Cecil Slack's letters: Volume 31

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; Thursday 6 p.m., 3.1.'18

My Sweetheart,

I'm awfully glad you have been able to get Paris leave after all - and hope you managed to get off - perhaps you are there now - you have had a rotten time in those beastly blasted, blinking trenches - you must be frozen to ice - I get chilblains bad enough even indoors so I think I should be a lump of ice if I were out there - still if you get to Paris that will be a jolly decent change and you will have a good time after the rotten do you have been having - a miserable Xmas too for you.

I have been awfully busy since I last wrote to you on Sunday. On Monday we had the whist drive I told you about and we also cleaned out our surgery - and all the things in it - As all the patients are practically convalescent the greater part of the dressings are done there. Hartley and I do dressings in turn - one, one morning and one the other - the Sister does some and we do some and so on until they are all done - but the dressings are nothing here to what they were at Waltham - and the work nothing either. Am awfully glad you've got the adj's job after all - but it is a rotten do having to go back to lieut's pay - how much difference does it make -

On Tuesday H and I went for a long walk and yesterday the men gave that little sketch again and outside people came in to it - about 80 altogether including the patients. Hartley and I made a mock bouquet for the principal “lady” out of a cabbage and spiky carrots and parsnips sticking out, and ivy streamers with onions tied to them - quite a smart affair - it really went off quite well - the men had gorgeous light wigs on and we had to make up their faces - Hartley made one man look quite fascinating!

We think we might get up a play of our own amongst the staff - perhaps in about a week or so - t'would be rather fun. I am just going to play table tennis with the others of the staff (there are six of us altogether) - planchette sort of thing you know - we thought we would try it - I believe I'm getting a bit fatter Cecil - very little though - hope you won't stop loving me if I'm a fat dumpling when you see me next - shall you? I've got two blobs of ink on a nice clean apron - isn't it a blinking nuisance?

Heaps of love till 10.30 sweetheart,

Your own

Dora

CMS to Dora; Friday 4.1.18., 11.30 p.m.

Darling,

Just a short note to let you know I'm well and more or less contented. We've been moving a bit lately and I've had a lot of work to do, but I've struck a very comfy billet at this end, a nice bedroom with a nice bed, and adjoining the mess.

My Paris leave has come through, and I expect to go on the 6th. or 7th.

Major Jackson, I am delighted to say has got an M.C. in the New Years Honours. English leave has got down to 5 months now, with the officers, so it shouldn't be very long now before you are sitting on my knee with your head on my shoulder. I haven't thought yet about what to do on my leave.

I'm sleepy Dora, and I'm going to my bed now, and will write again tomorrow.

Yours with love,

Cecil x x

WS to CMS; January 6th. 1918

My dear Cecil.

May The New Year prove a happier one than the past and bring with it the end of the War. Special Intercessory Services have been held all over England to-day, by command of the King. Father and I, with Hilda, Norman and Mabel went to it at Brunswick this afternoon, and to-night three of the big Picture Halls have been lent for special Services at 8 o'clock. May all intercession be sincere, and prayer be answered, and the war be satisfactorily terminated.

Bob returned to Hornsea last Friday. He means to try for the R.F.C. John Taylor has been “turned down” for the R.F.C. owing to poor circulation so I suppose now will become attached to the Infantry. Mr. Taylor is very ill indeed. Very severe pain, and has had morphia injected many times this week. He has been unable to keep food of any kind down and now a trained nurse is in and he is being fed by the rectum. As a result he had a more comfortable night, and there seems to be some slight improvement, but all his people are very anxious about him, of course he is very very weak. I have just telephoned and there seems to be some very slight improvement to-day.

We all went to Beech Croft last Saty. night for dinner. Hilda, Mabel, and Norman went in the afternoon, and Father, Bob and I later on. We spent a pleasant evening, though I was tired, as the result of having extra work and worry through one of the maids falling ill, and having to go home, quickly.

Flossie and her husband were there also. Miss Anderson slept the night here, and went home on Sunday morning after breakfast. I want to arrange an evening for Major and Mrs. Willatt and Flossie and her husband to come here before the children return to school if possible.

Mr. Harvey has marching orders for France, and leaves Hull to-morrow week. Mrs. Harvey travels to London with him, then she will return to Hull till Conference.

