Cecil Slack's letters: Volume 33

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; Wednesday 20.3.'18. 6.45 p.m.

My Darling,

I was surprised to hear you had gone to Etaples to find the battalion - I can't quite reckon it up why you should be there. I wish I had been with you to go to Paris-Plage and Le Touquet - Paris-Plage is rather nice I've heard - Carlin was in hosp. with his leg for sometime there. Isn't it gorgeous weather! I've felt like a young lamb all to-day and one of the men has marked the tennis court out so we hope to get a game in before the weekend. The rabbit hutches are progressing - a one-legged man is making us a couple with all the bits of wood we can pinch when the gardener isn't looking. We are starting with two pairs but heaven knows how many we shall finish up with!

We have been out to-day sitting in some woods and I was simply boiled - I wish you had been with me. Hartley goes for ten days holiday next Monday so she will be away for Easter - they are not getting an extra nurse in so I shall be doing double duty - still I'd rather do that by far than have an extra bloke in.

I heard from Sister Shepperd (the awfully nice one that we had here) and she isn't coming back here any more to take holiday duty for the matron as she has accepted a very good post as matron in an officers' hospital near Salisbury Plain - I'm awfully sorry she isn't coming back - Hartley and I absolutely loved her.

Hartley wants me to meet her for a day in London on her return journey - if I can get off for the day - it will be quite jolly - I wish you weren't so far away - we could have a day together occasionally.

Goodnight - sweetheart - our time changes to summer-time on Saturday midnight - so remember on Sunday darling.

x x Goodnight once again - its dinner time and I have to cut some wool and dressings up first so I shall have to hurry.

Write and tell me all the news as often as you can.

Yours with love,

Dora

I'm awfully excited about our bunnies!

WHS to CMS; 21.3.1918

My dear Cecil,

We duly rec. your note from Calais, also one from the B.O.Club. Etaples - which suggests that your Battn. is not where it was before you left for England. I may be wrong, but Etaples seems to be out of the direction of your recent quarters.

We shall be delighted to hear that you are down for a 6 mths. spell .

It was delightful to have you at home for a short time though “leave” passes very quickly.

I picked up a “cold” of an influenza character in Colwyn Bay either from Ashcroft or Woodhead which came to a head on my return to Hull from London and as the symptoms were not unlike those of 12 mths. ago, I spent 2 days in bed - which put me right.

The bomb which fell in the allotment Gardens not far from our home was a powerful beast - I measured the circumference of the crater 30 YARDS and 12 to 15 FEET deep - If it had fallen 20 yards distant it would have made a mess of a lot of house property.

Bob has not yet received marching orders.

According to today's papers the big German attack has commenced - I hope it means an end to the Hun pretensions.

Major Willatt is now in Civilian garb and is back to Works duties - and is enjoying the change .

Corporal Bloomfield of the A.I.F. has been spending a day or two with us - He is a brother of a lady who married one of Mother's cousins - Fred Brown - of Sydney - He is a fairly well to do fellow who elected to join as a ranker .

To-morrow we are expecting Fletcher Wallis of the N.Zealand forces, a cousin from Auckland: Benyon (Manson's dept) who was in Mesopotamia is now in India as a Cadet for a Commission .

Would it be of any service if I sent you parcels of books from time to time for light reading? Bloomfield told me they were much appreciated in the trenches .

With love from all

Your affectionate Father

W.H.Slack

Dora to CMS; Friday, 22.3.'18. 5 p.m.

My Darling,

I expect you will be back with the battalion by now - I wish I could have had the extra two or three days with you at Etaples - I should love to have a bathe if I were at the seaside now - it's so hot. I wonder if you have gone into this beastly German push that the papers say is on just now. I have been playing tennis from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. this afternoon and I played y'day too - it's simply gorgeous and I'm hoping to get a good deal of practice and shall give you a good whacking in the holidays. We have one good rabbit hutch and run made now and we are wanting to buy some rabbits but can't get hold of any at present.

I heard from your Ma this mg. - she has heard twice from you - your Pater's cold is better and Mother's is too I believe. I feel like a young lamb at present - the spring is so gorgeous here - I really MUST come and live down here after the war.

Heaps of love and x x - from

Your little girl

Dora

CMS to Dora; 28 March 1918
FIELD POST CARD; Post marked 28 March 1918.

Addressed to Miss Dora Willatt.

I am well.

I have received your letter.

