Cecil Slack's letters: Volume 37

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 Dora; May 28th 1918

My dear Dora,

By the same post as your letter this afternoon a post card came from Cecil with, I suppose his camp address. As soon as Mr. Slack has seen it, we will send it for you to see. Mr. Slack is in London till tomorrow night. This is the address as on card received:-

Capt. Cecil Slack
East Yorkshire Regt.
No. 130.
Offizier - Gefangenenlager
Hesepe (Kreis Bersenbruck)

I have posted a letter to him to-night, and this afternoon had a parcel of food sent from Peel House, and in the morning am sending underclothes and socks also through Peel House, as he is sure to need them. Peel House telegraphed to London this afternoon, and they cable to COPENHAGEN about bread, which he will get in THREE DAYS. Now we must await letters before anything more can be done, except now parcels can go regularly, and another will be sent off this week. I hurried to “BEECHCROFT” with the card this afternoon and you will probably hear from your Mother before getting this. Will you please tell Mrs. Fletcher on Sat. in case I have not time to write. Bob expects to be home to-morrow. I am very tired and feeling a bit sick to-night, as the result of rush and strain.

Much love and so glad you are meeting the Australian boys on Sat.

Your boy's Mother

Winnie Slack.

Notes: The Australian boys would be the sons of “Auntie Ken”, Sister in Law to WS. Cecil received his first food parcel on June 16th.

CMS to WS and WHS; 30 May 1918,sent 31.5.18 received 30.7.18

My Dear Father and Mother,

I am sorry this is not a letter, but it is my allowance - more next time. This is a new permanent camp, and it is not very comfortable as yet. The weather however is excellent and each day brings nearer the parcels which will allay the hunger which has been continuous for nearly two months. I do not know what arrangements you have made as to parcels, but as I believe I still get my pay, I think I ought to pay for them out of it. I have an account with Fortnum and Mason, a London firm, and I write for a large parcel (25/-) once a month. This is of course not nearly sufficient, but I am not doing anything further till I hear from you. I know you will have already sent something substantial either through Peel House, or an authorised firm or shop, and have only ordered “dainties” such as honey, meatpies, from Fortnum and Mason's. Will you please send me a pair of boots, my Pitman's Shorthand, shaving-soap, and a house-wife. I believe special arrangements are made for rationed articles to be sent to prisoners of war. Sorry to appear so greedy.

Love to all,

Your affec. son,

Cecil.

Dora to CMS; 30.5.'18, Thurs: 10.30 p.m.

My Darling,

I received your letter this morning - it has taken just six weeks to come - you can imagine my joy - it was just how you will feel when you get this letter of mine. I know exactly how you would feel when you had to give in but I know you are NOT the man who would have done it unless it was quite hopeless. I have a tremendous lot to be thankful for when I hear of all the sadness in homes at the present time. It is impossible to imagine what you must have been through since your leave - when I said goodbye to you it suddenly came over me that something was going to happen. I do not think it will be very, very long before we see each other again - but you will find your little girl waiting for you however long it is and just as true to you as when you last saw her.

I have written to your Ma and Pa to-day about your things - everything has to be sent through Peel House Prisoners of War Fund so I cannot send you any of my cakes. If there are any special things you want - tell me and I will get them off through Peel House - would you like a box of watercolours - drawing pencils or drawing block? I shall be going home the end of June - leaving here.

How many letters can you receive a week? I am dying to write very often but don't want to overdo it so please tell me. I am writing to the Colonel to-morrow to tell him I have heard. We had a splendid letter from him about you which made me feel more than proud of my boy. He said he had never thanked you for your loyalty and he could never trust anyone further.

Let us know if you get the bread and you ought to get a parcel every five days. We have had a terribly anxious time about you - I went home for a week - but it is over now and I want to forget it, sweetheart.

I am always thinking about you and I think of the time when we shall be together again.

Love and always your own little girl

Dora.

