Cecil Slack's letters: Volume 34

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.

WS to CMS; Ap. 10th 1918, Returned

My dear Cecil,

We are full of gratitude to God for again sparing your life. Truly it seems almost miraculous that you have escaped unharmed through such dreadful dangers. Your letter received this morning sends a deep thrill through one. May you have health, strength and wisdom to perform satisfactorily all the duties which are placed upon you. Whilst we are deeply grateful for your spared life and senses, we sympathise deeply with all those who are sorrowing over lost and killed dear ones. Surely this state of affairs cannot continue much longer. I hope you will have a good long rest before being called upon for further action. A further claim is being made for men up to 50 yrs. of age now, medical men up to 55. Ministers and Clergymen included.

I was at Mrs. Willatt's for afternoon tea on Monday and Hilda and Mabel were there yesterday afternoon and evening. To-night they are spending at Flossie's at Beverley. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Willatt from Nottingham were at Beechcroft on Monday afternoon, they had been spending the week-end with Flossie, and returning to Nottingham by the 6.30 train Monday eve. They were interested in the short letter received from you on Monday morning.

We are expecting Mrs. Harvey for dinner and tea on Sunday. It is quiet without the girls to-night, and Father misses them for Bridge, though he and Norman have been playing Patience for a time. Bob is at Reading, and feels a bit “sick” at finding his pay drops about 6/6 per day whilst he is there. No allowances and poor food.

Much love and prayers for your safety to the end.

Your affectionate Mother

Winnie Slack

Dora to CMS; 11.4.'18, Thursday 3.30 p.m., Returned

My Dearest,

I got your letter yesterday telling me what you had been through. Words cannot express - sweetheart - what I think of it all - it really seems too dreadful for you to have gone through but more marvellous that you have gone through it without a scratch and feeling quite fit now. When I read your letter it absolutely bowled me over at the first to know what you had suffered but I feel awfully chirpy now when I think you are out of the line. I have been very down at heart for the last fortnight because I've known you were in the thick of it - but work has quite kept me going - I don't know what I should have done if I hadn't been frantically busy all day long. Still, that time is over now, darling, and I just feel as if I want to give you a big hug and a lovely kiss.

Hartley and I are having a bust in London to-morrow Friday together as a great favour from the Matron as we have come up to scratch very well for the old general who came round and the surgeon general. We are leaving at 11 a.m. and get up at 12.30 to London. Hartley wants us both to stay the night at a girl friend's of hers who is a doctor and has a flat and come back by the first train Sat. mg. for duty 7.30 a.m. - but I don't know whether it can be wangled or not yet - you see we want to do a theatre at night and we couldn't unless we stayed the night as the last train for Camberley leaves at 8 p.m. I'm quite excited about a day's razzle!

It is tea time now so I must say goodbye until 10.30 p.m. - it seems a shame that old Jacko will be boss when he gets back after he has been away from the real fighting. If I were over you I should give you the V.C. bang off - you ought to get something at any rate.

Goodbye for to-day darling, x with all my love

Your own little girl

Dora

Dora to CMS; Saturday 10.20 p.m. 13.4.'18, Returned

My Sweetheart,

I feel quite cheered when I think that you are still further away from the line and in a comfy billet - and I read in the paper of the terrible fighting that is still continuing - it is very comforting indeed to know that you are out of it. You must get that new servant of yours to wash your pyjamas - Cecil - and did you ever get that air pillow and soap I sent you out about three weeks ago?

I'm awfully lonely to-night - it's because I want you so badly - I want you here, darling, to cuddle and love me and kiss me - I simply couldn't live without you - it would be just half of me taken away if I hadn't you. I wonder when I can sit on your knee again and have your arms round me - do you think it will be very long before you get over - a month has gone already. Was the C.O. badly wounded? I shall be awfully glad to have a diary of what you have done and it will be a little history to keep, of what you have been through.

Hartley and I had a good day in London y'day and enjoyed it thoroughly - we got off quite early and caught the 10.21 express to town from Farnboro' - I thought of the last time I went up from there. We met two school friends of Hartley's for lunch - one a girl doctor and the other's husband had just gone out to France. We just talked and looked round the shops and I bought a sweet pale mauve hat and cotton frock to roll in in the garden when you come on leave - I look quite a lamb in them.

