Cecil Slack's letters: Volume 28

The body of each letter is as transcribed by Lady Joan Slack. In each case the name or initial of the writer is followed by the recipient, the date (where known) and the address from which the letter was sent. For convenience, these have been presented in a common format. CMS is, of course, Cecil Moorhouse Slack.

CMS to Dora; Monday 29.10.17, 8.10 a.m.

Darling,

Bob turned up yesterday. His Division has moved from Flanders now, and he is living about four miles from the hospital.

I am allowed to get up now, and walk a little in the ward. I can't straighten and bend my knee properly yet, but that's because of the bandage and the small swelling that is still there. The colonel of the hospital is in our ward with something wrong with his guts. We have fierce tussles at chess, and at present stand all square, three games each.

The Wesleyan padre has gone to tend another flock. He's gone to a heavy-gun battery, and thinks he's a h--- of a brave man.

I can now read and write and play patience undisturbed. I have learnt several new games of patience since I have been here, and spent quite a lot of my time playing.

After breakfast I read, and play patience till the M.O. comes at about 10.0am. I get up for dinner and in the afternoon read and play patience. The monotony is varied by writing, chess, and a little drawing, and short breaks with the sisters. The sisters who wander about in our ward are very nice. The day sister is a Scotch lassie, and the night one an Irish colleen until a few nights ago, when she changed with a nice English girl. You needn't get jealous about them though.

No, I haven't got a temperature.

Your sweetheart,

Cecil. x x and love.

Dora to CMS; Monday afternoon 3.15 29.10'17

My Darling,

I'm glad you have been out of bed for a change but your Mother says in her letter that your knee is still swollen - so I wonder how long it is going to be before it goes down - personally I think you might just as well mark time with your knee in a Blighty hospital as in that far away C.C.S. - Is the place a chateau or what? I sent my inoculation paper in yesterday - to London H.Qs. - and reminded them that I was waiting to be called up so I hope they will send me somewhere quickly.

Pa has come back from Nottingham this noon and has enjoyed it very much - they saw “London Pride” on Sat. night and he says its awfully good so we must go sometime. Mother goes on to the Stewarts at Thirsk to-morrow and will be back the end of the week I expect. I am busy sewing a camisole this afternoon but have just left off to write to you - I am just going to try it on - so you must look the other way! young man!! If you know what a cami is by the way!

Had quite a nice weekend with Flossie and Bill - made them an apple pie bed on Sat night - for which Bill nearly murdered me - and I hadn't a soul to stick up for me Cecil - had to do all my fighting for myself! They are still quite sappy - Bill is anyway - a bit more so if anything than they were before they were married.

Must go now - no more news - bye-bye and be a good boy - and take your medicine when you are told! I shall lead you a life - poor Cecil - everyone will say - and YOU will say "poor me" in years to come - so after all that will you risk it?

x x sweetheart - for to-night.

Love from Dora

CMS to Dora; Tuesday 30.10.17. 4.30 p.m.

My Darling,

Your letter of the 24th. arrived today; the one you wrote the day before must have been addressed to the battalion, as it hasn't turned up yet. I'm awfully sorry about the parcels not turning up. The last I had was the one with the chocolate cake and socks, which I think I acknowledged. Bibby's Magazine hasn't turned up either. Your letters come regularly though, so I'm as happy as I can be out here.

I am allowed to get up every day now, and yesterday I walked quite easily 600 yards to the pictures and back. I expect to be out in about a week, but until I let you know you had better address your letters here. It's awfully decent of you to get a big sweater made for me. It'll be the very thing. I wonder I never thought of something like it myself.

I have taken the opportunity whilst here, of having my teeth attended to. The dentist yanked a piece of bone out of one today. How it got there neither he nor I can tell.

Sorry you cussed your Pa for having a lot of holes in his socks, because I get heaps.

Yours with love,

Cecil

I wrote four letters yesterday, a thing I have never done before.

Dora to CMS; Wednesday noon, 31.10.'17

My Darling,

I am writing to you this morning as I am going out in town this afternoon to do some shopping.- it is nearly three weeks since your knee was done now - I do think they might send you home - in your letter y'day you were in bed again but your Mother rang up this am. to say they had heard that it is getting on alright. I'm glad you have got the bed socks - they will be of some use I think when you get back to the battalion - there are still two more parcels you ought to get though. Isn't the "Spy in Black" a thrilling story in Blackwoods? I'm longing for the Nov. no. to come out. I was at Beverley yesterday afternoon - your Ma, Mrs. Baine, Mrs. Robert Hall and Kathleen H. came over - and they all liked the house very much. Their living room looked awfully nice last night - I did wish we had got our little nest too. I want one more room that you said in your last letter Cecil - I want a sewing room upstairs like Flossie has - to do my sewing in and mess about in generally - so I simply must have one Cecil please? xx !!