I am glad you have been made Adjutant, but sorry if it means any reduction in rank or “screw”. Why should it? Dora seems to be benefitting by the beautiful air in Surrey. It will do her good, and the lighter work will be beneficial also for a time.

Hilda and Mabel spent last Wednesday night with Flossie at Beverley, and had a good time. They return to School next Tuesday, and Norman on Wednesday. The holidays seem to have passed very quickly. The weather has been seasonable and on Boxing Day the Youngsters had the time of their lives snowballing. Father, Bob, Jack Forty Mr. and Mrs. Harvey and all the other children joined in and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

To-day, we had for dinner the Xmas pudding, which was intended for you, and it was very good. Owing to apparently unnecessary regulations, I was not able to send it to you. Harold has started writing a diary and we get some quiet glances at it. It is very amusing, and if I have an opportunity, intend to keep it for his future amusement.

Much love and prayers for your safety and general welfare from

Your affec. Mother

Winnie Slack

Dora to CMS; Sunday 3.45 p.m., 6.1.'18

My Darling,

Tea will be here in a few minutes but I've just time to begin my scratch to you. Our men's concerts aren't risqué - they might be if they were on their own but the Matron noses into things beforehand I think. Hartley and I went skating on Friday again and got on a little better I think - fell down about a dozen times then in the the evening we got up some more games and races with spuds etc. - for the men so that y'day we felt dead and dropped asleep on the sofa in the staff room - It's got such a nice soft cushion to put one's head on and she says I'm like armour plating! Six weeks seems quite near for your leave but I'm not counting on it for then really because it is always much later. We played a kind of planchette the other night - six of us - sat up ever so late - with a tumbler - all put a finger on and the electricity makes it move - or otherwise the spirit and it spells out words by pointing or slipping towards different letters laid out on the table. I asked it when you would have your next leave and it spelled out March, so it remains to be seen.

Hartley and I and one of the Sisters went to church this morning - it was simply packed - supposed to be a day of intercession about the war. I had a note from Frank Sheppardson by the last post last night saying he would like to come over and see me to-day if I would reply by return - there wasn't time to let him know in time so must write to-night and tell him to come some afternoon during the week and go out to tea - I can't very well ask him here to tea as its all nurses - one could invite one's sister - but not a man very well - alors, avec votre permission, monsieur - je prendrai le thé avec lui?

On Tuesday we are going to a whist drive at Durley - (one of the other two houses) Hartley and I and the Matron - as they are short of girls to play with the men. The whist drive last Monday night - Hartley got the booby and I was next! Have got to know to-day that the plum puddings we had on Xmas Day were Army ones - same as you had - and they were really awfully good. I haven't heard from Mother lately - her last letter was written on the 30th. so I don't know how they all are.

I got your letter yesterday that was written on the 5th. - quick quick for one from France. The same to Major Jackson and many on 'em - was he an old bloke - the one (padre) who is going to officiate for us - 'cause I don't want an old one. I wonder if we shall be seeing the New Year in with no war - oh - I gave Hartley a pipping shampoo last night - I'm quit a dab hand - killed all her chits for her - I'll do you someday - I wish the blinking war would be over soon - do you really think it will be by next Christmas? There seems to be a lot in the newspapers about meat being scarce but we don't feel any scarcity yet - but the Quartermaster gets everything through the Army Canteen because we are under the W.O. - so really we fare far better than other people.

Goodbye - I was thinking about you on New Year's Eve too - altho' we didn't sit up for it - I went to sleep about 11 p.m.

Till 10.30 - x x sweetheart,

Your loving

Dora

CMS to Dora; Monday 7th. Jan. 1918, 3.30 p.m.

Darling,

Laverack and I arrived here this morning after 20 hours travelling. We had lunch at 1.0 p.m. on Sunday, an omelette at Calais at 11.0 p.m. and then nothing till 12.30 today.

We have got a nice bedroom with a couple of beds, and a bathroom attached. I have been saving up for that bath, it's quite 3 or 4 weeks since I had one. I had a shampoo this morning, and fairly put the wind up the barber.

My knee has gone phut again. A boil this time - I feared it was blood poisoning. I have had to wear slacks, but hope to get into breeches again tomorrow, that is, if I get up. I shan't get out of bed until I feel inclined, no matter what time it is.

