Cecil Slack's letters: Volume 39

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 Dora; July 23 1918 (dated in error 23.3.1918)

My dear Dora,

I thank you for returning Cecil's p.c. -

Cox and Co. have written as follows:- “We beg to inform you that a Cheque has been cashed by Capt. C.M.Slack M.C. 4/E.Y. dated 6th. May, at Rastatt Baden. Germany” -

As Cecil's last card to us was dated April 30th. it is evident that he was in Rastatt for some days after posting the card you have returned -

I wrote to Cox's Shipping Agency about Cecil's Kit - They replied that they have it in store, and gave me the registered number, but intimated they could not part with it unless they had instructions to do so direct from Cecil - but suggested I should write to the War Office on the matter.

This is a fine example of “Red Tape”, as I told them in my application Cecil had asked for certain things to be sent ex his Kit, to Germany - One would have thought this would have been quite sufficient to prove that Cecil wished his kit to be sent home -

I hope you will enjoy your fruit picking experience in Norfolk -

Major Holtby only remained in France a little more than a week - I think he is about played out.

Yours affectionately

W.H. Slack

WHS to CMS; July 23 1918

My dear Cecil,

We have not yet received any letter from you from Hesepe, other than the field card announcing your change of address to Hesepe - though yesterday we heard from Dora that she had a note from you dated June 5th. stating that you had had a three mile walk - Cox and Co. sent me your pass book showing there is standing to your credit a sum equal to ten months of the supplementary allowance I said I would make you -

We had to dinner on Sunday ex-private Harrison who was with you in France for about 12 months - He was preaching at Brunswick -We have had rain day after day, but in spite of it Norman, Harold and I get in some croquet in the evenings, and one or other of them invariably wins and I lose.

I have arranged to send you through the official sources - Pitman's Shorthand Commercial Course - and Practical Arithmetic by Borchardt - You were studying these for your Secretary's Examination - I strongly recommend you to take up shorthand, as I have plans for your future on your return in which a practical knowledge of it will be necessary -

With love from all

Your affectionate Father

W.H. Slack

Dora to CMS; July 25 1918, Thursday 12 noon, 9th Letter

My Darling,

I received a letter from you on Tuesday from Rastatt, dated 3rd May in which you tell me about Cpl. Bell - I will write to Matron soon to tell her about him - she is the only one left who was there in Sept: 1916 except stinking Sister Smith - or Calamity Kate, as the men used to call her. I couldn't stand her and she was the blinking woman you spoke to when you telephoned from Dover.

It's just about 4½ months since I saw my sweetheart now - if all had been as we thought I should have been crazy with excitement expecting you on that month's leave. I left Hartley and Nicky about 10 a.m. They have gone to London and I am breaking my journey here on my way to Marjorie's at Yarmouth - I leave at 2 p.m. and have been looking at the Cathedral - it's simply glorious - early Norman architecture. I am now sitting on a seat under a tree - in a kind of common ground quite close to the Cathedral - it is a very quaint little town - something like Beverley - I shall bring you someday - in our two-seater - and we will go to Outwell too. All the village people have been awfully kind to us and would give us pots of their home made jam - and one old lady invited us out to tea last Sunday.

I had a wire from Ma and Pa on Tuesday - they hadn't heard from me for a week - one letter had gone west somehow - they had got the wind up! Ma hasn't been well - had a sore throat and Lawrence Baine has kept her in bed for a week. I am going home on Monday - Marjorie wants me to stay longer but I must get home to Ma if she is not well. Flossie and Bill are at Filey for this week - Queenie and Frank W. and family are going to Bridlington from 8th. Aug till the 22nd. so I expect we shall see them.

I have earned £5.5.7 in exactly 4 weeks - and we have had some wet days lately which have put a stop to work. Thank you for my birthday happy returns - I only hope you'll be with me next time - I'm 24 - it's awfully old but don't feel it.