Flossie and Bill are beginning to be very busy in their garden now and want to get some vegetables and flowers for next year. You'll like gardening - won't you - when its your own garden? I hope Bob managed to get to see you last Sunday - I'm awfully glad he has got with such a decent lot of fellows 'cause it must make all the difference. Mother went to Thirsk to the Stewart's yesterday - on Monday she and Queenie went over to Sheffield to see Dr. Phillips and he said she looked very well indeed and was quite pleased with her - I expect she will be home the end of the week. I have been doing the cooking and housekeeping on my own and haven't minded being on my own half so much as when I do things when Ma is the boss: so when I have you to look after and my own nest I hope I shan't mind housekeeping so much after all - do you think I shall?

I made Pa some beautiful soup yesterday. I'm awfully sorry you don't like apple sauce with duck tho' because I do. I do simply LONG to come and talk to you and sit by you and give you a kiss - just one - I wonder how long it will be before I can. Goodbye for to-day my dearest.

All my love, Dora

I DO have a cold sponge down every mg. - I have a warm bath first though - however you made me funk it yesterday mg. when I got your letter! I pulled myself together again this mg. though and was a brave woman once more! I shall put a cold sponge on you some morning for that - when we are married!

CMS to Dora; Thursday 1.11.17. 4.45 p.m.

Darling,

Your letter and the books turned up yesterday, also the letter you had addressed to the battalion. Thanks awfully for the books. I liked the Book of Artemas very much. There isn't much to read here except a lot of novels, of which only a few are interesting.

Yesterday and today I have been out for a short walk. My knee's almost better, but I can't bend it properly yet. The reason I haven't gone down to the Base is because I have strong reason to believe the C.O. asked that I should be kept here if possible, as he didn't want to lose me. Our M.O. came down and spoke to the M.O. here about it. It's rather bad luck in a way, but then it would have been a rotten way of getting a blighty.

You ask about the prevailing colour for our living room. I don't know the mysteries of these things, but light blue, or dark blue, or mauve, or perhaps orange, or violet, or some other colour.

You know, I get very fed up indeed about the War keeping on when I know that it makes it longer before we have that house of ours.

I don't want to get married whilst the war's on, because for one thing I want to pass my exam first.

I'm glad you love me a little bit, Dora. I thought you did, you know. I love you too, heaps.

Love and kisses, darling,

from your sweetheart,

Cecil

Dora to CMS; Friday 4.15pm. 2.11.'17

My Darling,

By your letter yesterday you seem to be much better again - if you are toddling about the ward. It will be rather nice having the old colonel to play chess with - I don't know how to play but I wish you would teach me someday. I haven't got a scrap of news for you to-day - I feel just like a blinking vacuum - I wish the V.A.D. would buck up and send for me - I think I told you that Hartley and I want to be in London - but I haven't told Ma 'cause she would think it dangerous or something silly because of air raids.

By the way - don't talk about having "bucks" and being "bucked" Cecil - cause I don't like it - it is just as bad to me as "young man" is to you - do you compris? So you must do as you are told. Did you know that Capt Wilson Barkworth was killed? It was in last night's paper - it doesn't say what date - but they must have been in a scrap or something - I know I am very glad you are out of it. Was he long at the front and what did he get his M.C. for - did he go out with Col Shaw?

T'would be rather nice seeing Bob again - how does he like life out there? The last day or two I have been playing a Polonaise of Chopin's - do you remember in “Romance” in the scene in the Rector's own sitting room - towards the end of the act Cavallini - in desperation - goes round to the piano - and plays something very pom-pommy - well that's the piece I've been playing - it is a gorgeous piece and brought “Romance” all back to me - I'll play it to you next time - when the “next time” will be - how long will it be Cecil? I shall give up the ghost if it is as long as last time - shall expire long before then - or I shall be a withered old hen or something. I'm awfully fed up with life to-day in fact I feel a positive rebel and a suffragette a dozen times over - I wonder what you will say to me when we're married and I feel like a suffragette? It's awful having a divil inside one.