Tomorrow I am going shopping with some of the money I have managed to get from Cox's today. We are due back on the 11th, so have 3 clear days here.

Love from your sweetheart x x

Cecil

Dora to CMS; Tues. 3.45 p.m. 8.1.'18

Darling,

I expect you are in Paris now - I had your letter this morning saying you would be going on the 6th. or 7th. - the letter came through awfully quickly too - only posted on the 4th. We have just come in from a trot - freezing like billyoh and its awfully cold.The Japanese play has come today - six characters - Hartley is to be a fat objectionable Dr. and I am Lu-sing a girl in love with Blue-fits another man - taken by one of the tall nurses. We want to get it up by a week to-morrow so we shall have to work hard. The temporary matron leaves in a week's time and the other one comes back - she is awfully professional and strict - its rather silly in a place like this - so Hartley and I will have to pull up our socks and try to be profess. You know I can be profess. when I like - swish! Did you know Doris Keane had just got married - to the man she acted with in “Romance” - it said in the paper he had been invalided out of the army. Rather a nice ending for the play really.

Heard from Ma and Pa to-day - Ma has had a bad cold verging on bronchitis but is a little better now.

The sister who is in this hospital at present - worries Hartley and me frightfully - she's such a lazy divil and so blinkingly untidy. She's no good with the men either - they've not the slightest respect for her and they pull her leg and she never twigs. She's awfully soapy and slimy too - we don't bother with the beastly woman. The temporary matron is about 45 - a positive gem and frightfully sweet - Hartley and I would do anything in the world for her - bless her - I wish she was staying for good. Bye-bye - I hope you have a jolly time in Paris - wish I was there with you - boo-hoo - write and tell me all you do. x x . x x (. = nose)

Yours with love,

Dora

CMS to Dora; Wednesday 9th. Jan. 1918

Darling,

I've just come downstairs after having breakfast in bed, so you can see I'm having plenty of rest. Laverbag and I are having a very good time. Yesterday for lunch we went to Rumpelmayers, and the day before to Ciro's, where it cost us 50 francs apiece!

We had dinner at Maxime's on Monday night, and at Poccardi's last night.

Shows - I'm afraid you'll be very fed when I tell you I've been to the F.B. after all.

I wasn't at all keen myself 'cos I knew you didn't want me to, but I couldn't disappoint Laverbag without being a killjoy. Anyway it was a rotten show, and we didn't stay to the end, as we were very tired after very little sleep the previous night in the train. Last night we saw quite a good show at the Alhambra, and there were several English turns. Tonight we are going to the Casino de Paris, where one Gaby Deslys is performing

It snowed a good deal yesterday, but it's all gone now, and the sun's out.

Yours with love,

Cecil

CMS to Dora; Friday 11.1.18., 10.0 p.m.

Sweetheart,

I found three letters from you waiting for me when I got back this evening.

We left Paris at 11.30 last night, arriving here at 5.30 p.m. to-day. We've had a ripping time and a good rest. I got a couple of small presents for you, which I am posting tomorrow. The comb thing is supposed to be shell, so I hope I haven't been done down over it.

Yesterday we saw Quinneys, in French. I liked it very much although I couldn't understand all that was said. The night before, we went to see Gaby Deslys and Harry Pilcer. It was a ripping show. Gaby looks quite nice really and much better than the pictures of her.

When we had dinner at Maxime's we had frogs' legs, and they were quite nice - just like chicken's breast. Another night we had some snails, but I wasn't very keen on them, although I should like them very much in time, I think. We spent almost all our time sleeping, eating and seeing shows. The weather wasn't good enough for sight seeing.

I'm glad your whist drive and the concert affair went off all right. I don't mind if you're getting a little bit fatter Dora, so long as you don't get really fat. I think I'm just about as usual.

That “spirit” thing about my getting leave in March may be right, because the C.O.'s going off at the end of this month, and he's trying for three weeks, to get married I think, although it isn't public yet, and I shan't be able to go till he returns.

Hope you've had a decent time with Frank Sheppardson. No, I didn't know Doris Keane was married to the man with whom she acted. It's rather nice really. 10.30 and I'm delightfully sleepy, so night, night. x x

Yours with love,

Cecil

Field Post Card to Miss Dora Willatt

I am quite well.

I have received your letter dated (?)

