Cecil Slack's letters: Volume 38

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.

WHS to CMS; June 20 1918

My dear Cecil,

The British Prisoners of War Committee London sent us this morning your postcard addressed to Switzerland asking for food to be sent to Rastatt and charged to your account at Cox's Bank - they say they have sent one parcel. I have told them in reply that your address has been changed to Hesepe and that we are forwarding you regularly from Hull parcels to Hesepe which I have no doubt you are receiving - These will be continued every five days - We have written you letters previously to Rastatt and to Hesepe - Bob is home for a few days leave - All are well.

With love, Your affectionate Father,

W.H. Slack

Aunt Bertha to CMS; June 20 1918

My dear Cecil,

I am very sorry that this letter will find you a prisoner, but very thankful that your life has been spared, and that you were well, when Mother wrote to us. We pray that God will bless and keep you and in his own good time bring you back again to those who love you so much.

It will be a strange birthday anniversary to you, but I pray that it may be as happy as possible under the circumstances, and that you may be spared to see many more, when the war will be over, and life full of gladness again.

I am writing a few lines to Dora by this mail, her letters will help to cheer you. It is grand to know you have so many who love you Cecil, and all proud of you for your bravery, and devotion. How well I remember when you were a little boy, and when you were born, how excited we all were, that is 25 yrs. ago. We could not look ahead, and did not know what was before you.

Lindfield is very pretty. There is still a lot of bush about, and these bright sunny winter days it looks at it's best. We have cold mornings and evenings, but the days are quite warm.

Now my very dear Cecil, I will say goodbye, with many prayers, and much love from one who will always be thinking of you.

Your loving

Auntie Bertha

CMS to WHS and WS; June 21 1918, censored June 25, received August 14

My Dear Father and Mother,

I am feeling a good deal more contented than this time last week. More bread, and meat from the Red Cross have arrived - emergency parcels pending the arrival of our own. I am able to carry on with cold baths in the mornings. Classes have been organized, and start in a few days. I am taking up Portuguese, Mathematics, and Psychology, for which latter we are rather lucky in having a professor from Princetown University. I am sorry there is no Spanish class. I shall probably ask you for some more of my books, but don't send any yet, except the Shorthand. Owing to some mistake or disorganization, our letters from Rastatt are delayed, so it may still be some time before I hear from you. Love to all,

Your affec. son,

Cecil.

Grandma Watkin to CMS; June 21 1918

My very dear Cecil,

By the time this reaches you, your birthday anniversary will have come round again, and I pray God you may have many happy returns, and be spared for many years to be useful, and to glorify God. May you be enabled, dear boy, to love, and serve Him faithfully, and well amidst all trials, and tribulations - Our ever present Saviour Jesus Christ will never leave or forsake you for He is a very present help in trouble. What a comforting thought that is, He is our refuge, and strong tower. Don't lose your faith in Him; for though we cannot always understand the way in which we are led; we know that some day He will make it plain, and we shall see that all is well. May God ever be nigh unto you my dear boy. We shall always be thinking of you, and praying for you and feeling so sorry that you are away from all your loved ones.

With much love, dear Cecil,

Your ever loving Grandma,

E.R.Watkin

Cox and Co. to WHS; June 21 1918

Dear Sir or Madam,

We beg to inform you that a cheque has been cashed

by Capt. C.M. Slack, M.C. 4/E Yorks.
dated 6th. May.
at Rastatt, Baden. Germany.

Yours faithfully

Cox and Co. Enquiry Office.

Infantry Record Office to WHS; June 22 1918

Sir,

I beg to inform you that the American Express Co, London, advise me this morning that they have encashed a cheque

for Lieut C.M.Slack, 4th. East Yorks,

at Rastatt, Germany,

on 7/5/1918.

Yours faithfully,

H.E.Scott Captain for Colonel

Cox and Co. to WHS; June 22 1918

Sir,

Captain C.M.Slack, Prisoner of War, 4th. Batt. E. Yorks Reg.

With further reference to your letter of the 13th. instant, we note that you have forwarded your son's postcard, authorising us to make certain payments on his behalf, to the Central Prisoners of War Committee.

We will await their application, which shall receive our immediate attention.

We are,

Your obedient Servants,

Cox and Co.