Reckitt and Sons Ltd. to CMS; May 31st 1918

Dear Captain Slack,

At our last Board Meeting we were informed that you were a Prisoner of War, and the Directors were very pleased to hear that you were not “missing” as was at first unfortunately supposed.

The Directors wish me to convey to you their sincere sympathy and best wishes. They consider it a privilege to adopt you as a Prisoner of War, and will therefore send you parcels, according to the regulations, and trust that these will reach you safely, and prove of value to you in your confinement.

It is a little difficult to express in a letter all that was said at our Board Meeting in regard to you, but we trust that you will realise the many expressions of goodwill that were made, and the hope that you will be restored to your home in due course, safe and sound.

Yours faithfully,

Philip B. Reckitt

on behalf of the Board of Directors.

Comité International de la Croix-Rouge to the Secretary, Central Prisoners of War Committee; June 1st 1918

To the Secretary, Central Prisoners of War Committee, London S.W.7.

Memorandum in reply to message from Prisoners South Kensington London.

“Kindly send 4 food parcels with tobacco at a few days interval to Capt Cecil M. Slack. 4th. East Yorks. Prisoner Friedrichsfester Rastatt.” Letter follows.

Redcross.

We are in receipt of your postcard dated (a), and beg to advise you, that we immediately telegraphed on the (b) as per duplicate, on the other side of this memorandum.

Secretary of P.O.W. Comm. to CMS

As it is impossible to send food parcels from here, we wired to the Central Prisoners of War Committee to take the matter in hand.

WS to Dora; June 2nd 1918

My dear Dora,

I am glad you have had a letter from Cecil, and that he seems to be making up his mind to make the best of things and study what he can. Your letter was dated 17th. and our card 23rd., rather strange that the latter arrived first. Many thanks for letting us see yours. I have made a note of the various things he requires and will get them off this week. His kit has not yet arrived, so am having new slacks made, and will get new summer underclothing. I had alredy sent a change of underclothing and socks. Two parcels of food have gone, and one will go regularly every 5 days, and officers may receive an extra four parcels a month (called privilege or coupon parcels) which are usually sent by relatives and friends. We have written for the coupons and hope to get the first privilege parcel off this week. Altogether officers may have 10 parcels of food per month, and the poor privates only 6.

I hope Cecil will keep well and fit and not find time too irksome. I wonder what sort of a day you had in London yesterday, and if you saw all the soldiers you set out to see. I am devoutly thankful Cecil is out of all this awful fighting again. The 150th. are having an exceptionally hot time.

Harold has not been well, and the Dr. advises a change. I am trying to arrange C. Bay from June 19th. to July 13th. and trying to persuade your Mother to come also. I hope she can manage it.

Much love from

Yours affectionately

Winnie Slack

WS to CMS; June 2nd 1918, received July 26th 1918, 1st letter to arrive at Hesepe

My dear Cecil,

We are indeed pleased to know you are likely to be comfortably settled, and hope you will be able to study as anticipated. Two parcels of food have already been sent you, and a change of underclothing and socks. Your kit has not arrived, but I have ordered a pair of slacks to be made and will purchase all other things to-morrow and send off as soon as possible. Bob has been home for two days, and returned to Reading on Friday afternoon. He expects to be sent to a flying school next week. Harold has not been well, and Dr. advises a change. I am trying to arrange 3 weeks at C. Bay, and want Mrs. Willatt to come with me. Major Waite's wife phoned me last week, and mentioned that you and several others were in the same camp as he. Mr. Dodds has asked me to send some cigarettes in the next parcel on his behalf, so you will know from whom the next are. How often and how many letters can you RECEIVE? Various people want your address, but we do not want you to risk not getting your home and Dora's letters. Kitty is to have her tonsils cut this week. Ralph looks pale as usual and the hot weather tries him. Hilda and Mabel write in good spirits. Hilda and 4 other girls who are leaving are keen on taking a cottage for ten days before they come home. They think there is one on the mountains somewhere, where an old woman will do the cooking for them. Father and I have not agreed to it yet. Housekeeping is a different question for experienced housekeepers at present, so I do not know how five inexperienced school girls are going to manage. They have spoken to Miss Hovey about it, and she thinks it practicable.