Letter follows at first opportunity.

Signed, Cecil. Date 24.3.18.

WSto CMS; Mar. 24th. 1918

My dear Cecil.

It is glorious weather here and hard to believe that such awful fighting is proceeding in France. From what we have heard to-day, we fear you are in the thick of it. May you have strength for all and be safely kept. It is an anxious time for everybody, and we are all wondering what the next few days will bring forth. During the week an Australian soldier, from Sydney has spent two nights with us, and yesterday two N.Z. soldiers turned up for the week-end. One is my cousin Fletcher Wallis, they are on their way to Scotland in the morning.

March 25th

The N.Z. soldiers caught the 8.o'clock train this morning. Hilda and Mabel return home to-morrow, and Norman next week. Norman is rather disgusted at having to spend Easter at school. It seems a pity, but probably due to the awkwardness of railway travelling just before Easter. We shall miss you and Dora at the family gathering these holidays. Bob is still at Hornsea, and still wearing his darned "slacks"!!

Flossie Todd has just been 'phoning and enquiring about you. Everybody is very anxious about friends at the front just now. The news to-night is a little better. It scarcely seems possible that a fortnight ago, we were all having such a good time at Colwyn Bay.

God bless and keep you safely my dear boy.

Your loving Mother

Winnie Slack

Dora to CMS; Sunday, 24.3.'18, 12.25 p.m.

My Darling,

I have just two or three minutes to write to you before the men's dinners - the summer time bill came into force this mg. and Hartley and I distinguished ourselves by being late down for breakfast - only the 2nd time in 3 ½ months so it's not so bad really. I dreamt of you last night and it was so VERY real - I was sitting on your knee in my white muslin frock and you were kissing me - I really did think it was true until I woke up. Isn't this German push wretched - altho' people here seemed to expect it and don't think it is so serious - I DO hope you are not in it - I see the 51st. division has distinguished itself. In to-day's paper Paris is being shelled at a range of 62 miles - I didn't know it was possible - is it? I was playing tennis again y'day afternoon and evening - until 7.p.m. then Sister and I took Matron's two boys part of the way back to Wellington College - they had come over for the afternoon - one of them is 16 and the other 15 - quite nice kids and talk quite a lot. Matron is taking me with her to their sports next Easter Monday - I shall love it and it's awfully nice of her to take me. It appears that Wellington Coll. is only for army officers' sons and they have 600 boys - it's a gorgeous place - I think I told you we walked thro' it last Sat.

I have had a dear little toy rabbit sent me by post this mg. - all packed in hay - the Camberley post mark on - but I can't imagine who it's from - I think probably one of the men has done it for a joke because they know I'm dead nuts on rabbits at present. We have got four rabbits coming very soon now. Did you know old Pa Storey the dentist died a week ago?

Do take care of yourself my darling - I feel awfully anxious about you. I'm posting the Bystander and Sporting and Dramatic to you to-morrow - so let me know if you get them.

Goodbye -x x I'm hoping to hear from you that you have got back to the battalion.

Your little girl

Dora

MJW to CMS; March 25 1918

My dear Cecil -

I have been thinking about you a great deal lately and wanting to write to you - The day you and Dora left here I managed to get a cold - the third since Christmas - I was obliged to have Dr. Baine - but he said I had got the “pip” more than a cold - he was quite right - because I was utterly miserable and missed you and Dora awfully - I nearly sent for Dora home again but thought it was a bit selfish - anyhow I shall try and peg along till June .

What a glorious time we all had at Colwyn B. - the time went too quickly but it was very pleasant to look back upon, the weather has been so nice but today -COLDER -. Flossie and Bill are going to a cottage at Flamboro' for Easter - Bill is looking very worn and thin - but Flossie thinks she is lucky in having him at home - Major Willatt put on his mufti and went to the Works the day after you went away - he seems very busy with the Works and Volunteering - Sunday morning they were at Wawne with some of the men .

I do hope you get the 6 months job in England or is it too good to be true - We have not been to the theatre since you were here, reserving it all till you come again - Dora's letters seem fairly cheerful - she enjoyed the Grafton Gallery pictures which you both saw the last day you were in London .

I often have a little talk with your Mother on the telephone. She is always very cheerful. The girls are expected home to-morrow - Flossie is hoping they will go and see her - You left your British Warm here after you got the new one. I will send it on if you would like it but will wait until I hear from you .