Sunday morning 7.15 a.m. I was too sleepy to go on last night and the Sister came in and gassed for about half an hour - she had been up to see George to get her Royal Red Cross - and so was still more talkative than usual - the woman bores me stiff - she's such a worm, but not bad really. She's the one who has had all the telephone conversation with you. Hartley's doctor pal wanted us to stay the night in her flat with her and arrive here in time for duty next mg. - but they wouldn't let us stay because of the air raids - frightened we should be bombed - I was fed to the core - you would have let me stay wouldn't you?

I must get up now darling - I didn't dream of you last night - I wish I had and I was thinking about you when I went off to sleep. Goodbye my darling - your little girl does love you and she wants you badly. x x.

Dora x.

MJW to Dora; April 14th. Sunday morning

My dear Dora,

It is more than a week since I wrote to you, but I have had so little time - I was glad to get all your letters and to know that you had got a letter from Cecil at last - It is more than awful what he has gone through and I do think he ought to come home - his nerves can't stand much more - if they send him again I consider it is more than brutal - but just because he is brave and willing they send him and I do think the Colonel, when he gets back, ought to send him out of it. I suppose it would not do for you to write the Colonel - but do try and persuade Cecil to get out of it somehow - he has done more than one man's share all the time - I am only truly sorry he is not suffering from shell shock or nerves - What does he say about it? Well, we only hope and pray daily that his luck will still follow him -

I have been really too busy and tired to write you last week - I find I have four letters from you unanswered - am glad you liked the short-bread. I sent the same quantity to Flossie and some ginger bread - for the week end for Frank and Queenie - whilst they were there - I think it is not very good management cooking all the joint at one meal. I get some stewing steak - and mutton every week and then we get a change; and the little bit of mutton I cut in two and roast one piece and stew the other - we have not been one day without meat - and always changes.

I should get a camomile shampoo - if you like them I don't see why you should not - I did not get your Express letter till Wednesday morning and they charged 6d for it - Mrs. Slack got the same letter note as you - I will send you the typewritten copy which they sent me, also the other type one - it is much like yours - I am sending a copy to Queenie and Frank - your Father has brought his type writer home - so has done them - It is nice of the men to give you the rabbits - shall you take charge of them - let me know if you get more news, but it is not worth while sending express - don't get it any sooner - I hope you had a good day in London. Just got a bill from Liberty's about some shoes or something are they for Cecil? - let me know what you did.

Now I will start from Friday night when I made short breads etc. - Well Satdy. morning - I got a letter from Miss. Stewart - which I will enclose, then I wrote Sunday saying I should be pleased to see her - to come Wednesday if she could because of food etc.. Said we were closely rationed and could she get me some bacon. (she only brought me ½ lb) - well no letter or anything came till Thursday - she made me cross to start with and I would not go to meet her - and you will see that she said she would stay till Satdy.

I felt very mean I did not ask her for the week end - but I felt too tired and worn out to have her - She said she would have liked a house at Cottingham now that her brother is at Brid. so I said her Father would not like her to stay longer and she said she did not think he would mind - but I did not ask her - she had been at Brooker at Brid. since last Monday week so altogether she had been away from her Father nearly a fortnight - but I am sure she is offended with me for not asking her - and she came without enough money. I lent her £2 - and she came in a dirty blouse and she never changed for the evening - the day she came or Friday but kept the same dirty blouse on and that awful thick jersey the only one she had when you were here - I paid all her fares and she never offered to give them back and we went to Beverley Friday night and your Father paid the fare there and I coming back, and never even said thank you but just when she was at the gate she said thank you for having me and I was standing at the door - I feel she is just making a convenience out of me - Well - I must tell you we got an alarm on Friday night - about 7.30 - I had just had a good meal, been out with Father since 2 o/c (o'clock) and busy all morning about the house and she sat in Flossie's room reading. I told her to make her own bed - and waited until 10.30 and then made it. Well this is strictly private, the porter at the Infirmary lets me know when they get first alarm - so he telephoned through, and your Father and William came back from Barrack got here at 8 p.m.