Brunswick S.S. Anniversary took place last Sunday and continued to-day. At present I am only able to go out at night, and Father stays with the children. Having no housemaid, I am obliged to stay and help Nellie in the mornings.

Auntie Florrie expects to come here on Wednesday and I am hoping she will be able to remain some time and take charge of things during my absence. The little folk will be at school, and only Father and Auntie in for dinner, so that it ought to be fairly easy for her, only it will be quiet.

Harold's fowls seem to be on strike at present, or else rats are getting their eggs. In your first parcel, I sent a toothbrush, powder, and soap, and will probably enclose a shaving outfit in the next.

Much love from

Your affec. Mother

Winnie Slack.

Red Cross to WHS; 4.6.18

The Central Prisoners of War Committee has received information of change of address of the following Prisoner of War.

Name Captain C. Slack
Regiment East Yorks.
New Address: Hesepe, Kreis, Bersenbrusk.

Comité International de la Croix-Rouge to WHS; 4.6.18

Dear Sir,

We beg to inform you that, in reference to your enquiry re Capt Cecil M. Slack, the following telegram was forwarded to Hull on 1.6.18: “Capt C.M.Slack. East Yorks. prisoner Friedrichsfeste”.

Yours faithfully, (signature illegible).

CMS to Dora; 5.6.18, posted 6.6.18, received 19.7.1918

Sweetheart,

Just a line or two to let you know I'm going on just the same, aching for you and aching for something for my tummy. I went for a short 3 mile walk a few afternoons ago. It was a nice change, and there was a sweet smell of pines just as you get, but I was very exhausted when I got back. I have had to give up my cold shower in the morning - the bread ration won't bear the strain, and as a result I have to be more careful in my daily chat hunt. I am dying for news of you and I don't think letters and parcels really can be much longer. It is 2 months now since I was taken. I was talking to an officer called Budd a few days ago, and Skegness somehow came into our conversation. It appears he knows your cousins. I have a snapshot you sent me, showing their house. Budd's is also on, next but one to theirs! I will send a letter card in a few days.

Love from

Cecil

Dora to CMS; Wednesday 5.6.'18 9.30 p.m., 2nd Letter

My Darling,

I am numbering my letters to you so you will then know if you get them all. Your Father thinks if I write once a week to you at first until I hear how you are receiving them - then, let me know and I will write as often as you like - I am longing to write tons more to you as it is, and would do anything to bring you a little comfort.

Hartley and I leave here on the 26th. - three weeks to-day - we are going fruit-picking in Norfolk we think, but it's not settled yet - the actual place. After that I may go to Marjorie Barker's at Yarmouth - she and her husband are there at present - for a few days - then I shall go home. The V.A.D. cook here is going to Holland soon to be in a hospital - her brother is interned there - that is why she has got the job. If you get interned in a neutral country ever - I shall try and do the same - preference is generally given to fiancées and wives first. I am thinking of taking up a six months' massage course in London, about the middle of September - it would help me to get a job in a hospital together with my V.A.D. work - also it might be useful some other time in my life - what do you think Cecil? It means six months hard swotting but I don't mind what I do to pass the time quickly till you come home. Nothing is settled yet - I have only thought about it.

I have written to the Colonel to-night to tell him I have heard from you. Your Father and Mother have been absolute bricks through all this - I don't know what I should have done without them - I was with them nearly all the time I was in Hull for the week you were “missing”. Since all this has happened I have realised still more how much I love you, darling, I never knew it was so deep - and I wish you were here so that I could tell you so. Do you remember 2 years ago to-day? It was 10.20 p.m. - and I'm sure you are lying awake thinking about me now - I think about the future and what we shall do - and about you - my dearest - every night when I go to bed.