I hope and pray that all goes well with you. You have been in all our thoughts a great deal these last few days - Harry thinks the war will be over in less than a month. We have just started the hour longer daylight - it is nice to get into the garden in the evenings .

We have no exciting news - only that Mrs Beddoes (the Old Penrhos girl) has had a fire in her spare room, all the bed burnt - and carpet - it happened through putting a mattress to air in front of the gas fire - No more Zepps since you were here - Last week was our first week of meat rations - ours for 3 people cost 3/10 for the whole week - We have to work our brains a little more in trying to make it spin out - I hope you are still in the land of plenty - and no coupons to bother with .

If you have a moment to spare it would be nice to have a card to know how you are .

With much love and good luck

Yours affectionately

Mary J. Willatt

Dora to CMS; 27.3.'18 Wednesday 7 p.m.

My Darling,

I am wondering if you are in the thick of it or are still in that nice comfy bedroom you had when you wrote last Wednesday. Hartley went away on Monday mg. - but I haven't heard from her yet - I've been frightfully busy ever since - only off duty for about an hour each day and during that time I have played tennis with the men as Matron won't let them play by themselves - one or two of them play quite respectably. I was downstairs by seven this mg. and have only just stopped now so I'm going off to bed as soon as dinner is over and I've done a few more things - it will be about 9 p.m. I should think. Do you know I keep dreaming about you every night - I don't think I've missed for about a week now and they are awfully nice dreams too. I had your first letter from the battalion on Monday night - I like to know what your billet is like and then I can just picture you in bed looking like a little rabbit I should imagine - we have got THREE rabbits - they came yesterday as a present - they are absolutely sweet - dear little bunnies - one of the men is making some awfully nice hutches for us.

Flossie and Bill have taken a small cottage on Flamboro' cliffs for Easter weekend - they are lucky kids being able to go off together - I'd love a weekend at Flamboro'. I've played tennis every day for a week now and my racket is bursting to bits so I think I shall get it restrung - it's a pity to buy a nice new one while I'm here as the men would use it probably and get biffed. Hartley wants me to get a day off next Wednesday to go up to London and meet her so I HOPE I shall be able to get it but I haven't mentioned it yet to the Matron. Commandant wants us all to be vaccinated again as there is small-pox not far away - I don't want small-pox but we have a man in now who has boils because he's been vaccinated - I don't want boils and I don't want small-pox so I don't know which to do.

Goodnight my darling - I hope I dream of you again to-night - a goodnight kiss to you from

Your own little girl

Dora

Do take care of yourself - sweetheart.

CMS to Dora; 29 March 1918
FIELD POST CARD Post mark none

Addressed to Miss Dora Willatt.

I am well.

Signed Cecil. Date 29/3/18.

Dora to CMS; Good Friday 29.3.'18. 10.30 p.m.

My Darling,

It is 10.30 now - just the beginning of our half-hour - but I do wonder what you are doing - I think you must be awfully busy and having an awful time too - I have felt awfully anxious about you and am simply longing for a letter from you to know what you are doing. Practically all the men have gone from a simply huge camp there is near here - I've heard to-night - the war news seems to be a wee bit better - but it's pretty bad and I think the struggle must be terrible.

I sent you an air cushion and some soap off on Wednesday so I hope it arrives quite safely - I have blown the cushion up once and tried it and it seemed quite comfy for my old noddle so I hope it will be alright for you.

We have had another rabbit given us to-day called Flopsy and we have another called Mopsey and also one called Albert - both coming to-morrow. They are sweet little things and I love them already - I shall never want them to be sold and killed I know. I think we must keep bunnies as well as hens in that little nest of ours.

I have still been very busy - never a minute to spare all day - gave my orderly who looks after my wards and bed-patients the sack on Wednesday because he didn't polish the floors well enough - I got another but the old one reported yesterday and cleaned all the windows without my asking him to do them! The cook's dog was awfully wicked on Tuesday morning and stole the week's meat that was allotted to the staff - consequently we nurses have been living on bully beef - in some form or other - since then and will have to do so until Sunday - what a life! We only get ½lb of meat a week each now and ¼lb of butter which includes all butter for cakes and puddings etc. - still we thrive quite well on it.

I wonder if you are thinking of me now - it's 10.50 - I'm getting very sleepy and I have to write to Ma yet - so I must kiss you good-night -x x - I dreamt of you last night again - that you had taken me to the theatre at Reading.

