Margaret to Tom 27.2.42
Would you believe it! it's the 27th already. Doesn't time fly?
We have just been paid "Oh, joyous day", said she breaking forth into song. But I shall not have that for long as I have to fetch my costume either tomorrow or Monday. I think I shall probably be able to get an hour off tomorrow if I make the time up and get it then. Then as Foyles is open until 6.00 on Saturdays & also during the week until that hour. anyway I have decided to spend Saturday afternoon there.
Thank you for your letter which has just arrived and for all the enclosures. Now I shall be able to get on with the good work.
No, I'm afraid I have not been working hard and studying all the nursing books I have at home. I have been very busy though. You see, all my mending, all my knitting and Shandy (the dog) takes up a good bit of my time nowadays. I can't think whatever we did when you were at home. The evenings simply fly. I have always got something to do, except work such as reading about nursing.
Well I have just arrived back from lunch and now I can settle down to this between working. I had to rush out just now again & buy Mr Bolt some cakes for tea today, as it is his Birthday.
To revert to the nursing. If I go in for Red Cross, I shall now have to give up some of my coupons for the uniform – just the indoor apron etc, but I do now know how many. I was talking to a girl who is doing this work at the sick bay across the road and she suggested I went into the civil nursing reserve which apparently only require an overall which is provided. Civil nursing is, of course, only practiced at the civilian hospitals , which might or might not be counted as war work. What do you think?
Are you running short of chocolate now? Because I have a little I can send you, but I have not been able to buy any this week.
This afternoon I am very busy, so I'm afraid this will be a very short letter.
I shall probably call to see your mother & father this evening. We have Ron;s letter to return and Nancy will be so mad if it is not returned by the time she arrives home this evening.
I shall look forward to hearing your voice on Sunday, if it is possible for you to phone. It brings us so near doesn't it?
Well, all my love, I hope the weather is fine for you to go walking this week end, so that you can come home with rosy cheeks – blossoms of spring to greet me the week after next,
Margaret
Monday, 27 February 2012
Sunday, 26 February 2012
Margaret to Tom 25.2.42
25.2.42
Thank you for your letter which arrived this morning. It is lovely to hear from you and know what you are doing, or have been doing. How about furnishing that cave and fixing it up with electric light before I come down at Easter?
Now I have several important things to tell you. The first is about my leave. Betty and I have discovered that it is impossible to leave any days over until next leave year so I shall have to take my day within the next months. My only suggestion to this is that I have the Saturday morning of the weekend you are home and save all that trouble of getting up early. What do you think about this? We could go out somewhere on that morning. I have just heard that we shall be getting the usual 12 days next leave year, plus an extra 4 days which should be taken separately Isn't that lovely, as of course I shall get 3 days special leave for marriage & any other leave can be taken without pay. So I don't think it will be too bad do you?
The second important thing I had to say is this – I have heard unofficially that it would be wise to buy your service wool through WVS as quickly as possible so the other day I went to WVS shop and obtained my voucher for the rest of the wool 12 oz. I should not be surprised if they stop this method of obtaining service wool. This unfortunately will run to about 9/-, but if I can deduct it from what I owe you I think I can manage.
I propose getting 8 oz of grey for socks and 4 oz of khaki which will be put with the other 4 I have and made into a pullover for you. If that is all right for you. If you would prefer to have khaki socks just let me know. And please say if you would like a long-sleeved pullover or short-sleeved. This, of course is looking ahead to next winter.
Wednesday evening
Please excuse the above scribble as that was written in about 2 minutes at the office today.
Today I went to Priors to have a look for shaving mirrors. They had none like you have at home and only those fixed to cabinets. Well now as these things might prove useless in our flat, do you think it worth while getting one or do you want one now very much. Really I am a a loss to know what to buy you as well as the book. Would you like some gramophone records? Or can you suggest something more useful? What about an alarm clock?
What do you think of the news at present. I wonder if this new cabinet will be doing things or whether it's the case of a new brook sweeps clean.
Princess Elizabeth seems to be colonel in chief of the Grenadiers now. I don't know what good that will do, do you?
Well last evening I went to Mrs Harding's flat. it's rather too large for them and their furniture looks somewhat lost. I like all this new furniture and it looked quite nice. They got out all the best crockery etc for me. Her mother is up from Rochester at present and looking round for a flat near here now. Evelyn showed me the lace which she wants to lend me. It did not look a hundred years old at all. it's dainty & fine. I expected it to fall to pieces in my hands. There are one or two holes which Evelyn is very annoyed about, but they won't show. She lent it to a friend who apparently was rather rough with it, and if I borrow it I shall have to be careful. By the way, you said you dreamt we were being married, and that you might have to wear dark glasses at the actual ceremony.
Well, as Nancy would say, if you think I can look as lovely at that you are sure to be wearing rose-coloured spectacles now and ever since you have known me.