Letter follows at first opportunity.

Signed Cecil Post marked 15.1.18.

CMS to Dora; Friday 17.1.18., 10.0 p.m.

Darling,

I hope the Field Post Card that should have reached you two days ago hasn't put the wind up. We've been moving, but in the right direction. I've been frightfully busy and haven't even had time to wrap up and address the parcels which I bought for you in Paris, until this evening. Moves are always a strenuous time and there has been a lot of other work as well, and there has been no one to help me much, as the Asst. Adjutant has been away billetting, which is really Major Jackson's job, but he's away in Paris now. Have you seen from the papers that our pay has been increased. I get 3 bob a day more - 12/6 instead of 9/6 - 3 times 365's 1095/- = , £54-15s-0d a year more. You see, although I'm still an acting captain, I only get Lieut's pay as Adjutant, until I become a pukka captain. Of course I get duty pay at 5/- a day. It seems that I can't become a pukka Adjutant whilst Holtby's on the go. C.O.s and Q.Ms., and 2nds in Command always stay what they are even if sent sick to England and struck off the strength, so unless Holtby gets another job I shall always be “acting”.

I've got quite a nice billet here, above the mess. The weather's been simply awful for the last three or four days - thunder and lightening, gales snow, and slush, but it hasn't been bitterly cold, which is a great deal to be thankful for. The colonel goes on leave on the 28th. of this month, for 3 weeks, and I expect I shall go shortly after he comes back, so beware, because I shall hug you hard.

Are you VERY fed about my going to the Folies Bergères, darling, I'm wondering, because I haven't had a letter for 5 days. I'm velly sorry. 10.30 p.m. - so good night, sweetheart. I think I shall dream about you tonight - I'm feeling sappy.

Yours with love,

Cecil x x x.

Dora to CMS; Friday 18. 1 '18 8 p.m.

My Darling,

I have been an awfully long time in writing to you - but we have been very busy and also I have felt rotten for the last week - like that night - the day before we went to Filey - when you were on leave - I don't know why I felt like that but I've been miserable for a whole week - I must tell you because I shouldn't feel quite true to you if I didn't - I wish you were here so that I could talk to you and you could talk to me; but I think I feel alright again now though. I wonder if you ever feel like that, do you? I just felt as if I never wanted to be anybody's wife - ever - don't be disappointed in me, Cecil, will you - because I simply couldn't help it but I do wish you were here so that I could be with you.

I'm glad you have had a good time in Paris - it was a pity the weather wasn't better for you to get about more. The Hotel du Louvre is the one we stayed at on our way back from Italy rather funny that you should stay at it too. It is awfully kind of you to have remembered me again while you were there and bought me something - it hasn't come yet so I do hope it isn't lost in the post. I've seen Quinney's in Hull once - it's awfully nice but I don't know how they managed to put the Yorkshire furniture dealer into a Frenchman. We saw Gaby Deslys in “Rosy Rapture” in London once and we got awfully sick of her and just managed to hang on to the end. Is your knee better now - I'm sorry you've had a boil on it. It's my half day to-day but I have come to bed for it - I have got a stye on my left eye and it's all swollen up so I've come to bed and have fomentations on it so I hope it will be better in the morning - it hurts rather and I've got a bandage over it so I can't see very well really.

Frank Sheppardson turned up last Sat. afternoon. We went a walk - had tea and I had to be in at 5.30 - we talked hard all the time and I enjoyed seeing him again. He was coming to our concert during the week but couldn't get off - heard from him yesterday and he wanted me to go out to dinner and a show to-morrow night to Aldershot and he'd bring me back again but I don't feel like going out at all - he's telephoned to-night so I'm going out to tea again as he goes next week - shall be in by 5.30 p.m. as I am having my half day to-day.

We had our entertainment last Tuesday and Wednesday - it went quite well I think and the men said they enjoyed it. We didn't have the Japanese play after all - we had Cinderella - we thought at first we would act it and have no words then it was no good so we put in our own words and it was much better - I was Cinderella - the cook the Prince - Hartley an ugly sister and a pantry nurse the other one and one of the sisters the godmother.