Love and x x

Dora

Dora to CMS; July 30 1918,Tuesday 4.30 p.m., 10th Letter

Darling,

It is your birthday to-day and I have been thinking about you all the time - your Mother telephoned this morning early to say she had heard from you and that you received some bread on the 17th. June - it is glorious to hear that you have received something at last. I do wonder if you received your first parcel on Sat. 6th. July and also a letter - because I felt so sure you had heard from me that night. I am sending off a parcel to you to-morrow from Peel House - am going to make some short breads in the morning for you - so I will get your pocket book and also razor blades (if they are allowed) and rubber soled shoes. I came home from Yarmouth last Friday as Mother wasn't well after the influenza - but she is tons better now and coming downstairs a little. We shall be able to get off to Filey on the 8th. August I think. I went down to your home last evening - on my push-bike thro' Stoneferry - your Father is in London for a day or two so I haven't seen him yet - I did like seeing everybody again and your Mother - it's like a wee corner of you - I miss you badly when I am at home - because I think of what we did together during your last two leaves - but this can't possibly go on for very much longer - everyone thinks the best thing possible has happened to you.

Cecil Ingleby gets married to-morrow - I enjoyed seeing Marjorie again and they have got an awfully comfy house in Yarmouth. Emma Blamires has got a little girl just a week old. I had an awful journey from Yarmouth last Friday - I missed the connection at Peterboro' - it's the London train - and I didn't arrive until 11 pm. - I will write again on Thursday - I have heard that there is no limit to your letters - I am looking forward to your next birthday -

Goodbye x x

Your little girl

Dora

CMS to Dora; July 31 1918, received September 10 1918

Darling,

This is my last letter of the month's allowance. I've kept it back in case anything turned up for me. I thought I'd got one yesterday for a birthday present, but when it was handed to me I found it was for someone else not in the camp. We are advised not to write too small and to ask our people to do the same, to save delay in the censoring. I am sending you a photo of Harfield and myself, under another cover. I am the one on the right hand side facing the camera. The Rastatt ones arrived last night, I shall be sending you one in a few days time if it is allowed.

News is pretty scarce, as you can imagine - just sleeping, walking, cooking and eating. I find that I can get hold of books for the exam for which I was working before the war by means of a special P.O.W. method, and it is possible for the study I do here to be taken into account on return to England. In some camps official exams have been held. This will save some time in swotting after the war, as the work will help a lot, even though my exam cannot be here. I am a regular nib at cooking now, though most of it is only a form of "heating up". I make excellent porridge, and am dead nut on bacon. We feel secure in the parcel line now, but have to be careful, as Thompson's stuff isn't coming as it should.

Goodbye little girl,

Yours with love,

Cecil

WS to CMS; July 31 1918

My dear Cecil,

Your card and letter from Hesepe dated June 17th. and May 30th. both arrived yesterday, the anniversary of your birthday. We thought of you and were very pleased to get your letters, and to know that parcels and bread were beginning to arrive for some of you. This afternoon, I have been with Dora to Peel House and selected a parcel which she is sending you. The things you ask for which are not food, we are sending in another parcel of clothing. The things which you do not receive we are not allowed to send. Dora looks quite brown after her fruit-picking life. Her Mother is improving and next week they hope to go to Filey for a fortnight. Flossie and her husband have been there for a time, and were to return home next Monday, but F. felt lonely without her husband, and so came home unexpectedly yesterday. He was to have gone to Filey for the week-end.

Father returns from London to-night and a telegram this morning announcing Auntie Ken and Mervyn coming to-night. He is on leave. Bob is home for a couple of nights. Hilda comes home to-morrow, after saying farewell to Penrhos and happy days there. All school holidays are on now, so there is a busy time ahead for me. Harold is anxious to go to school next term, but it will depend upon what the Doctor says. Leslie Dinning has returned to Australia. Major Ingleby was married to Miss Winkley of Sutton this afternoon. Relatives are still awaiting news of his brother. Dora came here on Tuesday evg., stayed for about an hour, and returned with a good bunch of rambling roses and a basket of spinach.

Very much love from all of us

Your affec. Mother

Winnie Slack

Dora to CMS; August 1 1918, Thursday 10.45 p.m., 11th Letter

My Sweetheart,

I came from Wilton House about an hour ago - Mrs Fletcher and Mervyn are there for the night and Hilda came home from her cottage party at Colwyn about 8 pm. - so the whole family was there except you - Bob is on leave. I did long for you - I always do - it's the only sort of hunger I have - but it does ache - sweetheart - still you feel just the same - I'm so awfully lonely without you - four months of your time has gone already - so it's that much shorter till I see your dear old face. I love seeing all the kids because they all have a wee bit of something like you in their faces. I saw your Father for the first time since April 28th. - he looks much better now than he did then. I have a tremendous respect for your Father and he has been so awfully kind to me since you have been a prisoner - he wrote to me a lot while I was away - such awfully nice letters which you will see sometime - I shall have heaps to show you - others too.