I think I shall get an hour off on Saturday morning and go up to get my costume then. I rather want to go to Foyles or Bumpers if they are open on Saturday afternoon, and then I can look around and choose what I want with my book tokens. Shall I see if there is any credit due to you at the Ryp Van Winkle shop, it would make a cheap present for you. Did I tell you our office has bought the house next door. Yes we are growing more and more. It will make a difference for our fire watching, but when it will affect it is another matter. I don't suppose they will arrange anything definite until the end of the rota which is in May. We are fire watching next Tuesday, so we are going to celebrate Mr Davies's promotion. Do you know that it makes a difference of at aleast £7 a month? Isn't it lucky?
Well now what about your wireless set? I'm so glad you were successful & I hope by this time it can be heard through the loud speakers. You are certainly not wasting your time during this war. And no one can even say you wasted your time killing others. Mind you do not destroy yourself, you will be careful I know for my sake,
Well, all my love, hugs and kisses & everything,
Margaret
Thank you for your letter which arrived this morning. It is lovely to hear from you and know what you are doing, or have been doing. How about furnishing that cave and fixing it up with electric light before I come down at Easter?
Now I have several important things to tell you. The first is about my leave. Betty and I have discovered that it is impossible to leave any days over until next leave year so I shall have to take my day within the next months. My only suggestion to this is that I have the Saturday morning of the weekend you are home and save all that trouble of getting up early. What do you think about this? We could go out somewhere on that morning. I have just heard that we shall be getting the usual 12 days next leave year, plus an extra 4 days which should be taken separately Isn't that lovely, as of course I shall get 3 days special leave for marriage & any other leave can be taken without pay. So I don't think it will be too bad do you?
The second important thing I had to say is this – I have heard unofficially that it would be wise to buy your service wool through WVS as quickly as possible so the other day I went to WVS shop and obtained my voucher for the rest of the wool 12 oz. I should not be surprised if they stop this method of obtaining service wool. This unfortunately will run to about 9/-, but if I can deduct it from what I owe you I think I can manage.
I propose getting 8 oz of grey for socks and 4 oz of khaki which will be put with the other 4 I have and made into a pullover for you. If that is all right for you. If you would prefer to have khaki socks just let me know. And please say if you would like a long-sleeved pullover or short-sleeved. This, of course is looking ahead to next winter.
Wednesday evening
Please excuse the above scribble as that was written in about 2 minutes at the office today.
Today I went to Priors to have a look for shaving mirrors. They had none like you have at home and only those fixed to cabinets. Well now as these things might prove useless in our flat, do you think it worth while getting one or do you want one now very much. Really I am a a loss to know what to buy you as well as the book. Would you like some gramophone records? Or can you suggest something more useful? What about an alarm clock?
What do you think of the news at present. I wonder if this new cabinet will be doing things or whether it's the case of a new brook sweeps clean.
Princess Elizabeth seems to be colonel in chief of the Grenadiers now. I don't know what good that will do, do you?
Well last evening I went to Mrs Harding's flat. it's rather too large for them and their furniture looks somewhat lost. I like all this new furniture and it looked quite nice. They got out all the best crockery etc for me. Her mother is up from Rochester at present and looking round for a flat near here now. Evelyn showed me the lace which she wants to lend me. It did not look a hundred years old at all. it's dainty & fine. I expected it to fall to pieces in my hands. There are one or two holes which Evelyn is very annoyed about, but they won't show. She lent it to a friend who apparently was rather rough with it, and if I borrow it I shall have to be careful. By the way, you said you dreamt we were being married, and that you might have to wear dark glasses at the actual ceremony.
Well, as Nancy would say, if you think I can look as lovely at that you are sure to be wearing rose-coloured spectacles now and ever since you have known me.
I think I shall get an hour off on Saturday morning and go up to get my costume then. I rather want to go to Foyles or Bumpers if they are open on Saturday afternoon, and then I can look around and choose what I want with my book tokens. Shall I see if there is any credit due to you at the Ryp Van Winkle shop, it would make a cheap present for you. Did I tell you our office has bought the house next door. Yes we are growing more and more. It will make a difference for our fire watching, but when it will affect it is another matter. I don't suppose they will arrange anything definite until the end of the rota which is in May. We are fire watching next Tuesday, so we are going to celebrate Mr Davies's promotion. Do you know that it makes a difference of at aleast £7 a month? Isn't it lucky?
Well now what about your wireless set? I'm so glad you were successful & I hope by this time it can be heard through the loud speakers. You are certainly not wasting your time during this war. And no one can even say you wasted your time killing others. Mind you do not destroy yourself, you will be careful I know for my sake,
Well, all my love, hugs and kisses & everything,
Margaret
Saturday, 25 February 2012
Margaret to Tom 23.2.42
23.2.42
You have been busy, thank you for all the enclosures, and we did not have to pay excess on the packet.
It was lovely to hear you again last night, as I always say it brings us nearer. Who could think you were 200 miles away. We didn't have so long as before did we? I knew it was not your usual operator, "it" was a girl.