All my love,

Your little girl

Dora

WHS to Central Prisoners of War Committee; June 7th 1918

Dear Sirs,

I thank you for yours of the 4th. inst. advising me of the change of address of my son, Captain C.M. Slack.

A few days ago I wrote asking if you would favour me with four extra coupons per month for food purposes. The usual Officers' parcels are being sent through Peel House, Hull, but in addition it is my wish to take advantage of the extra allowances which Officers are permitted to receive.

Yours faithfully,

WHS

WHS to CMS; June 8th 1918

My dear Cecil,

As soon as we received your card stating that you were interned in the camp at Hesepe we arranged for parcels of food to be sent through Peel House Hull and by this time we hope you are receiving them. Mr. Philip Reckitt has written you stating that the Company has adopted you as a War Prisoner, which means that they are kindly bearing the cost of the parcels. No doubt you will reply direct to him unless you are only allowed to write very seldom, in which case I will hand on to him any message you include in your letter home. If you require any books for study purposes I think they can be sent through some Agency, Shorthand for example.

Captain Philip sent me your Mess Bill which I have settled. If you are wanting money it can be sent from England, though I think you may draw on Cox' Bank by your own cheques.

We received a letter from Bob this morning describing his first ride in an aeroplane, including nose dive, looping the loop etc. Jack Forte is with him, so they are having a good time.

Bush has been discharged and is going home. He asked me to send him one of your photos, which I have done. I had an interesting chat last Sunday with Monge at Dr. Baine's house. His back is still weak, and will be for some time. Can you give me any information about Ruthven? His people have not heard anything about him, other than that he was missing at the same time as you were. Do you know anything about the following, as their friends are anxious about them? Gallant, Hanson, Andrews, Ely, Randall, Barrow. I met Private Morley in Hull a few days ago. He looked well and gave me some account of things up to the tenth of April. Cliffe also had a chat with us, and referred to his meeting with you on the ninth.

We are having beautiful weather and last Saturday had the Hanby's in for tennis.

Dora was delighted to hear from you, and wrote us in a very happy strain about it. We are all only too thankful that you have your life before you after three strenuous years of war. Stabler and Shepherd are in Hospital but are going on satisfactorily.

Under existing circumstances it is impossible to write you freely and fully, but you will know that we often talk about you and that you are always in our thoughts.

Mother has sent you two parcels of clothing through Peel House. Each parcel contained a change of garments. Your kit has not yet been returned, but Mother has sent you everything you asked for.

We all join in much love,

Your affectionate Father,

W.H.Slack.

Post War Note: the names Gallant, Hanson, Andrews, Randall and Barrow are on the 1/4 East Yorks Roll of Honour, but not Ely.

Central Prisoners of War Committee to WS; 11 June 1918

Dear Madam,

Re Capt. C.M.Slack,
4th. East Yorks.

We beg to enclose herewith a Post Card which has been received from this officer at our bureau in Copenhagen. As you know bread is being sent to him by the Hull and East Riding Care Committee, and on instructions received from the officer, we are despatching Cycle I parcels to him.

It will be necessary for you to despatch the other things mentioned in his Post Card in your extra parcels.

Yours faithfully

Ethel J. Weguelin

Hon. Secretary,

Officers' Records.

WHS to The Hon. Sec. Officers' Records; June 13 1918

Central P.O.W.Comm.

4, Thurloe Place S.W.7

Dear Sir,

Re Capt. C.M.Slack,

4th. E.Yorks.

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 11th. inst, enclosing a post-card written by my son dated April 30th. and addressed to the Headquarters of the Red Cross Society, Switzerland, but which I understand has been received by you from your Copenhagen Bureau.

Since he wrote his post-card of the 30th of April from the Internment Camp at Rastatt, Baden, we have received one of a later date from Hesepe, Kreis-Bersenbruck, intimating that that was his change of address. Immediately we received the latter, arrangements were made through Peel House, Hull for Officers' parcels to be sent to Hesepe, as Messrs Reckitt and Sons Ltd, in whose employ my son was previous to entering the Army, kindly adopted him as a Prisoner of War. I presume, under the circumstances, you will cease to forward parcels to Rastatt, as instructions have been given for a regular supply to be sent through Peel House.