Lottie (Miss Stewart) had gone to the Dixons. I telephoned to them and could not get them anyhow I telephoned again I told her to come at once as I was going to Beverley so your Father took us and Lottie stayed in Cottingham - we had just got into Cottingham Station when the buzzers went - 9.10 p.m. so I wondered if the train was coming from Hull - it left at 9.10 - Anyhow it came through and we got there and Flossie and Bill were coming out to meet us - we had just got in and heard bombs dropping at a distance then all quiet - so I went up and laid on bed then in ½ hour bombs dropping again and flashes so we came down - and more bombs dropping, stayed down till 3.30 - and Freda telephoned through the relief had gone - the Zepps could not be seen in Hull but the guns all went and shrapnel flying - your Father stayed here all night and on his way back heard bombs falling in the Humber - I felt safer at Beverley but it was a nuisance having

Lottie and she sat in Bill's big chair all the time - poor old Bill was tired and she never offered it to anybody - Came back 9.35 then she wanted some things and would go and see Mr Brooks at the offices in Baker St. - dragged me up a lot of steps and he was out - We came home - gave her a good lunch and said I felt too tired to go to the train with her so sent Lillie to train with just a small hand bag, like you took to school but she had got 2 jars of marmalade in it - from Bly. She gave Lillie 1/- and that is the last of her and I won't have her again.

I was very poorly indeed Wednesday night and I nearly sent her a wire Thursday morning - your Father brought me a bottle of wine in on Wednesday and it seemed to buck me up - I was then going to write to you but I felt I ought to get to bed - and not had time since - it is really very hard work having people in when I am alone, and not having you - but on Saturday when we met Frank and Queenie we took them to Hammonds for lunch and then went to Flossie's 3 p.m. for high tea - Came home 9.20 - or so - I enjoyed having them very much - I got a fowl 3 coupons (bacon ones) 8/3 very,very small but on Sunday morning I boned it and cut into that small ham and boiled a piece, then made soup of bones, put a tin of tomatoes in and when they came on Monday got here 12 o/c had soup, boned fowl - boiled ham potatoes, custards in glasses - bottled gooseberries, apple tart, ground rice pudding, coffee, the custards I made on Sunday night also buns for tea and got everything ready Sunday. It took me all morning to bone fowl - and on Monday morning I just had to put on the fowl - and got ready in good time - nice flowers about. Then I asked Mrs. Slack for tea and Flossie - fish sandwiches - short bread, ginger bread, almond buns and one best cake - tea sitting round table in drawing room - (and I tell you I had got table out of Flossie's room to drawing room and small sofa in spare room).

Then I went to Station 6.35 they went, Mrs. Slack enjoyed coming down she said next day - After coming from Station I went to see Mrs Todd and asked Freda and Enid for tea Tuesday then went to see Mr. Runton - he is much better - Tuesday Hilda, Mabel, Flossie, Mrs Beddoes and Frank Sheppherdson came for tea - after all Freda and Enid could not come - Mrs. Rollet was coming - then Hilda, Mabel and William and Flossie supper 6.30 - Boned fowl, ham, ground rice pudding - bottled plums - custards - and I asked them if they would like some coffee and they love it - so I made them some after Father and William had gone - their nurse came about 8 o/c - and before that Enid and Freda came in (but did not ask them for supper) - gave them hot milk, sandwiches and ginger bread and they went back with nurse at 10 o/c - and they said they had enjoyed themselves - I bought them a nice frame to put Cecil and his Mother in for them to take back to school - I had the same for their tea as Monday and we all sat round the table - we had some fun with Frank - then Wednesday we washed and Thursday morning I felt a bit better and went and tried that grey jumper on at Mrs. Sallern and had sleeves lengthened and had lunch with Father, Harry Quant and William then Miss Stewart came.

Queenie and Frank brought me in on Monday morning 1 ½ doz lovely red and pink carnations, 6 lovely tea roses, small bunch of lillies - 1 lb Lacers chocolate. Harry nice box cigaretts - then on Thursday 2 nice loaves of winter bread came just like “Veda” - and nice with butter instead of cake - I thought it was very good of her to bring me such lovely flowers - she's far too generous - Flossie enjoyed having them - but she was very tired on Tuesday she said - it does take it out of one having people in - I have had the pain in my side and down the leg for more than a month now - it makes one very anxious and wonder if anything is coming again - because Dr. Phillips said it ought to be gone in a year.

I was really thankful Lottie was not here this morning - it just takes me all my time to look after your Father and myself in a morning - I enjoy having people in for tea - but that is quite enough at present - you see to make everything spin out this week I had to put so much labour in to things - Today we have had a most delicious dinner, a very small piece of mutton roasted with baked potatoes, leeks, onion sauce, yorkshire pudding and afterwards more yorkshire pudding and just a little of that Raspberry vinegar I had of Mama's since 1908 - of course there is not much work in that - but doing things up - and so on - soups etc. My cold is nearly well, I cough a good deal in the mornings and if I go out on a cold day I get very deaf. Dr. Baine says I had better take another bottle of medicine - he is full up with the war, and says these politicians have been too slow in sending out men - he is fed up with them and says he would drown them all, and men like Cecil ought to be put in parliament to tell us what is wanted - I have an idea that Harry Quant is not so keen on this girl - he seems very quiet at lunch - I went out with him and said when was he going to be married and he said he could not be yet because of his Father being ill - your Father has got the same impression - of course we may not be right.

