Reg WARD's wartime letters 19 May 1940 - 3 Sep 1941
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4805489 Pte W.R.Ward
15 Squad. R2 COY
I.T.C. New Barracks
Lincoln
19.3.40
Dear Joan & all,
Well, here we are all complete with the little hats cocked on one
side. Life in barracks is not so bad when you get settled down to it. In
fact, I am rather beginning to like it, plenty of time off but when you
are on parade it's "Come on, come on" all the time. I have only been out
of the barracks once up to now and I cannot say I have formed a high
opinion of Lincoln. It's a rather dirty, poverty stricken looking place
mainly although the High street is good. There are several hostels and
clubs for the troops in the town and you can enjoy yourself quite well in
there; get plenty of grub cheap and any amount of games. From the barrack
window as I write I can see the cathedral. It looks a wonderful place.
And now to come to every soldier's favourite grouse - the food. Well
it's good and there is plenty of it if you are not afraid to grab, but the
way in which you have to sit and eat! At tea, no plates is the order of
the day. Still, I can eat all mine and if someone does not eat his, I eat
it for him.
I hope everyone is as well as possible and that I shall be hearing
from you before long. Note 15 Squad. There is a Ward in 5 squad and it
is possible for letters to get crossed.
Cheerio and all the best,
Reg.
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4805498 Pte W.R.Ward
15 Squad. R2 COY
I.T.C. New Barracks
Lincoln
6.4.40
Dear Joan,
Many thanks for your letter which I know I ought to have replied to
before. Lincoln looks much better now; the sun is shining and the place
looks much better and cleaner for it. I went to see the Ellis's the
other day or, rather, evening and they made me very welcome. I am
thinking of going again tomorrow evening. The new barracks are on the
Burton Road. You know Spring Hill, the very steep one - well you turn
left at the top. The barracks overlook the Racecourse. Of course, it's a
good distance off. We saw the Lincoln Handicap, Gordon Richards on the
winner in front and,by gad, they can move.
The cathedral tower is closed for the duration of the war and both
times we have gone, the cathedral has been locked up.
How do we know what the N.C.Os.are yelling about? The answer is it's
partly guess work and if it's something unusual, he has already told us
what to expect before he yells out.
Well I've no news that I can think of so I may as well dry up.
So cheerio, and all the best,
Yours,
Reg.
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New address: 4805498 Pte W.R.Ward
6 Platoon I.T.C.
Stores Park
Lincoln Lincoln
Tuesday night
14.5.40
Dear Joanna,
Thanks very much for your long and newsy letter. From what you have
written I get a fine picture of what home is looking like now; but you
have set me a job if you expect a reply in as lengthy a manner. I am
afraid I am mentally incapable of such a job.
I enclose a couple of photos. I know I look like a chink, but you
need not enlarge on the fact. Now, what about making a swap, one of
yours, any one you have by you, in exchange.
I expected that you would have to work over the "holidays". I know we
have. Reveille has been at 4 a.m. So you can guess what life has been
like. We have not been out of barracks since Thursday and the place is
sickening after that length of time. However, we move tomorrow and I will
put my new address at the end of this letter. It will be Stores Park,
somewhere quite near Ellis's. By the way I went there a week last Sunday
but they were out.
Will finish tomorrow ----
Joanna, we have flitted now and are shaking down in our new quarters. The
accommodation is awful. Imagine Wirksworth Town Hall dance room, only
twice as wide with 600 men sleeping in it and you will have a fairly good
idea what space we have got. The beds are made of 3 9" boards and stand
about 5 inches from the concrete floor. They are about 4 inches apart and
the space between the rows is 9". The place was condemned in the last war
and has since been used as a joiner's shop for making sectional buildings.
It was originally an aeroplane hangar. The roof is in a very poor
condition and rains in, but as long as the wind does not get in the east,
I should be able to keep dry enough. I understand that during the winter
it was not unusual to find two or three inches of snow on your bed.
Several chaps could not stand up to it and pegged out. I think I have
groused enough now so I will try and come onto a lighter subject.
