Cecil Slack's letters: Volume 8

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.

CMS to Bob; 2/7/16.

Dear Bob,

We have been out of the line for some time now and have had a fairly easy time, every night in "bed". We played the Camerons at football yesterday and after a very close game lost by 3 - 2. I am on the sick list at present with a sprained foot, the result of football on a rough ground. Our officers are playing another regiment at "Rugger" this afternoon, but I shall only be able to watch.

I am covered with bruises and scratches, - the result of last Monday night's "affair". I was never in a bigger funk in my life than when I was in that Hun trench on my own. The other chap was not with me long. I left a good revolver in the mud there. I hadn't time to reload, or put it back in my pocket. My clothes and puttees were torn to shreds, one pocket of the coat coming right off, losing me a good pipe and a pouch of tobacco.

You know that big pocket knife of mine - I had it buried in a Hun's throat that night. There was no time for mercy. I didn't know who was round the corner. Fortunately, for someone, there was noone when I went round. I was a bit shaken by then, so perhaps it was just as well.

Did I tell you we had a subalterns' court-martial here the other day on a certain person who had removed the T's from his coat. One of the sentences was that he was to have a "T" shorn on his head. This was duly carried out with a pair of hair - clippers. It will be weeks before it will have grown over. He now wears Ts with his regimental badges.

Your affec. brother,

Cecil.

WS. to CMS; July 2nd. 1916

My dear Cecil,

The reading of your letter was exciting and awful. What a dreadful experience you have been through. You are to be congratulated on your courage and having escaped with your life. When I finished reading your letter, I thanked God in my heart for having spared you. In the midst of all dangers, He is with you, I know. It must have been a great shock to you, when you discovered that you had been left by the other men. It seems a very wrong and careless mistake for the artillery to fire on their own men. Oh, I do hope and trust that these mistakes will be rectified and more care exercised in the future. If only all the men would face their work as you do, success would come sooner. Well, my boy, the greatest help we can give you is to remember you at the Throne of Grace always, and be thankful you have been safely led and cared for so far, and we do that.

Yesterday afternoon, we held our Annual Sale of Work connected with the Childrens' Home and Orphanage. Just at the hour of Opening the rain came down, and it was impossible to go outside. We waited awhile then had the opening in The House. Fortunately the folding doors had been opened beforehand, and we had a crowded room, and people in the hall also. The rain cleared off later on and we had a successful sale realizing just over £60. This included money from the Café Chantant which was held in the garden in the evening. Herbert Fellowes presided and brought two of his soldier friends, who took part in the performance. Everybody is delighted with the success.

Ralph had so many good things yesterday, and as a result is in bed to-day with his little "tummy" out of order. Harold has toothache and not at all happy. We made a little extra money yesterday by exhibiting the war relics you brought home. Very much love my boy and may you be safely kept

From your affec. Mother

W. Slack.

CMS to Dora; Monday 3/7/16.

My Dear Dodo,

Sorry I haven't been writing often enough: I didn't want you to get tired of getting too many from me. I will certainly write more, I like it almost as much as getting them from you. You can't write to me too often, your letters are practically the only thing I look forward to out here, and when I'm feeling at all fed up, or very happy, I just read them again. Why do you like my small writing better than the big - don't the faults show up as much, or does it take longer to read.

I used to be strafed for not writing a larger hand. I am writing this in my tent away from the crowd, one of whom is just shouting for me to play bridge. I told him ten minutes ago I was coming - he is getting quite cross. I've had to go because I promised to play before I started writing, but I've got off with one rubber, and only lost a franc and a half.

By the time you get this letter it will be just a month ago that I told you I loved you and asked you to marry me - the fifth of June was the day. I think our feelings towards one another have altered, or shall we say, come to the surface, a good deal in this last month. Mine are the same, but its different to know that you know all about it.

If you should be near London when I come over on leave, short or ordinary, we will go to "Romance". I should love to see it, and to see it with you.

Yes, I have thought that if we got married we should have to go through everything together, perhaps bad times and illness, but I should never get weary of being with you, whatever happened. I don't think it's a bit pessimistic to think of these things, it's only common sense.

I'm awfully sorry things are so slow at Silkstone, but it will be a lot different after the war, and I don't think that will be very long now.