Philip David

for the Manager.

WHS to CMS; June 23 1918

My dear Cecil,

The last news we had from you was your card dated April 30th. stating that you were writing to Cox and Co. to send your pass book to me - I wrote to Cox and Co. about your Kit. They replied that they have it in store but they cannot release it without an order from you. I have now taken up with the War Office, and pointed out that in your letter home you assumed the Kit would be returned to your home address, and that you wanted some things from it - Cox and Co. have advised me that a Cheque drawn by you on May 6th. in Rastatt has been paid on your account - but they say nothing about your pass book - Mother is in Colwyn Bay with Harold who needed a change. All are well including the dog who went off on his own the other day at 4 o'clock and turned up at the front door at 2 am. the following morning - Bob is getting on with his new job all right. There is no news yet of Ingleby, Laverack and Hollis - The friends of Waddington and Campbell have had good news as to their safety.

Mr. Quant Senior passed away quietly last Sunday - He got up at 2 o'clock in the morning to have a smoke, took the stem out to clean it and then with the stem of the pipe in one hand and the bowl of it in the other, leaned back in his chair and was gone. He lived to be 78 so had had a good innings - Parcels of food to the maximum quantity are being sent regularly to Rastatt and we hope you are enjoying them.

Dora writes that she is going on Wednesday to a farm in Norfolk to pick fruit for the market - I saw a letter from Percy Carr yesterday - in which he asks to be remembered to you.

Hilda's application has been successful so that she will go to Bedford College in October.

Sir James has fully recovered from his operation and presided yesterday at 85 years of age at a meeting of the Company in regard to reconstruction - He makes kind enquiries about you as also do quite a host of friends.

What a lot there will be to tell you when we have the joy of seeing you again.

I have taken over Raine's job, but as there has been nothing for him to do for a long time I also may have a very easy time.

We all join in love.

Your affectionate Father

W.H.Slack

CMS to Hilda and Mabel; June 28 1918

My Dear Hilda and Mabel,

I little thought when I said goodbye to you at Colwyn Bay last term that I should soon be writing to you from prison. Being a prisoner is horrid, but it's better than pushing up daisies. I got my first letter two days ago. It was one from Mother on June 2nd. There must be many earlier ones somewhere about. I hear you are thinking about taking a cottage and messing about on your own with a few select pals. I shall be able to beat you in the cooking line when next we meet. Do you know I am wearing the same clothes and socks that I had on when I left England! I should think it makes you feel crawly and creepy to read it. When you have your next sea bathe, think of me.

Love from your affec. brother,

Cecil

Dora to CMS; June 29 1918, Saturday, 5.30 p.m.

My Sweetheart,

I have been so very busy all the week I haven't had a minute to write to you until now. I think by the time you get this letter it will be your birthday - many happy returns of the day - I only hope that by your next birthday we shall be together again. I had a letter from the C.O. last Saturday and he seemed very bright and cheerful about life in general and said I was to remember him to you and tell you that Philip was with him. He also said that you could rest contented for the remainder of your life that you had done your bit, and you always did your work so well. You have only to think of the future now and I'm sure you needn't worry about that a bit because I'm not - Cecil - in the slightest - I know you were worrying a little bit the last time you were on leave - your Father will see that you are alright I'm sure - if you had seen your parents, as I saw them, the week you were “missing” - you would never have forgotten it - they were such bricks all through as well - and were awfully good to me. Your Father often writes to me now and I do appreciate it.

Hartley, Nicholson and I left Camberley last Wednesday and came here the same day - we are working on a fruit farm here and picking strawberries - gooseberries and raspberries. We have only had two and a half days so far - I earned 9/6 on Thurs and Fri - I'm so frightfully stiff after the stooping I can hardly walk - it's absolute agony! We were frightfully sorry at the last to leave Firlands - they were so awfully kind to us - the patients gave Hartley and me a lovely handbag each - still I want to get home to see everybody for a little while - then do something this winter - I'm still undecided. We have digs in an awfully nice little cottage - and do our own cooking - but I wish it were you and I here all alone instead - still, we'll do it some day old boy, and I hope before very long.

Love and x x -

Your little girl.