Goodbye, shall expire soon, x farewell x Dora

CMS to Dora; Saturday 3.11.17, 1.30 p.m.

My Darling,

I went for a six mile walk yesterday to get my hair cut. I can walk quite alright but can't bend my knee as much as it should go yet.

We got a new patient yesterday, making four, with the colonel. I am hating one of the patients at present; he's got a small cold and he's making the most awful snuffles about it.

I hope the camisole fitted when you tried it on. What colour is it, pink? Why didn't you send me a pattern? Yes, I know what a cami is. They can be bought at the Army Clothing Dept. One makes them in sets, doesn't one?

I'm not taking any medicine. If you tell me to take medicine in years to come I will swallow it like a lamb. I'd take anything, my dear, if you gave it me. I expect I shall be a very meek and mild husband, and shan't beat you very much.

But spite of the life you threaten to lead me, I love you so much that I think I'll risk it.

All my love,

Cecil

x x

Dora to CMS; Saturday 1 p.m., 3.11.'17

Darling,

You have done pretty well to walk about 600 yds with your gammy leg - should rather like to see you hobbling about with a stick - I'd no idea you were in a village or near pictures or anything like that - I thought you were miles and miles away from civilization. You had rather a stunt last Monday writing four letters - your Mother said on the 'phone this am. that Harold had a letter from you yesterday. Have been busy cooking this morning and made some abso-delish-mince-pies - first this year - I wish you were here to have one. The divil has gone from me this morning and I feel more or less reconciled, for the present, to being a potty girl - its awfully stodgy being a girl - it gives me the pip often.

I'm awfully glad you have been to the dentist - I wonder how that bit of bone got there.

I am just going out to meet Mother now - Pa and Bill have gone with the R.Es. to Brough to shoot on the miniature range.

Heaps of love, sweetheart, I feel awfully sappy to-day - it makes a big lump come in my throat. I am wanting you so badly - but it's silly of me - its no use crying for the moon.

x x from your Little Girl,

Dora

Please do write often to me Cecil, when you get back to the battalion - I DO like getting as many letters from you as I have now you are in hoppy.

Dora to CMS; Monday 4.50 p.m., 5.11.'17

My Darling,

I have just ten minutes in which to write to you before the post goes - Mother arrived home on Saturday afternoon and is much better for her holiday - she is going to stay with Flossie at Beverley to-morrow until Thursday - I want her to get away now 'cause as soon as I have gone away nursing she will have to keep at home to look after Father.

I'm going to turn into the garden tomorrow and begin to clear it all up - at present it is simply packed full of leaves.

Freda Todd has gone to school to-day - to the Convent in Pearson's Park - so I wonder how she likes it - she has never been to school before.

I wonder if you have gone back to the battn. yet - personally I hope not - but I expect you will have had enough of hoppy - it's nearly four weeks since you twisted it isn't it? How the time flies - anyway it's another month nearer seeing you again - the time has flown already hasn't it? Nearly two months since I've seen you now.

Flossie says she is quite fed up with having all the afternoon tea parties she is forced to have - I got the wind up y'day mg. - Bill ought to have come to an R.E. drill and Flossie was coming with him and walking from Cottingham - both of them overslept themselves and I walked to Cottingham to meet her and she never turned up - she was a swiz. I saw a notice in the paper this mg. that all soldiers abroad will be given ½ lb each of Xmas pudding and the public are asked not to send consignments of puddings - rather a nuisance when we have already made you a delightful plum pudding! Do you think they mean little odd puddings too? All the electric lights have just gone off for some reason - but they seem to be coming on again gradually now.

I haven't a scrap of news for you except that I want you badly. I am going out in the mg. with Mother to buy one of those close fitting V.A.D. caps you see nurses wearing - black ones with a badge in front.

Love for you and a goodnight kiss at 10.30pm. the day you get this letter.

Your sweetheart

Dora

(Drawing here) me in my new V.A.D. cap

swish!

CMS to Dora; Tuesday 6.11.17, 1.45 p.m.

Sweetheart,

I leave here tomorrow, so please address your letters to the battalion again. I shall probably take two or three days finding the battalion so shall take a blanket and a biscuit for the trains. I'm sorry about the parcels that have gone west. Blackwood's Magazine must have been in one of them.

