 1 1/2 inches wide, it was a double youk. The hens are just being to lay well now we got 5 eggs yesterday and 4 today. I am having lessings now. I saw an airship the other day and it was a big one. It has been fine weather here the last two or 3 day but today was not quit so fine.

With love from

Your affectionate

Brother Harold

Dora to CMS; Saturday night 6.10.'17

My Darling,

Your Mother rang up last night to say that Bob had come home on draft leave and has to leave Victoria by the 7.35am. train on Wednesday next so he will be leaving Hull 5pm. on Tuesday. She said she would not have time to write to you before Sunday so I am telling you to be on the look out for him - of course he doesn't know where he will be going to but I hope it is to you. Mayfield from Newland Park and Col. Shaw's other son and someone else are coming out with him.

Pater has got his majority to-day - he's rather fussy with himself as he has precedence from 3rd of June 1916 also nothing temporary or acting about it either - so the War Office has done a stunt for once!

I'm glad you have got all the photographs - I heard from you this mg. at last after six days - its quite an event to get a letter from you now-a-days - you must have been kept awfully busy lately or something.

I think the one you like of me in the deck chair is quite verging on the tragic side and everyone else thinks so too. Its heaps better of you in the deck chair - your Ma and Pa are very fond of that one.

It has turned bitterly cold the last two days - hard frost in the early morning - and I have got a blinking chilblain on my left big toe and my little finger - already - so the one on my nose will be arriving shortly I expect - so I should expire after the first night if I lived in the trenches - I should be a blinking clilblain all over! I'm glad the C.O. liked the Ingleby's bowl - it is more satisfactory to think a Col. has approved of a wedding present.

You can keep all Queenie's snapshots after all as she has sent me another lot and also the films to print off. Please write smaller - I don't like your big writing half so much as the small so please remember - young man!

Love and kisses - swishity-swish -

from

Dora

Ma and I were in at Mrs. Hall's next door last night and met Mrs. Marr - Colin Marr's mother - she's awfully nice.

End up your letters with something fresh - they are always the same!

CMS to Dora; Sunday 7. 10.17

My Darling,

We are out at rest now, well behind the line. We moved yesterday in the pouring rain for 10 miles. Our camp would be a bad one in summer, but we have improved it a lot since we came. My company officers' mess is in the same shed as those of two other companies. I rigged up a little fire place at our end of it yesterday afternoon, and it works splendidly. Another company has put up one at the other end this afternoon.

I wanted to write to you last night, but I was seduced for a game of bridge, and when I came back the fire was out and all the fuel gone, and it was freezing, and as the mess-shed is open at the top on one side I went to bed. I slept with my pyjamas and cardigan on over my shirt and trousers, and wore the socks you made me, and I was still cold.

Your "Ducksey-Wucksey" letter was very happy in its arrival. As I was about to open it someone wanted to know how my girl began her letters to me, so I showed him. I certainly got the wind up at first; I thought perhaps you had had peace declared in Hull.

We started winter-time last night, so I shall be able to think of you specially at 10.30 again instead of 11.30pm. It's 10.45 now, your time and mine.

Goodnight my sweetheart,

Yours with love,

Cecil

CMS to Dora; Wednesday 10.10.17

Darling,

I got your parcel containing cake and magazines on Monday. It's awfully good of you to send the magazines. I take much more interest in them, you know, coming from you, and knowing you've seen them, than if they were just ordinary copies. You do make ripping cakes, but I wish I were eating them in our own home, yours and mine.

I hear there are quite a lot of little detached houses at Hornsea. I asked Grummitt, one of our officers, whose home is there. I'm very often thinking of it nowadays. Won't it be glorious when the war is over, and we go house-hunting together?

The weather is changing again, and we're not getting so much rain, and so are not quite so fed up as we were. This afternoon I was playing in an officers' hockey match. It was quite good fun, but I'm not very keen on hockey. I used to watch it now and again at Penrh^s, but then I wasn't looking for the hockey.