I had a letter from you this morning dated 18th. June. We can't possibly imagine what you have been going through. It was a tremendous relief to know that you have got some bread through at last. Hilda has had a p.c. which I saw to-night - and says you had received your first letter. I think you would be getting mine soon - I wrote my first to Hesepe on 30th. May - the day after I received the Hesepe address from your Father - but I had previously tried a letter and p.c. through an address someone gave us at Limburg. Mother was awfully pleased to get your p.c. and is writing soon. Are you allowed to write so many letters a month - or how do you arrange it?

We must do something each year on the 16th. June to celebrate it. Are you much thinner? I hope you will like the parcel I sent you yesterday through Peel House. Goodnight my darling - it's 11.30 - I'm going to bed to think of you x x

Your own little girl

Dora

WHS to CMS; August 3, 1918

My dear Cecil,

We were delighted to hear that you had received your first parcel of bread from the Red Cross and a letter from Mother - These should be followed very quickly by receipt of parcels from Peel House - The maximum quantity will be sent through this Agency and it is not possible to get supplies from more than one source so that if you have ordered elsewhere such orders cannot be executed - I feel sure you will be satisfied with Mother's selection and it is a joy to her to look to your comfort.

You will be pleased to hear Wilkinson has just received a bar to his order for his work previous to being wounded more than four months ago - We had quite a lively time yesterday - Mervyn and his Mother came in - Bob also, and Hilda from school - It was something like old times to have so many in the house - you being the only absentee, but as your cheerful letters had come to hand we had a good deal to be thankful for.

In a previous letter I explained how satisfactory your account at Cox's is - I think you can arrange to transfer a good deal to the Hull Bank where it would earn interest - If you approve write direct to Cox and tell them you wish it to be done and that you have asked me to let them know the amount - There is no occasion for you to mention the sum as I shall have a good idea of the amount it will be desirable to transfer - Norman is quite a "don" at tennis and can easily turn me down - Dora looks splendid and we were very pleased to see her yesterday - Cecil Ingleby was married on Wednesday to Miss Winkley - as you know he lost a leg from the thigh downwards - I am sorry to say there is no news of either Pollock or Norman Ingleby - I read a letter today from Percy Carr. He wishes to be remembered to you having heard that you were a prisoner from fellows who arrived at a later date in his camp than you were captured - Your p.card has come to hand stating you had received the first pcl. of clothing - This would be a comfort to you - A parcel of food was sent at the same time - Cliff has been wounded again rather severely, a bullet through the right side.

With love from all

Your affectionate Father

W.H. Slack

Dora to CMS; August 4 1918, Sunday 4.45 p.m., 12th Letter

My Sweetheart,

I am awfully glad you have at last got your first clothing parcel - so you must have received food soon after that. Peel House doesn't know whether a skipping rope is allowed - it's the rope - anyway they are trying it - it may be stopped in London. I bought a box of paints for you - I chose the colours I thought would be the most useful - also different grades of pencils - and two brushes - a fine one and a bigger one for backgrounds etc. - india rubbers are not allowed. Your Mother sent a clothing parcel off yesterday and enclosed the paints etc. I have posted, this afternoon in an envelope, four different photographs of my old phiz - I had them taken on June 10th. - for your birthday really - but they were a long time doing them. I am push biking to Cottingham to catch the 5.50 train to Beverley to see Flossie and Bill - and coming back by the 10 p.m. train. It is only the second time I have seen them since you were there - I haven't seen Flossie since I came over in April.

TUESDAY 11 p.m.

I have not had a moment to finish this since Sunday. Bill's garden is looking lovely - gorgeous sweet peas and cabbages and potatoes and spring onions - there will be keen competition between us in years to come. Yesterday - Bank Holiday - your Pater rang up for me to go to tennis in the afternoon - dear little Dr. B. was there - talking hard all the time - and Mr. and Mrs. Tom Ferens. I arrived home just before lighting up time - I push bike there always, now - over the Garden Village Bridge - its tons nearer - I've been lucky so far, someone has offered to carry my bike over each time! I did enjoy tennis again - I haven't played since I was at Camberley - Norman is getting hot stuff. Gilbert has grown tremendously - but actually recognised me. I have made you some more shortbread to-day to send off in a parcel to-morrow - have also procured a small cheese. Am in bed finishing this -