Dora

War Office to WHS; June 28 1918

Sir,

With reference to your letter of the 20th. instant I am directed to request, with a view to the disposal of effects of Capt. C.M. Slack, M.C. 4th. Battn. E.Yorks. Reg. at present stored, on behalf of this Department, with Messrs. Cox and Co.'s Shipping Agency, Ltd. that the enclosed undertaking may be completed according to the instructions thereon and returned to this Department, in order that authority may be issued for the despatch of the articles in question.

I am, Sir, Your obedient Servant,

C. Harris, Assistant Financial Secretary.

WS to CMS; July 2 1918

My dear Cecil,

Harold and I have been here a fortnight and H. looks much better for the change. He is as brown as a berry. Mrs. Willatt came for a week, and returned yesterday. The change has done her good. We thought the time when you and Bob were here in March, and of the changes which have taken place since then. The féte at Penrhos was a great success last Saty. and over £225 was raised. Yesterday the girls had a whole holiday, and were here for breakfast. After seeing Mrs. W off at the Station, they met me on my return, and a paddling party had been arranged. Six Penrhos girls and Harold and 4 Mothers. We paddled to Old Colwyn and round the headland to the Caves, and had a most enjoyable time. Dora is on the land now, strawberry and fruit picking. She made 5/4 1/2 the first (getting 1/2d per lb.) Rather back aching work, but the change will do her good, if she can stand it. Green “apples” is still standing on the mantelpiece here. Harold is thoroughly enjoying the Company of the Penrhos girls, and sometimes wanders into the grounds without me. Bob has had a good deal of spare time recently and been able to get home for most of the last week. We return next week. Time to get ready for dinner.

Much love from

Your affec. Mother

Winnie Slack

Dora to CMS; July 3 1918, Wednesday 8.30 p.m., 6th Letter

My Sweetheart,

It is just three weeks since I had my last letter from you so I'm simply longing to hear again - it is the one thing in life I look forward to now - but I'm not grousing at any length of time I have to wait - I'm only too thankful to hear from you at all. I haven't heard any more about Ingleby or Laverack yet - I only hope they will turn up with you - I can sympathise with people far more now than I used to - now that I have been through it myself - trouble does help to bring out these qualities I believe.

We have been strawberry picking all week - the first few days we suffered agonies with being so stiff - my back nearly breaks even now with bending over the strawberry beds! We get 1/2d per lb. for picking and Monday was my best day - I got 7/6 - quite good for a novice I think. We breakfast 6.30 am. and are in the fields at 7 am. - we work till 12 when we have half an hour to eat our sandwiches - then we work till 4 pm. and come back to our cottage and cook our dinner which we have at 6 pm. - then we go to bed at 9 o'clock and I soon drop off to sleep - but always thinking of my old man. The time goes very quickly - I do hope you have got some settled classes by now.

PLEASE DO ask me for anything extra you want - I've no idea of what you have or can get hold of so I'm relying on you to tell me. Mother is sending my parcels off to you till I get home.

I have heard from the V.A.D. H.Qs, and they want me to take more work on again at once and I can choose whichever Military Hospital I should like to enter - so the Camberley Matron must have given me a fairly respectable testimonial.

I have had my photograph taken for you last month in uniform - specially for your birthday but I'm sorry they won't be in time. They won't be ready for about a fortnight.

With all my love and x x

from your little girl

Dora

Dora to WHS; July 4 1918

My dear Mr. Slack.

Many thanks for your letter about Cecil's kit. - I wonder if it has arrived yet. I received a letter from him this morning written from Hesepe on Sunday May 26th. By the tone of the letter I don't think things have turned out to be as comfortable as he anticipated. I am copying it out for you:

“ It is a month since I wrote to you, but this is my first chance, bar a solitary change of address which I sent to my people, and which I expect they forwarded to you. The above is the address of the permanent camp where I am now. It has not been used as an officer's camp before. I arrived about a fortnight ago with a large batch of other officers. We spent two days and two nights on the journey. The whole time my face and jaws were swollen, and I could hardly eat my scanty supply of food. Owing to moving I was unable to see a doctor for 8 days - by which time I was getting better. I am better now and quite able to eat every grain of food I can get hold of. No parcels have arrived yet, but an officer got a letter from England a few days ago. The weather has been most gloriously warm except for an odd day or two. Yesterday I signed a parole card, which will enable me on occasions to go out for a walk, on parole. The country seems quite nice, not very hilly, but plenty of small woods. I hope to have a few walks when I can get something to walk in. My boots have gone phut. I shall be able to write home in a few days, but would you please write to my Mother, toute suite, and ask her to get me some leather for boot repairs, sent out from time to time - about 2 sq. feet to begin with. Accommodation here is not very grand. We all...