I rode over to Sommecourt yesterday. It is being left exactly as it is, as an historic monument. Of course it's overgrown now, and looks very desolate.

I am writing to your Aunt Yetta tonight. I'm afraid I've been rather a long time. It's one of my bad habits. The comforter has come in very useful lately.

I'm awfully glad your Pa is going to be a major.

Yours with love,

Cecil

CMS to Dora; Saturday 13.10.17

My Darling,

I am very sorry to hear about Nellie Hemmon's husband losing his right hand, but he is out of it for good now.

You needn't get the wind up about me just yet, because I'm spending a week or two in hospital. I was playing hockey on Thursday afternoon when I slipped, and twisted my left knee. It hurt quite a lot and I had to go off the field for a bit. It was only a pick up game so I didn't change, so was rather surprised in the evening when I got undressed, and found three quarters of my leg black and blue, and my knee the size of a melon. I came to the C.C.S. this morning and am quite comfortable. I have to stay in bed for about a week. The doctor says it is a very peculiar case and is quite surprised that there is nothing broken, and that I have no pain.

I am both glad and sorry that Bob is out here. He has not come up from the base yet. I hope he comes to us when he does.

Cedric Earle is not in my company. "D" Coy. owns him I think, - Capt. Monge.

I am awfully glad your Pa has got his majority. Please give him my congratulations.

It seems I have made a "faux pas" about saying I like the snap-shot of you in the deck chair best. But I can't help it. I do like it. It brought back Sunday afternoon like a shot. Perhaps I'm prejudiced about it.

I forgot to ask Earle if he remembered you at the gym classes. I used to go to the Saturday afternoon ones, and Mr. Tubb very often used to make me or Walter Sheppard sit by ourselves on a lone form, for being naughty. Sorry my "endings up" arn't more elaborate, but I'm a very simple person you know, and when I say "Yours with love" I mean it properly. But here's an effort, but I don't love you any more because of it, because I can't.

All my love to my sweetheart from her sweetheart

Cecil

Dora to CMS; Sunday afternoon 14.10.'17

My Darling,

I'm glad you've got that parcel at last - I was beginning to wonder whether it had got lost on the way. I think I shall rather like house-hunting - just by our two selves - I like Eastgate in Hornsea better than any other part - but I haven't seen it for a long time - but I believe there are one or two nice little bungalow places near the Mere - anyway we will have a good look round when the time comes. It is a simply gorgeous day - absolutely perfect - Bill and Flossie (full of married bliss by the way) came over this mg. and have just gone back again - Bill wants to get some digging done before dark as the garden is in such a frightful mess just now. I'd love a game of hockey once more - the Robsons don't play at Sutton now - so there isn't any to be had - but we used to have some lovely times at P.C. - especially when we went away to play matches. Betty S'butt was awfully decent to us all then. I think I must write to them again I haven't written since June or May so they don't know Flossie is married even.

I'm glad you have written to Aunt Yetta at last - she will be awfully pleased - you are rather a terror at writing letters. “Romance” is coming to Hull this week - Mother is taking Nurse Waddington but I don't want to go as I have seen it twice and I shouldn't want to go either after I have seen it with you.

I had a letter from Ma Hovey the other day - she said she had seen you had got your M.C. in the Methodist Recorder or something. I hear from your Mother that Bob did quite a theatre stunt when he was in London. I hope he has managed to get to your lot.

I'm just going to write to Queenie now - so goodbye old boy - a month of the time has gone till we see each other again - and it's gone quickly too I think.

Yours with love,

x x Dora. x x

CMS to Dora; Monday 15.10.17

Sweetheart,

Please address all your letters to me, for the present, comme ça,

Capt. C.M.Slack

(4th East Yorks)

49th C.C.S.

B.E.F.

The letters you have written before you get this will probably be forwarded to me, as they know where I am. I didn't give my address in my last letter, as I thought I might be going further down the line. I may do yet, it depends how the knee gets on.