You say you may be coming to Lincoln for your holidays. When are
they? I don't know when I shall be coming over - not for a while as I
expect you know all leave is cancelled for the present. still, the time
will soon pass and I shall see you and Carson again.
Jack Higton was in France when I was over and I bet his mother is
worrying herself about him. It seems funny that Les Milner and Frank
Bacon have heard nothing yet. You will have seen in the paper that the
German aliens have been rounded up. We had some brought to barracks.
They looked a harmless enough crowd.
Ink and news have both run out so I will await your next letter.
Don't let it be too long and don't forget the photo.
Until we meet again, Yours, Reg
[Note: Dunkirk May 1940
All troops were confined to barracks during the evacuation of Dunkirk,
a state of emergency prevailed.]
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Lincoln
Friday night
Dear Joanna.
I don't know if you will receive this as I hardly expect that under
present circumstances you will come. In any case I may not be able to get
out as at present there is no pass roll. We are getting called out at all
times during the day and night and we are expecting going out at midnight
tonight, so there won't be much sleep again tonight. We were up at 1.30
this morning and 3 a.m. yesterday and I am tired out.
I am hoping against hope that the pass roll will commence again this
weekend but I think it is doubtful. Still, you know that I shall chase
myself to you if it is possible. There is one thing though, you might
come to the barracks. I DO NOT wish you to do this. I know the remarks
which are passed about any pretty girl who appears here and you mean too
much to me to have that happen. Still, it's no use meeting trouble
halfway, so here's hoping for the best.
Congratulations on the new job. You will find it OK once you have got
used to it and to AJ's manner.
Sat. afternoon
Of course, all this would happen this weekend. We were able to get
out until Wednesday. Still, I am the same as scores of others, I know.
It would be grand to wander around Lincoln with you, though. It's a
devil knowing that you are so near now and not being able to get out to
see you, but there is just a chance that pass roll may be started again.
If not, I suppose it will be all the better for waiting for. Still,
that's poor consolation.
How long are you staying with Mrs Ellis? You don't say in your
letter. And have you got a photo or a snap for me yet? Please let me
know as soon as you can.
Well, here's hoping for the best. Cheerio and have a good time. You
may be a long time getting another holiday.
Yours Reg
Note: Mrs Ellis & I went to Stores Park on Saturday afternoon, told the NCO
on the gate who we wanted to see & had to wait outside until they found
him. We were then ushered into a leanto shed on one side of the gate with
lots of other soldiers & their families etc. Felt a bit like cattle!
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Lincoln
Sat. night
Joanna dear,
Since seeing you this afternoon, I have thought of nothing and no one else
so I picked up this sheet of paper on the spur of the moment, and am now
wondering what I can say. Knowing that you are so near and yet so far
away seems rough luck, doesn't it, but pass roll may start again and then
for an hour or so we may be perfectly happy.
It's nearly time for lights out, so goodnight, will complete tomorrow.
Goodnight my dear,
Reg.
Sunday and no change whatever. I missed church parade this morning and so
am here doing nothing for an hour or two, but shall have plenty on soon.
It's a great morning and reminds me of the hot Sundays on the hill last
summer; remember 'em? The only thing to do now seems to be to go and lie
in the sun for a while. I don't suppose that I shall be able to post this
today. I have just been into the canteen for some stamps and, as usual,
they have not got any.
Monday, and still no pass roll, but it's post time so Goodnight darling,
your Reg.
Am on outlying picket Wednesday night so no chance of getting Wednesday.
Note: On Monday night Reg came to Ellis's about 7pm. I told him that
I'd had a letter from mum & that Mr Gandy, from my new firm Geo Marsden &
Son, wanted me to start work earlier so I had to go back tomorrow. He
said that they were moving from Lincoln tomorrow so it was his last chance
to see me tonight. Stayed with me at Ellis's, had something to eat & we
left about 9.30, walked back with him as far as the end of the road
leading to Stores Park. Double summer time, bright sunshine at 9.30 - 10pm.