Some few days ago you kindly sent me the official notice that my son's new address was the Internment Camp at Hesepe.

I am,

Yours faithfully,

WHS

P.S. I herewith return the post-card of April 30th. as you may require it for giving the necessary authority to Messrs. Cox and Co. assuming you have despatched parcels from Thurloe Place.

WHS to Cox and Co; June 13 1918

Dear Sirs,

Re Captain C.M.Slack,

4th. East Yorks Regt.

I have received a letter from the Hon Secy. of the Central Prisoners' of War Committee, 4, Thurloe Place, London S.W.7. enclosing a postcard written by my son from the Internment Camp at Rastatt, Baden, asking for food etc. to be sent to him. He adds to his postcard:- “Please use authority as under for payment. Messrs Cox and Co., 16, Charing Cross, London, S.W.1. please pay the Red Cross Society amounts not to exceed in total ,4 on my account”

I have returned the postcard to the Central Prisoners of War Committee, in case it is necessary for them to forward it to you, and at the same time I have advised the C.P. of W.C. that I have received notice that my son has been moved from the Camp at Rastatt to Hesepe, Kreis-Bersenbruck in Hanover, and at the same time have intimated that parcels of food are being sent regularly through Peel House, Hull, to that address, and I am presuming that, in these circumstances, it will not be advisable to send further parcels of food from Thurloe Place to Rastatt.

In a postcard received from my son recently he asks for certain things, clothing etc. to be sent from his kit, to Hesepe, of course assuming that his kit has been returned to his home address, as above. I have not received any advice of his kit, and shall be glad to know if there is any possibility of it coming to hand, seeing that he was taken prisoner so far back as about April 10th. more than two months ago.

I am,

Yours faithfully,

W.H. Slack

Dora to CMS; Thursday 7 p.m., 13.6.'18, 3rd. Letter

My Darling,

I received your letter of the 26th. April y'day morning. I was hardly expecting one again so soon, so I was delighted. I'm sure, as you say, that it must be for some reason that you are allowed to come through all this fighting, and you will always have me to help you and to be by your side. It is a relief to me now - when I think about it - to know that you are where you are until the war is over. Of course there is the possibility of a neutral country for you as time goes on - and I am thankful, very thankful, to read in your letter that you are patiently waiting. What I exist on is that we have our lives before us which we can live together - both trying to do good for the world. We will have our little half hour at 8.30 pm. for me and at 9.30 pm. for you - as you arranged - it will do beautifully for me. I am very glad you have been able to get a few books - anyway I'm glad at last that you have the opportunity and time to do some good reading. It is a tremendous education in itself.

I have asked Ma to have some soap put in every parcel - you will probably want to do some washing too - of your clothes I mean. I am glad you got your air pillow before the last stunt - I thought it must have gone astray. I had seven letters returned to me from France that I had written to you during the last fortnight. I shall hear from you, yourself, one day what you went through since March - but I have heard odd bits about it and I can't feel too proud of my sweetheart. It is all to come right in the end I'm sure of it - and always have been altho' life was terribly hard the week we had bad news. This is a little bit of bell heather from the moors near here - I picked it to send to you when I went a walk with the Matron and Hartley last night. I shall bring you down here someday to this lovely spot.

All my love,

Your little girl

Dora. x x

Central Prisoners of War Committee to WS; June 13 1918

We beg to acknowledge your letter dated 7.6.18. and to inform you that there is no restriction as to how many letters an officer P/W may receive.

We have no pamphlets entitled “Communication with P/W -------[illegible]”. We advise you to apply to the post office.

NEWSPAPER CUTTING probably HULL DAILY NEWS. A FATHER'S THANKSGIVING OFFERING

Generous gift by Mr. W.H. Slack, JP.