Well I must really finish. I started writing about 12 o/c this a.m. and now it is 2 o/c and I have only left off to have dinner - I have had some very nice things given to me this week when I tell you. When I was seeing Frank and Queenie off we came round by Lacer's and there is a fur shop. I said I had been enquiring about a small squirrel fur - but it was too much money 9 1/2 guineas - your Father did not appear to take any notice but then next day it came - it is 11 inches wide and over 2 1/2 yds long a lovely wrap. I can take it anywhere all the year round - I can do anything with it - I was very pleased with it, as

much as anything your Father has ever given me - I went with Lottie to T.Varleys and they have got some of that linen left at old prices so I have got you a few more things. They have some good table napkins 39/6 doz. - 2 doz - I shall have both doz I think, have not been through parcel yet - will sometime today - They are making such poor stuff now - of course the napkins are 3/4 each so they should be good - Shall show them to your Father tonight - I can't think of anything else - very wet and stormy - don't think the Zepps will come tonight - get some Lidmans sea salt for your chilblains - but hope they are better -

Wilfred and Queenie have got a flat in London, they want Mrs. Todd to go - I say she had better wait till I come in May. I should love to if I can arrange for your Father and if I can just feel a bit stronger - but I do take a lot of support and I feel I want it - Oh, and I had the wine as a present last week one of the Burgundy and 2 sparkling Moselle or something. It was very nice and bucked me up.

Well I must really make a finish of it - Much love from your old Mother - I know there are a few mistakes but I think you will know what I mean -------

My Dear little Do,

I have not forgotten you and often think about you and wish you were round about us again. Your Mother gets nervous and worried nowadays, quite naturally so too, and I think if you were visible occasionally she would be much happier, whatever the future may bring forth you must live near to us. I have not read a word of all the long letter your Mother has written above but she will have told you all that is worth telling.

Much love cheerioh

Daddy

CMS to WHS, April 6th 1918; extract of letter copied by WHW for Dora

Once again my extraordinary luck has brought me through a “show”, - the worst there has ever been. I am the only Officer in the Brigade who was in the fighting at the commencement of the attack to come safely through, and for the last few days of the fortnight I was in command of it. I cannot tell you much in a letter, - it is not permitted for one thing, - and there is also too much of it. I could write a book on the fourteen days of our withdrawals. I have a skeleton diary, and shall be able to tell you the whole story some day. I started in a pair of new boots, the heels of which have now completely disappeared. The whole “show” has been absolute Hell. Several times we have been surrounded, and yet have managed to get away. There have been cases when we have been almost touching the Bosche,- he with vastly superior numbers,- and it has been a case of giving ourselves up or running for it, and we have run for it, and some of us live to fight another day. I felt an awful coward the first time I ran, but the only alternative was to become a prisoner. Once I was shot at by a party of Bosches, at under 50-yds range.

There was a party of men with me cut off by a thousand yards from any British troops, and Bosches were pouring into the village. We had to run across 400-yds. of open country, including ploughed fields. The ground all round was spattered with bullets, and the Officer next to me was hit. A whole Company of the Battalion was lost that day. There was a big general withdrawal, and the next day we took up a new position until our flanks had gone. The nights have been very cold, and sleep an unheard-of thing, just an odd hour here and there. I do not tell a lie when I say that our Battalion has always been the last to retire, and then only when its flanks have gone. Towards the end we began to check the enemy a bit, and we made several counter-attacks, one of which I had to lead myself, being the first man in the Bosche trench. We took 50 prisoners and several machine-guns, but we were driven out the next day after the Bosche was round us on both sides. For the sixth or seventh time I thought within a few minutes I must become a prisoner, or worse, but my luck stuck by me, and I got across a valley and up the other side, a matter of 500-yds. untouched, although fired at by machine-guns and rifles from two sides and from the rear. The ground all round me within 3 yds. was dusty with streams of machine-gun bullets. I could not run as I was too exhausted. I have two dents in my helmet, both caused by shrapnel.