Well, to begin with in case I forget, I have prepared the minutes, so if you will, just put all the flowery bit you can think of into it, and if you remember any points I have not included, perhaps you will put them in for me.
Our Mr Davies has now been promoted to staff officer. He is going to remain in our branch as we have had a vacancy for some time. Of course he is very pleased about it and it dates back to Jan 9th. When I congratulated him, I said I supposed he didn't want to continue fire-watching with just C O's (clerical officers) and that he had better join Mr Sainsbury's squad. He said he'd rather leave than do that, so now they have to find some E O (executive officer) to take his place. There is some talk of D Jones coming along. I think he rather wants to. I have told you all about Donald Jones at Headquarters haven't I? He was the conscientious objector who eventually joined the Pioneers, took ill, and was kicked out of the army. Anyway i expect there are loads of people who would like to come if only they had the chance. They really do not know their fate. Fancy wanting to come here!!!!!
I am returning Bill's letter, at least I hope I have enclosed it. It's very interesting. I only hope he will always have the chance of such a quiet life while he is at Gibralta. Who is this Marjorie girl and why does she have to send her good wishes to you to Gibralta, only to be returned? You say he has not send his usual fond wishes to me, but what is that last sentence to the missus? Is that your mother or does he think that we will be married by the time you recieve his letter?
Yes, I know that Sir Stafford Cripps has been very much in the new lately. He has certainly earned his success. I often wonder where you would have been now if you had been one of his secretaries. I think, no doubt, you would have been nearer this social work than you are now. By the way, I expect you saw that Temple, Archbishop of York is now Archbishop of Canterbury (at least will be in April). He is 60 years old, but certainly a good deal younger than the other one. There is hope for England yet isn't there? The Daily Sketch mentioned that he and also the new Archbishop of York are very interested in social reform.
Whatever made you think of the "Parable of the tree"? I do hope that tree will not be yours and mine. It's good, but next time make it all new green leaves with buds just bursting forth in the clear spring sunshine. I'm collecting all these for our own "little book", so please continue.
Well now about the nursing. You are so insistent that I almost put on my hat & coat and walked out in the blackout. Well I will see what I can do, but you see, nursing in war time is so different, so many ugly sights creep into hospital life now-a days. But this you will say is merely an excuse, and I must get cracking, but I asure you I shall probably end up by being a patient myself.
Well I think I must close now so it is now 10.25 pm and I have to do some ironing before going to bed.
Tomorrow I am going to Mrs Hardings to tea. She wants to show me her lace or at least the head gear which she very much wants to lend me for our wedding. You can come under too if you want to hide from the World.
All my love & hugs and kisses.
(the last being from Shandy, very wet.)
PS My father is better thank you. Swollen knee is only rheumatism.
PPS It's very sad bout that fellow who was electrocuted. You will be careful won't you? I don't think you would do anything like that, but just in case, remember me. I am waiting for you.
PPPs If you can possibly do the minutes by next weekend, I should be pleased, I also have to prepare a secretary's report, so perhaps you can help in this please, oh, please do.
You have been busy, thank you for all the enclosures, and we did not have to pay excess on the packet.
It was lovely to hear you again last night, as I always say it brings us nearer. Who could think you were 200 miles away. We didn't have so long as before did we? I knew it was not your usual operator, "it" was a girl.
Well, to begin with in case I forget, I have prepared the minutes, so if you will, just put all the flowery bit you can think of into it, and if you remember any points I have not included, perhaps you will put them in for me.
Our Mr Davies has now been promoted to staff officer. He is going to remain in our branch as we have had a vacancy for some time. Of course he is very pleased about it and it dates back to Jan 9th. When I congratulated him, I said I supposed he didn't want to continue fire-watching with just C O's (clerical officers) and that he had better join Mr Sainsbury's squad. He said he'd rather leave than do that, so now they have to find some E O (executive officer) to take his place. There is some talk of D Jones coming along. I think he rather wants to. I have told you all about Donald Jones at Headquarters haven't I? He was the conscientious objector who eventually joined the Pioneers, took ill, and was kicked out of the army. Anyway i expect there are loads of people who would like to come if only they had the chance. They really do not know their fate. Fancy wanting to come here!!!!!
I am returning Bill's letter, at least I hope I have enclosed it. It's very interesting. I only hope he will always have the chance of such a quiet life while he is at Gibralta. Who is this Marjorie girl and why does she have to send her good wishes to you to Gibralta, only to be returned? You say he has not send his usual fond wishes to me, but what is that last sentence to the missus? Is that your mother or does he think that we will be married by the time you recieve his letter?
Yes, I know that Sir Stafford Cripps has been very much in the new lately. He has certainly earned his success. I often wonder where you would have been now if you had been one of his secretaries. I think, no doubt, you would have been nearer this social work than you are now. By the way, I expect you saw that Temple, Archbishop of York is now Archbishop of Canterbury (at least will be in April). He is 60 years old, but certainly a good deal younger than the other one. There is hope for England yet isn't there? The Daily Sketch mentioned that he and also the new Archbishop of York are very interested in social reform.