Further light on the heroic stand made by a party of East Yorkshire troops at Estaires was conveyed yesterday in the following letter received by the News:

“Sir, - I have pleasure in enclosing a cheque for £50 as a thank-offering after hearing that my son, Captain Cecil M. Slack, M.C. who was officially reported missing on or about April 11th. is now reported by cablegram to be a prisoner of war, and well.

“In your issue of April 15th. special reference was made by your correspondent Mr. Philip Gibbs, to a battalion of East Yorkshiremen, who, although warned of their danger, refused to retire, preferring to hold on with a view of keeping the enemy from advancing, and that nothing further had been heard of the men.

“Will you please make use of the cheque for the benefit of any war funds you decide to divide it between?

Yours etc.

W.H. Slack.”

We gratefully acknowledge the generous gift of Mr. Slack, and the editor of the News has decided to distribute the amount as under:

News Tobacco Fund, for local soldiers overseas, £20.

Comforts for interned local men (per Peel House), £20.

St. Dunstan's Hostel for Blinded Soldiers, £10.

WS to CMS; June 16 1918

My dear Cecil,

Your p.c. dated April 30th. reached us on Friday morning June 14th. Your parcels of food have been sent regularly (since we received the address from Hesepe dated May 7th.), every five days, and Officers are allowed 4 extra parcels making ten each month. Mrs. Willatt and I are making up the extra ones alternately, and all are going through Peel House. Three parcels of clothing also have been sent which I hope you safely receive. Dora sent us news of you from her letter. Harold and I are going to C.Bay on Wednesday for three weeks. The change will do him a lot of good. Kitty had an operation for tonsils and adenoids ten days ago. She is about right again now, but is not to return to school for another week. Auntie, Harold, Kitty and I and the dog went for a pleasant drive yesterday afternoon in a Victoria. It was a treat. Auntie is taking charge of everything here during my absence. We thought poor Gilbert had disappeared last night. By some means he got out of the garden in the afternoon and at our bedtime had not returned. Harold went to bed with a sad heart, and we gave Gilbert up as stolen or lost. At 2 am. this morning he was barking furiously at the door, tired out. He has slept most of to-day, and will scarcely let Harold out of his sight. After the trouble of training the dog I should not like to lose him now. He will make a good house dog.

Bob was home for two days last week. He has had his first air ride and enjoyed it immensely. This week he starts learning properly. Jack Forte is in the same camp, so it is rather nice for the two boys to be together. Mr. Quant Senr. died at 3 a.m. this morning. He has been ailing for a long time and this must be a happy release for him. Norman will spend part of his holidays on the land, as he did last year.

The British Prisoners of War Committee received a few days ago, the postcard you sent to Switzerland, asking them for food. They have written to us stating they have sent a parcel to Rastatt. Father has explained all arrangements to them, and that we are sending parcels regularly to Hesepe.

Much love from all

Your affec. Mother

Winnie Slack

WHS to CMS; June 16; 1918, Postcard

My dear Cecil,

We have been writing for some time to Hesepe and sending parcels there regularly but as the last letters from you are from Rastatt - I am forwarding this to the last named place in case you have not been sent to Hesepe - If you are not at Hesepe I hope you will be able to get the parcels sent on to where you are.

Have you met N. Ingleby and E. Laverack in your camp, that is , are they with you?

Your affectionate Father

W.H. Slack

I have a note from Oswald Philip stating he was glad to see Wilkinson.

WHS to Dora; June 16 1918

My dear Dora,

I thank you for the attached cutting with useful information, which however I hope we shall not have to use.

It is rather odd that Cecil's p.c. received last Friday should be from Rastatt dated April 30th. and should come to hand 17 days after the one from him giving his address at Hesepe - but as there is no date on the Hesepe card, it is most likely it was allowed to come through quickly seeing there was nothing to censor.