We borrowed a stage from the church and had bike lamps for footlights. That took about ½ an hour or ¾. Then we had waxworks - Hartley was the show-woman and we dressed one of the men up in an Indian get-up for her servant. We had about 9 or ten - a V.A.D. scrubbing a Tommie (advert for Pears soap) we dressed up a young sergent as a V.A.D. Harlene advert - and put a wig of tow on a bald headed man! I was "Bubbles" - you know the picture - and blew soap bubbles from a clay pipe that stuck like glue to my lips, “A hunting we will go” - we had a Tommy chat (=louse) hunting in his shirt - shocked Lady Knowles our commandant I think - still its only a truth brought home! The men roared at it. We finished up with Brittania - grand tableaux affair. We had hoped for the Royal Milit. Coll. orchestra to come - but the last moment they failed us - t'was a pity 'cause it would have given the finishing touch. I must go to sleep now its 10.30 - I've done nothing since 8 p.m. but dawdle and think. Goodnight

Yours with love,

Dora

Enclosed Cutting

The marriage arranged between Major Clement W. Waite, East Yorkshire Regiment, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. George Waite, of Norton Lees, Bridlington; and Miss Vera Clarke, second daughter of Mr. Harold Clarke, of 120 Westbourne-avenue, will take place (leave permitting) at St. Mary's Church, Sculcoates, on Saturday, January 19th, at 11.45. Owing to the war no invitations are being sent, but all friends are invited to the church.

CMS to Dora; Sunday 20.1.18., 10.0 p.m.

Darling,

I haven't had a letter from you for eight days, and am wondering what's up. Have you been very busy? I got a letter from your Ma yesterday, and some toffee today. I've been having a pretty busy time and have caught up to my work. I moved into another orderley room today, where I've got plenty of room to lay out files and things and have a good spring cleaning. I'm getting just enough work to make me feel delightfully sleepy at night. It's the best part of the day, going to bed, and thinking about you. I've got your photograph next to my candlestick, and it's the last thing I see before hopping in. Major Jackson came back from Paris yesterday, having had a very good time, in spite of the weather. There's very little news at present, and I haven't written home, except a short note to Harold, for a fortnight! I'm going to try tonight. Goodnight, darling,

Yours with love,

Cecil. x x

Dora to CMS; Monday 21.1.'18, 3.45 p.m.

My Darling,

I got your letter this morning and the two little parcels - thank you ever so much for them - I like the tortoiseshell pin very much and also the little bag - it was awfully good of you to send me anything. I shall keep all these things you give me until after the war as I can't use them now in uniform. I was thinking you were in the line again when I got the last field p.c. It's rather nice getting £54 a year more - I shouldn't mind a rise in my wages at all but I don't think I shall get one until I get married - still it doesn't worry me - something will crop up if I get very stoney. Your leave sounds very promising - it really means that in about five weeks time you will be here! pip-pip.

I don't feel pippy any more about life - quite chirpy again but I did feel rotten last week. I AM looking forward to your leave - I haven't mentioned it here yet and we've got an awful sister as matron now and the matron (that was) has had to take 2nd. place as she has been here two and a half years. She came on Friday and has been on our heels the whole of the time about potty little things that nearly send us mad. At meal times (when none of the men are there) we have to call each other “nurse” - its mad - when we always call each other Hartley and Willie - of course it's different when any of the men are there. She's an awful old maid - Hartley, by the way, says I'm an awful old maid and says I shall never marry because I've got spinsterhood stamped on me!

We played that game with the glass last night - it talked to Hartley and Cook Stanford but hardly spoke to me - said I was weak minded - soft - and would never be developed mentally! So beware Capt. Slack! We sat up until midnight - so feel like a wet hen to-day.

I met Frank Sheppardson at Farnborough on Sat. afternoon and went to see the mausoleum of Napoleon III in the grounds of Empress Eugenie - it was quite interesting and then we bussed back to Camberley for tea and I had to be on duty at 5.30 - he goes back to The Leys on Wed. so I shan't see him again. On Sunday (y'day) we were invited out to tea to one of the nurses (she is a cousin of Dr. Philips of Sheffield) but at the last minute the cussed blinking matron made us stay in all afternoon and mend the men's shirts - H. and I were fed up with the woman - in a bigger hospital one wouldn't be bothered with cussed little things because there would be tons of dressings to do.