Our Colonel was hit across the side of the head about half-way through the fighting. I have had a letter from him stating that he expects to be with us again soon. I am in temporary command of the Battalion, and am my own Adjutant at the moment. Under the circumstances as they are, and with all the extra work of re-organization, it is rather a strain.

I cannot as I said before tell you all, what I have written only gives a tiny portion of what has happened, I thank God I am alive to tell it.

WHS to CMS; April 14th 1918

My dear Cecil,

Your letter of the 6th. was full of interest and of tragedy - We rejoice that you got through safely and are glad you were able to stick it out to the last - I have tried to picture something of what you and so many have gone through in the retreat from St. Quentin, west towards Amiens, but our imagination is a poor thing, and how you have stood against it day after day I cannot tell -

Mr. Ferens asked my permission for him to read SOME PORTIONS of your letter to the Brunswick Institute - There was a ringing cheer when he finished doing so - [see above]

I gather in your letter to Dora you referred to being “hunted” - The word in future will have a double meaning for me; the Bosche is frequently referred to as a HUN therefore the word “HUNted” when associated with him is suggestive of much -

I note you were in Command of the Brigade for the last 2 days of the fortnight's westward trend - This must have been a big responsibility under such depressing and dangerous conditions - Did you take the position automatically owing to Officer Casualties or were you ordered to do so by Brigade H.Q. -?

It will be three years on the 17th. since you left for France, for the first time - We little thought then what a long period of service there was before you or of what you would have to undergo -

I hope you will be allowed a lengthy rest and that in the meantime the mad headlong rush of the Enemy will have been completely stopped - His effort is a gigantic almost overwhelming thing, and appears to have come as a surprise, I mean in it's intensity, to the authorities -

The new man-power bill may be of some service - If it will in someway, indirectly, help to settle the Irish Question by the setting up of a Parliament in Ireland then some good will be accomplished -

As far back as I can remember unrest, and dissatisfaction have prevailed in Ireland, and as a people we have been woefully at sea in our endeavours to establish good Govt. in that part of the Empire -

We had a Zepp-night on Friday which kept us out until nearly 4 o'clock, but no bombs were dropped in Hull, though a good deal of random firing was done as the Zepps were supposed to be in the neighbourhood -

We are expecting Mr Saunders here for Thursday night - He is doing quite well in business now.

I heard you were resting in or near Bethune - I shall be surprised if it is so, as in that event you are within 5 or 6 miles of La Bassée where there has been a push by the Germans during the past week -

We have had a lot of rain during April - If the Germans have had a similar experience in the unprotected and shell devastated area which they have won back and through which they have to drag their guns etc. I suppose it will delay their further attacks and give time for the British and French Armies to reorganise somewhat -

Our thoughts are ever with you and we thank God for your preservation and that you have been able to put up such a good fight - for all that we believe in and stand for.

With love from us all

Your affectionate Father

W.H.Slack

Dora to CMS; 16.4.'18, Tuesday 6.45 p.m., Returned

My Darling,

The cook has gone back to her home to sleep - which is in Camberley and so her bedroom is empty but it possesses a gas fire. It's very small - right at the top of the house but we've asked the Commandant to let us have it for a sitting room for Hartley and myself and we got it! Pip pip! Before, we have had to sit in the surgery or in the staff room where we have our meals - an awful room with a settee in but full of big black cupboards - and we always called it the mortuary - well, we brought that settee upstairs and put our photographs in the room - you are on the right hand corner of the mantlepiece and Hartley has her old boy who has gone west on the other end of it. We've got various other oddments about which make it feel like home and we simply love it. The couch is just big enough for two comfortably - I'm up here all alone at present - and the gas fire is lit and it's so comfy - but yet so empty because it just wants my old boy - on the couch, with me on your knee then I should be quite happy and imagine it was our own little nest.

There is most awful snow on the ground to-day - just like winter and it's frantically cold turning out to see and feed the rabbits - we've got Albert, Peter, Alf' and 'Erb, Mopsy, Popsy, Arabella, Teddy, Ginger and Pickles - now. They are simply sweet and I'm sure I shan't want them to be killed or eaten - bless 'em. The family doesn't seem to be increasing yet except those we have been given from outside. Hartley has got a most awful cold with paddling about after the rabbits and also going out to a man we have in the shelter about a dozen times a day and getting wet in the rain etc. - so I have taken it on for a while. I've got a simply splendid orderly at present in my wards who is splendid and works like a brick - but he's leaving on Thursday - he's quite a nice kid too - of 19 and at Birmingham University - I got him after I gave an awful man the sack - the latter by the way is chatty and his shirt is going through the process of being killed. We haven't been able to play tennis lately - the weather has been so awful - but I hope it will stop the blinking Germans - that's all I mind about.