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4805498 Pte W.R.Ward
1 Platoon, B Coy,
50th Lincolns, Park Road,
Holbeach, Lincs
Thursday evening
Joanna dear,
Yes, we have moved, as you will see from the above. It's canvas, in a
park, and a grand spot, but the work spoils it and the grub is a marvel.
Out of five meals, we have had four of bread and potted meat, the other
was hot. I have just come in after being on guard 24 hours and tomorrow
we begin another 24. We stand to at 9 tonight and 3 in the morning about
4 hours sleep and it will be the first we have had since Monday, except
for an odd hour now and then - about 4 altogether.
How is the job going down? OK, I hope. Will you please give them my
address as Mr Gandy sends me the Derbyshire Times each week.
I saw the tulip fields (of course the flowers were dead) at Spalding
when we were there and they must be a wonderful sight when they are out.
The hay is nearly all got and they are getting the potatoes up, I saw as
we came along.
Well, darling, there does not seem to be much more news. The address
should be good for a week and possibly longer. So for the present,
Goodnight dearest. Your
Reg.
Moved again, now 4805498 Pte W.R.Ward
D Coy. 6th Seaforth Highlanders,
Dolgaty Camp, Turriff
Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
P.S. What a pity kilts are no longer worn, but we look like getting a tam
o'shanter.
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Address as before
Too long to write again
Sunday
Joanna dear,
I am having a busy time. This makes eight letters this afternoon -
what a day! It has done nothing but rain since yesterday and has kept us
in our tents all day. Perhaps it's as well or all those other letters
would not have got written.
Well, darling, Scotland is a lot better than Lincoln was before you
turned up there. The hills are huge, the sun very hot and the nights very
cold. Darkness only lasts an hour though.
The colours here would delight you, Joanna. Kilts made of beautiful
materials, plaid trousers and coloured hats. Our cap for work is Khaki
Balmoral but the dress hat is red and blue check Glengarry, but I don't
think we get issued with them.
How is everything at home? More evacuees I see. How long will they
stop this time, and soldiers billeted on you! Don't forget me altogether
in this mad world of Carson, will you.
I demand a pen picture of this teacher you hint at. If she is
anything like our Rev. friend, she should form a picturesque part of the
landscape.
Turriff is about like Wirksworth or perhaps a bit less. There is a
cinema, a canteen and at least a dozen chemists. I have never seen so
many chemists to the square yard as there are here. Lord knows how they
all make a living though.
Scotch heather is in bud, the broom looks lovely, but it cannot come
up to Carson.
Well, sweetheart, until we meet again, Goodbye and God bless ye. Your
Reg
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4805498 Pte W.R.Ward
D Coy. 6th Seaforth Highlanders,
Doune, Perthshire.
Sunday 7.7.40
Joanna dear,
Once again we have moved and we expect to be off again this week
sometime.
Doune is an awful little place, two pubs, no cinema and nothing at
all. The scenery here is really wonderful - all hills and valleys. The
mountains seem to rise to the sky and the streams are all loose shale and
pebbles exactly as you see on a photo, only more so. The river Teith flows
by the bottom of the camp; fish abound in it, some of them big salmon. I
understand the biggest one that has been got out up to now was 44lbs. As
I write, a lad from the next tent has just come to show us an eel about
2½ft long he has caught. He is off to the cookhouse with it now.
There is a very big old castle here. We have not been in it yet, but
expect to go there on an Anti Aircraft post tomorrow.
We went on a route march yesterday, round Dunblane and over the
heather. It looks grand now. The bell heather is in full flower.
It's no use trying to describe the scenery; it just isn't possible.
No postcard or picture can give you any idea of the vastness or beauty of
it. It seems to be in huge sweeps of hills.
What's Carson like now? I expect the gardens are a show and everyone
is busy in the hay. They are being held up by the rain here and when it
does start, there are no half measures about it. It comes down in sheets.
We are quite near Stirling here. I have not been yet (and it is
doubtful I shall go now) but I hear it is a very nice place.
You seem to be having a queer crowd dumped on you now what with
evacuees and those queer farm hands. It must seem a bit more lively than
before.
I wish you were here. The whole place would delight you and if I were
with you, I should enjoy it more than I do now.