Good-night once more and take care of yourself my sweetheart because of

Your little girl

Dora

Dora to CMS; Monday 10.45 p.m., 1.4.'18

My Sweetheart,

Still no news of you but perhaps the letters are taking longer to come through - the battle seems to be still worse by the papers and I wonder what will be the end of it all. I am simply dying for a letter from you - it is just a week to-night since I had your last so you can imagine how lonely I feel To-day I have been with Matron to some sports at Wellington College - about three miles away - and took her two boys out to tea - I've quite enjoyed it for a change - I went over part of the school and it's awfully nice - 500 boys there altogether I believe. Hartley comes back on Wed. - I heard from her on Saturday and she wants me to meet her in London. I can only get half-a-day off and then probably the Col. may be coming over - to inspect the men - and if he comes I can't go because he sees all the dressings. The Col. is a beastly nuisance and he's awfully dull and slow - he never talks much at tea. I hope he doesn't come - I am leaving here 11.55 and get into London 1.9 - it makes rather a short time in London but I can't get a full day off - as Hartley isn't here.

The rabbits are going splendidly - we have got Peter, Alf and 'Erb - Flopsy and Albert - and two or three more are coming soon. Albert is a HUGE rabbit - as big as a puppy and so tame that he nearly falls out of his hutch when I open the door. I'm going to put a dog collar on him and take him for a walk in the garden. We have the old general of the Aldershot command coming to see us on Friday - don't know what for 'cause he was here about six weeks ago. We seemed to be choc-o-block with Cols and Generals this week.

I am longing to know what you have been doing - it makes me awfully anxious all this waiting and no letters - I do hope you are looking after yourself - darling - I never think you are unless I'm there to look after you really - you'll think that very silly of me I expect - s'never mind - do you think the war will be over this year?

Good bye and goodnight sweetheart - it is ten past eleven now so I must roll into bed - I am sitting in pink and white pyjamas writing to you.

Your little girl (x x x )

Dora

CMS to Dora; 2 April 1918.
FIELD POST CARD Post marked 2 April 1918.

Addressed to Miss Dora Willatt.

I am quite well.

Signed Cecil. Date 2/4/18.

CMS to Dora 3/4/18

Darling,

Just a line to let you know I am have come safely from 14 days Hell, and am quite well and fit. I am in command of the battalion at present and am very busy. I am the only officer who has been through the whole show.

I will write the moment I have time.

Love from your sweetheart,

Cecil x x.

WS to CMS; Ap. 4th. 1918

My dear Cecil,

We were greatly relieved to receive post cards from you this morning (dated Mar. 24th. and 29th.), as we were very anxious, after reading the news in the papers.

We shall be glad when a letter comes, and to know that things are a little easier. You evidently got into the rush directly you returned, oh, I do trust that you may be safely kept through all. The accounts in the papers are sickening and heart rending. Bob went to Reading on Tuesday. He expects to be there for 5 or 6 weeks and then be moved elsewhere. Hilda , Mabel and Norman are home so there is plenty to do and think about. Mrs. Maclin is away ill in bed for the last ten days, and this has made me extra busy in the house. Flossie Todd and her husband spent Easter at Flamborough. The weather was not very favourable for a holiday. She is expecting Mr. and Mrs. Frank Willatt to spend next week end with her. Hilda and Mabel are going there for Wednesday night.

Norman generally comes home from Cambridge with something “cronk”, and this time it is a poisoned leg. Something bit him and last week his leg was very swollen and the nurse scarcely thought the Dr. would let him come home. However he is here and his leg has to be fomented several times a day. It is improving.

Father is looking very worn and weary. He has been very anxious about you and was greatly relieved on receiving your p.c. this morning. Ralph and Kitty have both been in bed during the Easter holidays with tonsilitis and colds. R. returned to school this morning and I hope Kitty will be able to go next week.

Good-bye my boy, God bless and keep you, Much love from

Your affec. Mother

Winnie Slack

WHS to CMS; Apl 4 1918

My dear Cecil,

Just a line or two to say how relieved we were to receive this morning your two field-postcards dated 24th. and 29th. March. The first has taken 11 days to reach us .

The newspaper reports during the past ten or 12 days have been sad reading but on the other hand the Nation has every reason to be proud of the heroism of it's sons.