Whatever made you think of the "Parable of the tree"? I do hope that tree will not be yours and mine. It's good, but next time make it all new green leaves with buds just bursting forth in the clear spring sunshine. I'm collecting all these for our own "little book", so please continue.
Well now about the nursing. You are so insistent that I almost put on my hat & coat and walked out in the blackout. Well I will see what I can do, but you see, nursing in war time is so different, so many ugly sights creep into hospital life now-a days. But this you will say is merely an excuse, and I must get cracking, but I asure you I shall probably end up by being a patient myself.
Well I think I must close now so it is now 10.25 pm and I have to do some ironing before going to bed.
Tomorrow I am going to Mrs Hardings to tea. She wants to show me her lace or at least the head gear which she very much wants to lend me for our wedding. You can come under too if you want to hide from the World.
All my love & hugs and kisses.
(the last being from Shandy, very wet.)
PS My father is better thank you. Swollen knee is only rheumatism.
PPS It's very sad bout that fellow who was electrocuted. You will be careful won't you? I don't think you would do anything like that, but just in case, remember me. I am waiting for you.
PPPs If you can possibly do the minutes by next weekend, I should be pleased, I also have to prepare a secretary's report, so perhaps you can help in this please, oh, please do.
Thursday, 23 February 2012
Margaret to Tom 22.2.42
53 Buckingham Avenue,
Sun day 22nd February,
Thanks very much for your letter which I received in good time yesterday, but what a long time these letters take to come – I simply live for your letters and wish rather selfishly they could arrive every day.
If I can possibly do the Tennis Club thing today, I will enclose it but somehow I feel it will be rather a rush. The minutes will not be so bad as I thought because I must have had a go at it last April. Your Captain's Report is missing and I wondered if you would ever be able to lay your hands on it next time you come home.
Well yesterday we went to Barry and Deidre's flat – on block. It is a do when we all troop out together., it seems such a crowd. They have a lovely little flat and everything seems so convenient. All the time I was there I was thinking about the flat we are going to have and I wish – how I wish that day could be nearer – when you will be back at the office.
The room is sort of long and narrow about the length of Megan and Freddie's in Cheval Place (the second one I mean) only it is slightly wider. The dining room table & chairs were in one half and the fire, armchairs & settee in the other half – not forgetting the side-board. The bedroom is curtained off from the big room and they can actually get a double bed and a dressing table in there. Everything is compact. I don't think you would like the choice of furniture, because its got funny legs. It is mahogany, by the way. The mantlepiece is of oak, I think, and in the middle, below the shelf there is an electric clock in chromium and no glass, but a background of some material, anyway, the material you find in wireless sets, (probably bakelite BC) and behind the clock is the wireless set, which can be softened or made louder or switched off by a knob on the wall. The wireless is worked by a main one, so of course, Barry can only get one station, which ever is set on the main. They do not have to pay the license and altogether this is rather a good idea for young people who do not want the expense of buying one.
Well we had a very nice evening there, we sat and knitted and talked, had supper and left about 9.30.
Today I was kitchen maid as usual. It takes and awful long time to cook for five people. Tonight I'm going to try my hand at making fish cakes. I shall certainly have to study Mrs Beeton before we get married. Her book seems very good, but I don't think we shall try all her recipes for instance "hash pie" that sound's worse than sea weed doesn't it?
Well Nancy has asked me to ask a favour of you. She badly wants some suspenders (the things that hold up our stockings) and she said that as she has bought tobacco for Ron in the past, perhaps he would like to buy some of these things for her. But on second thoughts, as he is married, I think his wife would object. Now all this arose from the fact that I saw some in Swansea Woolworths and these cannot be obtained from Crawley or anywhere round here. So if you ever pay a visit to Woolworths and see these things, just think of Nancy. They are pink and all ready for sewing on to the belt, she is also anxious for some "roll ons", but before I go further I must stop.
I'm so sorry you were not feeling well last week. It was too much traveling late at night and then swotting so hard. I do hope last weekend has not spoilt your chances. It was certainly hard luck not having the test before you went.
Well now what about your Birthday? I would willingly get you the liquorice if I could see them, but the shops round here have not had any for sometime. Would you like an electric iron, or some stew pans, or a coffee service, or pyrex dish, or fruit set? I don't know what to say about a shaving mirror, because some flats already have things like that installed and we shall not want more furniture than we need. Barry's flat had a shaving mirror & cupboard fitted on to the wall. Anyway let me know what you think about it.
I'm glad you managed to do the essay alright. Your salary is larger than I thought. perhaps you will work out the income tax I shall have to pay this year and see how much we shall save by amalgamating our pay.
Poor Algy. He must be soft if he doesn't realise you are making fun of him. The sooner his wife arrives the better it will be all round.