I am having quite a comfortable time and am fairly content with life. I am very sorry to have to leave my company at this critical time, and just when I was getting to know it too. On the other hand I have more time to think of the little girl who's going to be my wife some day. So I'm not grousing, but am just taking things as they come.

Day begins at 5.45 by the orderly waking me up for tea, wash and shave, after which I read until breakfast at 7.30.

The M.O. comes round about 10.15, after which my bandages are changed. Lunch 12.45, tea 4.30, dinner 7.30 is the routine, filled in by reading and making beds. We are fed very well. I have had roast chicken three times. My leg is still very discoloured, and I can't feel or see my knee yet.

Now and again a padre is blown in on the breeze, and after gaping a bit, floats out.

The sisters are very nice, and so is the doctor, but the night orderly gives me the pip.

Would you mind letting my Mother know my address; I wrote home yesterday, but didn't say where I was, except, of course, that I was in hospital.

I have a little table on each side of me, with your photograph on one of them, and there are plenty of books, and I have plenty of tobacco and cigarettes. I just want you, to be content.

Goodnight my darling, and don't worry about me because I'm quite alright.

Yours with love and lots of these xxx

Cecil

CMS to Dora; Thursday 18.10.17, 6.45 a.m.

Darling,

I expect you're just waking up as I write. I hope you're thinking of me.

The battalion left the neighbourhood yesterday; I heard the band, but couldn't get out to see it.

The colour of my leg is changing from black to yellow, and the swelling has almost gone, except on the knee itself.

The Wesleyan padre blew in yesterday. He's just like a piece of suet. He came and sat down on the next bed and just gaped, after asking how I was. I couldn't very well ignore him and go on reading, so had to talk a bit. All he said was “yes”, “no”, “I think so”, “perhaps”, etc. whilst I did all the talking. I didn't feel very religious about him when he went.

I have taken the cover off my watch, and yesterday one of the nurses spotted it on my wrist, and said what a ripping little one it was. One of the nurses has taught me a new game of patience, which is rather interesting. I thought I should feel monotonous here, but the days seem to pass quite quickly.

I'm afraid I shan't get a letter from you direct here before Monday, but I may get one or two from the battalion if I'm lucky. But I'm afraid the battalion ones may be a long time, as they will have to go back to the base now, before they reach me.

I suppose you'll be going off to hospital soon. Wouldn't it be rather nice if I could get to yours! It's 7.30 now. I suppose you're getting up now, so I must look the other way.

Goodbye sweetheart, and all my love,

Cecil

Grandma Watkin to CMS; Oct 15th. 1917

My very dear Cecil,

I was VERY DELIGHTED to receive a letter from you a week or two ago. I must congratulate you on having attained to the dignity of a "Captain" may you long live to enjoy the honour. In these awful days of terrible fighting, one feels so anxious about one's loved ones across the seas - We had Mr. Bowes here on Saturday from Hull, he is hoping to return in about six weeks, he told us that he had news from Hull telling of a bad Raid there which had resulted in one of the Methodist Chapels being destroyed by fire, Hedon I think. My last letter from Mother told of their expectation of seeing you over on leave; they were at Filey, and one day saw a large ship torpedoed and sunk off Filey, a sight they will never forget. A tramper a little while ago picked up some floating mine off Gabs on our coast here really we never know what these awful Germans have done or are doing.

Evening. I have just been reading the evening paper and it seems very awful, the outlook. We can only pray that you, and others of our loved ones will be taken care of through all these dreadful times.

I often think of that time when I said Goodbye" to you at Hornsea when you were off to Colwyn Bay. God has been very good to you and watched over you. I believe if there was a more general acknowledgement of God now, victory would soon be ours. God has wonderfully helped Britain in the past, and he will still help her when she allows His claims upon her. I am quite looking for wonderful things being done by God in saving our Empire, but the Empire must first to God with earnestness, and forsake the many sins which are rampant in it. I am glad we have so many statesmen who are true to God.