Yes, I suppose there'll have to be a sewing room affair in our house. I do hope we can spot a decent dwelling at Hornsea. Yes, I'm quite keen on gardening; I used to do a lot in the Miss Kerr days. I'm awfully good at sewing potatoes, and picking peas when they're ripe, and watering and so on. Weeding is a bit feeding though at times. No, I don't think you'll mind housekeeping when it's for you and me. I think you'll like it. I hope you do. I don't think it matters much about my not liking apple sauce with duck, because you can have my share. This reminds me that half of the sandwiches when we had our little picnic ought to have had it in. I've only just thought of it! It won't be necessary for you to squeeze cold sponges down my back, because I ALWAYS have a COLD bath before breakfast, when I've time. I foresee for myself a life of torture. Shall you box my ears, too? In spite of this rotten Italian do, I haven't lost all hope of the War ending this year.

Yours with love, and a longing that hurts,

Cecil.

x x x x

Holtby to CMS; 8.11.17

My dear Slack,

I have received your letter and will see to Hardy's medal. The ribbon was I believe sent to his Father.

I hope you are getting along alright. The C.O. asks me to urge you to return as early as ever you can as we are short of officers, I mean any who are any earthly. So roll up as soon as possible.

We have had a very mouldy time lately: poor old Barckworth, Drewett and now Allchorn are gone, Huntley and Stamper wounded, and Drewery hit last night by a bomb. It fell in the camp and pushed two officers messes in.

Now I must write to the wife so cheerioh. Be careful.

Yours sincerely

E. Holtby

We all send our love, but for God's sake come back.

Post War note by CMS

Drewitt, a subaltern in my company mentioned in this letter from Holtby (the adjutant), took command of my company when I left with my injured knee. The company went into action to attack an enemy position and was badly knocked about, and Drewitt was killed. It could have been me. They did not gain the enemy position. Subsequently a battalion made the attack, but it also failed.

Dora to CMS; Wednesday 12 noon 7.11.'17

My Darling,

I got a letter from you and another to-day so I feel quite rich having two to reply to. Your knee seems to be getting on very well now - walking six miles too. I telephoned your Mother last night and they had had a few lines from Bob saying he was on his way to the line - so it would be his first time in the trenches - she seemed rather anxious about him too.

You are going to be rather a lamb of a husband - but you needn't worry I shan't insist on your taking poisonous medicines if you don't want to - but if you NEED them I shall nip your little nose and MAKE you, Cecil. You are getting quite a party now - four of you - have you beaten the Col. at chess yet? It is really bad luck not getting a blighty with that knee of yours but it's quite a compliment from the C.O. not to want to lose you I think. Still if you have been out 2 yrs. I think you have jolly well earned a blighty years ago. Shall you get your 30 days leave after two years service just the same do you think?

I had a letter from Queenie Willatt and she wants me to go to Nottingham for a week before I go nursing but I don't think I shall go - I want to go nursing and don't feel like holidays without you. I am glad you enjoyed the Book of Artemas - jolly good I think. Yesterday Pater bought me another book like the Hospital A B C that I showed you on leave - all pictures - it is called "Our Girls in War Time" but is not quite so good as its predecessor.

The beastly war does seem to hang on horribly - I am quite sick of it and it does make, as you say, our house seem years and years away. I think it would be much nicer to wait till the war is over and you have passed your exam - besides it is much nicer to go straight to one's own home than to live in diggings for ages and we shall appreciate it all the more then, I think, and it will make the joy of being together a little greater - don't you think so?

Pa and I are walking to Cottingham to catch the 1.25 train to Bev. and then I will be coming back with him to-night on the way to his R.Es. Mother went yesterday and is staying 'till Friday I think. I must go now or I shall miss the train and Pa will be cross - I ONLY JUST catch trains you know, only by a minute!

Goodbye darling and be a goodboy.

Yours always with love (that's a slight variation isn't it?)

Dora

CMS to Dora; Thursday 8.11.17, 3.30 p.m.