Well I hope you had a lovely weekend. It's bitterly cold here and yesterday we had a little snow.
Shandy (the dog) sends you all his love, licks & kisses, combined with mine you must be rather wet,
Margaret
Sun day 22nd February,
Thanks very much for your letter which I received in good time yesterday, but what a long time these letters take to come – I simply live for your letters and wish rather selfishly they could arrive every day.
If I can possibly do the Tennis Club thing today, I will enclose it but somehow I feel it will be rather a rush. The minutes will not be so bad as I thought because I must have had a go at it last April. Your Captain's Report is missing and I wondered if you would ever be able to lay your hands on it next time you come home.
Well yesterday we went to Barry and Deidre's flat – on block. It is a do when we all troop out together., it seems such a crowd. They have a lovely little flat and everything seems so convenient. All the time I was there I was thinking about the flat we are going to have and I wish – how I wish that day could be nearer – when you will be back at the office.
The room is sort of long and narrow about the length of Megan and Freddie's in Cheval Place (the second one I mean) only it is slightly wider. The dining room table & chairs were in one half and the fire, armchairs & settee in the other half – not forgetting the side-board. The bedroom is curtained off from the big room and they can actually get a double bed and a dressing table in there. Everything is compact. I don't think you would like the choice of furniture, because its got funny legs. It is mahogany, by the way. The mantlepiece is of oak, I think, and in the middle, below the shelf there is an electric clock in chromium and no glass, but a background of some material, anyway, the material you find in wireless sets, (probably bakelite BC) and behind the clock is the wireless set, which can be softened or made louder or switched off by a knob on the wall. The wireless is worked by a main one, so of course, Barry can only get one station, which ever is set on the main. They do not have to pay the license and altogether this is rather a good idea for young people who do not want the expense of buying one.
Well we had a very nice evening there, we sat and knitted and talked, had supper and left about 9.30.
Today I was kitchen maid as usual. It takes and awful long time to cook for five people. Tonight I'm going to try my hand at making fish cakes. I shall certainly have to study Mrs Beeton before we get married. Her book seems very good, but I don't think we shall try all her recipes for instance "hash pie" that sound's worse than sea weed doesn't it?
Well Nancy has asked me to ask a favour of you. She badly wants some suspenders (the things that hold up our stockings) and she said that as she has bought tobacco for Ron in the past, perhaps he would like to buy some of these things for her. But on second thoughts, as he is married, I think his wife would object. Now all this arose from the fact that I saw some in Swansea Woolworths and these cannot be obtained from Crawley or anywhere round here. So if you ever pay a visit to Woolworths and see these things, just think of Nancy. They are pink and all ready for sewing on to the belt, she is also anxious for some "roll ons", but before I go further I must stop.
I'm so sorry you were not feeling well last week. It was too much traveling late at night and then swotting so hard. I do hope last weekend has not spoilt your chances. It was certainly hard luck not having the test before you went.
Well now what about your Birthday? I would willingly get you the liquorice if I could see them, but the shops round here have not had any for sometime. Would you like an electric iron, or some stew pans, or a coffee service, or pyrex dish, or fruit set? I don't know what to say about a shaving mirror, because some flats already have things like that installed and we shall not want more furniture than we need. Barry's flat had a shaving mirror & cupboard fitted on to the wall. Anyway let me know what you think about it.
I'm glad you managed to do the essay alright. Your salary is larger than I thought. perhaps you will work out the income tax I shall have to pay this year and see how much we shall save by amalgamating our pay.
Poor Algy. He must be soft if he doesn't realise you are making fun of him. The sooner his wife arrives the better it will be all round.
Well I hope you had a lovely weekend. It's bitterly cold here and yesterday we had a little snow.
Shandy (the dog) sends you all his love, licks & kisses, combined with mine you must be rather wet,
Margaret
Monday, 20 February 2012
Margaret to Tom 19.2.42 and 20.2.42
19.2.42
This part of my letter will only be short I'm afraid, as I'm very tired and ready for bed, but I thought I must start my Friday letter otherwise I shall not be able to send you a lengthy letter, as I can never say how busy I am going to be at the office.
Well, first, thank you for your letter. Of course I didn't mind it being so short. I know you must have felt tired after all that hard work. What a pity you missed such a lot over last weekend. It almost makes one wish it had been this week end, anyway I do hope you did well.
First an item of news – a juicy bit. You remember Mary Vowles and Leslie Lewin were engaged during last year, there was actually an announcement in the paper (Barnet Press) Well apparently Mary broke off the engagement just before Christmas. I don't know any more, except Mary has been in the Land Army since last July and would never go back to her old job as a telephonist. Beryl, her sister, joined the Waafs last year. You will wonder where I got all this information from. Well, Betty met Mary and Beryl last Saturday when they were home for the week end. I quite thought Mary would have been married by this time, didn't you? Now you must not go and break off our engagement, now we have bought all these lovely things – we seem to have settled the matter and not only by love.