Couldn't you POSSIBLY get duty in England for a few months after all you've gone through. I'm sure you can't stand the strain of anymore like you have just experienced. DO ask the Col. or Major Jacko if you can't be on a soft job of something or other - I don't mind what as long as you are safe.

If you are the only officer of the brigade who has come through - I think they might have some consideration for you and let you have a rest. I do want you so badly sweetheart, that I hate the thought of your going into danger again.

Goodnight my darling - I would love a nice kiss from you now - a nice long one - I haven't had a letter since Friday so I'm wanting one badly.

Your own little girl,

Dora

Is this letter VERY sappy? but I feel very sappy

Norman Ingleby to WHS; April 16th 1918

My dear Mr. Slack,

I am just writing to let you know, as much as I can about Cecil. We came in for a stunt the very first night up here and from what I can hear Btn. Headquarters were surrounded and cut off and I should think it most probable that Cecil was captured with the others. Altho' I cannot find anything definite out about any of them. We hear rumours that Major Jackson was only wounded but can hear nothing definite. Anyway I hope for the best and I will immediately let you know if I hear anything. With deepest sympathy in your anxiety

Yours very sincerely

N.W.Ingleby

CMS to Dora; April 17th. 1918, received May 29th. 1918

Darling,

I hope by the time you get this that you will have heard from my people. I sent them a card, saying that I was a prisoner, two or three days ago. Major Jackson, another officer called Thompson, and I were all taken together, after being surrounded. We landed here early this morning. I think this is only a sort of collecting camp, and that we are sent elsewhere shortly. They promise to forward our post to whatever camp we go to. We cannot write very much, only about 3 or 4 times a month I think. I have not written home yet, with the exception of the official postcard, so will you let them know about me and tell them that any parcels of chocolate, tobacco as usual, and tinned or potted stuff will be very welcome. I am comfortable here, but there is nothing at all to do. I understand that things are a lot better at the permanent camps to which we are eventually sent. I am only just beginning to realize things after the crowded last month. It hardly seems possible that so much could have happened since I saw you last. I wonder when I shall see you again, little girl, - it may be months, or years, but our chances of meeting again are fairly good now. We were taken on the 10th. at about 4.0 p.m. I felt an absolutely hopeless rotter about it, but we couldn't help it: they were within 50 yds. of us and right round us, and we were only 5 strong.

When I get settled down in a permanent camp I'm going to learn drawing and shorthand, and carry on with French and anything else that's going. I believe there are all sorts of classes, and also football, cricket, and tennis. Fortunately I had a few francs on me when I was taken. I have changed this, and have been able to buy a ragtime shaving outfit, tooth brush etc. from the little canteen which is here. Will you also ask my people to send me my soft cap, Sam Browne belt, slacks, shoes, socks and sock suspenders, and clean underclothing from my Kit, if it has arrived yet. I have been allowed to keep my pocket book, in which I have snap shots of you. The snap of you giving a piece of sugar to a dog is in my kit, but I have other nice ones of you.

Yours with love,

Cecil x x.

Dora to CMS; Friday 19.4.'18, 10 p.m., Returned

My Sweetheart,

It is just a week ago to-night since I had my last letter from you - so I'm simply longing and aching for a p.c. even - I simply detest the thought of your being in it again - my darling - the next time I see you I shan't want to let you go away from me any more.

We are awfully busy now - bigger cases coming in - and I'm kept hard at it all day - but I'm very glad to have such tons of work and all these men to think about 'cause I should go quite mad with nothing to do but dwell upon the war and what you are going through - I think I shall go quite mad without you now even, sometimes - but it must be tons and tons worse for you out there. Poor old boy, I wish I could be with you at 10.30 each night for our half-hour - to love you and stroke your dear old head.

One of our bunnies has died to-night - a young one called Ginger. I really think it was pneumonia with these cold nights we have been having. I did hate to see the poor little thing snuff it - but we gave it a dose of chloroform at the last to send it off to sleep.

We are even having to send some of our men out who are not quite fit in order to make room for new cases - so I expect all the hospitals are full. Hartley and I have been out to the Matron's to tea to-day - she's awfully sweet to us.