May God raise up more to guide, and councel the nation. Now dear Cecil I must be closing. Your Aunt Mary has not been at all well for some time, and is at the Sanitorium here for treatment and I think it is doing her good, as she has gained 1½ lbs. in one week. I trust she will soon improve for I have been feeling very anxious about her. Our united and much love to you my dear Cecil, and may you be watched over by the mighty power.

Your ever loving Grandma

E.R.Watkin.

Uncle Arthur is keeping much better.

Aunt Bertha to CMS; Oct 15. 1917

My dear Cecil

We are so glad to read your letter to Grandma and she just loves to hear from you, and her other Grandchildren. Write again when you can won't you? I hope you got your leave, and that you and Dora had a lovely time together at Filey where your Mother was daily expecting you. Heartiest congratulations on your promotion to Captain dear boy, I am so delighted that you are getting on so well, that will mean I suppose additional responsibility. Your home folk would be very delighted.

Have you come across Mervyn yet? What awful fighting is going on now. We pray that your life may be spared Cecil, you have had many narrow escapes, but we are spared till our work is done, and God watches over you, and I earnestly pray that your life may be spared for many years to do God's work. I wonder if dear old Bob has gone across to France yet. I do pray he will be spared. As you say the men who have given their lives have just followed the greatest of all Heroes. What splendid heroism this war has brought out. Mr. Bowes, a Hull man, who is returning to Eng. shortly called to see us last week, so that he might carry the latest report of us all to your Mother.

With very much love Cecil dear, wishing you God's protecting call.

I am

Your loving

Auntie Bertha.

Dora to CMS; Thursday 18.10.'17. evening

My Darling,

It was a surprise when I got your letter this morning to hear you were in the C.C.S. with your knee - it is rather disappointing for you to be "knocked out" on the hockey field after all the "pushes" etc. - still you are out of it all for a time at any rate so I feel glad about that - it must have hurt you, poor old boy - knees are awfully tender painful things and take rather a long time to get right - I almost think you will be longer than a week with it. Is it synovitis? We had a good many of those at the Naval Hospital - treated the knee first with opium and lead dressings for a day or two and then with iodine. Have they done you like that? Your Mother says that in their letter you say you have torn the muscles and burst a blood vessel inside - I'm glad you are quite comfortable - if there is anything you want or would like - please do let me know 'cause it's awfully difficult for me to know exactly what you haven't got there. I hope they are looking after you properly.

I heard from Queenie this mg. again - she says Aunt Yetta was awfully pleased to hear from you and I think Mother is going over on Tuesday to spend a week with them - it will do her a lot of good to get a change as she has had a lot to do with Flossie's wedding etc. If your Mother had been able to get over to C. Bay for the Prize Giving Mother might have gone with her for the weekend.

I went down to Dr. Baine's again y'day mg. - for my second dose of inoculation - I didn't feel so rotten this time tho' I had rather a bad night and have felt a bit potty to-day but I think I shall be alright by to-morrow. I went to bed quite early last night - was in bed by 10pm. and about five minutes afterwards - I saw just your face so clearly - but only for one second while you gave me a kiss - but it was SO real - I wasn't dreaming either - I wonder if you were giving me a goodnight kiss then - I'm sure you must have been thinking about me.

Cecil, I DIDN'T say I wanted a more “elaborate” ending up for my letters - you silly boy - I said I wanted a change sometimes - still never mind - I hope your knee isn't hurting you. What do you find to do all day in bed?

I do hope you're alright and they are looking after you well.

Goodnight darling X.

Yours with love. (I mean that, old boy, too)

Dora

Dora to CMS; Friday night 10p.m., 19. 10.'17

My Darling,

I was so glad to get another letter from you to-day and to get your C.C.S. address - I wrote yesterday but I expect you will get this one first. I am awfully glad you are quite comfortable and are well looked after - I was anxious to know whether you were comfortable and being well looked after - but by what you say I think you are - but of course - because I am a conceited little ass - I think nobody could look after you the way I should if I had the chance. I wish I could be in your C.C.S. but I don't think they will have young V.A.Ds. there - I don't know why. I don't really think that your knee will get better as soon as you think - I know it must be disappointing for you to leave your coy. when you have just nicely got it - still - I must say I'm glad you are out of it all for a bit.