Until we meet again, Goodbye sweetheart, Your
Reg
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4805498 Pte W.R.Ward
D Coy. 6th Seaforth Highlanders,
Callender, Perthshire.
16.7.40
Joanna dear,
Sorry I have been such a long time answering your letter. Still, as
you start letters and scrap them, I suppose you will allow me to do the
same.
You seem to be having a busy time what with swapping evacuees and
callers. Still, I reckon it's all in a day's work.
So Keith has gone to Bath now, has he. You will be able to sleep
fairly often in that little office of yours now.
You certainly surprise me with your news of Olive joining the WAAFS.
She is about the last person I should have expected to do so.
Don't think that because there is another new address to this letter
that we have moved again. This is the address of the field post office,
the tiny local one being unable to cope with the volume of mail which
pours into Doune.
No, there a re no ghosts in Doune Castle, but it was a job going up
the spiral staircase and over the castle roof at one o'clock in the
morning. There were several rooms and passages branching off and one chap
got lost. We did not have to strike a light, you see.
Miss Pattin and her cigarettes! I received them OK, but as there was
no note or anything other than a G.M & S envelope to go by, I thought that
they must have come from Mr Gandy and so I wrote and thanked him for them.
I will write to Miss Pattin and explain tomorrow; so you might mention my
error to her.
I went (dry again) to Stirling on Sat. night. It's quite a nice
place but not very large. We did not get up to the castle and had to
dodge some Red Caps as we were out of bounds.
When the next move will be, I don't know. We seem a bit more settled
now than a few days ago.
When is your birthday, Joanna? I have asked you often enough but have
yet to receive a real reply. Let me know when you write again.
Yesterday, we had a route march, about 15 miles and Scotch roads can
be the devil. I understand we have one tomorrow which is to last 24
hours. How far we shall go and how many of us will finish it, I don't
know. One man fell out with appendicitis yesterday and the M.O. we have
here is useless.
Well, darling, I think that's about all for now, so cheerio for the
present. It will be Heaven when we meet again.
Your
Reg
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Same address
Friday & Saturday
Joanna dear,
Well you do seem to be down in the dumps, I certainly shall tell you
not to be such an ass. Perhaps this is hardly the correct or a nice way
to commence a letter to the little girl at home but you asked for it you
know.
Now we will bring the letter into normal channels by talking about the
weather. The weather has been awful but at the moment the sun is shining
and you would not think it had ever rained.
The heather on the moors is just coming out, it should be a grand show
soon. I am enclosing a bit of the purple, the white is not out yet but I
will try and find a piece sometime. I enclose half a dozen postcards of
the surrounding district, they may give you some idea of the country here,
but they can give you no idea of the vastness and the ruggedness of the
hills. The only things that seem able to exist on these hills seem to be
grouse and sheep and, believe me, there are hundreds of sheep. You know
the kind I mean, those with the big curly horns.
You see the one showing Ben Ledi from the battlements? That is where
I am sitting at the moment. If I turn round I can see Stirling Castle in
the distance.
Eric Smith has not been at the Depot long. I wonder how he likes
Stores Park. Personally, I prefer canvas, even in wet weather. The lads
of Carson seem to be getting called up quickly now. Glasgow is a long way
from home to start with though.
Darkness is drawing in so Goodnight sweetheart and keep smiling until
we hold each other again.
Your Reg
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Callender, Perthshire
Sunday
Joanna dear,
I will start this letter tonight even though I have no intentions of
finishing it yet.
I am glad you liked the cards. They were not too good but it seems
that they have conveyed some idea of Perthshire to you. You are making
one big mistake though when you say I shan't want to come home. You know
that I think Carson the best of all places and you also know that I am
wanting to get home to you.
How are Mr & Mrs Ellis? I am glad Dad met them. They are grand folk.
Miss Pattin's resignation would certainly come as a bombshell. It
will shake AJ up a lot, I know. She has been more of an institution than
an employee and her leaving will make a big difference all round.
Dad tells me that the Social was a success from the financial point of
view, even if it was not as good as it might have been, as you suggest.