Your own

Dora

CMS to WHS and WS; August 8 1918, received September 8 1918

My Dear Father and Mother,

Today I got a letter from Dora, written two months ago. My latest news is on a postcard from Father, written on June 20th., about my letter to the P.O.W. Committee, via Switzerland, which I received a fortnight ago. Four or five days ago I got your postcard of June 16th. stating you had heard from Philip. I have been wondering how he has got on through all the fighting after we were taken. I presume he has met the Colonel at the battalion. Red Cross lists are continually coming here and they nearly always contain the names of men I know, old hands in our battalion and in others. I saw Ingleby's and Laverack's names, but I now understand that they are prisoners. I should love to meet one of them. My parcels, unlike the letters, are coming through regularly. Hatfield's supply is all right, but Thompson who was taken with me has only received two. We all mess together, so noone is hard up, and we are looking forward to a cartload for him some day shortly. I am delighted to find that I can continue my studies for my exam. There is an official channel for the necessary books, and on proper application the Institute together with many other examining bodies, promise to take into consideration the circumstances. I have applied for some books, but will of course have to wait some time. My own books may not be sent. Your p.c. of the 16th. was the one addressed to Rastatt and forwarded to me here.

Love to all,

Your affec. son,

Cecil

Dora to CMS; August 9 1918, Friday 3.15 p.m., 14th Letter

My Darling,

I have had a letter from you dated 7th. July and you hadn't yet received food - I shall feel much happier when I know you have got some food from home at last. I do wish you could get a letter from me too - you will be wondering why you haven't heard - it must be wretched for you to simply keep on writing and not hearing from me.

I am so glad you have got your British Warm with you - I have been hoping all along that you would have it. I have got the one you left - the driver's one - at home and shall wear it in the garden when it gets colder. We came here yesterday - Pater and I bathed this morning - it was lovely but rather cold - the last bathe I had was with you and the last time I came to Filey was with my sweetheart. I shall always remember the two days we had together. Laverack is a prisoner - I think I told you. I sent a parcel off from Peel House on Wed: enclosing some of my shortbreads and a little Wenslet cheese so I hope you get it. Pater and I are fearfully disappointed - we have brought our riding togs and now find that the horse man is absolutely booked up and was horribly crabby to us when we went to-day! I have just pulled out 3 grey hairs - it does worry me having such signs of old age! Wilkie and his lot are dissolved now.

Goodbye sweetheart,

Your little girl

Dora

Our digs are quite near to the ones you had when war broke out.

WS to CMS; August 11 1918

My dear Cecil,

It was a great relief to us yesterday to receive post cards from you, acknowledging food parcels, though some of the contents have been extracted. The first parcel contained soap as well as a toothbrush. Some of the succeeding parcels will have soap in them, which I hope you will receive as you must need it for cleanliness. Several other clothing parcels have been sent, two with footwear. Food parcels are sent regularly every five days, and the coupon parcels are sent alternately by Mrs. Willatt and me. Each parcel is made up and the maximum weight with the best and most nutritious goods we can put in. Father went to Filey yesterday for part of his holiday, and I wired to him, that you had received parcels. Dora is there also with her Mother. We all went for a drive in the afternoon to Burton Constable and during this week intend taking seaside trips for the sake of the children. Hilda has had a week in bed with influenza. Norman went off on agricultural work on Thursday, and expects to be away three weeks. Hilda goes to a London College in October. I am hoping to see her nicely settled there when she goes. She will have a grand time. Cliff is in an English Military Hosp. badly wounded. He is not likely to return to warfare for some time. No news yet of Ruthven and Ingleby.

The letter you received from me dated June 2nd. was not the first. The first was written by Father on one side and by me on the other. Perhaps writing on the other side has prevented your getting it. You will probably have received the first from Dora long since. She looks very well and has been in several times for tennis. Our garden is looking very pretty just now, the rambling roses have been beautiful, and a bed of stocks of various colours is beautiful in colour and scent. The girls intend writing to you, also other friends. The annual S.S.tea was held at Holderness a few nights ago. I went across to the tea, but could not remain for the evening owing to Hilda being in bed, and Miss Anderson on holiday, which ment putting the children to bed. You would greatly appreciate a change of clothing.

Much love from all of us.

Your affec. Mother

Winnie Slack

British P.O.W. Book Scheme to WHS; August 14 1918

Dear Sir,

I much regret having to return your request but the things you ask us to purchase on your behalf for Captain Slack hardly come within the scope of our Scheme.