12 MIDNIGHT

The beastly buzzers went at 6.45pm. and the Zepps have been hovering about ever since - we have heard the engines - they were here by 7.20 - have heard about 12 bombs but they must be in Lincs - Mother has been awfully nervous to-night it will do her a lot of good to get to Nottingham. The engines have gone away again now - would love to go to bed but I don't want to miss anything.

An A.S.C. Major asked to help me with my parcels on Cottingham Rd. the other day on my way home from town and it was an awfully wet day too - swish! I didn't know him either Cecil!! two swishes!! Pater said he knew him by sight when he arrived with me at our gate laden with parcels - baskets - etc. etc.!!

I'm going to get a little note scratched to you of some sort - everyday while you are in hoppy - letters are rather nice to look forward to when one is in bed I think. In this week's parcel I put Blackwood's - I like the “Spy in Black” story and want to see next month's issue - the officers escape from Germany is quite interesting too - I suppose that will be the last instalment of “Carry On” by Ian Hay. We have had Miss Todd and Miss Pallister to see us this afternoon - Miss Todd was quite quiet for once. I have 'phoned your address to your Mother - they haven't heard from Bob yet since he was in London -

Are you thinking of our little nest and how you would like it now you are in bed? I do want to be with you too, sweetheart, which photograph have you got out of me? Goodnight, my darling, its 12.30 now - I expect you have snoozed down into your little cot for the night at this time of day. Have you got a bird cage over your knee so that the clothes don't touch it? You aren't allowed to walk on it yet are you?

Goodnight once more sweetheart - I often fancy I see you puffing your old pipe in bed - a nice big kiss too.

Yours with love

Dora

CMS to Dora; Saturday 5.30 p.m., 20/10/17

My Sweetheart,

I keep on aching for you more and more. This continuous lying in bed, with no work to do gives me more time to “ache”, and I expect to go mad in a day or two. I'm always wondering what you're doing at different times of the day. I used to before I came here, but I've more time now, and no interruptions.

I expect you're buzzing round at the moment getting some evening meal, “high tea”, ready, or maybe you're sitting at the fireside, reading. It's just about the time that you'll be getting ready for me when I come home from work when we're married. I can see a nice little house, and a nice fire in a cosy dining room, and a table ready for a nice meal, set for two, and such a nice little girl waiting for me x.x. I do love that little girl: it makes tears come to my eyes when I think of it all.

The doctor won't let me get up yet as there's still a good deal of swelling on my knee, although the leg's down to normal. It's a week today since I came here, and nine days since I slipped.

I got a letter today, forwarded from the battalion. It was from Mother, but only contained a letter for Bob, so I am still newsless. It's a good sign though, and perhaps there'll be one from you tomorrow.

I'm afraid I shall be getting fat by the time I'm fit again. Last night for dinner I had a roast beef-chop, fried potatoes, fresh young sprouts, grown on the premises, and a bottle of beer.

I have just been having an interesting chat with a N.F. officer of our Division, who's in here, about our first fight at Ypres in April 1915. He's had 25 months and I've had 22, so we consider ourselves old hands.

Goodnight darling,

Yours sappily,

Cecil

Walter Harrison to CMS; 21.10.17

Dear Slack,

I haven't heard a word about the Bn. since I made my hurried exit six months ago - except the little that Rollitt told me at the base - and if you could spare me the time, I should be very pleased to hear what actually did happen on the 23rd. to the poor old 4th. and C Coy. in particular.

It's very hard to realise that it is 6 months tomorrow since I foolishly stopped a whizzbang just about 4 seconds after going over. I've a very foggy recollection of you asking me what I knew, at the Bn. H.Q. and I hope I wasn't too rude, though I can assure you that I felt like it, as all I knew was that we'd started.