As day after day passed without news from you, we have not had a very happy time, but I felt sure the reason was that arrangements were greatly upset - We hear rumours of disorganisation, and breakdown - These coupled with the removal of General Gough make folk anxious - Is your Brigade in the 5th. Division? More later .

With love

Your Affec. Father

W.H.Slack

Dora to CMS; Thursday, 4.4.'18, 9.40 p.m.

My Darling,

I had a field p.c. from you yesterday dated the 29th. and one the day before too - so it WAS a relief to me to know that you are alright - I know you will be too busy and tired to think of writing until you get away for a rest so I don't mind as long as I get field p.cs. Hartley came back last night and I was glad to see her as I really was beginning to feel lonely in my room all by myself - I didn't get to London after all as we were so busy - filled up the hospital choc-o-block and also this old general is coming to inspect to-morrow so things have to be smartened up more or less.

It is just three weeks ago to-night since I saw you last and it seems years longer than that somehow - doesn't it? I knew you would have to go through an awful time and that's why I hated leaving you so much - sweetheart. I have been very busy lately - had very little off-duty time and then I have played tennis in that time.

Our rabbits have improved I think - growing a little - I bought a small dog collar with two tiny wee bells on it - and a thin chain and I take Albert - (he's our big rabbit - a huge one - a fearful nut) round the garden on it - he's getting very tame - but I have to keep the dogs well away or there would be trouble! I do wish you could see me tearing round the lawn with him - I'll send you a photograph if I can manage to take him in focus.

It is only 10 p.m. but I'm going to roll into bed now - I'm getting sleepy - it seems ages since I put my head on your shoulder - doesn't it.

Good-night x x x .

Your little girl

Dora

Flossie and Bill had a nice weekend at Flamboro' and enjoyed it altho' it rained most of the time.

Dora to CMS; Saturday 7.15 p.m. 6.4.'18, Returned

My Sweetheart,

I wonder how you are getting on to-day - I had a fearful nightmare about you on Thurs [4th.] night or early Friday [5th.] mg. - and woke up and found myself out of bed, howling. I expect you must have been having a particularly awful time. We got some men in on Thurs. who have been wounded recently and they say it's awful - I do wish I could be with you, darling. I feel such a long way from you with no letters either.

Queenie and Frank W. are at Flossie's for this weekend and also Frank Sheppardson - so they will be very jolly - I wish you and I could be there too - still we'll have them to stay with us when we have our nest.

I shall want to keep - hens - rabbits - bees and a dog in our home - will that be too many for you?

It's just post time so I must fly - and it's dinner time 'cause I've written every other day or every two days all along

Goodbye my dear old boy,

Heaps of love and a nice kiss from your little girl

Dora

CMS to Dora; Saturday 6.4.18. 9.45 p.m.

Little Girl,

It is really very wonderful that I am able to write this letter. I am the only officer in the BRIGADE who has been through the whole show, and my position as Adjutant has been no safer than a company commanders - worse at times. I am unable to give you even an idea of the Hell we have been through. Everyday it has been a matter of minutes and inches between capture and worse. My helmet is dented in two places. Twice I have had to cross 400 yds. of ground with bullets churning up the ground all around me. We have been hunted.

I think the tide is turning now. We helped to check it in the end. Our battalion made several counter attacks, one of which I led myself, and was first in the German trench. I fired 40 rounds into the retreating Bosche at 50 yds. range.

I could write sheets and sheets and sheets on what we have experienced had I the time and no censorship. I cannot tell you much, but I have kept a skeleton diary, and shall be able to tell you the whole story one day.

The C.O. was hit about half way through. Major Jackson is still on leave, and I am in command of the battalion. I am my own Adjutant, and up to the eyes in reorganization, etc. For two days I was in command of the Brigade. There were heaps of your letters for me when I got back. I am awfully glad about your feeling I was so near to you at times, because I had the very same dreams myself - I had you in my arms and kissed you and could feel your face on mine. My dreams were in odd hours during the night and day.

Yours with love, sweetheart,

Cecil. x x

WHS to CMS; Apl. 7.18, Returned

My dear Cecil,

I wrote you a short note a few days ago to say how relieved we were to get your field-cards. The reports in the papers during the past fortnight have caused a great deal of anxiety not only because of personal concern for loved ones but for the position of our Nation - Through it all we have been proud of the heroism and sacrifice which has been shewn.