The moors look fine now. I keep looking for some white heather but
I'm hanged if I can find any. If we were back at Turriff the moors would
be covered with it, but here it's very rare.
That's all for tonight, darling, so Goodnight sweetheart,
Reg
Monday evening
Joanna,
I am terribly sorry to have to write this but I cannot send anything
for your birthday. I hope to be able to this weekend. You see we are in
camp all this week and I cannot get out. Doune is such a little place and
the one shop where you can get anything contains nothing but utter
rubbish. I am trying to get a little necklace or whatever they are and I
went for it only to find he had only cumbersome ugly things which were too
heavy looking for you, so I decided to wait a few days and try either
Dunblane or Stirling. I hope you will not mind dearest.
Today has been another grand day. We have been out on the moors again
and everything seems so beautiful and peaceful.
Well there does not seem to be anything more than to wish you the
happiest of birthdays, knowing that it would be even happier if we could
be together, so again many happy returns.
Goodnight sweetheart, Reg
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Same address
Sunday
Joanna dearest,
Thanks very much for the letter. I enclose a small present. I know
it isn't much but I hope you will like it.
Today is glorious. We have just come off church parade and so I took
the opportunity of writing before they find me something else to do. You
say the weather has been good. In that case I reckon you have certainly
had your photo taken recently. Please send me one snap at any rate, the
old one is getting worn out with looking at.
I did not know that you had one of our kittens. I believe Dad wrote
that the old cat had been run over recently. Like Nipper's ducks and
various other creatures, they are born and gone and I have never seen
them.
What mug was it who shot Harold Pearson and Mr Gandy? Some careless
blighter who has been chucked out of the LDV I expect. It's quite
possible that he was a Wirksworth councillor - it's the kind of thing any
one of them is capable of. Still, HG was very lucky and it's a good job
it was no worse.
How do you like sales? Furniture sales used to bore me stiff; old
junk at about an average of 1/6 per lot and the same nosey gang of old
women turning everything over first to see how they kept things and then
again the endless relations who always foregather in the doorway which you
want to use. The most effective way of dealing with the latter I always
found was to tread heavily on their toes. Farm sales I always enjoyed but
furniture sales! I can still smell them.
An interesting set of people seem to be passing through your house
now, especially the peculiar girl you last mentioned. She certainly
sounds as if she is a dark horse. Farley Moors bring back a good many
memories. Perhaps you don't know but at one time I used to go and stay at
Farley House and I can remember the heather, the grouse and the bilberrys
up there. In fact, when we first came up here a chap from Ashover said to
me that it reminded him of Farley Moor and over by the Flash. I have not
been successful in finding any white heather yet, but I keep hoping and
looking. I may be lucky sometime.
The pipes have just begun their mournful song again. A pipe band
sounds grand I know but one set of pipes gives us all the willies. That
is all but a few Highland Macs who sit back and listen as if it were the
sweetest music. Perhaps it is to them but to us - well, we just wish they
would blow up.
By the way darling, who is posting your letters for you these days. I
enclose the envelope, it looks to me as if it's Brown. See if he has any
mauve ink and if I am right in my supposition please tell him that I am
going to speak to him about it when I next lay my hands on him. I suppose
you know what S.W.A.L.K means. In case not, it's "sealed with a loving
kiss". Well dearest I can believe that you would think that way but I
just can't see you writing it on the envelope. You have far too much
common sense for that and in any case it's not your writing. This
envelope is exactly the same as the previous one.
Please darling, let me have that snap and wear the doin's occasionally
until I can put my arms round you instead.
Goodbye sweetheart,
Reg.
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Same address
19.8.40
Joanna dear,
I seem to have neglected writing somehow. I have two letters and a
parcel to make up, I believe, so I had better take them in rotation or I
shall be missing something.
Thanks ever so much for the parcel. It was a comprehensive one; that
cake, who made it, you? it was grand. When anyone receives a cake in our
tent we always share up and it was voted the best cake ever by everyone.
I am glad you liked the necklet, I was a bit afraid to trust my taste in
that kind of thing.