Darling,

I am writing from the Officers' Club at Etables, where I shall be spending the night. I left the C.C.S. yesterday afternoon, and after the usual slow journey got to Abbeville at midnight. Part of the journey was in a cattle truck whose doors wouldn't shut, but, being an old, old soldier, I had a blanket and waterproof sheet with me, and so wasn't very cold. I found another fellow on the way who was bound for here, so we travelled together. We had some hard boiled eggs for breakfast this morning, and got to this place at about 1.30, very hungry, and with only a few francs between us. We bagged a couple of beds, and then had no money for lunch. The Field Cashier was closed, and didn't open till 2.30, when lunch would be over. They will not take cheques, and we were very hungry. We waited till 2.0pm. and then went to the dining room and had a good lunch. After we had finished our coffee, the other man went off to the Cashier to get some money whilst I stayed at the table smoking, trying to look unconcerned and as though I had plenty of money. I was the only customer left and must have looked as big a fool as I felt. The other fellow was not long however, and I am now recovering.

I was very surprised and sorry to hear that Capt. Barkworth had been killed. I think it must have been a bomb in the back area. Barkworth came out a week or two after our first show. He was wounded on the Somme, and returned about six months ago. He has just had leave. He got his M.C. for good work, and in particular for the day on which he was wounded, when we went over the bags, in September last year.

I should love to hear you play the Polonaise thing from “Romance”. I can't remember the air, I never can, although I'm very fond of music. Leave has now been extended to 14 days. I might get mine about next March or April. I'm sorry you're feeling fed up and Suffragettish. I don't know what I shall do when you feel like a Suffragette when we're married. I expect you'll stop me smoking in the house. Thinking about being married, and wondering how long that time will be before we're husband and wife, makes me feel just the same. It makes me feel very wicked, and hateful of the Kaiser, and you know how it hurts too, Dora, don't you darling.

Yours with love,

Cecil

Newspaper Cutting: Hull Officer's Military Cross

Lieut. John Alwin Oughtred (23), E.Y.R., the youngest son of Mr. John Oughtred, River View, Davenport Avenue, Hessle, the manager of the London Joint Stock Bank, has been awarded the Military Cross for the conspicuous work he performed in the taking of the Passchendaele Ridge. Lieut. Oughtred and his company having achieved their objective, held the position for 48 hours without food or water, under heavy fire. Several men were decorated, and the company were afterwards complimented. Mr. John Oughtred's eldest son was killed in action in France on April 23rd. this year.

Lieut. John A. Oughtred, previous to enlisting, was in the London Joint Stock Bank, and he enlisted in the E.Y.R., and then was put in charge of a trench mortar battery, later he was transferred back to the E.Y.R. He was educated at Newton College, Newton Abbott.

Lieut. Oughtred is engaged to be married to Miss Phyllis Bentham, daughter of Mr. G.J. Bentham, M.P., and Mrs. Bentham, of Swanland, and the marriage will take place shortly. Lieut. Norman Oughtred, R.F.A., an elder brother, is engaged to Miss Doris Bentham.

Dora to CMS; Saturday 10.11.'17

My Darling,

I had a letter from Mrs. Stewart on Thursday asking me to go over to Sowerby for a few days to help them with a Sale on Monday. I wasn't a bit keen on going away at first but Mother said it would do me good to go into the country for a little while so here I am in the train - hence the wiggly scrawl. I caught the 12.5 from Paragon and I have to change at York and arrive at Thirsk at 3.7 - Sowerby is a village which practically adjoins it. I am addressing this letter to the battalion but am not putting "France" on it - as you said in your letter this morning that you might be in the train a day or two so I don't know whether it will be Flanders you are going to or not - I hope not.

Yesterday Mother and I went down to your home for the afternoon - all the kiddies looked very well including your Mother - she gave me a photograph of Bob - I am awfully pleased with it. Did I tell you wedding photographs by Parton have turned out abominably and the group of Flossie, Bill, Wilfred and you and me got smashed but he has managed to make a photograph of you and me together but he has touched it up and we look too good to live! I wonder if you could get hold of some more shell cases next time you come on leave - 'cause they would make quite nice flower vases for our little nest.

Mother brought me a brass toasting fork from Nottingham also two sensible brass ash trays with the East Yorks badge engraved on. S'quite nice for our little nest. Are you glad to get away from the hospital - you have been there over a month haven't you? I am wondering what job you will be put on to now you are back again - 'cause you can't run about with a gammy knee. Anyway I expect you will be glad to be back with them all again.

I am enclosing you a newspaper cutting about Jack Oughtred - he is in the 1st. E. Yks. and has since been promoted Capt. - so he has done well - it is a mistake about his marriage - it is Norman who is expected home on leave anyday now to be married. Rottenly stale do - I think - two sisters marrying two brothers - don't you think so? Ma and Pa will be on their own this weekend so I wonder how they will like it.