We had a subalterns' court-martial the other day. A certain subaltern who had been away on a course, came back without the Ts on his tunic, which every Territorial wears with his regimental badges. He was tried, and found guilty, amongst other things, of trying to make people think that he was not a Territorial. Three sentences were passed and were duly carried out. Sentence 1. was that he was to wear a lousy shirt for the period of one week. This was no discomfort. Sentence 2. was that he was to have a saucepan of cold water poured down the sleeves of his coat whilst he was wearing same, and Sentence 3. was that he was to have a T shorn on the hair of his head. This latter was done with scissors and hair-clippers, from the front to the back of his head. He will not look nice for several weeks. He now wears Ts on his tunic. Of course he hadn't a chance, but we are proud of our name out here. In order that he should not wriggle out, I was council (sic.)for the defence. I don't think my defending would have got me another job in a court.

I see an old Rydal boy, F.C. Happold is in the latest list of D.S.Os.

Yours with love,

Cecil.

CMS to WHS and WS; 5/7/16

My Dear Father and Mother,

I can't understand why my letter of the 28th reached you before that of the 26th. I wrote the latter on the Monday afternoon and it would leave the following morning. The postal service is very good but I think there are a few bad eggs knocking about in it.

I know you will be disappointed about the failure of my little do, everyone is, but it was not my fault. The hellish time I refer to was caused by our shells.

When the General thanked me I think it was for what I had done personally and for doing all that I could have done. He told me that he would show his thanks in the proper way when everything had been enquired into. The Brigade have since asked for my Christian names.

I think the reason for not coming across many Huns is that they usually retire to their dugouts when their front line is shelled. I think this must be the reason why I was not hit coming back - I fully expected to be, because they have several machine guns there. I don't know whether I was fired at or not, I probably wouldn't hear a single bullet in the row that was going on.

I had a small nightmare a few nights ago. I dreamt that I and another officer had got 10 miles behind the German line and we started coming back in daylight, wearing our British uniform. All went well until we saw a sentry on the road. Just then a Hun on the roadside noticed our uniform and said to another, whilst pointing at me - "Cash-Offizier". The sentry then challenged and I answered "Cash Offizier" and walked on, but he got quite cross and jumped about making little jabs with his bayonet.

Then the corporal of the guard came up and took hold of my chin and looking at me said "Ach! Royalty" So I said "Ya, Cash-Offizier", and walked on, and woke up.

I am glad the sale of work was such a success, and that the "relics" were found interesting. Bob does not seem to know whether to go to Sandhurst after school or join straight into the ranks. I don't suppose if he entered the ranks that he would have much chance of getting out here in under six months, any more than if he went to Sandhurst. If he went to Sandhurst he would be amongst decent fellows and would eventually be much more use to the country than as a Tommy. It's much better to be a good officer than a good man.

Then it is a very great physical strain on the rankers out here, - it is for the officers too - but the men have more to carry and more manual work. A fellow with grit and breeding and a bit of common sense would be far more valuable as an officer. I should advise Bob to go to Sandhurst and get his pals to go too.

I am enclosing a cheque to Hammonds for 12/-. I have not their account here, so will you send it to them and tell them it's all they'll get.

Can you send me one of those books with detachable leaves (like this), about the size of this page I am writing on. I think they can be had at Johnson's or any good stationers. I have to keep all kinds of notes, and a book like this would be a very great convenience. Will you send me one as soon as you can?

I am glad Mr. and Mrs. Brealy and Mrs. Edwards will shortly be coming over. I hope the weather improves for your holiday. I think the continued heavy gunfire has a good deal to do with the changeable weather we are having. I have written to Mr. Saunders telling him that I have carried out the instructions he gave me regarding the jack knife I received from him. The war news is very good, we get excellent telegrams every day.

Love to you all,

Your affec. son,

Cecil

Grandma Watkin to CMS; July 5th. 1916.

My dear Cecil,

Your birthday will have passed before you receive my letter, wishing you many happy returns of the same. I pray dear boy that you may be spared for many years of useful life, and work; and that the experiences of the present awful times may but strengthen your faith in God, and enable you to live more usefully and devotedly all your days. As I have told you before, your name is upon our Prayer list, to be prayed for week by week in our weekly prayer mtg. which has been a source of comfort to some who have gone to the front from this church. We often wish we were near enough to be able to see you sometimes. Aunt Bertha has been away for a little holiday - Uncle Arthur needs one badly, but has not so far been able to get away from the Office. Aunt Mary is fairly well, we are hoping to see her over here in Sept. for a holiday - We are often thinking about you and always remember you in our prayers; and your letters which sometimes Mother has sent us have been read with great interest. We would like to see more of them. Now my dear boy, I must be closing, as I have to write to Aunt Mary for tomorrow's mail.