There is a dining hut at one end of which a quite respectable canteen has been built. We sit 14 to a table and have broken up into numerous small messes in anticipation of that wonderful day when parcels will be a reality. My mess consists of 4, - 2 other men from my battalion, myself and an old schoolfellow of one of the others. I believe our Government still allow me my pay, and on the strength of this I have written to a London firm with whom I have an account, asking them to send me out parcels of food, drawing payment from Cox and Co. I have only ordered one large one a month at present as I do not know what arrangements have been made at home. Bridge and chess tournaments are on and which I am in. Debates are to take place, lectures are given, concerts etc. There is no room for outdoor games such as football or tennis. I suppose you will be going home again soon. I think you said you had signed on until the end of June. You will find me a very easy person to look after in later years - plenty of bread and dripping for breakfast - bread and meat at midday, a jolly good hefty plain meal at night will suffice. Luxuries, such as hole-less socks and clean clothes I have become indifferent to.”

Would you mind sending this on to Mrs. Slack to read as I am afraid I haven't the time to write to Colwyn Bay as well? Our time is very much occupied - in the fields at 7 am. and we arrive home at 4.30 pm. when we have to start and do our shopping and cooking and then early to bed - To -morrow we have to be on till 7 p.m.

The pay is quite good - 1/2d a pound for strawberry picking - I managed to earn 7/6 on Monday - it has been my best day so far - it is really very hard work stooping over long rows of strawberries all day long! My friend Hartley is very hilarious to -day as her brother in the R.F.A. has just got the V.C. - he has one leg off from above the knee since Gallipoli but is on the Staff in France - he has won his distinction for saving his colonel's life.

I am afraid Cecil is having a very bad time - the conditions must be so terrible - but I hope his parcels will make life a little easier. I don't think it is any good sending books over as I hear they take them out of the parcels - I can't think what firm it is in London that Cecil has an account with. I wonder if you have heard any more about Ingleby or Laverack - I do hope they are prisoners.

With love from

Yours affectionately

Dora

CMS to WHS and WS; June 6 1918

My Dear Father and Mother,

My first and up to the present, only letter was handed to me on the 26th. of June. It was one written on June 2nd. by Mother, and told me that 2 food and a clothes parcel had been sent, which rather makes me fear that a number of my earlier cards have not reached you. In fact you may not have heard from me until you got a card direct from Hesepe, as is the case with others here. I am afraid your suspense will have been longer than I expected. The parcel which I drew 2 days ago was the clothes one. I have had my present underclothes and socks on for 3 months. Our mess now consists of 3, the fourth member having received the boot on account of his dirtiness of person and his deceipt. A mess of three seems to be the popular number and works very well. We have been allowed little trench -fires, and have turns at the ovens. I am becoming an accomplished cook. Our mess is unlucky at present - no food parcels and only 2 letters from home. Our emergency stuff has given out XXXXXXXXXX[censored] but something simply must come in the next day or two for at least one of us. I was of course delighted to get my letter and to hear that all's well at home.

Love to all,

Your affec. son,

Cecil

WHS to Dora; July 7 1918

My dear Dora,

When I reached home early last evening, the first thing I noticed on opening the door was Cecil's Kit in a sack, and the next your letter on the hatstand - containing a copy of his interesting letter from Hesepe.

Many thanks for sending it - He has had a rough time, but on the whole there is good reason to be thankful - He had got through the first 7 weeks of his imprisonment, and in some respects I think they will be the worst - It is comforting to know that he has settled down and referring to parôle is an indication that he wishes you to know that he does not intend to attempt to escape - It is a little bit of good camouflage to put it in the way he has done.

I opened up the “sack”, but have only examined a small inner sack containing papers and a few books - also his writing case - There were some of your letters each in the original envelopes - Needless to say, I have sealed these exactly as received (as I know your handwriting) in a separate parcel, to await his return.