Hospital life nowadays is the last word in bloodsomness and I have two months more of it yet, at least, so my last Medical Board decided. Officers have to be in at 6oc. (Tommies 7oc.) and to stay out later one has to crawl like a worm before a C.O. who, in the language of the classical, is a petrified shit.

It's a big relief to be able to write with my right hand again, though it's still pretty difficult as my elbow wont move, damn it.

Please remember me to the C.O. and Major Jackson and to anyone who still happens to be alive that I know. Kind regards

Yours till hell freezes.

Walter Harrison.

Dora to CMS; 21.10.'17, Sunday afternoon 3.45 p.m.

My Darling,

I had intended writing to you immediately after dinner but I was reading “The Last Days of Pompeii” - which is awfully thrilling - have you read it 'cause I'm sure you'd like it - it's all about Pompeii 18 centuries ago - before it was buried by Vesuvius - it's especially interesting when I've seen it all. I am wondering how you are getting on to-day after a whole week in bed - getting rather fed up I should think. I suppose Bob has landed himself with the 8th. - from what your Mother told my Ma on the phone I gathered he was in Flanders - rotten place for him to go to - first go - .

Yesterday I was going to push-bike over to Beverley to see Flossie and Bill but felt so frantically sleepy after the Zepp night before - that I rolled off to a better land instead - I really hadn't got over the effects of the 2nd. inoculation.

They haven't got all their pictures up at St. Margaret's even yet! They are really appallingly slow, but they live in a world of bliss so I expect little earthly things like that don't worry them at all!

Good-by-e for to-day and a nice kiss on your cheek, you haven't got a temperature have you?

Yours with love,

Dora

CMS to Dora; Tuesday 23.10.17. 10.0 p.m.

Darling,

Everyone else is asleep in the ward and I am writing this in bed by candlelight. I expect the sister will strafe me if she comes in.

I was allowed to get out of bed yesterday and rest my foot on a stool, and again to-day.

I got two letters from you yesterday, via the battalion. The socks haven't turned up yet. Before I came here I was wearing the other pair you gave me, the ones I was measured for, in bed. There is a hole in one and Bush says he can't mend it, so I can't wear them with boots. I don't wear bed socks in peace time, but it's cold sleeping in a tent or a hut.

Hope the inoculation feeling has all gone now. I'm surprised that Dr. Baine likes the Buckingham Palace photographs; they make me tired.

I'm sorry about Wilfred Todd's affair, but I should think his Mother will come round eventually. I had another racy letter from Harold two or three days ago, and a cheery one from Mabel yesterday. There's no news at all to tell you, except that I might as well tell you I love you, just in case you didn't know. It's 10.35 now, so I'm going to ponder about something and somebody very wonderful.

xx from your loving sweetheart,

Cecil.

This is meant to be a hug [loops]

Dora to CMS; Tuesday 23.10.'17. noon

Darling,

I'm glad you don't find life so very tedious in bed all day - I got your letter this mg. that you wrote early in the morning last Thursday - s'matter of fact I WAS thinking of you then 'cause I got up earlier than usual as I couldn't sleep - I got up at 6.45 - so it was you who woke me up so early - you naughty boy!

I expect I shall be going nursing in about a fortnight now - so you MUST come to my hoppy if that knee of yours doesn't get better - you know, I hope it doesn't! I am longing to get away and do something - Hull is frantically deadly in war time. Mother is going to Nottingham by the 2.55 this afternoon - I am meeting Flossie - then she and Bill are coming up here for tea before he and Pater go off to the R.Es. to-night. - so THAT'S why I'm writing to my old boy now or it won't get off till the late post and it will probably be a day later with you.

I'm awfully sorry you haven't had any letters yet - it is rotten not to have any. I have wished so much during the last day or two that I could come and talk to you a bit - still it can't be done so it's no good worrying. What books have you been reading lately? You remark about "looking the other way" made me chuckle when I read it this mg. - I was just dressing when it arrived curious to say - I think you are rather a naughty boy really!!!! I expect I shall have some killing times with you in years to come!! Goodbye now and don't forget to wash the back of your neck even if you are in bed! I hope you are keeping your little moustache just the size I like it - are you?