But we have been so awfully happy with the other dear little sister - you'd simply love her - she is 47 but quite young in her ways - that perhaps we've got spoilt a bit - but I hate mending shirts - DON'T put your foot through your shirt when you are married will you - still when I'm mending them I swallow all my hate and bring forth my patriotism! What a life! What a game it is!

A Nurse Catherine Johnston a V.A.D. at Heatherbank was wired for, to go home as her mother was ill - in Glasgow - she was in the railway accident near Carlisle - has both legs broken and Commandant has had a wire to-day that she is in a critical condition - she is 21 and rather a nice girl - I met her at Durley the other night at the whist drive I went to.

Heaps of love and x x x and you can hug me as hard as you like when you come - and thank you for what you sent from Paris

Yours with love

Dora

CMS to Dora; Tuesday 22.1.18, 10.20 p.m.

Darling,

I got your letter yesterday saying why you hadn't written for so long, and I feel awfully sorry for you little girl. I haven't felt like that myself at all - I wish I could be with you to talk to you. Perhaps the stye on your eye has made you feel a bit miserable, and not yourself. I'm glad you told me though, and of course I'm not disappointed in you. I know you must feel rotten, and I'm very sorry. I expect you'll have got over it by now, and are feeling more like you did when we were together a few months ago. I know what helped to make you feel like that - it was my going to the Folies Bergères when I knew you didn't want me to - I think now, that you would have felt the same even if I hadn't told you - you would have known in some telepathic way that I hadn't quite played the game.

It was rather funny that I should go to the same hotel that you did. It's not so nice now though, owing to the War. Hot water wasn't plentiful, and our boots and leggings weren't cleaned very well. I hope you've received the little bag by now, and I hope it isn't too big to go into your pocket. I bought myself a present too - a long Meerschaum pipe, which I shall probably break in a week or two. It's a nice pipe, but the Colonel won't let me smoke it out of the mess.

The Colonel's leave has come through today. He's got a month. It's special leave, to get married, but it's not public yet. He won't be back till the beginning of March. Major Jackson is top of the roster now, and I follow him. The Major can't go 'till the Colonel returns, and then he is getting his month. It is not decided yet whether I wait until the Colonel returns, or until Philip, the Asst. Adj. gets back. He hasn't gone yet and won't go for another week or 10 days, so it doesn't make much difference to me. The Colonel isn't very keen on my taking my month now. I'd sooner have it next leave, really, about September, or perhaps August, when the weather's decent, and you and I could enjoy it more.

I expect we shall be leaving this little village soon. We've been out for some time now, and it's about time we got a move on again. When we came here I just missed seeing one of my old Rydal masters, a fellow called Laine. He was billetting officer of the battalion whose billets we're in now. I missed him by a day.

Goodnight sweetheart, I do hope you feel alright by now.

Your lover,

Cecil x x

Ralph to CMS; 23 Jan.

Dear Cecil.

Are you still in the trenches. I have started learning music and I like it. Could you send me a post-card as well as Kitty. I hope you will come back again soon.

With love

from

Ralph

Dora to CMS; 23. 1. '18. Wed. 4 p.m.

My Sweetheart,

I had a half day yesterday and went to Reading with Sister Cecil - a young sister from “Durley” - we push-biked to the Blackwater - about 2 miles away and caught the 1.40 train - its only about 40 min. run - it began to rain when we arrived there so went to the pictures - walked round the town - had tea and caught the 6.25 back. We should have liked to have gone to an early show and caught the 10 p.m. train back but I hadn't got a late pass so this old matron would have given me the sack. I should think Reading is an awfully nice place in summer for boating on the Thames. We had a push-bike without head or tail lamps from Bl-water to Camberley on our return - I had an old hand candle lantern with some pink blotting paper in one side and it acted as head and tail lamps - however we got in without running into a bobby.

To-night Hartley and I are going with our men to Heatherbank to a concert given by a camp not far from here. One of the V.A.Ds. there whom I met at Xmas time had to go home last week because her Ma was ill. She was on her way to Glasgow and was in the railway smash at Carlisle and had both legs broken - rather rotten luck for her and she was an awfully nice girl.

This matron is turning out a bit better but we have to mind our ps and qs! She's rather rotten to our other dear little Sister Shepherd too. I can't think how to amuse you this time you are on leave - I've got no weddings or anything like that for you this time.