You wonder to whom he has written - re parcels. Strange to say in his writing case was an old bill from Fortnum and Mason Ltd. of Piccadilly, also their War Catalogue of Provisions etc. - I am writing to them stating that parcels are being sent regularly from Hull -

His books exclusive of Army text books were the small Bible his Mother gave him -The Survival of Man by Sir Oliver Lodge, A Student in Arms by Donald Hankey, The Book of Artemas and one of Dickens works.

I received a letter from Private Morley with bad news about N. Ingleby, but as it is not OFFICIAL I have not mentioned it - You will remember the false report about Cecil - It is to be hoped better news about N.I. will arrive.

Laverack is a Prisoner of War -

Strawberries are very nice to eat, but to pick them day after day must be anything but nice -

I got a letter from Hilda this morning - Their sale realised £435 - It was announced in the first place as £327.

With love from all

Yours affectionately

W.H. Slack

CMS to Dora; July 7 1918, received August 9 1918

My Darling,

I am at last in touch with England. I got a letter from Mother 10 days ago. It was written on June 2nd. I am supposing you are at home now so am not addressing this to Camberley. I got one clothes parcel 4 days ago. The socks I had been wearing were the ones you measured for me at Silkstone. They were rather holey after 3 months wear. Our mess is now reduced to 3, all from our battalion. We kicked out the fourth member. He wasn't honest over his parcel, and was moreover extremely dirty. We feed at a little table above our beds. We have a supply of crockery and cooking pots, a trench fire for which we can collect wood and buy peat, and turns at a range. I am learning several cooking secrets, so shall be able to appreciate your triumphs the more, and sympathise in any mishaps, if you have any, when we are married. You might even risk the cooking of a dinner to me. At the moment we have nothing to cook as our emergency stuff has given out. We feel sure that we shall receive some of the overdue parcels from home this coming week. I, my clothes, and bedding were deloused last week. Whilst my clothes were drying I walked about in my little British Warm and a small towel, “boots” and puttees, and must have looked rather a killing little object. Some of us had our photographs taken last week. The proofs have not come yet. Those taken a couple of months ago at Rastatt seem to have gone west. A Red Cross list came round here some days ago and on it were the names of two generals from our Division, reported missing. Capt. Laverack's name was on too. They seem to have had worse times after we left them. Laverack you may remember was the officer I went to Paris with. Today is Sunday, and I can picture the people at home just about to sit down to a useful dinner, and a nice book, or a walk in the afternoon. I shall have soup, a book and think of a walk with you.

Love from your Sweetheart,

Cecil

CMS to WHS and WS; July 10 1918

My Dear Father and Mother,

My hand is still shaking from the excitement of yesterday, and the day before, when I drew a supply of food from the first 4 food parcels to arrive from home. On the 8th., the parcel cart came in and on the first packet I looked at I saw my name. Can you imagine my feelings when I discovered yesterday that there were 4 for me? No, you can't. There were also 3 for Hatfield, making a total of 7 for the mess. One parcel was from you and 3 from Reckitts. Gratitude is a very mild word to use. It has been a long wait, but I know that the waiting has been on the journey and not at your end. Excitement has kept me awake for two nights.

Love to all,

Your affec. son,

Cecil

P.S. I know of no limit to incoming parcels.

Dora to CMS; July 10 1918 (wrongly dated August 10 1918*), 1 p.m., 7th Letter

My Sweetheart,

I received your letter of May 26th. last Thursday. I am so sorry about your face being swollen but I'm glad you are better - By this time you must have received a parcel and letters - I wonder if it was last Saturday evening the 6th. - because at 8.30 pm. I felt sure you must have received some news from home - you seemed so near to me and to be telling me you had heard - had you? We are sending out all the parcels that you are allowed to have - you can only have a certain number of lbs. sent every month - so it is no good asking other shops to send anything - I don't think you would know this. When I get home I am going to the Dep^t to help to choose your parcels - good solid food, and cheese if I can manage it. If there are any other things that you prefer - let me know.

* If Dora's numbering is correct, this must have been written between July 3 (6th letter) and July 20 (8th letter).

THURSDAY 7.30 a.m.