You forgot to enclose the photo, even if the light was bad I should
like it so please don't forget it next time. There seem to be quite a
number of folk at Thornhill House these days and I expect you are all
fairly busy. It's a good job, lets hope it keeps up. I am surprised you
have not been pulled out of the office with work this last week or so.
Still. that's all to the good. How do you get on with my old sparring
partner T. Turner. You will have more to do with him now, the best way to
deal with him is to tell him off occasionally.
Yes, I knew Bob Harrison; he has been unwell for some time. I think
he had diabetes. I expect that it will mean a sale so trust A.J. to be at
the funeral. The crops here seem to be more forward than at home, nearly
all the corn is cut and what remains is ripe.
How did I spend my birthday? - by going on a route march and
forgetting all about it until dinner time. Some birthday! - Oh yes and by
receiving, amongst other things, Income Tax papers.
It's funny to think of old Chris with a rifle, never mind watch him.
I bet he is a mess. Who shot H Pearson and HG? and in any case, what was
a faulty rifle doing out? They certainly keep 'em at Wirksworth.
Well, darling, I have five letters to answer and we are working
tomorrow so please excuse the briefness of this one and LET ME HAVE THAT
PHOTO,
Goodnight my dearest,
Reg.
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Same address
25.8.40
Joanna dear,
Yes, I do know the paper and envelope but I can't say anything because
I always did the same. Perhaps the only difference was that I always used
his stamps as well. I don't suppose you do.
We have had a fairly easy week. We were out for a couple of days and
saw quite a lot of Perthshire, it's beautiful. We got into the Highlands
proper and unless you see it, you can have no idea of the steepness of the
hills and the grandeur of the whole countryside. The houses are good and
the old ones are always white washed and the roofs covered with pantiles.
The effect of a few rambler roses against the old whitewashed walls make a
picture lovelier than can be seen on paper. I only hope that someday,
after all this is over, that you and I can see it together, darling. With
you it would be ten times better.
I have received a letter from Mr and Mrs Ellis, they seem to have
enjoyed their stay at Carson very much and they also seem to have taken a
great fancy to Eric and Maggie Smith.
Miss Pattin seems to have chosen a bad spot to work in, but I am glad
that Rolls Royce did not get hit. We very rarely see or hear anything of
Jerry or as we call him "Alleman".
Of course I don't mind you going to dances with Mr Warner or for that
matter any other decent old (or otherwise) cove. I know that your kisses
are reserved for me. So get it out of your head that I object to you
enjoying yourself in any way. The only thing I want more than being with
you is that you shall be happy.
AJ seems to be up to his old tricks again. The best thing is to let
his troubles go in at one ear and out at the other. HG and J.Mac you
will get on alright with, I expect. What about J.Mac's queer little
speeches. I expect they shock you a bit at times but all the same, no-one
can help being amused when he is around.
I seem to be writing more than usual, have you got as far as this?
Thornhill seems to be a busy place these days. By the way, how is our
old reverend and bewhiskered friend going on?
I had heard that Hilda and Keith had got a son. I expect they are all
very proud and pleased about it. Dad mentioned it in his last letter. I
have not heard anything from Keith since he got the new job. That was
when I was at Stores Park. I expect he has been very busy in different
ways lately. I have written to them and as I said it was a devil of a
long time since I heard from him, I expect I shall have a letter soon.
Well, dearest, I can't think of anything more so Goodbye darling, Keep
smiling, Yours
Reg
PS One thing, I said any decent old (or otherwise) cove. On reading over,
I see it's very ambiguous but I know you will read it as I meant it i.e.
the age only.
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Same address
4.9.40
Joanna darling,
It's a miserable wet Wednesday night so if I sound a bit fed up, let
me off.
I am glad you are getting to a few dances now, keep it up. Times are
a bit jading and it's sometimes good to be able to forget yourself for a
few hours. By the way, who are the two Bartley boys - the name is not
familiar to me?
I have received a letter from Dad. You seem to be getting plenty of
air raids and from what he says there is more trouble amongst the ARP
wallas than with the planes.
So you have started reading Waverley novels, have you? I read them
all once and if you can get interested in them, they are quite good.