You are a sausage, Cecil, to say that the War might be over this year - 'cause I'm absolutely dead cert. it WON'T - and I doubt very much if it will be over next year now - I don't think for a minute that it will with all this Italian do and Russia going mad - Lenin in power in Russia seems quite hopeless there when to all accounts he is a paid German.

I will send you your cardigan as soon as I get back and I hear you have arrived at the battalion.

Always your love,

Dora.

x x x x.

CMS to Dora; Sunday 11 11 17 10.30 p.m.

Darling,

I started this letter earlier in the evening but was hauled off to play bridge as they couldn't get up a four without me, although I wasn't very keen on it.

I got your letter of the 3rd. today, forwarded from hospital. It took me three days to find the battalion, which, as you may have seen from the papers, has been in another show. We had three officers killed - Barkworth, Drewett, and Allchorn, - all splendid fellows. The two latter were in my company, and I am more sorry than I can say that they have gone. Another officer of my company was gassed. Three more were wounded. It is very muddy here, but I don't think we shall be here for long, and shall probably go back for a good rest soon.

They drop bombs round about our camp now and again at night time, but nothing happened last night, my first night here.

The colonel has said that every officer will have had his next leave within five months after his last, so I may be seeing you again, sweetheart, about February or March.

I'm glad the divil has left you. I'm rather glad, you know, that you wish you were a boy sometimes. I'm sure we should have been pals if we'd both been boys, but I'm very glad we're not.

When we go out to rest we're going to have all sorts of things in the Division in the way of Sports and things. I have to run the boxing and wrestling competitions.

I expect you're thinking of me now, as it's between 10.30 and 11.0; I KNOW you are; I feel as though I'm talking to you darling. I'm going to bed now, to talk to you from there, so goodnight, and many x x x x .

Love from your sweetheart for ever,

Cecil

Dora to CMS; Monday 10.45 a.m., 12.11.'17

My Darling,

Mother posted your letter on to me - the one from Etaples. I never dreamt you would be going there on your way back to the battn. - so I think they must be in Flanders somewhere - worse luck - I wish you weren't there - its about the worst place you could get to nowadays. I'm looking forward to your next leave now - its nicer having 14 days but shan't you be getting 30 days for 2 yrs out there? Its a good job you took a blanket and a mackintosh with you when you only had a truck! You are getting quite sensible in your old age! It would be a nice change staying at Etables for the night too.

I got here quite safely on Saturday and am having quite a jolly time - Some Jackson girls who live two miles out in the country came to tea on Saturday and two funny old maids came in at night - they were killing old fossils - laughed at the slightest thing. In the evening we walked out to the Jackson's to supper two miles out - they have a lovely old country house - jolly nice and they are awfully nice people. It was lovely walking in the country at night although it was awfully dark and we had to take a lantern.

LATER

Today is simply a gorgeous day - went round the market with Mr. Stewart this morning and this afternoon I have just come in from a walk across the fields with Jack aged 9 - quite a nice kid to talk to. Its really quite warm out - as warm as that lovely day we had at Brantingham - if you remember - I did enjoy it. I shall ask for a holiday from hospital when you have leave next - rather. I am staying here till Thursday or Friday I think - it is lovely being in the country again and no town near - only a little market town quite near.

I think I shall like Hornsea to live in - it will be lovely having the sea so near and then we shall feel right away from Hull. I hope I shan't feel lonely during the day when you aren't there - but then I can often come into Hull for the day with you and see people. I shall like the evenings better than any other part of the day though when you come back and we can have a nice time at home together - in that little sitting room over a nice cheerful fire. You can sit on one side of the fire and I'll sit on the other like a nice soggy old pair and never speak a word!!

Goodbye sweetheart - I do love you and my fountain pen is just giving out. I expect you will be back again now with the others - I do wonder where you are and DO hope you are not training for a push.

It has given out now so goodbye old boy.

Yours with love

Dora

CMS to Dora; Wednesday 14.11.17, 6.30 p.m.

My Darling,

I have done nothing since I wrote last, except slip about in the mud, and bring my company books up to date. The companies have been on working parties up near the line. The company mess was not particularly cheerful when I came back, owing to newspaper table-cloths and candlegrease. I have unearthed the lamp and a white cloth from the mess basket, and have bought two very nice cloths for the table when we are not feeding. I asked Mother to send me some Chinese lanterns and I have turned one of them into a ripping lamp shade, which the servants can't break, and have covered the bottom part of the lamp with half a lantern, comme ça

(Ink picture)

The shade is a mixture of pale green, yellow, and red, blending with the table centre of darker green and light brown, which in turn blends with the cloth of green, brick red, and a nice dirty cream colour. I have had the open fire-place improved, and the mess is now very cosy.

