Cecil Slack's letters: Volume 30

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's Mother (MJW) to CMS; December 14, 1917

My dear Cecil,

I thought I would like to write to you and wish you a safe and happy Christmas and to tell you we shall be thinking of you a great deal. How the time goes, it does not seem a year since you and Dora were engaged - how well I remember the evening in that little cottage - altho' I had so much illness there - I have many happy memories of the place - and there was much kindness shown to us - I have just been writing to some of the friends there.

Dora went off this a.m. to Camberley - she was looking very bright and I am sure the change will do her a lot of good - I am thankful I am well enough to spare her - and the experience will mean so much to her - I am so glad she is with Hartley again. I shall miss her terribly and am already feeling very sorry for myself - for the last 10 minutes - she has done for me more than I can tell you - I shall probably go to London in January.

Your Mother was so kind this morning - she came to see Dora off, and brought her some lovely roses and fruit. I tried to persuade her to come to London with me I think by that time she will be wanting a change.

I have just been talking to Hilda on the telephone. She is glad to be home again and they tell me Bob has arrived five minutes ago with a little puppy - so they will have some fun tonight - I am so glad Bob is better - It was dreadful getting the wire about his being wounded and having to wait so long for another message - They will all be delighted at having him home for Christmas - we only wish you could have been here too.

Wilfred and his bride have been over - they spent a day at Flossie's but they don't seem a bit interested in houses. I don't think Queenie wants to be troubled with one - Stanley Story is back again - but Dora will tell you about him - poor Stanley - he seems to be very unfortunate in his love affairs - I always think there is something very kind and nice about him - William and Flossie are quite a Darby and Joan - what I call a very happy and comfortable couple - They want us to go there for Christmas - as William sees so little of his home - but I think we will just remain here - I never remember being so quiet before - we have always had boys and girls coming in if our own family is small - I am looking forward to the time after this awful war is over - when you and Dora and Flossie and William will often be coming home and we shall all be having a good time together I am quite sure we shall all be very happy - Dora often says what a very bright home yours is and how much she likes going - Your Mother is so kind to her.

I went to see “Romance” again the other week. I enjoyed it better here than I did in London, we were nearer the stage - I don't suppose we shall be going to the theatre for some time now until after the Pantomime.

It does not seem much like Christmas - everybody is wanting it over and we sincerely hope before another Christmas we shall be at peace. I think we shall see everywhere aclamouring to get back to the old faiths and the old ideals after the war.

I must finish or you will be getting weary but when you have a moment - sometime do let me have a little line from you.

With our prayers for your safety

Yours affectionately

Mary J. Willatt

Dora to CMS; Saturday 15.12.'17, 3.45 p.m.

My Sweetheart,

I arrived here safely yesterday - but after a tussle in London - Before I forget - the above is my proper address - Camberley Military Hospital is divided into three different houses in different parts of the town - I live in Firlands with Hartley and two trained sisters - we have 34 men and have nothing to do with the other two houses altho' we are really part of the same hospital. It is a very easy job compared with Waltham Abbey - it really was slave work there the whole of the time - but I shan't get so much experience as the cases are practically convalescent - which is rather a drawback - but I have signed a paper to stay for three months - so after that I can get a job that has more serious cases. The people are awfully nice especially the commandant - and they treat Hartley and me very well too. I was awfully glad to see Hartley again - we have a room together at the top of the house - but its frightfully cold up here but we can go downstairs and sit over a gas fire in the staff room in our off-duty time. On duty 7.30 am. - off duty EVERY day from 2 to 3 pm. and alternate days 3 to 5.30 and 5.30 to 9 pm. and at 9 pm. we go to bed.

I'd sooner have every afternoon off as I don't like going out by myself for a walk in the dark - still I shall write letters the day I'm off in the evening - write to you, darling. The country is lovely - all pine trees - I went for a short walk at 2 pm. with Hartley (it's rather a nuisance - except from 2 pm. to 3 pm. each day - she is on duty when I am off) but I didn't get further than pine trees to see what sort of country it really was. It was a FEARFUL job to get a taxi in London - I had to leave my luggage at one side of King's Cross and go round to the other to catch one as they came in - it took me half an hour to get one and in the end an officer gave one up to me - it was awfully decent of him - then when I got to Waterloo I found there were two ways to get to Camberley - I wish I had had you - I don't like going about London all by myself.