Our united, and much love to you, and we trust that you may escape being wounded, or in any way hurt. May God bless and keep you.

Your ever loving

Grandma

E.R.Watkin.

Dora to CMS; Wednesday 5.7.16.

My dear Cecil,

I have felt quite jubilant all to-day because I got your letter this morning - if I hadn't got one this mg. I should have thought the letters had been stopped. We keep hearing rumours that they are stopped, so I asked if it was true in Barnsley G.P.O. and they heard nothing and have been passing letters just the same. You ARE a brave, plucky soul to go on through the German trenches by yourself - I think its marvellous how you've done it - I feel awfully proud of you - yes, VERY - I don't wonder you were absolutely done when you got back - poor old dear, I hope they looked after you properly - have you put some stuff or something on your scratches and washed them properly - its rather late to ask you that when it's been done a week but DO be careful or you may get tetanus germs in - it is wicked you have to risk your lives to such an extent - I often wonder if people realise it and appreciate it - I do anyway, Cecil.

I am delighted to think you will be on leave sooner, after all, when do you think it will be - do you know I'm looking forward to seeing your dear old face ever so much. I've been thinking things over and do you think you ought to tell your Mother and Father about it all - sometime before you come on leave - what do you think - do just as you like - you know I often wonder what they will think - they may not think I am the right girl for you and I expect they might think you are too young and in a few years you would be better with someone younger - if you were 30 someone about 21 would be a better age for you. I don't want to influence you - just do as you think right. I am glad you like the photograghs - I tried to look nice as I was sending one to you.

I have sent off a parcel for you to-day. You said you hadn't read "Pip" and it is a sweet book - I read it first at Penrhos - Billy and Betty recommended it. The chicken affair I bought in Barnsley this morning - the man in the shop said it was very nice and was to be eaten cold - it might be rather a lucky packet. I have put in some iodine little bottle things and you must break one when you get scratched - you may have something equivalent already, but in case you haven't - iodine is a VERY strong antiseptic - be careful with your poor old scratches you get won't you? I am awfully sorry you lost your pipe and pouch - was it that new one you were getting that you lost? I tried to get a pouch in Barnsley for you but its an awful place and I tried several shops and couldn't get a decent one - have you got another yet? I am enclosing two letters for you to read - William took Flossie over to her new place at Faldingworth near Lincoln, last Sat. - I haven't time to tell you about the cottage so am sending Ma's letter. The other is from Billy and Betty - I know you will be interested in it - she always asks how you are. Would you like me to tell them or not?

They have asked Mary (the maid) in Barnsley, what was in the parcel and she said "Books and eatables" - don't know whether it will get through - she was a cuckoo to say so. In haste.

Love from

Dora.

CMS. to Dora; Friday. 7/7/16.

My Dear Dodo,

We had a nice gentle little strafe yesterday afternoon just to remind us that the Hun is still in front.

We have been quiet and peaceful for some time now, and I myself have not had a tour in the trenches for about 10 weeks, except in connection with the raid. We were sitting in our little canvas hut yesterday, having a quiet game of bridge, when we heard a whistle, and it burst right over us, so we put our little steel hats on and made to the shelter trenches, just in time. We had about 20 over altogether. One officer was slightly wounded. He will be in a nice comfy bed now, congratulating himself. When we came back to our hut we found two shrapnel bullets on the floor and six more just outside.

I had quite a shock last Tuesday. I was Orderly dog, and had to get up at 6.30! In fact it disturbed me so much that the C.O. asked me at Orderly Room if I were feeling ill. Whilst training for the raid I have been off all duties, so a bit of work now is a nice change. When I come to think of it I have been very lucky lately; for the last ten weeks I have been able to shave and wash at leisure every day, and have a good sleep every night.

How is Flossie getting on at farming? Does she shear sheep and that sort of thing, or is it cow milking and butter making. I suppose it's hay-making just at present. Does she wear a bonnet like the advertisement for Milkmaid milk?