I was at home yesterday because of the rain but went out to Wisbech to the pictures. This morning it is still raining to-day so I'm finishing your letter - I made 30/- last week but I can't make it this week if it continues to rain. It is great fun earning my living and trying to live on it - we just managed it last week. We are leaving here on the 25th. - a fortnight to-day. I am going to Marjorie's - she is with her husband at Yarmouth at present - I shall only be there for a few days and then I am going home for the holidays and after that I am still undecided what to do. We are having quite a jolly time here and get on splendidly together. We have to live in one room and sleep in it - but it's surprising how we manage. Nickie is the butler - Hartley the housemaid and I'm the fat old cook! I had a letter from your Father again on Mon: to say he had just received your kit with all your papers and books in it - "The Student in Arms" was one of the books - I was in the middle of it when I left Camberley. The country here is awfully pretty - pretty canals and windmills - and a canal running through the village - just like Holland I should imagine.

Don't worry about the time when you get back - I'll look after you and cook for you and love you - I'm just waiting for you and the time when you come home - that's all.

Love and always yours.

Dora x x

WHS to CMS; July 11 1918

My dear Cecil,

Your Kit arrived last Saturday with an inventory of the contents - mainly clothing, but there were also some sundries, writing case etc. - The valise was well fastened up and sealed dated April 15th. - and all arrived in good condition. On the same day we were very pleased to get from Dora extracts from your first letter from Hesepe dated May 26th. Your change of address card came to hand on May 28th. so that there was an interval of a little more than 5 weeks between the receipt of the post card and the letter - It was very pleasing to gather that you were at the time of writing in good health and now that you will be receiving parcels of food no doubt you will be as comfortable as circumstances will permit - It is not allowable to send leather for boot repairs, but Mother sent you a pair of shoes a few weeks ago and with the next parcel a pair of your old boots from your Kit will be forwarded - and from time to time other articles of clothing which were in the valise - I sent your pass -book to Cox and Co. and told them that you wished me to look after your account, but they have not replied. I think they will require your authority before they will give any information -

We received at the Office this morning a post -card from 2/Lieut Taylor dated May 28th. from Rastatt - He is one of our assistant travellers. I wonder if you met him when you were in the camp there - The Inglebys have not had any news about their son Norman, but Laverack is officially reported as a Prisoner of War.

Harold looked the picture of health on his return with Mother from Colwyn Bay - The change has also done Mother a lot of good - Ralph and Kitty had a dose of Flu whilst Mother was away, but Auntie Florrie who has been in charge looked after them well and they are now all right -

Mother's annual garden Sale of Work for the orphan children will take place on Saturday. Instead of a tent we are using the conservatory as I have not troubled to keep the greenhouses going during the past year -

I was looking forward to a holiday with Mr. Brealy, but his colleague has broken down so that Mr. B. cannot get away for some time.I travelled in the train from London a few days ago with Lawrence - He is about all right again -

In your Kit was a book with Wilkinson's name in it - A Student in Arms - I am forwarding it to his home address -

With love from all

Your affectionate Father

W.H. Slack

July 12

P.S. Your letter card from Rastatt dated May 3rd. only came to hand this morning - I call to mind the event in 1915 it commemorates. I am forwarding to Cox and Co. your order to send the pass -book from time to time - This reminds me that Cox and Co. wrote a week or so ago to state they had cashed a cheque drawn by you in Rastatt, but they did not mention the amount. If it is permissable to send you out the drawings in connection with the Pressart School course we will do so -

Fortnum and Mason Ltd. to CMS; July 16 1918

Dear Sir,

With reference to your post -card dated May 20th., we would inform you that we have made enquiries and find that the full quantity of food is being sent to you from Prisoners of War Committee, and under the circumstances we cannot forward you any further goods.

We have received a letter from your father Mr. W.H. Slack, Wilton House, Holderness Road, Hull stating that we were to forward him the amount that is standing to your credit: this we are doing and trust the matter will be in order.We would mention the amount to your credit is ,2.9.5. Regretting we cannot forward you any further goods.

We beg to remain, dear Sir,

Your obedient servants,

p.p. Fortnum and Mason, Ltd.