Still I like being at work again but I shall like having my home with someone I know and see about once a year better - but this work will help the time to pass more quickly - I do want you, sweetheart, more badly than when you were away before last leave - I know you more now and I love you more deeply and that is why I feel being away from you more than ever - it is a beastly war and as things are going at present it seems to me that it will go on for a year or so yet and I don't want to be an old bird before the war is over. I don't like being without my ring - still I can't where!!!( WEAR I mean!!!) it in hospital - its like being without a little bit of you and I do miss it. I put it on when I go to bed and try and imagine I've got my head on your shoulder and you have your arm round me and we are both looking at it. You'll think I'm awfully sappy to-day - I feel it really - but it's only because I want you.

I've written to-day to wish you a happy Christmas and let's hope it will be the last Christmas that we are separated from each other. I shall think of you on Christmas Day - I hope you won't be in the trenches. I do want to get another letter from you to know what you are doing - I have been awfully anxious about you, my sweetheart, all this week - I have been thinking about you all the time and wondering what you were doing and where you were.

Goodbye, my dearest one, a happy day for you - I must write to the parents now - I sent them a wire when I got here last night. x x x x for you for Christmas morning.

Always your sweetheart

Dora.

MJW to Dora; Sunday Morning

Newspaper Cutting attached.

Private 'Arry 'Awkins (to the Duchess of Ullswater, known as Sister Winifred, who maintains a private hospital at her own expense): “You've fair got the knack o' pouring aht, Miss!”

Her Grace: “I'm glad you think so.”

Private 'A. 'A.: “Yus. I says to my mate, Jim Smith, 'Jim,' says I, 'if that little bit o' skirt wants a shop when this 'ere scrap is through, I knows a pub or two as would jump at the chawnce o' gettin' 'er in the bar!' ”

“The Passing Show.”

My dear Dora

I am sorry you have not heard from Cecil - I hope by [the time] you have received this you will have heard - but no news is good news - I am sure he would have written if he could and I think by what Mrs. Slack said yesterday that they had been longer than this without hearing - I shall not tell the Slacks you have had 3 letters because they have had nothing since the copy of the one I sent you - I do wish he could get shell shock or something. I don't wonder the poor men you are having in are glad to be out of it. The weather has been simply awful here but yesterday and today bright and sunny - but cold - what a nuisance your chilblain is - and just on your nose - but I do hope we shall have the warm weather soon - then it will be better - I am sure your little room will be nice.

Miss Stewart did NOT sleep in your room - should not think of putting anybody in unless I slept in myself - and nobody has slept in the bed since you went. She has not sent me the money she borrowed yet. Have not had a letter from Mrs. Stewart since we went to Colwyn Bay - I shan't bother to write - people will be making an awful fuss of them - I don't think they, the Brid. people would have looked at Miss Stewart if she had not been a parson's sister - she did not even take a frock to Brid. with her rolled skirt and cowl only - the same things she had here.

Yesterday Saturday morning the weather was nice and sunny - so I went out and stayed out for lunch at Hammonds with Father then went to Darby's to buy a gas cooker, portable one to stand on marble table in kitchen 31/6 - it will bake ½ stone bread and cakes - and buns, like Flossie's - I thought it would be nice for hot weather and not have kitchen fire on - coal is so bad to get here - so I thought I would get it in time - had to wait 3 weeks for coal for rooms and then only ½ ton - I should like to make a hay box with Patterson's box if I have time - it is just the hot water we shall miss - poor people in Hull have been taking the boards up and breaking chairs for cooking last Sunday dinner - Hilda and Mabel are coming on Wed. for tea and dinner and staying the night.

I hope I shall be alright for them - I seem to be keeping another cold off but am still taking medicine - I do wish I could get rid of my pains - they do worry me.

I told Flossie she had not written to you - but she seems to have no time for letters.

I don't think I have any more news - Mrs. Slack sounded very cheery on the telephone Saturday morning - she has wonderful spirits. We are going to tea Monday week to see the girls' things before going back. I mean Flossie and I for afternoon tea - Your father is busy today doing up Mrs Thompson's stick, taking books etc etc - Next week if it is fine I want to get the Slack's gardener in to tidy the garden up - your father is doing the lawn back and front - What do you think about going to the sea this summer? - and if I came to Camberley. Could I come Monday and return Saturday - They say they can't get enough to eat in London .

May Scott came into Hammonds for lunch whilst we were there yesterday - she did look sweet and said she was home for a holiday from nursing an indefinite time - she asked about you -

Much love

Mother.