Mother sent me some toffee on Monday - it's awfully nice - she said she had made some for you too so I hope you get it safely. I'm sorry I'm not at home to send you any cakes now - cakes in shops aren't a bit worth buying and then it's so awfully difficult to get provisions of any kind nowadays. I don't feel it at all in hospital as we get rations from the army canteen but it's an awful job for private householders I believe. I expect Flossie's hair will be white when I get back with all the worry - she is a louse - she hasn't written to me for ages. I owe heaps of letters - I must write to your Mother and to Hilda and Mabel. I started a letter to Nurse Waddington on Sunday but haven't had time to finish it yet. I had a long letter from Betty Keeble the other day - but perhaps I told you - they send their love to you. Hartley got a bad throat and the Dr. has given her a malt and oil tonic because she is run down and she is terrified of getting any fatter! Mother has had a frightful cough and cold but is better now I think.

Heaps of love and x x from your little girl

Dora

It said March 17th. on the table the other night when we were playing with the glass! That's the date of your leave I mean but it might be sooner - mightn't it?

Dora to CMS; Sunday 3 p.m., 27.1.'18

My Darling,

It is a GORGEOUS day and Hartley and I have brought chairs outside and sitting in the sun - it is quite warm and springlike but I expect we shall get some frost again soon - have been printing some photos that I took of the men last week - they are quite good and I will send some in my next. One of the patients - an awful chatterbox - hawker of cabbages in real life! keeps coming and talking to us and breaks the thread of thought! You might try and keep that pipe until your leave and I'll take a snap of you smoking it!

Hartley and I went to Farnboro' y'day afternoon for tea and walked nearly all the way back again - she's had a frantic cold and lost her voice but is better again by now. Have been to kirk this morning with one of the sisters from Durley - lost my way trying to find a new way back and only just arrived in time for dinner. I think, as you say, that it would be nicer to have your month's leave in August or September - the weather would be so much nicer then - will it be the beginning of March that you will be coming then - I suppose you don't know definitely - I wish Ma would take us to Colwyn for a few days - t'would be rather nice wouldn't it?

Father thinks the war is going to be over soon now - he has written to the War Office - through the usual chanels and told them that unless he can be sent out to the B.E.F. he would prefer to take up his civilian occupation again and do the Volunteer job in the evenings voluntarily as his present work doesn't give him enough to do now that he has got it organised. So I wonder what will come of it all - this is not public at all as it is not decided - but he is sick of not having his time fully occupied - he says quite a lot of elderly officers are doing it just now under similar circumstances - he is 50 this year too. Did you know Harry Quant is engaged - that is not public property either - he has told Ma and Pa - a girl about 25 who lives at Ferriby and is in Reckitt's Office - very good at languages and learning Russian - I believe they are to be married this summer - very quietly - I hope the C.O.'s wedding goes off well - is she a young girl or an old one - all the old men seem to be getting married just now.

6.30 p.m. I had to leave off for tea - I'm sending you a Bystander with Lady Knowles' portrait in - she is the wife of General Sir Charles Knowles - late Governor General of Malta - everyone, practically, who works in this hoppy seems to be Lady Somebody - or cousin of Lord Somebody!

That month's leave won't come too late in the summer will it - couldn't you put in for it earlier as you have waited so long for it - tell me about what date you are coming and I will approach Lady Knowles with the fact that I've got a young man at the front who wants me when he is on his leave - she gives V.A.Ds. a month's holiday every year or so I can get a fortnight of it anyway I think. This stinking sister is improving a little in her manner towards us. I like going to bed the best part of the day and I always think of you as soon as I snuggle down -

Heaps of love and a hug from

Dora x x

CMS to Dora; Sunday 27. 1.18., 9.15 p.m.