You will however find no difficulty, I think, in arranging for the transmission of these items through some authorised shop. (see 8b of enclosed information slip) You will find, however, that drawing and painting blocks are not allowed by the Censor, but separate sheets of drawing and water colour paper can be sent. We could undertake to send the latter, but as we are not able to send the cards and the pocket book refills we think it best to return your cheque and ask you to arrange for all the things to be sent through some other source.

Yours faithfully

A.T. Davies.

Dora to CMS; August 13 1918, Tuesday 3.45 p.m. 16th Letter

My Darling,

I have just been washing my wig and hung it out to dry on the sands this morning and I have got DOZENS of grey hairs - it worries me frightfully to be turning old like this - I shall really have to dye it with peroxide or cut it short - it simply must be one or the other!! Heaps of "land" girls and V.A.Ds have their hair cut short now-a-days - it's far less trouble. I have posted in a separate envelope four snaps of ourselves farming - the fair girl is Nickie from Camberley and the other one is Hartley. I do hope you get all the photos I send you - I posted the photos on the 4th. Aug:- the bigger ones I mean. Frank Willatt knew Budd and Queenie knows his sister - his father is a bank manager in Nottingham and his Mother died about two years ago. Their bungalow was next to Frank's at Skegness and we used to jump over the wall and go into it as some friends of Frank's called Chapman had taken it furnished.

10 p.m.

Your Pater came in to tea and then I have been for a walk with Pa since supper so now I have come to bed to think about you and try and dream about you - I simply ache for you, sweetheart but yet I'm only too glad to think you are safe and have got plenty of food at last. Your Father brought five postcards for us to see to-day which you had sent on the receipt of your first parcels - one date 11th. July is the last news I have of you at present. You are awfully like your Father when he talks sometimes and when he laughs - I love watching him because it reminds me of you and I have seen quite a lot of him since he came on Sat: he often looks us up. Who are the other two in your little mess - we have been wondering. No more space allowed - good night my dearest. I do love you -

from your own little girl

Dora. x

CMS to Dora; August 15 1918, received September 25 1918

My Darling,

I have received your 2nd and 3rd. letters within a few days of each other, and shall wait for them now eagerly week by week. You will see from a previous letter of mine that you can write more than one a week. Please do. I received another very nice parcel from your Mother a few days ago. Please thank her. I cannot write to her every time, as she will understand, owing to our allottment. I almost know your three letters by heart. I hope you have enjoyed the fruit picking. It sounds rather nice, but I expect it's a bit tiring. About the massage - I think it would be an excellent thing for you to take up, but I don't know what your Mother would think about your being away again. I know she wants to have you with her while she can, and if I got my books out in a month or two I ought to be able to take my exam soon after returning to England. Perhaps she might consent to it for 6 months starting about Sept. which means finishing in March, when I shall perhaps still be here. I think too that you should take it up to occupy the waiting and make it easier. I sent a p.c. to the Colonel a short time ago, and am sending a photo. I have posted you a photo showing our sleeping hut. We have bought a piano for the camp, and negotiations are on foot for a sports field. I am doing physical exercises daily and am carrying on with my cold bath which I now have under one of the pumps. I haven't any pyjamas yet and it takes a bit of courage to rush straight from my blankets to the pump if it's a bit chilly - but it helps to keep my tummy down

Love from your Sweetheart,

Cecil

WHS to CMS; August 15 1918

My dear Cecil,

I frequently pass the house in which we were staying in August 1914, and think of the scene when the news came that we were at war and again of your decision about the same time to be in it - What a story you could tell of your own history during the four years - Little did I think then that whilst I was sitting waiting for my first meal in 1918 in the above Hotel, I should receive a telegram from Mother announcing the receipt by you of the first four parcels of food - I call to mind the joy at boarding school of a parcel of cakes after the poor grub we used to get but I guess it was nothing compared with your satisfaction -

I am making the best of the nine holes course with Mr. Empson of Rotherham - and have been favoured with splendid weather -

The one eyed, one armed old chap still acts as bellman - He was calling out last night - Lecture at 7 o'clock by a Missionary who lived 23 years in Uganda - Subject “In cannibal and pigmy land” - I imagine this war has swallowed up hundreds of times as many men as all the canibals in all the past centuries.