Talking about bonnets reminds me of that photograph of you in a Dutch one. I think it's topping. Do you remember those photographs Harry Quant took of you, Flossie, Willie Todd, Nellie Quant and her sister and my Aunt's dog. You are going to give the dog a piece of sugar in one. I got copies of those photographs from Mr. Quant, and have them in my album at home. They are awfully nice, but I like the ones I have now better. I have put one of them in my cigarette case so that I can see it every time I have a cigarette. I have smoked quite a lot lately.

I had a gentle nightmare a few nights ago - a result of the "raid". Another officer and I had got 10 miles behind the German line by night, and we started coming back by day in our British uniforms. Noone seemed to take much notice of us till we were nearly back, when a sentry looked at us suspiciously. Just then a man on the roadside noticing our dress, said, "Ach, Cashoffizier" and looked very humble, so when the sentry challenged, I said, "Cashoffizier" and walked on, but he got quite excited and jumped about, making little jabs with his bayonet. I thought it was all up. Just then a corporal of the guard took hold of my chin, and looking into my face said, "Ach, Royalty": so I said, "Ja, Cashoffizier", and walked on, and woke up. I haven't the slightest notion what Cashoffizier means.

I see the results of the Cambridge Triposes are out. Has Emma Blamires passed in hers?

Last night when I was thinking of you, you almost seemed to be by myside. I don't know whether you were thinking of me at the time. I am a strong believer in telepathy, and ghosts, and take a great interest in pyschical things. I don't know whether I've spelt it right, but you know what I mean.

I don't think I've told you about a little friend I have, called Bertha. She is a treasure, she cooks my tea, or cocoa, or whatever it is I want at the time, and sings to me all the time. She never talks, just hums and sings. Occasionally she flares up. She and my servant are great pals. I bought her for 19/6. She is my little Primus stove.

Yours, with love,

Cecil

Dora to CMS; Sat. 8.7.'16.

Chéri,

It was nice to get your letter this morning. I'm glad you like writing to me because I enjoy writing to you only I wish you were here instead do you know I often curl up on my bed or in a chair and read your letters again. I didn't much when I first got your letters but I do now and it is because I feel I want you more often than I did, and that I love you more - I DO - you believe me won't you? It may get harder for me - loving you more - in fact it IS - when you are in danger at the front - but I am glad I love you more because I know it is what you want and I love you more, for yourself too. I'm an awful little beast to say it is hard for me and think of myself when it must be heaps worse out there doing what you are doing - you are a dear brave soul, Cecil, and I love you for it - you have heaps of pluck to do what you have done, but how do you do it all and stand it all? I know I should have funked straight away - if I was a soldier I expect you would have me strafed or something every day, I should be such a coward! 'Spect when women get the Vote they'll want to make girls soldiers! I shouldn't mind a vote but I don't crave for one, tho' I am a Suffragist - it isn't the same as a suffragette, remember.

How soon do you think you'll get leave - what do you get a short leave for - will it be September or before then do you think? I like your small writing better than the big - just because I DO, that's all - always do like small writing better - generally. Mine wobbles off occasionally - in fact I think it always is on the wobble - still s'never mind.

As you say, things have altered during this last month - mine have quite - my feelings have altered towards you - before, I hadn't bothered about marriage and Love - for the simple reason I had never loved anyone and it was not until you aroused it in me that it made me think and realise that Love IS the greatest thing in the world - and I truly believe it is now, don't you? I sometimes wonder now why I didn't love you before you asked me to marry you - I sometimes wonder if I did and didn't know it was love but thought it was friendship - it was a fearful tussle for me in the few days between Mon. 5th June and the first letter I wrote to you - I wouldn't have them over again for anything - I had to keep thinking AND thinking whether it was only a chumminess I had for you or whether it was any love - I know now it was Love for you and it is more since then, but not yet as much as yours - sometimes I think it is but I shall know someday.

I expect that sub. wouldn't leave off his T again - thoroughly squashed out of him this time I should think.

Mother is feeling a lot better and is coming downstairs to-morrow - I have been home a fortnight and have been nurse - cook - housekeeper all in one - I get awfully sick of perpetually grubbing round the house - still someone has to do it - 'tis only duty that makes me do it - however it repays as Ma is ever so much better

Pater has to go to Otley next Wed. to Sat. for a bombing course - senior officers - and has to stay with the others on the course at Wells House Hotel, Ilkley - if Ma is well enough, she and I are going with him so it will be a nice change - don't write there as we may not go - perhaps we shall stay over the weekend if we go.