Holtby went to hospital yesterday. I don't think I shall get his job, although the C.O. said once that I should. I think the Assistant Adjt will take it on. I don't mind, as I would sooner have a company.

I am sorry Parkin's wedding photographs came out badly.

I had intended bringing home some more shell cases next time I came, for your and my home. They make splendid vases. I am very glad to see that Jack Oughtred has got a Military Cross. From the accounts given, he deserves it. The Bosche put a couple of big shells, both duds, into our camp today. We are about 8 miles from the line, and I think he was trying for a battery. They dropped about 40 yds from my mess, and only just missed H.Q.Mess. I expect we shall be away back by the time you get this letter.

Your loving sweetheart,

Cecil, xx

Dora to CMS; Wednesday 5.15 p.m., 14.11.'17

My Darling,

I am still here - Mrs. Stewart asked me to stay till Friday and now she wants me to stay till Monday to cycle over to Northallerton with them on Saturday but I don't know what to do - can't make up my mind - so I have written to ask Mother to tell me what to do - so I shall be hearing in the morning.

The weather is still simply lovely and I am out in it as much as I can - it seems wicked to stay indoors. I took Jack Stewart (aged 8) and his friend (aged 9) out this afternoon for a long walk across the fields to gather some of these lovely dark red berries from the hedges. I like Jack's friend Bryan - he is a sweet little kid - and I have quite fallen in love with him - he's got a lovely little face. I went out to tea yesterday and am going out again to-morrow night to some of Mrs. Stewart's friends. The people here are all old who live right in the village - either old widows or old maids - funny old sticks some of them and they giggle at the slightest thing - I expect its because there is nothing much going on in such a small village.

They keep hens here and I fed them yesterday morning - I simply love living in the country where there are fields all around - I don't want to live right in Hornsea nor on the front by the sea - East Gate is rather nice - the part by the old golf links. What did you think of Lloyd George's speech in Paris on Monday? He seemed to speak his mind. I was thinking about you such a lot last night when I lay in bed - and the night before too - I think I must ALWAYS drop asleep thinking about you - do you about me? The post goes in a minute so I must go. They have got a lovely old fashioned garden here but they don't bother to keep it up properly - it is a pity. Goodbye - and be a good boy and don't forget to think about me - goodnight xx darling,

Yours with love

Dora

CMS to Dora; Friday 16.11.17, 6.45 p.m.

Darling,

We had quite a nice little bit of excitement yesterday when a squadron of Bosche came over in broad daylight, and quite low. They dropped about half a dozen bombs only 400 yds. away, and then turned back. There was a great big Gotha in the middle, with half a dozen fighting planes round him.

I don't think you need worry much about the ½ lb of Xmas pudding we shall be getting, as it will probably be hard. Yours will be much nicer. I got two letters from you yesterday, one from the C.C.S. and one from Thirsk, direct. I am going for another train ride tomorrow, but it won't be so long as the last. I am wondering whether we shall be out again for Christmas. I hope we are. I think I shall go in for one of the Divisions Competitions. I don't expect I shall get very far, but I'm going to have a shot. I haven't got any news for you, except that I still love you. Bibby's Annual turned up two or three days ago, for which many thanks. I like it very much. It is not, as you say, the same as the naughty "La Vie Parisienne". I got some drawing lessons yesterday which I paid for when I was at Dalton Holme and had plenty of spare time. I don't know whether I shall bother about them or not.

Yours with love,

and still aching badly,

Cecil. x x x

Dora to CMS; Friday 16.11.'17

My Darling,

I had a letter from you this morning from the battalion - it did take a long time to get back to the others. I didn't know about the other officer casualties you had - when I see an E. Yks. casualty in the list and don't know the name - I never know which battn. it may belong to. Personally. I think it is a very great blessing you have been away through it all - as your coy. has had such a bad time. I'm glad you will all be going out soon to rest before long - let me know how your competitions get on. That is very cheering news about leave I think - it is two months now since you went back so you ought to be here really about the beginning of February - it will be LOVELY then sweetheart -xx - a twirly feeling of excitement goes down my spine at the thought of it. xx ! When you wrote your letter of the 11th last Sunday night at 10.30 pm. I should be walking with Mrs. Stewart in the country - 2 miles from a house when we had been to supper - and I was thinking about you I remember and wishing it were you with whom I was walking instead.