That's a very nice letter from your Uncle Seth. It was awfully good of them to send you biscuits and sweets – now I shall not have to send you chocolate for some time shall I? If he could possibly let you have sugar and margarine, I could make it up into cakes for you – what do you think of that idea or would it be rather a nuisnace to send the things back from Swansea? Any way, I leave it to you.
This evening Ethel and I went to see the "Chocolate Soldier". It was not bad, the music was lovely, and, as you probably know, I like Nelson Eddy and his singing very much. The story was from "The Guardsman" and the music only from the "Chocolate Soldier". I think you would probably get bored with it in parts, but if you can possibly appreciate the music, you will enjoy it the whole time. I will not tell you the story in case you go and see it, but the actual story is really crazy. We did not stay to see the other picture as that was tripe. During the picture, in some of the juicy parts, I just longed for the touch of your warm hand, so I could squeeze it, but it was just not there. I do enjoy going to the pictures with you, perhaps we shall get the chance soon.
Bob rang me up tonight. He is writing to you tonight, so you should get his letter before the weekend is out. He wanted to thank me for sending his book over, I thought perhaps I had better send it, as he might be wondering what happened in the next chapter. He apparently tried to get here on Sunday to fetch it, by hitch hiking, but it turned out to be more hiking than hitching, so he called it off. He is rare isn't he? He went rambling on and on while talking to me.
Our poor Winnie was quite sad this afternoon, because her sailor,boy is off tomorrow morning and so rang up this afternnon to cancel their evening out. When she arrived back on Monday from her engagement weekend, she thought he had departed, but she had a lovely surprise on Tuesday when he rang to say he was on leave in the evening. Apparently the Navy always get sleeping out passes, so when he could get home for an evening it was a long one. What a sad world with all these partings!! Rene said we should have to install a plane on the lawn at the office so that we go in turns to Sansea and Scotland or wherever Winnie's boy friend lands.
Well goodnight for now
Your very own Margaret
(an very proud I am of that)
Friday Morning (20th February)
I have not heard from you today yet, but I really must post this letter so it arrives at Swansea tomorrow.
Well I am enclosing a list of Everyman Library books,If you have other suggestions I propose to buy 6 of these, and perhaps you will help me by selecting a few over this weekend and returning this paper as early as possible. I'm going to get six because they are 3/- each and you would like that one called "De Qunicey's reminiscences of the Lake Poets, so I shall put the extra money to it. There is quite a good selection, but I really do not know what I want. It seems to me it would be better to buy two good books than all these, but what can I get?
I have marked a few that I have not read. For instance "The Mill on the Floss" Rene says that is a book she would like to read anytime. Books that I really like do not seem to tbe there – travel books. Leslie Weatherhead "It Happened in Palestine" or do you think we have too many of his? And I like to read about the interesting lives of people and the way people in other countries live. But some of these old classics really do get me down – both the sight of the book and some of the stories, unless they are brought up to modern style. I liked the picture of David Copperfield and Great Expectations, but I'm sure I could not wade though such lengthy details as the book gives. I jsut have not the patience. But enough of this twaddle (is that spelt right?) Anything you say or suggest I will think about, Please help me, as it would be nice to get what we both like.
I must hurry, it's lunch time,
All my love,
Margaret
PS I'm taking your Uncle Seth's letter with me to see your mother & father.
This part of my letter will only be short I'm afraid, as I'm very tired and ready for bed, but I thought I must start my Friday letter otherwise I shall not be able to send you a lengthy letter, as I can never say how busy I am going to be at the office.
Well, first, thank you for your letter. Of course I didn't mind it being so short. I know you must have felt tired after all that hard work. What a pity you missed such a lot over last weekend. It almost makes one wish it had been this week end, anyway I do hope you did well.
First an item of news – a juicy bit. You remember Mary Vowles and Leslie Lewin were engaged during last year, there was actually an announcement in the paper (Barnet Press) Well apparently Mary broke off the engagement just before Christmas. I don't know any more, except Mary has been in the Land Army since last July and would never go back to her old job as a telephonist. Beryl, her sister, joined the Waafs last year. You will wonder where I got all this information from. Well, Betty met Mary and Beryl last Saturday when they were home for the week end. I quite thought Mary would have been married by this time, didn't you? Now you must not go and break off our engagement, now we have bought all these lovely things – we seem to have settled the matter and not only by love.
That's a very nice letter from your Uncle Seth. It was awfully good of them to send you biscuits and sweets – now I shall not have to send you chocolate for some time shall I? If he could possibly let you have sugar and margarine, I could make it up into cakes for you – what do you think of that idea or would it be rather a nuisnace to send the things back from Swansea? Any way, I leave it to you.