Have you read "Prisoner of Zenda" by Anthony Hope?? If you haven't I will send you a copy - let me know.

My love to you, my dearie,

Dodo

CMS to Dora; 9/7/16

My Dear Dodo,

Awfully glad to get your letter, with enclosures, and your parcel today. The chicken is an awfully good idea; I've had one or two from Mother, and they're ripping. Bertha will attend to the coffee tubes in due course. I had a gentle smile over the iodine - the scratches are quite allright now but I daresay I shall get some more.

I am greatly interested in the letter from Billy and Betty. You can tell them if you like, I don't mind. You see, my feelings will always be the same for you and I don't care who knows, whether we ever get married or not, but as you're not quite sure yet it would be better if too many people didn't know. What I mean is that people might think we were actually and permanently engaged to be married, and then if we shouldn't be, it wouldn't be nice for you. For myself I don't care a little damn; it's you I'm thinking about. I am longing for a talk with you, and I may get one soon. You see I might be coming over to "Blighty" soon on 4 days leave to see the King about a little silver cross. The four days includes two days travelling.

The leave may come any time, from a month to the end of the war. It's like this - an after-order came round to the companies today to be read out on parade, and the gist of it is that Lieutenant C.M.Slack has been awarded the Military Cross - followed by a bit of rot about gallantry and coolness - and has received the congratulations of the Army' Corps, Division, and Brigade. So I'm in for a bashful time tomorrow.

I don't like the idea of telling my Mother and Father about us yet, by letter, and then I don't want to tell them anything unless we have actually fixed up to carry on together for life. About their thinking that you're not the right sort of girl for me, that's all rot. and even if they did, it wouldn't matter, but I know they wouldn't. They might think I'm a bit young to be married - I am at present - but the war isn't over yet, and when it is I shall have to have about a year to get going at work. But for the allowance which Father has promised me at the end of the war, or 3 years from commencement of same, it would have been some time before I could marry. I think I shall marry between the ages of 24 and 26, as the old palmist fellow told me - then, or not at all.

Thanks very much for "Pip". I am well into it already. I was reading it whilst we were taking cover this afternoon from a few shells which were dropping uncomfortably near our billet. I shall be on with it again as soon as I've finished this letter to you, my love.

The pipe I lost wasn't the new one I was buying but it was a great pal and I'm sorry about losing him. Henry was his name. The new one is called Claude. It's awfully good of you to try to get me another pouch, but I have two others. The one I lost wasn't my oldest I am glad to say. This old friend I still have has been all through the war with me from about the beginning of 1915.

Give my best respects to Billy and Betty when you write, and tell them what you like about your humble Knight and what he's said to you. Goodbye.

Love from

Cecil.

I am returning your two enclosures.

I do wish I could see you instead of writing letters, it's frightfully aggravating - but it's better than nothing at all.

More love,

Cecil.

CMS to WHS and WS; 10/7/16.

My Dear Father and Mother,

Thank you for the parcel received yesterday.

We go to the trenches tomorrow - it will be my first tour for 10 or 11 weeks. We have had a pleasant time here - we were shelled a bit twice but had no casualties except one officer slightly wounded.

Will you send my other tunic out, with a little bit of blue and white ribbon on the left breast just over the middle of the pocket. I have only got one here, my new one. Don't send breeches, I am getting ration ones. The following has been read out on company parades by the C.O's order :- "The Military Cross has been awarded to Lieutenant C.M.Slack, for - and here comes some rot about gallantry and coolness - and he has received the congratulations of the Army, Corps, Division, and Brigade".

I haven't any more news at present owing to the quiet and easy life we have been leading, but thought I would let you know this as it may not have appeared in the papers. It is for the "raid" affair. The C.O. was awfully nice about it and says he does not know of one more well earned.

Your loving son,

Cecil

Dora to CMS; Wednesday 12.7.'16.

My dear Cecil,

T'was nice to get a letter from you this morning - the letters do take a long time now-a-days - I think they must keep them back censoring them - the last one I had from you took six days to come! Are all of you behind the lines resting now or are you taking turns in the trenches with the others? Were you looking pale with the effort of getting up at 6.30 that the C.O. remarked upon it? I haven't seen you looking pale yet - I should think you might look rather pathetic! S'never mind, you arn't a bad sort really! Do you know I rise at 7a.m. punctually every morning - tush! Pater has to breakfast at 7.30 in order to be at the camp at 8 a.m. for parade.