The Scotts are living at Hornsea. Enid is in a Chelsea Hospital nursing - have got her address but don't think you will have time to go.

CMS to Dora; 17.12.17

Darling,

We came out of the line last night, and this morning I had my first shave and wash for 7 days. I don't think I've been so long unshaven before since the early Ypres days.

The night before we went in, four parcels, including two from you, came. Thanks awfully for the pudding, cakes, etc. and for the purse, which I have in my pocket now. We had the pudding tonight. It is, honestly, the nicest I've ever had. A vote of thanks was passed to you by the mess.

We had a pretty cold time up the line, and I was very lucky as regards casualties in my company. I was fortunate in having a dugout for company H.Q. which I shared with another company commander. We were very crowded, and buried in our corner was a dead Bosche who strafed 'orrid.

However it's all over now and we are fairly comfortable in a big draughty hut. It is freezing hard and the fire is out, I am gradually stiffening. We had a fire earlier on in the evening but it set the hut on fire, and now that both are out it's rather cold. I simply must go to bed to get warm. I wear your jersey night and day. I had it up the line this last tour. It's awfully useful. I'll write you another letter tomorrow, when I've got another fire rigged up. I can't feel I've got any feet at present. It's 10.30 p.m. now.

Yours with love,

Cecil

Aunt Bertha to CMS; Dec 17.17

Best New Year Wishes

My dear Cecil,

I am so sorry you have hurt your knee dear boy, it is unfortunate for you, I do hope the knee won't be stiff. We were so pleased to get the little snaps of you and Dora, and the others, they seem very good. How lovely for you to have such a happy time at home, and with your dear Dora, and to have the M.C. conferred on you by the King too.

Well dear Cecil I hope you will be spared for many years to your dear loved home folk and to Dora.

Very much love dear boy

from

Auntie Bertha.

CMS to Dora; Tuesday, 18.12.17, 6.45 p.m.

Darling,

I expect you're hating me for writing such a skimpy letter yesterday after sending nothing but a Field Post Card for a week. We only just missed having our hut burnt down last night. We had the fire in a tin resting on a piece of corrugated iron; the heat got through to the floor, and the wind did the rest. The floors of these huts are raised from the ground, so as to let the draught get in.

We've had a pretty feeding time lately. The two mornings before we went into the line we had reveillé at 3.0 am. and had to have a cold breakfast, and later on a cold lunch. On one of these occasions I ate the nougat which your Ma sent me, on an empty stomach. It really was excellent nougat, but for two or three hours afterwards I thought I was in the grips of trench fever. It passed off however before we went up the line in the evening, but I didn't eat any dinner.

10.15 pm.

Have just finished dinner, issue of rum, orders, etc. I am by myself tonight as all my officers have gone into the nearest town for lunch and dinner. I am going tomorrow, with Laverack, who, by the way, in answer to your question, is young, just about my age.

This afternoon I have made another fireplace which is now working splendidly.

I am awfully glad you are pleased with your new surroundings, and am very glad that they don't work you too hard. I'm sorry you had such a lot of bother in London, old girl.

Besides Christmas parcels from you I got two from Mother, one from Brunswick Chapel, and one from Reckitts.

I got Reckitt and Sons Ltd Magazine today. I don't know whether you've seen it, but there's a bit in it by your Pa, which I like very much.

It's 11.0 pm. now, and I haven't written home yet, so I must do so now; and then for a cold, shivery undressing, and later on, dreams of my sweetheart, x x.

Yours with love,

Cecil

Dora to CMS; Tuesday, 18.12.17

My Sweetheart,

I seem to have been here ages already and it seems still longer since I had a letter from you and I DO wonder how you are getting on through all this - it was only Friday that I heard but it seems like years.

It is my half day off to-day and Hartley had off from 2 to 5.30 so we went for a tramp over some moors near here - Cecil you would simply love the country here - gorgeous pine trees all over and all round this house - out of every window we see pines - I would like you to see it and go for a walk with you. We have had a slight fall of snow and a fearfully hard frost in the night - all the taps frozen - so it looks like skating - the atmosphere is so dry here that the ice ought to last. We stayed out for tea to-day - but don't think we shall again - as every tea-place absolutely SWARMS with Sandhurst cadets - and Hartley and I would rather miss tea than face dozens of cadets but we managed to find a place to-day that was quite quiet.