I have had tea two or three times with the Willatts - Mr. Willatt is keen at present on collecting sea-shore shells - He has become friendly with a geologist - You are more familiar with shells of quite another make and character -

I return home on Monday then to Brealys in Manchester for a week - before settling down to work again - Roy has done very well in his exams. He came out top in some subjects -

Dora looks very well - I imagine she wishes the scenes of March last in Colwyn Bay when you were over could be gone over again here -

With love

Your affectionate Father

W.H.Slack

Dora to CMS; August 18 1918, 11 p.m. Sunday, 17th Letter

My Sweetheart,

I started a letter to you on the sands this afternoon but my pen sprang a leak so I thought the censor wouldn't pass ink splodges!

Monday morning 6.30 am. In bed. The candle suddenly went west last night so I made up my mind to wake up early this morning. I have Hilda and Mabel sleeping in my room in another bed - they came back with me on Friday for a few days - I had been to Bev. for the night to see Flossie as she had been in bed with indigestion but she's getting better now. To-day we are going to walk on the cliff tops to Cayton Bay and lunch there and then walk on to Scarboro' and train back. I haven't been there since I went with you last September and I wish it were you I was going with this time. Your Father was in last night and he was talking about the trips he had had in Scotland - it must be gorgeous there and it made me long for our holiday we are going to have there. I could watch your Father for hours because he reminds me of you so much in his little ways and actions. We received two p.cs. from you saying you had received two parcels Mother had sent - she is awfully glad you got that cake as it was one of our Xmas ones. Your Pater showed me two of your p.cs. sent home - one of them dated 9th. of June saying you had got food at last. I simply ached for you when I read it - it seemed too awful and I CAN'T imagine how terrible it has been for you - I think it's impossible when one has never been hungry. I never dreamt you would have to go through all this - it never even entered my thoughts.

Goodbye for to-day - my darling - all my love

from your own little girl

Dora

Dora to CMS; August 21 1918, Wednesday 9.30 p.m., 18th Letter

My Darling,

We are moving to-morrow to one of those cottages half way down that road to the beach - it has a steep garden to-wards the sea and I think I pointed it out to you last year as one I should like to take. We are staying there until Sept. 12th. - Ma is tons better already but we think she will be stronger for the winter if she is here a good long time now. Anna is coming to look after us and Pater is going home. Anna is the old maid Flossie had when you were here - she gave her the push so she came to us and she is a treasure.

Hilda and Mabel went at 5.30 pm. to-day and I feel very quiet and dull without them. We have had a gorgeous day on the sands and came up at 4 pm. - we bathed and paddled and lay in the sun all the time - it was so gorgeously hot. I have got a photograph here of you taken with your Mother at Flossie's wedding but it's nearly a year old now - I DO wish I had simply MADE you go to the photographer's as I wanted, the last time you were over in March. I shall have to be very severe with you another time I can see! I am simply longing for my next letter from you because I think you must surely have had a letter from me. The post is the one thing only, I have to look forward to these days - but I think I am jolly lucky to have that.

I am always thinking about you and wondering what you are doing - what a lovely time we might have been having here if you had had that month's leave! It's nearly six months since you came on leave. It's Thurs: morning 7 am. now - my candle went suddenly pop again last night so I had to get under the clothes. I wish you had room for games in your enclosure - it would mean so much to you - how often can you go a walk.

All my love x x - Your little girl

Dora

CMS to Dora; August 22 1918, received September 28 1918

Darling,

I have received your 4th. and 5th. letters, the latter being from Outwell. I expect you're still fruit picking, whilst I'm writing. I picked a raspberry myself a few days ago, a wild one, whilst on parole (me, not the rasp.) I'm awfully glad you've heard from the Colonel again. I think it's very decent of him to write. I sent him a p.c. not long ago, and a photograph. The fruit picking costume sounds rather nice - it is needless to say I should love to see you in it. Perhaps you've got a snap-shot of it. You can send one out, it is permitted. I hope the censor doesn't keep it for himself. The bread, which has now changed to biscuits, is coming through from Copenhagen.

I am writing a letter in a few days' time.