Goodnight my dearest - I must go to bed now - I have to be up earlier in the mornings nowadays to get my patients all washed and beds made before their breakfasts at 8 a.m. We are sitting over our gas fire but I'm just going to roll into bed - I'm in my pink and white striped pyjamas - you may be interested to know - I'm going to sleep thinking of you - so goodnight - I wonder what you are doing now - X - that's a nice long kiss from

Your little girl Dora

WHW to Dora; 21.4.18, 4.20 p.m.

My Dear Dora,

Mr. Slack has just rung me up, he has heard indirectly from a girl engaged to young Cliff, an officer in the 4th. Yorks (NOT East Yorks) who returned from leave and joined his battalion on the 8th. April and was suddenly called on, together with the 4th. E.Yorks to repel an attack on either the 9th., 10th. or 11th. April. Cecil was in it with a company. There was a mix up of Portugese, Bosche and English. Cliff went over to talk to Cecil who was on his right and just afterwards he (Cliff), remembered no more, he was gassed and sent to hospital and he has now written to his girl and says in his letter "I wonder what has become of Cecil Slack"

That is all we know at present. It is post time now.

Much love

Daddy.

WJW; post script

My dear Dora - Your letter has just been posted so I thought you had better know this - we think if Cecil had been wounded we should have heard - so we are all hoping he is well - Just in time for post.

Mr. Slack just come in from S. School and telephoned.

WHS to CMS; 21.4.1918, Returned

My dear Cecil,

We have been wondering how you have been faring during the past fortnight, as we have not heard a line since receiving your letter of the 6th. but we take it for granted that you have had another very rough time in the second big push of the Germans - How you have been able to stand it after the gruelling you received on the Somme I don't know.

I got somewhat of a shock last Monday when I read the enclosed about the East Yorks, as in another account reference was made to the work of the N.F. and the D.L.I. in conjunction with the E.Y. - At one time I think these Battns. formed your Brigade. I have since then been given to understand that it is the 1st. E.Y. to whom the report refers. Tom called last night on his way home from Withernsea. He leaves for France to-morrow morning.

You have now completed your third year in France - It is just 3 years ago to the day that you wrote that you had seen for the first time the horizon lit up at night with gun flashes, and on the following day were called to alarm post at 11.30 p.m. preparatory to taking part in the grim fighting known as the second battle of Ypres.

You have seen much of the dark and hideous side of life and death since then, but you have been mercifully preserved and we have this satisfaction that you have worthily upheld the very best that British manhood stands for.

Several very anxious relatives have asked me if you can give any information about the following:

2nd Lieut G.B.Peterson, formerly in our Office - His mother is greatly distressed.

2nd. Lieut F. Stephenson - Later news is to the effect that he is a prisoner.

Private F.A.Tiplady 200937 -

Private Hanson - I gather his brother has written you direct.

I have also had enquiries about other soldiers, but as they were not in your Battn. you will not be able to report. !st E.Y. R.M.L.I.

Bob writes quite cheerfully from Reading - He has “busted” one bicycle and reports that the second is falling to pieces - If he treats aeroplanes in the same way he will be in for a rough time.

Dr. Jackson told me his people had recd. a letter from Major Jackson, stating that on his return he had learned that the Battalion had been “simply magnificent” during the fortnight's attack - It would be a great relief to you after all you had gone through to hand over your temporary command.

Bob's pugnacious pet is of the fighting order - He charged a tram-car yesterday in Don Quixote style, and had the satisfaction of compelling the driver to stop in order to adjust the Cow-Catcher. He has been somewhat subdued since and ought to be thankful that he is not underground - but I have no doubt he's planning another adventure - in revenge for having his leg in a splint when he was 3 mos. old -

We spent yesterday afternoon, Saturday, after a very cold and stormy week in cutting the grass and rolling the lawn - If the sunshine of the last day or two continues we shall be able to play tennis before H. and M. return to school - It is to be hoped that during the next holidays you will be able to take part in the tennis play.

Captain Edwards left for the U.S.A. a few days ago - He should have a good time in the States -

Mr. Saunders spent last Thursday night with us - He is very fit, and is doing excellent business - He is awfully fed up with Eric, who is a 7th. Day Adventist. Out and Out Pacifist, and mad on ancient sayings of the old prophets, whose words he interprets in a very weird fashion - Alan is married and a Father.