Who are your friends and who do you play bridge with - perhaps I know some of them by name? Where DO you manage to get all your different envelopes from - you have quite a selection - I seem to get a different one each time. This seems to be a very question-marky epistle! Bertha was very dear, Cecil my dear, you only ought to have paid 12/6 for her - that is what we gave for ours - they are awfully useful things but it takes a little time to know how to set them going properly.

Do you mean you like that photograph of me in a bonnet that is on our drawing-room mantlepiece in Silkstone - 'cause you're wrong - it's a Puritan dress and I made the cap myself - I was fifteen then - quite a gawky object for my age - and I went to the Childrens' Fancy Dress Ball.

Flossie came home last Monday - I have forgotten really how much I told you about it in my last letter. Well the farm at Lincoln she went to - the farmer Doughty turned out to be positively loathesome, course, vulgar, and vile, to use her language! He never gave them a moment's peace and growled at them all the time and scoffed - he was an old beast - he couldn't keep even his men labourers so I don't know how he expected to keep women - she had to clear out and whitewash the cow-house and it hadn't even been cleaned for 3 years - imagine it - phew!! The cows were quite easy to milk - she got fearfully sick of hoeing barley - till every limb ached. The man wouldn't bother or was too mean to pay for his fences being mended so they were continuously hunting for horses etc. They began work at 7 a.m. and finished at 6.30 with an hour and a half for meals. She wears trousers, a man's shirt and a sun bonnet and huge boots and she says its glorious - and I should jolly well think it is glorious - when she finished work she just rolled about like a farm labourer she felt so weary - I wish I could go - anywhere as long as I was doing SOMETHING - housework IS stale! Ugh!!

Mother is still in bed and getting on very slowly indeed - it is fearfully wearying for her - poor thing, so I oughtn't to grouse. I think I told you we might be going to Ilkley for a few days this week - well Ma hasn't been well enough to get off after all so Pa has had to go alone - it is disappointing for her. Seven Humber Garrison officers were down to go through the course so I'm sure we should have known some of them.

I have been across to the Marslands three or four times to tennis since I came back - I smoked a cigarette there last night - at least half of one - I got weary of it by then - 'tis the first one I've smoked since you were here - so I have been very abstemious - and yours was the first I had smoked for months so you see what a good child I am!

I hope you didn't walk in your nightmare - I don't wonder you had one after what you went through. Emma has got a second class Tripos in Modern Languages - English and French - not bad for her.

G.P. Huntley - an officer from 1st Line Engineers home wounded has just called and I had to go down to talk - I'm the only one in. Post going now.

So good-bye

Love from

Dora.

CMS to Dora; Wednesday 12/7/16, 9.0pm.

My Dear Dodo,

We are in the trenches once more, and I have never been in a worse lot since I was a soldier - just a jumble of low parapet and "crump" holes. I'm not a big bloke myself and I have to bend double in parts. If you stand up to straighten your back you become a landowner - 6ft x 3ft.

I am feeling awfully tired tonight as I only got 3 hours sleep last night in the doorless dugout, and have been messing about in the trenches all day, but I just wanted to say goodnight to you before I turn in.

I had a horrible tussle this morning with a large rusty needle, a piece of cotton, and a piece of blue and white ribbon. It took about half an hour to get the ribbon to stick to the coat and I think with luck it will last for a fortnight.

Yes, of course I believe you when you say you love me a little more than you did, and it makes me very happy.

Thursday 13.7.16. - 10.30am.

Yes, Dodo, Love is the greatest thing in the World, it's part of it, it's the connecting link with Heaven I think.

Real, true Love, not only of a man and woman for each other but being able to love the song of a bird, or on a quiet evening being able to sit still and love the beauty of the country and the sunset, even whilst remembering that everything is not always as you see it then, is a part of Heaven, and it makes one able to enjoy Life, and to love It. I love the song of the bird, and the beauty of the earth, and I have the love of a man for a woman.

There are two women I love, one is my Mother - and you know who the other one is; but the love for the "other one" is a greater and different love than that for my Mother. I can't explain the difference, I shall just have to wait until you find it out yourself.