They really feed us very well here indeed - breakfast 8.30 - cocoa 10.15 - dinner 1.15 - tea 4 pm. and hot supper 7.30 and one of the patients voluntarily leaves a cup of tea outside our bedroom door at 7 am. every morning! So we don't do badly do we? The nurses don't do night duty here as none of them are serious cases - there are two orderlies who come on every night to look after the men. Hot bath every night and in a very decent bath - Hartley and I trot off to bed every night at 9 pm. and write letters or read in bed and mess round in our bedroom - a nice comfy little bedroom with an attic window - a sort of little turret sticking out of the roof. We have the window wide open and the breeze on our faces all night - my side of the room is the one with my bed in it.

My hands are beginning to be swollen with water and work so my ring will have to say goodbye at night time soon as I can't get it off again in the morning. The matron is AWFULLY nice but unfortunately is only here for five weeks temporarily - she is quite a sport and so decent to us.

It will be after Xmas by the time you get this - I wonder what sort of a Xmas you have had.

Goodbye, sweetheart, I was dreaming about you last night and you were nice to me, x x

Yours with love - x x

Dora

(Letter includes a diagram of the bedroom.)

CMS to Dora; Wednesday, 20.12.17. 8.0 p.m.

Sweetheart,

I have posted today a little Christmas present which I bought in Poperinghe. I had hoped to be able to send one from Paris as there is not much to choose from round about here. I hope it's all right 'cos I don't know much about these little articles, and I'm in fear and trembling that I may have made a mistake. I was delighted to get a letter from your Mother today. I shall be writing to her later on in the evening. I am in good luck at present, having been left behind at the Transport lines whilst the battalion is up in front. Another company commander and two subalterns are here as well. We have got a very comfortable place to live in, and have a glorious open fireplace and plenty of fuel. I am sorry for the other fellows who are up the line because it is still bitterly cold and the frost looks as though it will last for some time. I expect you're pretty cold too, and I hope the chilblains aren't bothering you too much.

I had lunch and dinner in Poperinghe yesterday with Capt. Laverack, and went to a show in the evening - one of the shows given by Divisional troupes. It was a nice change from shell-holes. It was just about a year ago today that I was returning from leave, and feeling pretty miserable about it. I haven't such a long time to wait now for my next leave. Leave is going very well, and my turn ought to be here soon.

Dinner up! Goodnight darling, till 10.30, and a Merry Christmas.

Heaps of love

from yours achingly,

Cecil

Dora to CMS; Friday 21.12.'17. 10.30 p.m.

My Sweetheart,

I had a field p.c. from you on Wednesday dated the 14th. so I felt awfully glad to get it but am longing to hear from you again altho' I know you will write as soon as you have time. I was off from 2 pm. till 5.30 to-day - Hartley and I always go for a little trot between 2 and 3 and after that I wrote four letters - quite a burst for me - Flossie, Emma, Hilda and Mabel, and the parents. I was on duty till 9 pm. came upstairs and had a hot bath - I can have one every night here - and I'm now adorned in pyjamas and dressing gown writing to my love. The men are getting up a little play for Xmas and also begun to decorate - but it doesn't seem a bit like Christmas at all to me - I expect it won't to you either. On Wednesday night I went with the Matron to a concert - that our men were invited to - at one of the other houses of the hospital. It was given by some cadets and staff of Sandhurst and one girl - all as a pierrot troupe - not half bad on the whole.

It is Hartley's half day to-morrow and I shall be off till 5.30 so we are going by bus to Aldershot - it is quite near here - takes ½ hr. I think in a motor bus - altho' they say it is rather an uninteresting place. I do wish you could come on that course to Aldershot that Holtby came on - wouldn't it be topping? I should be able to see you two or three times a week then. We get all our Tommies from the "Cambridge" Hospital there - it is a General Hospital.

Hartley is feeling very fed up with life to-night - I had been talking about you and said I must write to you to-night - so I think it rather put the cap on things so she has curled up under the sheets - poor kid - I must try not to talk about you at nights 'cause it brings back her own boy who's gone - she's such a brick generally but it's awfully hard for her. I don't know WHAT I should do if I hadn't you, my sweetheart, I think I should go quite mad.

It is nearly eleven o'clock so I must hop into bed now - good-night darling, x x -

Always your sweetheart

Dora

I do wish the C.O. would let you come to Aldershot - I think I'll write and ask him - swish!