I had a long chat with Private Morley last Tuesday. He was not at all clear as to dates, but that is not surprising - He told me that he does not know how he got through alive, as he seemed to be more or less lost after Cecil told him and one or two more that they were at liberty to look after themselves - There was, he said, one possible way out - He says Cecil could have got away with them, but would not do so, stating that he would come later on, but he was going back to the shell hole to stay with the old Major - He said he knew if Cecil did not try to get away then he would not be able to do so later and that Cecil really knew it also, but was perfectly cool and apparently quite unconcerned - just as if it were quite an ordinary matter - He seemed to be very fond of Cecil, and said he had never known him in 3 years bully a man, but that he could get anything he wanted done by coaxing the men, and that if there were any special bit of work on, involving some risk or care, the men used to say is Captain Slack going to be in charge, and if so they were ready to go anywhere with him - That he was always pleased to explain things to the men which they appreciated.

It is very sad that the Battn. has been cut up again in the Soissons-Rheims fighting - I saw a letter dated June 5th. from Quartermaster Sgt. Smith whose Father is in our works, of which the following is an extract “I am sorry to have to tell you that we have been in a smash again as you will already have read - I am pleased to say I have come through this battle without a scratch - I may say I have been one of the luckiest fellows out as it has been a real warm shop this last one” - In another letter he wrote he said he brought out A and C Companies as there was not one officer left of either of the two Companies - In a short note I have rec. from Captain Philip who was slightly wounded and in hospital for a short time he says he is the only Officer left who was with the Battn. in March - He adds that Colonel Wilkinson has returned to take charge. I think if Cecil had not been taken on the Lys he would in all probability have been killed or captured in the recent fighting near Soissons.

Yours affectionately

W.H. Slack

Please return Cecil's card when you have finished with it.

Bob says the following were 4th. E.Y.Officers - all missing - Ingleby, Laverack, Hollis, Waddington, Campbell and he thinks Barstow and Johnson as well.

Col Wilkinson to Dora; Monday 17 June 1918

Dear Miss Willatt,

I have just got your kind letter, forwarded through four addresses to me, in France. I am awfully glad you have heard from my “Simon” - your “Cecil” - I am glad too he is a prisoner as now he is safe and can't be leading a very much more trying life than we have out here - and you will meet now for certain after the War is over. He did his work so awfully well up to the very end so he can rest contented in mind for the remainder of his life.

I found things miserably sad here on my return on the 10th. No one at all is left whom I know in the Battalion or even in the Division. In fact we shall want a completely new outfit of men, officers and stores. I think things will take a turn very much for the better before the Autumn and apart from our personal losses there is nothing to be down-hearted about - rather, I think, the reverse.

Will you remember me to “Simon” when you write and tell him I am back with the Battalion and Philip is here with me.

With my best wishes

Yours sincerely

W.T. Wilkinson

Cox's Shipping Agency Ltd. to WHS; June 17 1918

Sir,

We beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter to inform you that we are unable to forward the package returned from the Expeditionary Force, in the name of Captain C.M. Slack, M.C., 4th. E. Yorkshire Regt. under our Reference No. Br. 92442, as we are only acting as Agents for the War Office in taking over and warehousing these effects, and it is necessary for us to have either the signed or verbal instructions of the Officer to whom they belong before we are able to part with same. Otherwise, it will be necessary for you to apply to

The Secretary, War Office, London, S.W.1.

We are, Sir,

Your obedient servants,

for Cox's Shipping Agency Ltd.

T. Campini.

Manager

P.S. The remainder of your letter is receiving the attention of Messrs. Cox and Co., who will write to you under separate cover.