This evening Ethel and I went to see the "Chocolate Soldier". It was not bad, the music was lovely, and, as you probably know, I like Nelson Eddy and his singing very much. The story was from "The Guardsman" and the music only from the "Chocolate Soldier". I think you would probably get bored with it in parts, but if you can possibly appreciate the music, you will enjoy it the whole time. I will not tell you the story in case you go and see it, but the actual story is really crazy. We did not stay to see the other picture as that was tripe. During the picture, in some of the juicy parts, I just longed for the touch of your warm hand, so I could squeeze it, but it was just not there. I do enjoy going to the pictures with you, perhaps we shall get the chance soon.
Bob rang me up tonight. He is writing to you tonight, so you should get his letter before the weekend is out. He wanted to thank me for sending his book over, I thought perhaps I had better send it, as he might be wondering what happened in the next chapter. He apparently tried to get here on Sunday to fetch it, by hitch hiking, but it turned out to be more hiking than hitching, so he called it off. He is rare isn't he? He went rambling on and on while talking to me.
Our poor Winnie was quite sad this afternoon, because her sailor,boy is off tomorrow morning and so rang up this afternnon to cancel their evening out. When she arrived back on Monday from her engagement weekend, she thought he had departed, but she had a lovely surprise on Tuesday when he rang to say he was on leave in the evening. Apparently the Navy always get sleeping out passes, so when he could get home for an evening it was a long one. What a sad world with all these partings!! Rene said we should have to install a plane on the lawn at the office so that we go in turns to Sansea and Scotland or wherever Winnie's boy friend lands.
Well goodnight for now
Your very own Margaret
(an very proud I am of that)
Friday Morning (20th February)
I have not heard from you today yet, but I really must post this letter so it arrives at Swansea tomorrow.
Well I am enclosing a list of Everyman Library books,If you have other suggestions I propose to buy 6 of these, and perhaps you will help me by selecting a few over this weekend and returning this paper as early as possible. I'm going to get six because they are 3/- each and you would like that one called "De Qunicey's reminiscences of the Lake Poets, so I shall put the extra money to it. There is quite a good selection, but I really do not know what I want. It seems to me it would be better to buy two good books than all these, but what can I get?
I have marked a few that I have not read. For instance "The Mill on the Floss" Rene says that is a book she would like to read anytime. Books that I really like do not seem to tbe there – travel books. Leslie Weatherhead "It Happened in Palestine" or do you think we have too many of his? And I like to read about the interesting lives of people and the way people in other countries live. But some of these old classics really do get me down – both the sight of the book and some of the stories, unless they are brought up to modern style. I liked the picture of David Copperfield and Great Expectations, but I'm sure I could not wade though such lengthy details as the book gives. I jsut have not the patience. But enough of this twaddle (is that spelt right?) Anything you say or suggest I will think about, Please help me, as it would be nice to get what we both like.
I must hurry, it's lunch time,
All my love,
Margaret
PS I'm taking your Uncle Seth's letter with me to see your mother & father.
Sunday, 19 February 2012
Tom to Margaret 19.2.1942
Thank you for your letter, which arrived today. I'm sorry your father is still unwell – will you give him my best wishes please? I hope he'll soon be feeling better.
Tonight I have been out for the first time since arriving here on Monday morning! I haven't been feeling terrifically well this week – probably owing to the mid-night journey, followed by too much "swatting". However, I'm feeling better tonight , hence the walk. I went to the sea, though not to Mumbles – only Swansea Bay. It was quite nice though, as there was a moon, but very cold, as it has been ever since I came back.
It's bad luck Richard going into the infantry – do you know which regiment it is? Yes, I've heard of these intelligence tests & once read (or partially read) a book on the subject, I think they're pretty good, & a reliable test of intelligence.
Fancy sleeping through an alarm!
The only thing I could think of as an alternative to a shaving mirror was a quarter pound of liquorice allsorts, but I'll try and think again.
Today there was quite a big post awaiting me at tea time – your letter, my essay from Ruskin College, & the statement of my account from the War Office. The remark on my essay this time was "some very good points; well expressed", so that's alright.
The financial statement I haven't really examined yet. My salary is now £221, as I thought, at present I am having some money (9d per day) knocked off my civil pay and not being paid to me by the army, so this (since November) will have been accumulating in my army credit. I think there should be quite a large amount in that now, and as soon as I get the chance, I'll find out just how much there is.
The bloke who didn't arrive back from his week end leave is now back, having been delayed on account of his sister, who was apparently taken very ill while he was at home.
We haven't had the marks from our exam, & it looks as if we shan't do now. {Perhaps "ignorance is bliss").
Today we managed to get our wireless all wired up ready for reception, Unfortunately, we were unable to get hold of a pair of ear phones, so couldn't try it to see if it worked, but we hope to do so tomorrow. Then we start adding more things to it, it being a bigger & more powerful set.
Our Algy is still here, but we are hoping (very much) that he is going to his wife on Saturday. To make sure, we have invented "Gwyllym" in imaginary cousin of Esme's, who is coming here to take Algy's place on Saturday. At dinner time today, we talked about "Gwyllym" for about half an hour, so that we are almost beginning to believe in him ourselves. Tomorrow we are borrowing a suit case from one of the lads, & we are putting it in our bedroom, & going to tell Algy that it is Gwyllym's luggage (or part of it) sent in advance! So that ought to shift him!