I wanted to get this letter off last night, but an observer came to me with a windy report about the Hun massing men in his line in front of us, so I had to go off and tell the C.O. about it at once, and when I got back it was too late for the post.

There was a successful raid from the trenches a few nights ago and the Hun will naturally be feeling a bit sick about it, so we have to be on the alert for a counter raid. The massing of the men in his front line last night was possibly only a common or garden relief, but it might have meant something else.

The night before last a small party did get into our trench, but returned empty-handed, and unfortunately full strength. They collared an unfortunate sapper and heaved him into a shell hole to await their return across No Man's Land, but he didn't wait for them, and is now safe and happy with us.

The coffee you sent me came in splendidly yesterday morning. There were three of us, tired and cold and no fire, so we just set Bertha going and soon had some delightful hot coffee. We have got a ripping little table in this dug-out. We stole it yesterday from an R.E's dug-out.

I have enjoyed reading "Pip" immensely. No, I haven't read "The Prisoner of Zenda", I should like to very much. I am very glad your Mother is better, and hope she is soon quite well.

Yours with love,

Cecil.

Dora to CMS; Sat. 15.7.'16.

My dear Cecil,

I am simply delighted you have got the Military Cross - My Cecil - that's Flossie's joke, not mine! - and I'm VERY certain that you have thoroughly earned it - I feel prouder than ever of you - I felt ever so jubilant about it this morning - I am ever so pleased about it - you've no idea how much - if you were here now I'm sure I should give you a kiss for it - forward che-ild that I am! The French do anyway - they show their hero-worship much more than we English do. T'will be positively delightful to see you so soon too - do you think you will have time to get over here or what shall you do in your two days because one day will have to be spent in London I should think waiting to see your pal the King. Perhaps I could meet you somewhere or you could manage to arrange something.

I haven't told a lot of people Cecil, only Queenie Willatt and Nurse Waddington when I was in Hull and they are both quite safe - Flossie knows now - one can't be in the house with her and not tell her. It isn't fair for you either that everybody should know until I know my own mind. I should like to tell Billy and Betty though, because they both know us very well and I like them both very much too. Do you know I didn't get your letter that was written last Sunday until to-day Sat. and I have been awfully busy to-day and now the post goes in a minute or two. I forgot to tell you in my last letter that I WAS thinking about you on Thursday night when I was in bed - it was July 6th. - and that was the night I think you said you were thinking about me. I have a little thought for you every night though. Perhaps it would be better to tell your Parents than write to them and as you are so young it would perhaps be better to have something definite to say rather than anything indefinite.

I could meet you somewhere and have part of a train journey with you if you like and if you happen to be alone when you come over. Won't it be nice to see you and your little blue and white patch. I did like your letter this morning - I'm glad you got the parcel - I was afraid it wouldn't reach you.

William is over for the weekend - he came in his side-car this afternoon - so that has taken up time today - he is an awfully nice sort - Flossie has just gone a ride with him in his sidecar - I think he is taking her to Hull Monday mg. and she will be going to have her portrait finished.

I hope you are taking care of your dear self and don't get careless will you - I should think the Col. thinks you have done jolly well with your M.C. affair - was it for the raid? Tell me all about it won't you?

Post just going - my love to yourself -

Goodbye,

Dodo.

I haven't congratulated you, have I? I have only just thought of it!!!

CMS to WS; Field Postcard Dated 16.7.16

I am quite well.

Cecil.

CMS to WHS and WS; 17.7.16, received 23/7/16

My Dear Father and Mother,

I am having a very busy time in the trenches, night and day. By day its observation and taking bearings chiefly, and writing reports, and by night it's patroling, information seeking, and Bosche stalking in No Mans Land.

The Hun tried to raid us a few nights ago, but had to go back empty handed. There were no casualties on our side and unfortunately none on his.

A "rum-jar" bomb dropped 5 yds. from me yesterday: fortunately there were a few sandbags between us. A "rum-jar" is about 24" long with a 10" base, and is filled with anything. We found an iron , the thing one irons clothes with, once in a "dud". They are like the old "sausage", but a good deal bigger.

Thank you very much for the note-book, which is just what I wanted, and for the refills and parcel received today. I got another parcel about a week ago but have not had time to write until now.