CMS to Dora; Sunday 23.12.17. 6.0 p.m.

Darling,

Your letter of the 18th. arrived yesterday. You seemed to think I should get it after Christmas, but I get your letters usually on the fourth day, sometimes the third. Mine take five or six days I think. I expect I shall be out of the line by the time you get this, having spent Christmas day in a pill box. I am wondering whether there will be a mutual quietness or just no difference on the 25th.

I am awfully glad you are comfortable at Firlands. The pine trees, I know, must be ripping - perhaps like those up in Scotland, where we may spend our honeymoon. We have had two officers mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig's despatches, - Capts. N.W. Ingleby, and Laverack. As they are both friends of mine, you see I choose good companions, my dear!

I am living in a cellar or a sewer at present, I'm not quite sure which it is. It is very low and we can't stand up in it. We have a good stove though, and plenty of fuel, a lamp, and a chinese lantern, and are not grousing.

Bush, my servant, having overstayed his leave by one day, has been returned to duty, to my great regret. I have asked the C.O. if I may have him back later on, and if he behaves himself I shall probably get him again in about a month's time. He has looked after me for 14 months now.

I wrote to your Mother the other day. I hope the camisole reaches you safely. Please let me know if it's all right, I don't know whether it's a good camisole or not, but I seemed to think it was. There really wasn't much choice - it was either that or an illuminated card with clasped hands on it. But I'll be in Paris soon, I hope.

I manage to keep fairly warm at night, thanks to the long stockings and the jersey you sent me, and the cap-comforter your Aunt Yetta made. I am covered from head to foot in stuff that has come from your own dear hands. The stockings begin where the jersey stops.

I am glad you dreamt of me the other night, and that I was nice to you. I wonder if we dream of each other at the same time. I expect we do sometimes.

Goodnight, sweetheart, for a few hours.

Yours with love,

Cecil. xx

CONFIDENTIAL. THE ADJUTANT, 4th EAST YORKS. RGT.

The Commanding Officer has today ordered that my batman, No. 202957 Pte. Bush, H. be returned to duty. Pte. Bush has been my batman for 14 continuous months, and has become an excellent servant.

The above award is a much greater punishment to me than to Pte. Bush. I may add that this soldier has a clean conduct sheet up till today. Will you please make my respectful requests to the Commanding Officer that I be allowed to keep my batman, or to re-employ him after one month.

Cecil M. Slack Capt., 4th. East Yorks Rgt., 23.12.17.

REPLY from COMMANDING OFFICER

Possibly - if he soldiers well - after one month. W.W.

POST WAR NOTE from CMS

I got over this difficulty with the kind help of the R.S.M. who gave Bush the punishment of attending to me as a “fatigue drill”.

Dora to CMS ; Christmas Eve, 7 p.m. 24.12.'17

My Darling,

I got one letter from you yesterday and one the day before - you have had a rotten time old boy and you simply must be starved to death - I'm awfully glad that jersey I sent you keeps you warm a bit anyway. Glad to hear you got your parcels alright and liked the things - you are a silly ass to make yourself nearly ill with nougat - infant in arms! You needn't bother 'cause I've not got quite as far as hating you for your letters - but Hartley and I think we'll have a house of our own in Camberley in our old age - all surrounded with pines and firs and really wild garden with heather in and rhododendrons growing wild like this garden has, - so we'll dissolve partnership in our old age shall we - if you agree!

I am enclosing three photos for you - the last of those taken on your leave - you are a blinking bloke in one of them! - absolutely drunk! I took one of Ma and Pa and Pa took one of Ma and me but they came out an absolute blank so you can't have one, old boy.

I went to the Quartermaster's to tea y'day - she is awfully nice and lives in the next house to this one - she is a widow - her hubby was something at Sandhurst I think - everyone here is connected in some way with the R.M.C.

On Sat. afternoon Hartley and I went by bus from here through Farnboro' to Aldershot just ¾ hr. - it was absolutely CRAMMED with khaki - far more soldiers than civilians - and a lot of W.A.A.Cs. - I wouldn't be one for anything - a frightful mock being in khaki I think - I would sooner be a V.A.D. - although they say they have got rather a bad name in France. We had had quite enough of Aldershot after one hour and after having tea so we soon came back again.

Later, 11 p.m.