I am going home to-morrow Saturday after all - Mother said in her letter yesterday that I must not stay away any longer as it is wartime - I leave here 10 a.m. and arrive Hull 2.47 and will have about two hours in York to look at the antique shops. It is gorgeous out today - really warm like spring. Mrs. Stewart is going to London on Monday for a few days. A VERY wealthy parishoner came round y'day morning and said she MUST come with her - stay at the Hyde Park Hotel and theatres galore - not bad at all is it to have someone to take one off for a jaunt like that at a couple of days' notice!

It was awfully still last night and I hoped the Zepps would come and wake up all the old maids here but there was nothing doing! I'm going to take Jack a walk early this afternoon and then two MORE old maids are coming to tea also an old married fossil too - I might as well tell you there are some potty old bachelors who live here too and from what I have seen of them they are slightly pottier than the old maids. I could roar at them all though - they seem so Goodbye now - I'll write on Sunday when I get home.

xx dearest one, from your Dora.

CMS to Dora; Sunday 18.11.17,. 9.15 p.m.

My Darling,

I am very comfortable in the nice mess in the farm house in a pretty village in the country. The country is wooded and hilly. My bedroom adjoins the mess, but I am living at another place at present until an officer who has been posted to my company, but who is on leave at present, returns. Battalion H.Q. and the other companies are in two other villages, so I am “on my own”.

We had a long day yesterday travelling from 9.0 am. till midnight, including a nine mile march, and I am still feeling a bit tired. My knee was a little the worse for wear this morning, but is better now. I'm very glad you've enjoyed yourself at Thirsk. I don't think it would be possible for us to live in the country, because of my work. I don't think Hornsea will be so bad, you know. I don't want to live right in it, or on the front, either.

I have been wearing those long brown socks you sent me. They have been very useful. I shan't be wearing them for a few weeks though now as I shall be living in a real bed at night time. I must go across to it now, as I'm feeling very sleepy. I shall just be nicely in by 10.30, and thinking of my sweetheart.

Yours with love,

Cecil x x

Dora to CMS; Sunday 4 p.m., 18.11.'17

My Darling,

You seemed to have cheered things up lately - by your description anyway - and things must be more homelike now. It was a great idea of yours with the chinese lanterns and the tablecloths too - so things will be quite cheerful. I got home again safely yesterday - the train was 3/4 hr. late, so Pater was rather fed up with waiting at the station. I had two hours in York so had a look at the shops and went into the Minster for part of the time. I got you some sweets at a very nice shop where I had some lunch so I will try and get them off to-morrow with the woolen jersey I have made for you. I think it will fit - I tried it on myself and I look a positive mermaid in it. I meant to get kahki but I couldn't get the quality in the wool so had to be satisfied with this colour. What's the matter with Holtby - has he got rheumatism? and who is going to be the adjutant if you are not. Bill had to come into Hull for a drill this a.m. so Flossie came with him and got out at Cottingham and walked here and then they cycled back to Beverley about 12.30.

They have been busy gardening lately and Bill has bought some rose trees and they are planting them in the front garden exactly opposite the front door. Flossie and Bill are going to London on Tuesday - he has some meetings there - so they are both going to have a look round. Wilfred is in hospital there - Millbank or Millbrook - and is to stay there two months for a nerve rest. Queenie has taken rooms quite near and can see him everyday. Mother and Father have gone down Holderness Rd. to see Grandpa and have tea with Uncle George and Aunt Kate - the two maids have both gone out so I am quite by myself - I wish you were here to have tea with me.

I did want you last night when I got home - I missed you awfully - I felt I wanted you to come home to. Kathleen Runton's boy - Leslie Brown - is coming home on leave in a month's time and will be here for Xmas - it does make my blood boil when he has only just been here - just a month before you - and he is ALWAYS at the base too. I must go and catch the 4.30 post now - and then go to get some tea - I wish you could come and have some with me - and half a bun with me. Goodbye darling - you never tell me how your KNEE is but you seem to be slipping about with it a good deal in the mud - are you supposed to be on light duty?

Yours with a kiss

Dora

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