Dora to CMS; July 20 1918, Saturday, 8th Letter

My Sweetheart,

I received a p.c. from you yesterday dated June 5th. - I am afraid that at the time of your writing it you would still have a month to wait for letters and parcels. I was nearly seven weeks without a letter from you but you would have to wait 3 months - that 7 weeks seemed years to me. Father got some leather for soling your boots and took it to Peel House but they wouldn't take it in your parcels - it is not allowed but I hear from your Mother this morning that she is sending you some boots out soon. Your Father sent me a letter from you to read the other day - dated 3rd May from Rastatt - only just arrived. I am going to try and send you some drawing materials out when I get home. I am writing to Queenie Willatt soon and will tell her about the Budd's bungalow at Skegness - I don't remember the name but Frank will know him. Your first three months in Germany will be by far the worst - I hate to think of it all yet I am thankful to have you alive and that is how I look on the bright side of things when I feel more lonely than usual - one thing, sweetheart, and that is, I feel I can help to make up for all this in after years. I only want these few months to go quickly. I am sure, as you said, that it is not for no reason that you have been spared and I shall be able to be always by your side to try and help you.

Last week I only made 21/ - as the weather was so bad but this week I have made 26/ - We have managed to pay our way splendidly. I have had a cold this week - due to working in the wet and getting soaked through time after time - Mother has had a bad cold and throat and wants me to go to Filey with her and perhaps Pater for a few days when I get home - I shall be going home on the 29th. after a weekend with Marjorie.

Goodbye, my sweetheart for this week - I am always aching for you just as you ache for me -

I often think of the next time we shall meet - how glorious it will be.

Love and x x - always your little girl

Dora

CMS to Dora; July 20 1918, received August 25 1918

My Sweetheart,

I have been keeping back this letter for three or four days in the hope that I must be sure to hear from you in the next issue of letters. I was going to write today in any case. My number was called out in the midday parade today, and shortly afterwards I got your first letter, dated May 30th., one from Father and Mother and one from Reckitts, all first ones, you know how I feel. Yesterday I drew a very nice cake and some very nice toffee and chocolates from a very nice parcel from your Mother. It was a most agreeable link with you. Please thank your Ma very much. My parcel supply seems to have set in regularly, although no bread has arrived yet. Reckitt and Sons sent me a very nice letter signed by Mr. Philip Reckitt. They have adopted me as a Prisoner of War and are sending me parcels, three of which I have already received. I think it is awfully decent of them. Hatfield has had 3 and Thompson 1 parcel via Peel House, so we are on our feet again, and feeling very thankful to the people at home. I think it was very kind of the Colonel to write. He always does nice things. He is a man I grew to love, and whom I would have done anything for. I do not think there is any limit to the number of letters I may receive, but I think it advisable not to make them very long. And always, as on your one today, put on my number: it saves delay at this end. No thanks, I don't want any watercolours: Drawing pencils and block I can get here from the canteen. I have bought a deck chair in which I spend my lazy hours with a book and a pipe which nowadays holds real tobacco. I get as much exercise as I can, and will try not to get fat.

Heaps of love and kisses, Cecil.

Dora to WS; July 20 1918, Saturday

My dear Mrs. Slack,

Thank you very much for your letter which I received this morning - I am so glad about Harold - that he is so much better. I had a p.c. from Cecil - dated 5th June. He says he is still very hungry and dying for news and doesn't think that letters and parcels really can be much longer - I am afraid he would have to wait for another month. He says “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 like you get in Camberley, 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 afraid the camp he is living at is far from good. I suppose you will have seen an account of the Prisoners of War Conference at The Hague - I saw it in The Times last Tuesday - and captivity in enemy countries is only to last eighteen months - but I hope the war will be over before that.

Mother seems to have had rather a bad throat but I hope it is getting on a little better now. We have all nearly had the Spanish 'flu - but we have just managed to keep it off. We shall be finishing work on Wednesday night and leave here on Thursday morning. I hope Hilda enjoys her ten days holiday - I expect they will have a very hilarious time!