Hartley came in while I was writing this and said the men wanted some music so I played for them and after supper too - they like singing choruses etc. - and I have just read through this letter - my writing is getting fearfully illegible 'cause I'm always in a hurry - its a wonder you don't strike - and what tosh I write too - It will be a funny sort of Xmas day to-morrow - you know I've never been away from my Ma and Pa for it before - I sound an awful baby don't I!!

I feel awfully sleepy but not a bit sappy - goodbyee

Yours

Dora

WHS to CMS; 24.12.17

My dear Cecil,

We have had Tom Slack with us for a day or two - He has been gazetted to the East Yorkshires and has to report at Withernsea in a few days -

I had a p.c. from Percy Carr last week - address

Lazarett: Baracke 42.
Grafenwohr. Bavaria

He wrote “except being a prisoner I am contented - You cannot tell how I miss the old Battalion and the old faces”.

You will note from the enclosed that Rev. E.L.Robinson will be in France shortly -

I am sorry James' have bungled the tobacco instructions - I am writing them on the matter - Please let me know if they do not resume regular fortnightly despatches

It is interesting to note that you are renewing your early days of warfare, that is so far as the territory is concerned - I imagine the conditions are very different and that the task which the Germans then thought was a light one, is now an impossible one -

We shall miss you to-morrow, Xmas day - but our thoughts will be with you -

The result of the Australian referendum has come as a surprise to me - I was told that on a former occasion the women voted very freely against conscription - What their attitude this time has been I do not know. It was a striking result after the declaration of Canada - The French Canadians in the Province of Quebec went solidly against Compulsory Service but on the other hand the British element in Ontario and out west was just as solidly for all available men being liable to be called on - The old French Canadians never have been in love with British rule, nor are they keen on the land of their ancestors - France, and in addition a large proportion is Priest-ridden. I know both the types, and needless to say the strength of Canada is not in the Quebec territory - Many of the country folk are as primitive in their methods and thoughts as their forefathers were 100 or 150 years ago, whereas in Ontario and out west they are as enterprising as in any part of the British Empire.

Tom has been lucky to get through without a scratch - Egypt - Somme, etc. On one occasion he was out, when only 46 out of 600 of the Battn. were not casualties.

Bertie is still on Sanitary work and somewhere in France.

27th

This letter should have been posted 2 or 3 days ago.

We have had a fairly good Christmas, “old fashioned”, in some respects. On Boxing-Day there were several inches of snow on the tennis court - We had a lively time with snowballing, a mimic fight, no doubt laughable from the standpoint of what you consider fighting, but everyone enjoyed it. Bob, Forty etc. - Mother ventured out once, but beat a hasty retreat - Kitty was in fine form and stood up to everyone, taking the "blows" she recd. in good part, unlike Jack Fisher, who skulked about on the outside edge afraid of his life - Parson Harvey got it pretty hot for about an hour.

With love from all

Your affec. Father

W.H.Slack

P.S. Mrs. Baine has telephoned to say Mrs. Monge is much upset because she has had no reply to a telegram sent to Le Touquet Hospital about her son - who has been severely wounded -

Can you give me any information BY RETURN which will be of service.

I think Monge was with the 4th. East.

Dora to CMS; Friday 6.45 p.m., 28.12.'17

My Sweetheart,

Thank you ever so much for the camisole x x x x I do like it awfully and tried it on last night when I went to bed - it came yesterday mg. and it fits quite well - and shall keep it for evening dress aprPs la guerre - it doesn't quite match stiff cuffs and aprons and print dresses. I think it is an awfully pretty one and beautifully made and you haven't made a mistake about it so you needn't be in fear and trembling, poor old chap - although I'd like to know what you know about undies!!? I got another letter from you to-day written on 20th. - I wonder what sort of a Xmas you have had - rather rotten if you were in a pill box. Your news about leave seems to be very cheering - have you any idea how soon it will be - in a month's time or six weeks or two months - do let me know 'cos I shall have to make arrangements here and ask whether they will let me off or not or how many days I can get. I haven't had time to write to you since Monday - I have been so busy with Xmas festivities for the men.

On Christmas Day we had presents for all the men in the afternoon and then in the evening Hartley and I played games with the men until 9.30. On Boxing Day we all went to a concert in one of the other houses of the hospital and last night four of the men gave a sketch which was quite good. It was my half-day off and Hartley was off duty in the afternoon until 5.30 so the V.A.D. cook whose home used to be in Camberley took us skating on one of the ponds in the Sandhurst grounds. People are only allowed on by permission so she kindly got us a permit from a Capt. Clarke of the Staff. I fell down at least six times but managed to struggle on a little better towards the last - the last time I skated or rather tried to was on Clough Rd. towards Stoneferry and you were there - do you remember? It was just after I had left Penhros in 1912 - nearly six years ago - we have both changed since then haven't we? We were going to get an hour's skating to-day but a thaw set in last night worse luck - I did enjoy it.