Are not things going simply splendidly with the Allies just now? We had a MOST encouraging circular from Sir Douglas Haig yesterday. I hope Father and Mr. Brealy have had good weather at Scarborough. My word, don't I just wish I were there too, as I was a year ago. The weather here is not exactly what one expects in summer time, but it has not hindered the breeding of flies and gnats. The trenches are swarming with blue-bottles. Some of them are quite tame and will crawl on your hands.

I have broken a pair of glasses. Will you please send a spare pair which I think you have. I have another pair here, and am sending the broken ones home. Will you also send my Colt Automatic pistol, and can you arrange with a gun maker to send me 50 rounds of .32 ammunition for a Colt Automatic.

Bob will be very sorry to hear that Ashby has been killed. They were in the same form at Hymers, I believe.

I have just received Mother's letter of the 15th. Letters from England come in half the time that those from us take to get home.

Love to all,

Your affec. son,

Cecil.

Please give my best wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Brealy if they are still with you.

CMS to Dora; 18/7/16

My Dear Dodo,

I am delighted you are so pleased with my little cross episode. Yes, it was for the raid "affair". The colonel was awfully nice about it, and between you and me, and the lamppost he said that if the other people had followed me into the trench I might have got something better. But I'm quite content, and it's quite a pretty ribbon.

About my envelopes - I like the blue ones best, this letter's in one! they match my eyes. As a matter of fact my servant choses them for me. He is quite intelligent at times for an officer's orderly. His name is Ellis and he works in the box-shop at Reckitts in times of peace.

It's very annoying letters take so long to get to England from here. Yours get here in four days, sometimes three. The one I got today was posted on the 15th.

And now about the people I play bridge with, you may know some by name, 2/Lts Furley, Rollett, Webster, Lt. Robson, 2/Lt Boyle, Capts. Parker, Ingleby, Barkworth, and sometimes at Headquarters with the C.O.

Just common or garden auction bridge you know, for nominal stakes, so don't think I'm an inveterate gambler and a bad lad, because I'm not. Sometimes we play an absurd game called vingt et un and not long ago I won over eighty francs at one swoop, but I rarely play at this because there's nothing in it after you've played a few times.

I don't know yet when I shall be getting leave, but when I do I shall manage to see you, with any luck. I thought Flossie wouldn't be kept in the dark about us very long. It couldn't be expected when you keep getting envelopes from the front in the same handwriting.

I have just received a note from the Adjutant informing me that the C.O. wants me to go out into NoMansLand to look about for a few suspected dead Huns. It's going to be a rotten job as there is a good moon and not many clouds, and the Bosche line is only 60 yards away. I must go now as its getting dark and I want to be out before any enemy patrols.

Love from Cecil.

CMS to Dora; 21/7/16.

My Dear Dodo,

I had to leave off my last letter sooner than I wanted to as I had to go out and look for some dead Huns before the other side got them in. It was neally (sic.) my last tour in No Mans Land. The moon was neally full and there was scarcely any cloud about. I took one man with me and the Bosche spotted us almost at once, and started firing. I got stuck in our wire and it seemed ages before I got out, and one Bosche would keep hitting the wire round about me, I got out in the end and we crawled to another spot, where the Bosche again fired at us. We were out an hour altogether, but found no sign of any dead Huns - they must have been taken in the previous night if they were there at all. It was a cold, still night and our breath was going up in clouds. We had just got back safely when a big search-light was turned on to the ground where we had been crawling about. It was only sixty yards away, so we shouldn't have had much chance. A machine-gun was turned on to the light and it was seen no more.

The trenches are simply swarming with flies, great big bluebottles: in places the sand-bags are black with them. We are all covered with mosquito bites. I am absolutely fed to the teeth with trenches - we are having a long tour this time. My latest job is to take new officers out into NoMansLand o'nights and show them how to carry on; and I think it's a bit thick, because we get new officers every week now.

Do you know we have porridge and CREAM every morning for breakfast! One of our servants goes back to a farm for it. The farms and harvest fields are quite close up to the line here. Have you written to Billy and Betty yet? I have just been censoring my men's letters. It is quite good sport at times. One poor chap is awfully fed up at having to have his letters to his girl read by someone else. I have taken compassion on him and told him he can stick them up and I'll sign them outside if he promises to put nothing of military importance in, which would get me strafed if the letter should be opened at the base.

There are all kinds of rumours about as to when the war will end - one rumour gives it 8 days.

If only it were true!

Yours, with love

Cecil.

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