We read a lot as to what is going on up and down the 50 miles of the big attack, and we think we know something, but we little know what you poor fellows have undergone - and never can know. Our thoughts have ever been with you and to say we are thankful your life has been spared is but a poor way of putting it. I sometimes wonder how I can show you how I value your spared life and work. I hope to do so. You have made yourself worthy of the best I can do for you.

I had a short chat on the telephone on Friday the 5th. with Captain Lawrence, who was in Hull for the day to see his dentist - and then to return to the Hospital in which is also Colonel Wilkinson - I gather that the Colonel is not seriously hurt - Lawrence's wound is not a dangerous one - He told me that the 4th. has been badly hit, and that there were but few men left. He thought by this time you would be in rest billets - I trust it is so (as you must be played out,) and that you have now seen the worst of the fighting - I can imagine as Adjutant, and with the Colonel away you have been overwhelmed with work.

We little thought when you were in Colwyn Bay you would be going back to face the biggest blow the Germans have made on the Western front. The latest reports seem to indicate that the Enemy has been checked and is being held - The authorities have not kept us in the dark as to the failure of General Gough and his being deprived of Command of the 5th. Army. There must have been some serious lapse on his part, or such action would not have been published in the papers.

Is there any likelihood of your getting the 6 mos. in England in the near future -?

With love from all

Your affectionate Father

W.H.Slack

Apl. 8.

Your very welcome short note of the 3rd. arrived this morning.

What an awful time you have had.

Extract of letter from Major H.B. Jackson, recorded by WHS. dated 8.4.1918

I got back all right to the Battalion and took command at once, as Colonel Wilkinson is wounded, (fortunately slightly) and is in England. He expects to return in about a month.

If I were permitted to write all that our Battalion has done in their 8 days battle I should need the pen of a Homer written up to date by a Kipling. They were simply magnificent, but as our Brigade was attached to the 8th. Division (which was several times mentioned in the papers) the people at home would not hear of us with our usual Division. The losses were heavy, especial;ly amongst Officers, but the people at home, I fear, will never be able to appreciate the magnificence of their efforts.

The retirement was "according to plan" but the old 4th. E. Yorks were always the last to come back in their Sector.

I have not time to write, but my Kit has been lost and I want you to send the following...

I am all right and hope to remain so.

Note: The recipient of this letter is not stated, but was presumably his family at home, and reported to WHS.

WHS to Mr. Brealy; April 7th 1918, (part letter only preserved)

Cecil thought he would return to Passchendale after his leave had expired, and on reaching Calais he wrote to say he hoped to find he was down for 6 months in England, and that he would soon be home again.

A day or two later we received a letter stating he was in “search” of the Battalion - From that I knew he was not for his former quarters - I have since learned from an officer on leave a fortnight ago that Peronne or near to it was his destination, and that in the event of a German attack the Battn. was to be ready to Counter-attack, if necessary, at Le Vergines, a few miles N.W. of St Quentin - Cecil took over his duties as Adjutant on the 20th. the day before the German attack opened - and from that day to the 4th. last Thursday, a fortnight, we heard nothing - My wife said little, and I said little, but I think we both knew what was passing in each other's mind.

You can picture our joy when on the 4th. two field post cards arrived, one dated the 24th. and the other the 29th. March, the former having taken 11 days to reach us. The one word “Cecil” was quite enough.

Last Friday the 5th. I had a short chat with a 4th. East Y. Captain, home wounded - He said the Battn. had suffered terribly and that “there were but few men left” - The Colonel was wounded and many of the Officers killed, wounded or missing - He saw Cecil on the 31st. who was then safe and sound - I guess the poor lad, as Adjutant, has been overwhelmed with anxiety, and is about worn out, as the absence of the Colonel through being a casualty would add to his burden, particularly as I happen to know that the Major, though I ought not to say so, is ineffective as an officer - If the dear boy's life is spared what a story he will have to tell - If not, well, I shall always be proud of his life and work as a soldier - who tried to do his “bit”. It was a source of quiet joy to me, and as a Father you will understand it, when a few days after the attack took place, a Hull man telephoned me to say that he had met a sergeant in the train who asked him if he knew Cecil - “Yes (he replies) since he was a little boy” - “Well” said the Sgt., “He is one of the finest officers in the British Army” - I know there are thousands, tens of thousands of soldiers of whom that can be said, the pleasing thing to me is that the testimonies come from those who serve under him.