I had a letter from Frank Sheppardson yesterday (he is a great pal of Bill's and music master and O.T.C. man at the Ley's at present) he has just been staying with Flossie and likes their house very much and comes down to Aldershot on the 31st. for a month's course so hopes to see me sometime. He is a killing boy (he's 30 I think) makes me simply howl with laughter the whole time. I do wish you could get a course at Aldershot. Sorry about your old pal Bush - I got a jolly good orderly at present for my landing - he has had trench feet and slips about in huge shoes but he sweeps and polishes the floors beautifully - he is a killingly funny and witty old bird of 40 with a face and body like a golliwog. Hartley has given her orderly the sack and got another one so she is [not] having such a rotten time now. I owe simply tons of letters - 12 to be correct - people who have written for Xmas so I'm going to start when I've finished this - try and get one done before dinner anyway.

My chilblains are going on nicely - the one from my nose has disappeared but I have got an awful one on the danglem thing of each ear. I am glad your wooly things keep you warm - I like to think the things I sent you help to keep your little many warm - dinner has just come in - I have been thinking about you and the time has gone - been writing this over the gas fire in the staff room. Feel awfully sappy and achy to-night darling.

8.30 - later

Just had a letter from Ma and she is pleased to have a letter from you - says she feels rather dull without me - I do feel a fearful brute.

I DO want to put my head on your shoulder to-night sweetheart - do let me know when I shall see you next - Mother says K. Runton's boy is on leave now - the louse.

I like the cami - Love

Your little girl

Dora

CMS to Dora; Friday 28.12.17. 10.30 p.m.

Darling,

It is quite possible that I shall be in Paris by the time you get this letter. I hope you have had a more cheerful Christmas than I have. I was huddled up alongside a pill box, and it snowed and froze, and I was very fed. We were up on Christmas Eve. The S.O.S. went up on the 26th. and we turned out ready for a counter-attack, but the Bosche didn't come. On the 26th. I got two letters from you. One was posted on Dec 14th. and was the one you wrote in the train up to London.

Yes, it would be awfully nice if I could come to that course at Aldershot, but it's a senior officers' course for battalion commanders, present and budding, and I'm not a pukka captain yet. I shall stop being an acting captain very soon, and become an honorary one with lieutenants' pay, as I shall be Adjutant tomorrow. Holtby has got two months at the third line, and has been struck off our strength.

I nearly got pipped today by a piece of anti-aircraft shell which fell at my feet. This is the second time that that has happened.

I got your letter containing the snapshots today - I do look a mug, don't I?

I think tonight is one of the coldest we have had. I am writing in my British warm, and haven't got any feet. I expect you're snugly in bed - I shall be in 10 minutes.

Goodnight sweetheart

Yours with love,

Cecil

Dora to CMS; Sunday 2.15 p.m., 30.12.'17

My Darling,

We have just come up from dinner - lit the surgery fire and Hartley and I are writing letters for all we are worth - I have written to the parents and Grandpa already. We havn't done anything exciting since I last wrote - went for a long walk yesterday afternoon but we are staying in to-day and might go to church to-night - very prob. - I have been here a fortnight already and the time has flown - though in one way I seem to have been here ages. We couldn't go skating again after Thursday as a beastly thaw set in and it all went sploshy - I was thinking about you on Thursday night as you would be celebrating your Xmas. Mother said she was very pleased to have a letter from you in her last letter. We are getting a whist drive up for the men to-morrow night - they rather like one I think - the Matron wants the nurses to get a sketch up of our own - so we are going to talk it over at tea to-day - t'would be rather fun really -

I have had a photograph of Sybil Crowe this Christmas - not a bit like her though - she wanted to know how you were too - there'll be no more Saxon car trips now - will there - no one was allowed to motor for pleasure after Nov. 1st. - so we shall have to push-bike or ride - by the way, what would you like to do this leave?