Well, Margaret, there's no more news. I'm working terribly hard, & so the time is going quickly. Each day that goes brings our marriage a day nearer, & already it seems much nearer than when we talked of it a month ago. I am so looking forward to it.
I'm writing this letter so I can post it in good time to reach you on Saturday, & not have such a sad do as a fortnight ago. If possible I'll ring you on Sunday between 8 & 9.
Goodnight, look after yourself,
All my love,
Your own,Tom
Tonight I have been out for the first time since arriving here on Monday morning! I haven't been feeling terrifically well this week – probably owing to the mid-night journey, followed by too much "swatting". However, I'm feeling better tonight , hence the walk. I went to the sea, though not to Mumbles – only Swansea Bay. It was quite nice though, as there was a moon, but very cold, as it has been ever since I came back.
It's bad luck Richard going into the infantry – do you know which regiment it is? Yes, I've heard of these intelligence tests & once read (or partially read) a book on the subject, I think they're pretty good, & a reliable test of intelligence.
Fancy sleeping through an alarm!
The only thing I could think of as an alternative to a shaving mirror was a quarter pound of liquorice allsorts, but I'll try and think again.
Today there was quite a big post awaiting me at tea time – your letter, my essay from Ruskin College, & the statement of my account from the War Office. The remark on my essay this time was "some very good points; well expressed", so that's alright.
The financial statement I haven't really examined yet. My salary is now £221, as I thought, at present I am having some money (9d per day) knocked off my civil pay and not being paid to me by the army, so this (since November) will have been accumulating in my army credit. I think there should be quite a large amount in that now, and as soon as I get the chance, I'll find out just how much there is.
The bloke who didn't arrive back from his week end leave is now back, having been delayed on account of his sister, who was apparently taken very ill while he was at home.
We haven't had the marks from our exam, & it looks as if we shan't do now. {Perhaps "ignorance is bliss").
Today we managed to get our wireless all wired up ready for reception, Unfortunately, we were unable to get hold of a pair of ear phones, so couldn't try it to see if it worked, but we hope to do so tomorrow. Then we start adding more things to it, it being a bigger & more powerful set.
Our Algy is still here, but we are hoping (very much) that he is going to his wife on Saturday. To make sure, we have invented "Gwyllym" in imaginary cousin of Esme's, who is coming here to take Algy's place on Saturday. At dinner time today, we talked about "Gwyllym" for about half an hour, so that we are almost beginning to believe in him ourselves. Tomorrow we are borrowing a suit case from one of the lads, & we are putting it in our bedroom, & going to tell Algy that it is Gwyllym's luggage (or part of it) sent in advance! So that ought to shift him!
Well, Margaret, there's no more news. I'm working terribly hard, & so the time is going quickly. Each day that goes brings our marriage a day nearer, & already it seems much nearer than when we talked of it a month ago. I am so looking forward to it.
I'm writing this letter so I can post it in good time to reach you on Saturday, & not have such a sad do as a fortnight ago. If possible I'll ring you on Sunday between 8 & 9.
Goodnight, look after yourself,
All my love,
Your own,Tom
Saturday, 18 February 2012
Tom to Margaret 18.2.1942
Thank you for your letter which arrived today. How nice to be able to celebrate someone's engagement! Didn't it make you feel quite old? Well Swansea's just the same. I've been working harder than ever last night, I was busy revising for the exam. The paper contained 3 (out of 11) questions on new work done over the week end, so I had to use my imagination on them. I don't think I did too badly though, but I don't expect to get full marks this time, I'm afraid. If we hear the result before noon tomorrow, I'll put a P. S. on and tell you. Just after I'd written to you yesterday, the postman arrived here & brought a parcel for me. I wondered who ever it could be from, & to my surprise found it was from My Uncle Seth. He sent me a whole lot of chocolate biscuits and some toffee & chocolate. Isn't it nice of him? If I can remember I will enclose his letter. Will you please return it when you've read it, so I can send it home. Mildred (Ron's wife) is coming to Swansea on Friday next week, so I feel very envious of him, & the fellow whose wife works in an insurance office (Wafy) had his wife here over the week end. One of the lads who went away for the weekend isn't back yet. He went to Blackpool, so I should think he must be ill or something. Shall I catch something infectious when I come again? I hope you enjoy the picture. I wish I could come with you to see it. Fancy Ethel getting keen on pictures! Has she found out what Richard's going into yet? Now I must stop. I feel absolutely tired out, having been working since immediately after tea until 10.00 pm. I can't afford to miss lectures at this stage, as I could in the early part of the course. Forgive such a short letter, but I feel so tired, & you can imagine all the other things I'd say if I could! Goodnight, Your own. Tom
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