CMS to WHS and WS; June 17 1918, post marked June 18, received July 30

My Dear Father and Mother,

Yesterday, Sunday the 16th. June, marks a red letter day in my life, that being the day on which a nine-week hunger was appeased. Two loaves per officer arrived from the Red Cross on Saturday, and were dished out on Sunday morning. Home parcels also arrived for a few, one of whom is in our mess. His little lot was somewhat mouldy but we have ably doctored it. I am not expecting anything for a fortnight yet. You can imagine how eagerly I am waiting for my first letters not to mention food and tobacco. Whilst on the eternal subject of parcels I would add that I want you to please to keep an account of all you send me. It will amount to some considerable sum as I shall need ten good food parcels a month in addition to clothes etc. Will you please send me half a dozen razor-blades for a “7 o'clock” safety-razor, a refil for a McMillan Multiple Ring Book No. 3. (from Archibald's in Alfred Gelder St.), a leather wristlet-watch strap, a skipping rope, sponge and bag, sand-shoes, and soap. I have given Cox and Co. authority for some small payments to be made, two of them being regular ones of 25/- and 45/- monthly. I have also written cheques here to the total value of £20:0:0

I have been unsuccessful in the bridge and chess tournaments, and have entered for another lot. This reminds me to ask for two packs of playing cards.

I shall always remember the commencement of this era of my life and I shall endeavour to celebrate the 16th. of June by giving someone a damned good feed.

Love to all,

Your affec. son,

Cecil

CMS to Dora; June 18 1918, received August 1 1918

Little Girl,

I have just discovered something awful: I wrote you a letter card on the 12th. and have just discovered it - unposted: I'm very sorry. Do you realize it's over 2 years ago since I came over first to Silkstone on leave. The time seems to have gone very quickly. I get a very achy feeling when I walk round the enclosure here and watch the young cabbages and things sprouting up, and I simply long for the time when you and I will be able to grow them in our garden. Letters and a few parcels have begun to arrive, but I am not expecting anything for about 10 days. You can imagine how eager I am for news. Remember the 16th. of June, Dora; it was the day on which a nine weeks hunger was appeased - a red letter day which I shall celebrate yearly. Two loaves per officer, and in addition Moreson in our mess got 4 mouldy ones which we ably doctored and ate. Another loaf each arrived yesterday. I have been knocked out in both the bridge and chess tournaments, and have entered for fresh ones. We are having a whist drive tonight.

I don't know whether you are at home yet, so am addressing cards to the hospital till I get some news. It's 3 months now since we said goodbye at Camberley, and it seems a very long 3 months to me. I went for a walk yesterday, and shall start cold baths next week. I have written home for a shorthand book and a skipping rope. I may get other books later on. I am awfully pleased with a drawing I have made from a snap of you. I have framed it. Everyone who sees it admires it, and someone asked me if it were a drawing or a photograph.

Goodbye sweetheart: I'm always thinking of you.

Yours with love,

Cecil

Dora to CMS; Wednesday 19.6.1918, 4th Letter

Darling,

I do hope by the time you get this letter that you are receiving your parcels regularly and in good condition - how often are you getting the bread from Copenhagen and is it good. I can't tell you how I long to look after you and cook for you - but I shall be able to do all this for you someday and help to make up for everything that is happening now. I know too well that you may have to undergo some discomforts - and I hate the thought of it - but yet the time will be quite short I think - and then we know what there is for us to look forward to when it is over.

Hartley and I leave here next Wednesday for Outwell (near Wisbech) in Norfolk - near the Wash - it is some sort of fruit picking I believe. I have got a pale blue felt hat like a plough boy's - khaki breeches and long tunic coat to my knees - and a pigtail - so altogether I really look rather nice! Nickie is coming with us too. You have heard me speak of her - she calls you “Marmaduke” always. She sends her love to you by the way. Have you got Major Jacko with you now? Ingleby and Laverack are “missing” since May 27th. - I only hope things will turn out alright for their people like they have done for us.

I shall be awfully sorry to leave here for a good many things - they don't want us to leave and want us to come back again in the autumn but there is not enough experience here - I really am awfully undecided about what to do or take up until you come home - do tell me Cecil please.

Goodnight my dearest - it is 11.30 pm. by my clock

I'm always thinking about you and longing for you,

Always your little girl-

Dora. x x

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