Bob came home unexpectedly last Monday in great glee as he had orders to go to Reading to train for the Flying Corps - He left the following morning and has reported his arrival.

I hope you get good news from Roy. His surroundings will be much more congenial than they were for a long time - His thoughts will have gone out towards his former associates now battling in France.

Edwards has dropped in for a good thing - A delegate to the U.S.A. to tour the Cities and Towns, speaking at public meetings - Captain's pay from the British Govt. - Ten dollars a day and all expenses from the American Govt. - I don't know how his style of oratory will suit American audiences. The terse, epigrammatic, get-right-at-it style of the American popular speaker is very different from that of F.E.

Harvey writes very cheerfully from France. He was stationed at Behagnies on the main road between Arras and Bapaume - Needless to say he is not there now.

We are looking forward with Great pleasure to seeing you and Mrs. Brealy in the near future - I hope to get a round of golf with you but do not trouble to bring clubs - I have plenty of spare “tools”.

With kindest regards

Yours sincerely

W.H.Slack

I am grieved to see how changed in appearance Mr. Ferens is - He sometimes seems to be a broken man - Mrs. Ferens is in bed with heart trouble - but is I am glad to say improving.

P.S. Monday morning [April 8th.]

We have a short note from Cecil this morning “I have been in Hell for 14 days and am the only Officer in the Brigade who has been through the whole show - I am temporarily in Command of the Battn. and am very busy”.

I notice he uses the word BRIGADE and suppose he means that of all the Officers who were engaged in the fighting AT THE COMMENCEMENT he was the only (one) left when the Brigade was called out for rest billets.

Dora to CMS; Tuesday, 9.4.'18, 7.15 p.m., Returned

My Darling,

I only received your very short note this morning but you've no idea how thankful I was to get it, darling - it's just a fortnight since I had a letter from you so I was dying to get one but I knew you were going through the most awful time possible. What a time you have had - and if you are in command of the battalion - things must have been more than terrible, sweetheart. I knew when I said goodbye to you - you would be going through something but I didn't think so much. I am longing for your next letter when I shall hear some news probably. But if you are the only officer left - what HAS happened to the others? I am more than thankful that you have come through and awfully proud of you to think you are in command altho' it is much harder, I expect, for you to come through without a scratch than it would have been to get a cushy blighty - still I'm sure you'll come through it all top-dog. There must be a Providence working for us both, sweetheart, that keeps you safe.

I do wish I could be with you only for a few minutes - I might be a little comfort for you - when you are so tired too, darling. You could put your head on my shoulder then. I hope you will have had a good rest by now and will not be going into the line again for sometime. Dinner bell so must go.

Goodnight my dearest, x God keep you safe,

from your own little girl

Dora. x x.

I am always thinking of you, darling and I've prayed for you too.

CMS to Dora; Monday 8.4.18, 10.0 p.m.

Darling,

We have been moving again today, and have landed up in quite nice billets - too good to last long I'm afraid. I have got a splendid room myself, with a nice big comfy bed. My pyjamas - not nice pink and white ones like yours, they're rather dirty and torn, but still pyjamas - are waiting for me on the pillow, and I'll soon be in them, and dreaming of you.

I am going to try to write a full diary bit by bit of what has happened during our last show. I shall send a copy to you and a copy home, leaving out names and other things that might annoy a censor.

Major Jackson rolled up yesterday, and took over the command, to my immense relief. He hasn't any Kit, poor old man - the Bosche pinched it all while he was away.

I'm awfully glad about the rabbits. I know you won't want to kill 'em you know to sell and eat, but you'll have to in the end - there'll be such heaps of them. I had a boy and a girl one once, but Mother made me give them away.

Poor old Bush got pipped, - a nasty cut in the head, but not dangerous - I have got a very good man in his place.

Old Jacko sends his love, and so do I.

Your sweetheart,

Cecil x x.

I do wish you could just hold my hand and cuddle me for a minute. I want it badly, little girl, as badly as ever.

ON APRIL 10th 1918, CECIL WAS TAKEN PRISONER. LETTERS FROM HOME CONTINUED BUT WERE RETURNED UNOPENED.

CMS to W.H.Slack; 4 April 1918

KRIEGSGEFANGENENSENDUNG

I am a prisoner of war in Germany.

Name: SLACK

Christian name: CECIL

Rank: Capt

Regiment: East Yorks.

Sound /

Date: 12/4/18.

Do not reply to Limburg, await further information.

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.