Byebye my sweetheart and xxxx bless you -

All my love

Dora

Dora to CMS; Wednesday 4.30pm. 24.10.'17

My Sweetheart,

It was lovely to get another letter from you to-day but I do hope you are getting mine now - the letter I wrote yesterday - I rather believe I didn't put 49th. C.C.S. on it - but am not sure really - I know JUST how you feel sweetheart, in bed all day and nothing to do but think - I feel like that sometimes too - as if I couldn't last until I can be with you again - but I always try and make myself do some work or anything to take my mind on to other things - but its awfully hard sometimes and it must be especially so when you are in bed and can't do anything else. That little home of ours seems so far off sometimes and I think, will this war ever end - it doesn't seem like it a bit to me - not for ages yet.

I shall look forward to the evenings too - when you will come home and I shall be waiting for you - and we shall have such lovely cosy evenings together. I expect you will be getting out of bed now and walking about a bit.

We saw Mother off at 2.55 yesterday - I have been in town this mg. to have a shampoo consequently my hair is so soft it feels as if it might drop down any minute.

We have breakfast at 8am. every morning in Flossie's bedroom - it is turned into a sitting room now and we light the gasfire - this afternoon I have done the family mending and felt like cussing Pa for having such blinking holes in his socks!

I am not sending you a parcel this week as I have sent three the last three weeks that you have not yet received also a Bibby's Annual - unless you have got them now. When you said you were so frightfully cold in bed at nights I ordered an extra long sweater to be knitted on our machines for you to sleep in - I am going to send it to you when you get back to the battalion -

It is just 5pm. now and I want to catch this post - I have been writing this over the drawing room fire - it is awfully cold to-day - Goodbye my darling - cheerup - and I am thinking of you and loving you just as much as you are about me

All my love

Dora

CMS to Dora; Friday 26.10.17, 7.0 a.m.

My Darling,

Good morning Dora, hope you've slept well. I've just had a wash and shave, had my bed made, and am waiting for breakfast. Do you still have a cold bath in the morning? I expect it will be a chilly one this morning. You're probably lying in bed funking it.

I got two letters from you yesterday, one through the battalion and one direct. The parcel with the socks and cake and Tatler came on Wednesday, for which many thanks.

Yes it is synovitis I've got, and a badly bruised knee, which is still tender. You're quite right about the lead and opium and iodine dressings. You ask me if there's anything I want. Yes there is - I want you, badly. No I haven't got a birdcage over my knee. I've got to stay in bed again now, as it's not getting better fast enough.

The padre came in yesterday morning, and bleated a bit, but made up for it by coming again in the afternoon to play chess.

I smile about the A.S.C. Major. I don't blame him either, I'd have done the same.

7.50am. Just finished breakfast, sausuage and egg, both fried. I spent most of my time yesterday by drawing.

Yes, I've been thinking quite a lot about the home we're going to have. It will have a front door, back door, living room, feeding room, our room, spare room, maid's room, and probably a kitchen, and there must be a fairly decent garden where we can grow our own parsley, and we'll grow violets, and mauve pansies, and bluebells, and if, or when we can afford a little two seater there'll have to be a shed arrangement for it, unless we keep it in the kitchen.

The photo of you which I have on my table is the one where you are feeding the dog, the one Harry Quant enlarged - I mean the photo, not the dog -. It's a ripping photo of you, and every time I look at it, it makes me ache, and long, Oh, so badly.

Which of my photographs do you like best?

I can't think of a new ending at the moment. I think I'll spend a day on thinking some out, and writing them down in a note book.

X X

Yours with love,

Cecil

Dora to CMS; Friday 4pm. 26.10.'17

My Darling,

I am expecting a letter from you to-morrow to say you have got one of mine at last - how's your knee getting on now - I can't think why they keep you at the C.C.S. and don't send you down to the Base - why do they? Will they send you to England afterwards do you think?