We had our bedroom properly cleaned y'day so we feel awfully clean little kids to-day - did I tell you I have an enlargement of your Ma and yourself - also one of you taken at Sheff. and one of you alone I took at Silkstone - you are the only gent I sport in my bedroom except Old Bill and Pa. I am absolutely devoid of sleep - I mean news - (I've just told Hartley I was sleepy - we lay awake and talk so much at nights and then I think of you - do you lie awake and talk?) Things aren't very busy in the hosp. today so I've got plenty of time - have mended a pair of my lousy socks to-day too - I hate mending socks - I think we'll both wear sandals when we're married. Goodbye - Cecil x x . x x the dot in the middle is your nose - I'm quite mad to-day - pip-pip.

Love from

Dora.

Are you looking forward to seeing me more than last leave?

COPY NO. 1. SECRET

Operation Orders No. 86
by
Major H.B. Jackson,
Cmdg. 4th. East Yorks Regt.

1-1-18

1. The Bttn. will move to Billets in YPRES tomorrow 2nd inst. in reserve to the 151st. Brigade in the line.
2. Timetable. Reveillé 7 a.m., Breakfast 7.30 a.m. Dinner 11 a.m. Tea 4.30 p.m. (at YPRES). Staff parade 9 p.m. Lights out 9.15 p.m.
3. Blankets will be rolled in bundles of ten and handed in to the Q.M.stores at 9.30 a.m. Officers Kits at same time. Officers' mess baskets at 12 noon.
4. ransport Officers will arrange with Q.M. as to removal of Blankets, Officers' Kits etc. to YPRES. Field Kitchen will proceed to H.Q. billets, YPRES immediately officer dinner has been served here. B and C coys' L.G. limbers, medical cart and second water cart accompany field Kitchen. One lorry will report here at 10 a.m. to carry blankets and officers' Kit.
5. Battn. less 2 coys. at YPRES will parade at 12 noon in full marching order facing North. Order of march - H.Q., Band, Details B, Details C, Details of other coys in rear under the Orderly Sgt. Battn will move off at 12.15 p.m. midday, and march to BRANDHOEK Cross Roads, where it will embus for YPRES.
6. One Officer and 1 N.C.O. (C.Q.M.S.) per coy of B and C coys and C.Q.M.Ss of A and D coys will proceed to YPRES at 9.30 a.m. to arrange and assist in billetting. They will report to Capt. Pollock for particulars of their billets.
7. All huts, cookhouses etc. will be clean and ready for inspection by the C.O. and M.O. at 12 noon.
8. Q.M. will hand over all furniture belonging to the Camp to the Camp Commandant and obtain a receipt for it.
9. Acknowledge.

C.M.Slack Capt.

A/Adjt. 4th. East Yorks. Regt.

CMS. to Dora; Tuesday 1.1.18, 6.20 p.m.

Darling,

For once I am warm, and able to write comfortably. I got your letter today saying the camisole had arrived safely. I'm awfully glad you're pleased about it. It came from a shop which has been visited by, I should think, half the officers in the British Army. I was sitting up in front of the fire last night at midnight, with Grummitt, and thinking of you, and of what a wonderful year the past one has been to me. Let us hope that in a year's time you and I are seeing the New Year in, with no war to bother about.

I wonder what the concerts are like which your men give. There are some excellent shows out here run by different Divisional troupes. They are rather risqué at times, especially as a few nurses are generally present, but they don't seen to mind much.

My Paris leave hasn't come through yet, but I expect it any day. Yes, I remember the time when we skated on the Clough Road fields. I remember I felt an awful mug too. I came to your house for tea afterwards. I'm glad you've been able to get a bit. I remember Frank Sheppardson at Hymers. He was a prefect when I was very small, insignificant, and naughty boy in the Lower Thirds. My leave might come through in about six weeks time, and, on the other hand, it might not. Thanks very much for the snapshots. I'm glad you've enlarged the one of my Mother and me. I think it's very good of both of us. Am not I a vain young man? I am very eager to see the one of you and me made up from bits of the wedding groups.

Your sweetheart,

Cecil. Love and kisses.

P.S. Major Jackson sends his New Year Wishes, and the Padre says he'll officiate at our wedding if we pay his train fare.

Except where otherwise stated, the copyright in all of the archives and letters on this site is held by Sir William Willatt Slack and the Slack family. Copyright in teaching resources and materials on this site belongs to the East Riding of Yorkshire Council. Please acknowledge intellectual property rights by giving the URL of any pages you use, and/or include the © copyright symbol. Suggestions for improvement are welcome. Thank you.