Darling,

I'm very glad you're not feeling as fed up with life now, and it makes me feel more cheerful too. My leave is very close now. Philip, the Asst. Adj. goes on the 30th. and I am due to go when he comes back. Do you think you will be able to get leave, because if you can't I can put it off for a bit. The Colonel went off this morning, for a month. My name was sent in for six months duty in England a few days ago, and it will go in again in a week or two, but I shan't get it, I know, so don't raise any hopes. We have to send a name of a captain or subaltern every week, and there are only five of us with the necessary qualifications. Sorry you don't like the Matron's diciplinary actions, but perhaps it's good for you, young woman! I don't make holes in my shirts with my feet, so it will be a great relief for you when you're married to me. We leave our little village tomorrow. We've had quite a good time, and the last week has been beautiful Spring weather, and quite warm. I had a letter from Hilda today. She is very perky, and wants me to go there when I'm on leave. I'm going to bed now, it's only 9.45, but I shan't be asleep by 10.30. x x ,

Yours with love,

Cecil

Dora to CMS; Wednesday, 5.30 p.m., 30.1.'18

My Sweetheart,

We have got up a whist drive for the men to-night - to begin at 6 p.m. so I have just time to write a little note to you. Hartley and I have been for a long walk this afternoon - its my half-day by the way - we were going through some gorgeous pine woods when the old owner came along and swore like the divil at us and this, that and the other - a killing old blunderbuss - so we had to retrace our steps - he was so frightfully funny though we couldn't help laughing at him! The cook has had a week off and just come back to-day - been to her sister's wedding and had a pipping time down at Southsea.

I haven't heard from you for five days unless I get a letter by to-night's post - so perhaps you have been busy and moving again. The guns were going last night so we wonder if the aeroplanes were anywhere near us - Hartley and I often wish they would come - t'would lend a little more excitement to the place. I have heard a rumour that Waterloo Station has been damaged.

I haven't got the photos fixed yet so will send them next time - have got them printed. Hartley is having a day or two off next week and going up to town with friends - we can't both be off together and besides I'm not having any whole days off - just my half-day per week - then probably the Commandant won't mind my having the fortnight off when you come.

Must put a clean cap and apron on now - I haven't been out of uniform for nearly seven weeks now - I haven't any mufti with me at all.

Heaps of love and goodbye until 10.30 and then x x.

Your little girl

Dora

CMS to Dora; FIELD POST CARD, Post Marked 6 Feb. 1918

To Miss Dora Willatt.

I am quite well.

Letter follows at first opportunity

Cecil. date 2.2.18.

Kitty to CMS; Feb. 2nd, 1918

My dear Cecil,

Bob brort a little puppi home form Oxfud. It has ben il and has ben to the vets. I hav been movede up in school, and I lice my wuk.

With luv form

your litte sistr

Kitty

Dora to CMS; Saturday 4 p.m., 2.2.'18

Darling,

I only got your letter of the 27th. this mg. - been a whole week on the way. I was awfully surprised about your leave and am not a bit excited of course! DO come after Philip gets back 'cause if you put it off it will only mean that the month in the summer will be later still. I haven't asked Commandant yet - I have put it through the Matron first (the stinker) - but I think I shall be able to wangle it - any way I hope so - shall run away if I can't. I will write to you as soon as I get to know - will it be about the 16th. - that is, a fortnight to-day?

What about meeting you in London to go up to Hull - couldn't you send a wire to me direct from Folkestone saying what time you will arrive in Victoria then I could reply to you c/o of R.T.O. Waterloo (I get in at Waterloo) and I would meet you there? Or rather you would meet me? I go from here via Ascot and NOT via Woking and that means arriving at a different part of the station. I seem to be making all the arrangements but your letter has taken a week to come that it will be almost time for you to be here before I get a reply. I hope these arrangements are alright - is it what you intended doing - we could catch that 4.30 from King's X arriving 10 p.m. Hull then. If it is evening when you get into London I could come up by an early train the next mg.

After tea 5 p.m.

Hartley has gone to Aldershot this afternoon with one of the sisters from Durley to do a matinée - wished I could have gone but I have to be on duty at 5.30 so there isn't enough time. She is going to have two days in town next week with her people who are coming up.

I had a long letter from Hilda on Wednes. night too. - I owe her one really - she wants me to go over before she leaves P.C. in the summer - I haven't been for exactly three years now. How COULD you think it is good for me to be ruled by a rod of iron by this matron! She is coming round to our views more I think - or she is twiddling us into hers! You spelt “disciplinary” without an S, young man, too!! This stinking Matron has just got the Royal Red Cross 2nd. class for sticking in this place 2½ years and nursing convalescents ONLY! I heard one Tommie say that if she's got the R.R.C. - he ought to have the V.C. for being nursed three months by her! I expect you will want the V.C. by the time I've looked after you for a little while!

Bye-byee-ee- & x x

from Dora

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