Hartley and I are asking to be in a hospital in or near London - of course, they may send us anywhere really, so if you come to England - ask for a London Hoppy. Its a pity how Bob just missed you - went to where the battalion had been and found you had gone but didn't know you were in the C.C.S.

I went over to Beverley for yesterday afternoon and evening - the Bolton girls from Hessle were paying a horribly stiff call - their sitting room really looks awfully nice now - and I like the colourings they have chosen - what prevailing colour shall we choose for our sitting room? what would you like?

I am sending you the Tatler and the Strand that I bought y'day and also the Book of Artemas - Frank Willatt sent it to us - it is really very good - I expect you will have a good chuckle over it. I am writing this over the fire in the drawing room - its awfully cold out and I have got horrible chilblains with toasting my tootsies. Am going out in a few secs. to see if I can find the grave digger at the cemetrey to come and do some gardening for us to-morrow. Mother is having a very good time in Nottingham and Pa has got 48hrs leave and goes for the weekend from Sat. to Monday.

Isn't it wicked about all this cement going from England into Holland and of course on to Germany to make their pill boxes! I don't know what the Government is thinking about to allow it.

Flossie and Bill are coming here for the weekend - Bill has to shoot at Hornsea all Sunday so the sisters Willatt will be alone. Byebye now, my darling - I wonder what you are doing now while I am writing it is just 4.15 - wanting a cup of tea I should think - I wish I were going to pour it out for you. I hope you are thinking of me too.

I believe I love you a little bit, Cecil!

Yours with love

Dora

CMS to Bob; 26.10.17

Dear Bob,

I have just heard this morning that you have gone to the 8th. Bn. and I believe you are not far from here. I am at the 49th. C.C.S. at ACHIET le GRAND, with a sprained knee, and shall be here for at least a week, unless I go down to the Base. If it's possible for you to get over in the next day or two, you might come. The C.C.S. is close to the station. You might be able to borrow a bicycle, or perhaps get a train, or a lorry. I enclose a letter which came to me in another envelope. I opened it to see if there was any news, as owing to having been here for about 10 days I had heard nothing from home.

I'm sorry you haven't come to us, but the 3rd. Division has a good name.

One of the orderlies in my ward is “the other man” of “Rothiemay” backgarden fame. He is not the father of the shoeless one, but his pal, the one who used to dig up the potatoes, and use the hothouse when it was finished.

I'm in a hurry to catch the post.

Your affec. brother,

Cecil

P.S. If you can't get over, address any letters for the time being to

Capt. C.M.S. (4th. East Yorks)

49th. C.C.S.

B.E.F.

Dora to CMS; Saturday 4.30 p.m., 27.10.'17

My Sweetheart,

It is just a week ago to-day since your last letter was written - at least the last one I received - so I keep wondering how you have been getting on all the week. - I hope you have had some letters anyway. Father went off to Nottingham this noon and returns early Monday morning - so I am all alone until Flossie and Bill come to-night - they wouldn't come sooner as they wanted to do some gardening.

I have been in town this morning - it's frightfully cold out and I have got horrible chilblains - this afternoon I have been tidying up generally - round the house and have just changed - into that warm dark green velvet I wore last Christmas - and I am now sitting over the fire writing to you and thinking about you.

Your Mother rang up last night to know if I had heard from you again - she seemed very anxious about you and wondered why you were kept at C.C.S. and not sent to the base - what IS the matter with your knee Cecil? Can you feel or move it yet? I have had a letter from your Auntie Bertha Fletcher in Australia this afternoon.

Miss Walley leaves the Todd's on Monday - so I expect the family will collapse entirely without her.

I can't think of any more news to-day - it was six weeks yesterday - I mean on Thursday - since I saw you - it seems years longer in one way. I have been sitting over the fire for a little while this afternoon thinking of you and wondering when I shall see you again - I do wish I knew - I always seem to have to look forward to something indefinite.

Goodbye my darling - x x for when you go to sleep tonight.

Yours with love,

Dora

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