With love from all

Your affectionate Father

W.H.Slack

POST OFFICE TELEGRAPHS. OHMS YORK

To Mr W. SLACK, 22 April 1918

handed in 12.30 p.m.

OC 661 regret Lt. C.M. Slack 4. East Yorks regt. was reported missing 8 - 17/4/18. This does not necessarily mean that he is killed or wounded

Infantry Records No 1. York.

To WILLATT (Dora) dated 22 Ap. 18.

handed in 3.50 p.m.

received 4.42 p.m.

at Camberley Military Hospital.

Cecil is reported missing. Mr. Slack has just had a wire to say Captain C.M. Slack reported missing from 8th. to 17th. April then the War Office added this does not necessarily mean he is killed or wounded. Alec Woods was missing for some time now reported prisoner. Mr. and Mrs. Slack are very hopeful and so are we.

WILLATT.

WS to Dora; Ap. 22nd. 1918

My dear Dora,

By this time your poor heart will be aching after receiving the telegram from your Mother. We received it at 2 o'clock just as we were finishing dinner, and immediately telephoned your Mother. The telegram reads thus “OC. 661 regret Lt. C.M. Slack 4 East Yorks regt was reported missing 8-17/4/18. This does not necessarily mean that he is killed or wounded.    Infantry Records. No1. York”

I cannot believe that our dear one is killed, and trust that we shall soon hear that he may be a prisoner and well cared for. Major Jackson is also wounded and missing, which is worse. Dr. Jackson and Will are arranging to get into communication with The Geneva Red Cross, and try to get further information. The news that you received from the Sgt. will prepare you a little for the sad news now. It is strange that he should be sent to your hospital, and I can quite understand you feel you cannot do too much for these brave men. We hear to-night another officer, Capt. Ruthven is missing also, so it looks as though they have been surrounded, and this makes me more hopeful that they are prisoners. Many thanks, my dear, for your letter with all details. I went to see your Mother this afternoon. She has been quite upset, but we must all keep up heart, and trust soon to hear news about our dear one. If only his life and senses are spared, and he returns to us later, we shall be thankful. Much love, and prayers from

Your boy's Mother

Winnie Slack

WHS to MR. BREALY; Apl. 22 1918

My dear Mr. Brealy,

Just a line or two to say after an anxious ten days, the dreaded telegram has just arrived - Cecil is officially posted as “missing”.

His Battn. had just gone into rest billets. They were called up on the 9th. suddenly owing to the breakdown of the Portugese. I hear the fight resolved itself into a melée and I know Cecil's disposition - He would fight to the end rather than give in, unless it meant the certain destruction of his men.

Whatever the outcome may be I know he has done his “BEST”.

I hope you have fully recovered

Yours Sincerely

W.H.Slack

Frank and Queenie Willatt to Dora; April 22nd 1918

My dear Dora,

Your Mother has just rung up to tell us that Cecil is reported “Missing”. We are so grieved and pray that he is not wounded and that he is in safe keeping, anyway dear if he is a prisoner you know he will come back to you after this awful War is over and that is something to live and hope for; we must send him some Winters Bread.

Your heart will be aching cherub I know, but you must keep brave and hopeful trusting always for the best.

You have all our thoughts and prayers and I feel confident we shall hear good news.

With our united love.

Frank and Queenie

Nurse Waddington to Dora ; April 22nd, 1918

My dearest Dora,

Just a line to say how very sorry I am to hear Cecil is missing, but let us hope he has been taken Prisoner and that he will still come back to you safe and well. I have just been down to Beechcroft. Flossie was there and Mrs. Slack, Hilda and Mabel came in. Mrs. Slack is VERY hopeful, and wonderfully brave. She had called at the Infirmary on the way to see a poor woman and to see me, but found I was off duty. Your Mother too is very brave. You are her one thought as you will know.

Well dear I know how awfully anxious you must feel until you get better news - I also know you will be wonderfully brave and you will be very thankful to have work to take up your thoughts. I am so glad you have Hartley with you as she will understand so well how anxious you will be.

I have always prayed that Cecil should be brought safely through, and STILL feel that our many prayers WILL BE ANSWERED.

With heaps of love

from Nursie

“Cookie” to Dora (undated)

Dear Willatt,

I must just leave you a line before I go to give you my deepest sympathy. I too know what “missing” means and though I am sure there is every chance that all is well I know what the days of waiting are. I am not good at putting things but I feel for you with all my heart and hope that you may very soon hear the good news you wait for.

Yours

Cookie

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