Yours with love,

Cecil

Dora to CMS; August 23 1918, Friday 10.15 p.m., 19th Letter

My Darling,

It's just a fortnight since my last letter from you - so one can't be far off now. We have settled down in this cottage and it's simply delightful - we have all our meals out of doors, including breakfast and the morning sun shines right on to us. I saw the sun rise over the sea from my bed this morning and we saw the moon rise to-night - the reflection on the sea and sands was gorgeous. I only wish you could be here to enjoy it all. I would love to take this cott: for myself but the landlady is a cranky old bird and will never let it unfurnished I'm sure. Anyway I think I shall have to take it with you some-day for a little holiday - we should love it together I'm sure and we could cook between us - you will be awfully experienced by then and will be quite an asset in a house! By the way I made a deliciously fluffy omelette last night. It was boilingly hot yesterday afternoon - I rolled down the bank here into the sea for a dip - it's lovely bathing from this cottage. I'm getting very brave these days and can put my head under water - I expect you'll chuckle, but it's very daring for me!

You will have had six months in Germany by the time you get this letter - the time has flown in one way - yet in another way it seems like years.

I could write tons to-night but I'm afraid the censors would object to a long letter - what a boring job it must be to read other people's letters.

Goodnight my darling - I'm going to hop into my bunk by the open window and think of you.

Yours with love

Dora. x x.

Dora to CMS; August 25 1918, Sunday 3 p.m., 20th Letter

My Sweetheart,

I am sitting in our little patch looking towards the sea - it's lovely sitting out here - I'm going to run down the garden in a few minutes and have a bathe with Pater before we have tea.

Queenie and Frank came over for the day yesterday. They were just as jolly as ever - they wanted to know the latest news of you. Ma had a letter from Hilda and she says all the kids are dying to come to Filey for the first fortnight in Sept: and she is going to tackle your Pater when he gets back from the Brealy's to-morrow - Hilda is getting a very determined young woman - with decided views of her own and will be causing excitement in the family as she grows older I expect! She is quite a sport though. Pater went home on Thursday and came back yesterday - he said he saw in the paper that Norman Ingleby is now officially reported killed since 27th. May about, it's fearfully sad I think and I know it will be a blow to you and a loss. I saw a letter he wrote to your Pater when he first heard you were a prisoner and he was delighted - he said it was the best piece of news he had had for sometime - he wrote it about the 7th. of May. I feel so dreadfully sorry for his wife but she will be glad they had a little bit of married life together. Ingleby took over your work as soon as you left it - he arrived too late to go with your stunt - I only wish he had been with you. It's an awfully hard war.

5.30 pm. Pater wouldn't wait any longer for me so I had to bolt off! It was a gorgeous bathe - but awfully cold. I wonder how your cooking efforts are getting on - I think I shall make you cook me a ten course dinner when you get back! Goodbye - my darling - how is the Portuguese, also the maths and psychology getting on?

Your little girl

Dora

I believe I spelt P--------- wrong!

WS to CMS; August 25 1918

My dear Cecil,

This morning, we received your p.c. dated 20.7.18. Needless to say, we are thankful you are now receiving letters and parcels. I went to see Mrs. Ruthven this afternoon and told her what your card said about her son. Poor soul, she is still trying to get further news. It is a terrible strain for her. News has come this week that Capt N.W.Ingleby is killed. Bob was home for one night during the week. He hopes to go to M'chester next leave and see Roy B. who comes on leave on Tuesday. Father is at Sale and expects to be home to-morrow evening. He spent the previous week at Filey. Mrs Willatt has taken a house at Filey for three weeks. Dora is with her. I went to see Flossie on Friday. She has not been very well, but better again now. Hilda and Mabel took Ralph and Kitty to Hornsea yesterday. Harold had been sick during the night, so spent the day in bed. He got up for dinner and to-day but is still looking rather seedy. He is growing quickly and you will notice a big difference in him when you see him again. Mrs. Harvey has been in for tea to-night. Her last Sunday in Hull. Mr. H. hopes to be home on leave next month. They will be greatly missed and have worked hard and done great good in the circuit. She leaves Hull on Wednesday aft. and we intend going as a family to bid her farewell.

Hilda and Flossie are jabbering away on the phone, and have been doing for the last half hour. I am hoping to go to London for a week when Hilda goes to College. Auntie Florrie will come for a week here. Last week I posted letters to you from Grandma and Auntie Bertha. Harold's fowls are on strike at present. No eggs for a month, but yesterday and to-day one only. They are moulting and this accounts for some of it also we cannot get the right kind of food for them. We are hoping for better results in the Winter. Norman returns from farming on Friday. Cambridge district does not seem to suit him, as he always seems fed up when there. Ralph and Kitty seem to be enjoying their holidays, and go out in the early morming to meet the milkman and have a ride on his cart.

Much love from us all

Your affec. Mother

Winnie Slack

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