With love to all

Yours affectionately

Dora

CMS to WHS and WS; July 20 1918, received August 25 1918

My Dear Father and Mother,

Today I received your first written letter dated May 26th.; and one from Dora, and from Mr. Philip Reckitt on behalf of the Directors. You can imagine my feelings. I have already written to Mr. Quant asking him to thank the Directors for the parcels already received. I got a note from Capt. Ruthven about two minutes before I was taken. It confirmed his previous serious reports, and stated the enemy were getting round behind him. Four or five days later I heard indirectly from a prisoner out of his company that he had fallen into the enemy's hands, badly wounded. If no news has been received from him I fear he is dead. Capt. Pollock and I were the last to retreat from a certain wood in our earlier action. He stopped to speak to his servant, wounded in a shell hole. It was a miracle I got away. If no news has been received from him, I fear he is dead. Reg. Sgt. Maj. Foster and Lt. Wilson's people will doubtless have heard from them by now. The former was taken with me, and I met the latter at Rastatt. Pte Morley's tale of my resolve to stand by the Major amuses me. We were caught like rats, in a shell hole, and my last few seconds of freedom were occupied in destroying papers.

Love to all,

Your affec. son,

Cecil

WS to CMS; July 21 1918

My dear Cecil,

Harold and I returned from C. Bay ten days ago. Harold gained 4 1/2 lbs in weight whilst there, but unfortunately has lost 2 lbs of it since returning home. He is forever on the move and does not give himself or anybody else an opportunity of gaining flesh. We had the annual Y.L.U. sale for the Orphan Homes in the garden a fortnight ago, and did better than ever, raising £83. The day was beautiful. The sale was held in the conservatory, and afternoon tea served in the garden. People enjoyed sitting in the garden watching tennis, croquet, bowls etc. Mrs. Willatt was not able to come owing to an attack of tonsillitis, from which she is recovering very slowly. I think she will be very glad when Dora comes home. Dora is enjoying the fruit picking in spite of back aching work. She is spending a week -end with an old school friend before she comes home. Flossie and her husband have gone to Filey for a holiday. Mabel comes home from Penrhos next Friday and Hilda the following week. The five prefects who are leaving are having a week together at one of the Auxiliary Houses before separating. They are spending this week -end at Ma's Cottage on the mts. and I guess are having a lively time. Bob was home for a couple of nights this week. He is rather “fed up” as his instructor has too many pupils to attend to properly, consequently flying is slow in his squadron.

Norman came home unexpectedly on Friday. He has had Span. Flu. and was unable to sit for his exam on Monday. This has interfered with the general work, so some of the boys are going home. Norman does not look up to the mark but home attention and food will improve matters.

Father looks badly in need of a holiday, and I am trying to persuade him to take a holiday. He is trying to arrange something with Mr. Brealy but Mr. B. is busy with Conference at present.

I hope to send you some more clothing shortly in readiness for the winter. Your kit arrived here about 2 weeks ago, and everything has been aired, washed and cleaned. Maids are out now. I must go and see to tea. The morning preacher is here for dinner and tea. He is an ex -private and formerly in the East.

Much love from all

Your affec. Mother,

Winnie Slack

RECEIPT from MESS ACCOUNT sent to WHS; July 20 1918

Received from W.H.Slack Esq. the sum of 398 fr. 20 cents being the amount of outstanding mess a/c of Capt. C.M. Slack, 4th. East Yorkshire Regt.

sg. I.H. Ilford (?)

Pres. H.Q.Mess 4th. E. Yorks.

W.T.Wilkinson to WHS; July 23 1918

Dear Mr. Slack,

Thank you so much for sending home my copy of A Student in Arms - I quite forgot about it but remember now lending it to “Simon”. It's pretty sad here now and I think our last hope of not being altogether broken up has gone and we shall be scattered to the four winds in the course of the next few weeks - there are only a few people left now just to clear up accounts etc.

I am so glad Simon is not having too unbearable a time.

Yours sincerely

W.T.Wilkinson

Comité International de la Croix Rouge (to WHS and WS ?); July 22 1918, received August 2 1918

Dear Sir,

On a list of British prisoners despatched from Berlin on 14.6.18. appears the following entry:

Name Slack Cecil M. Captain.

Regiment East Yorkshire Regt.

Born 30.7.93. Sydney.

Interned at Hesepe. Taken prisoner 10. 4. 18.

Our Reference Number: A 40139

A duplicate of this Postcard was sent on the same day to Colonel Easton, Territorial Association, Hull.

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