Their chief trouble is that they are so long winded in the descriptions.
They have just started a new gag here. The piper goes round playing
each meal time and at reveille and lights out. These wretched pipes are
terrible, they just wail. The only thing I can think of to liken them to
is the call of the curlew at night. You know the long drawn out wail that
makes as well as I do. As if this is not enough, they are going to teach
some of the chaps to play. Well, darling, a trained piper is awful so I
can't think how a learner will be.
I like your pen picture of Ted Webster chasing around blowing a
whistle. I bet he does puff and say "Huh". Still, the warnings seem to
have little effect on you. When I get home I shall be the most ignorant
person on air raids in the village.
"When I come home", that raises the thought of leave. Well, I shall
be home sometime within 8 or 9 weeks. I understand that the names are to
be drawn from the hat so it may be soon or it may be a fairly long time.
Still it's worth something to know that it is coming, though it is rather
hard to watch others going whilst you go on with the old grind for another
week.
You seem to get on well with all at 21 Market Place. I thought you
would take a liking to J.Mac and HG, no-one can help it. By the bye, this
camp is full of Macs of one variety or another. I should think about 10%
are Macs and they are all differently named, good chaps too.
The Carson fathers seem very busy with their Home Guard. They are
very keen on it and it must be no joke on Carson hill at night.
You and Stan had money pinched! I should have thought that
impossible at Carson. What is the place coming to. Has it been pinned on
anyone yet - the miserable swine.
Well dearest I had better close down, so for a little longer,
goodnight my darling and write back soon and enclose if possible a decent
photo. That last one was even worse than you made it out to be. Serves
me right I suppose.
Goodnight sweetheart,
Reg
P.S. Dad tells me you are taking a photo of mother's grave so you have no
excuse.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Same address
12.9.40
Joanna darling,
Thursday, sunny but cold and windy, the usual late summer day for
Scotland, I think. Anyhow a nice easy day with no work to do and so a
good time to catch up with a few letters.
For the moment, sweetheart, leave is cancelled. It would be and I was
due home in only three weeks time when it was stopped and so we have to
wait still longer. Never mind. I don't suppose it will be for long and
the time between will soon slip by.
Yes, I expect autumn will be almost on us in a week or two and it's
only then that Carson seems to wake to its full beauty. The things that
always stick in my mind about autumn are those beech trees at the bottom
of the Dene and one thorntree at the foot of Renshaw's hill. I hardly
think you will know it but in autumn it goes all colours from bright red
to gold. It's funny how these little things stick in your mind.
The weather must certainly be very dry with you. There is no lack of
rain here. These mountain burns soon rise and fall after a heavy shower -
the one which I'm sitting by now sometimes rises as much as a foot in half
an hour and a day or so later goes down again just as quickly.
The Home Guards seem very busy these days and they must be very keen.
I have been out a good many nights and know what it's like. Still there
have been times when we have just laid down on the moors at night and gone
to sleep. When you wake in a morning you feel frozen to death and when
you look around and see the white frost on the grass, you feel even
colder.
So Olive is still trying to "join up" is she; the best thing she can
do is keep out. From what I have seen of the WAAFs & so on is that they
are not a decent lot & in any case a barracks of any kind is no place for
a woman, especially one like Olive.
Let me know if you like poultry sales. I used to, but then I knew
nearly all the people there and so could join in with them, much as you
see Tom Else do.
I am getting quite used to the pipes now and have got past the stage
of actively disliking them. In fact, I quite like to hear "Sleep, laddie,
sleep" at 10.30 each night. As one gets used to them, one begins to
understand them and I suppose that will eventually lead to appreciating
them.
Dad tells me that you have taken a snap of mother's grave and stone.
I suppose you will let me have one and as the camera seems to have been
busy let me have one of you. That other one - well the less said about it
the better- at any rate the likeness was anything but a good one.
The heather is dying now and I have been unable to find even a sprig
of white. Well, that can't be helped. I only hope that I am not here to
look for any next year.
That's about all, so Goodnight my love.
Reg.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Same address
Wednesday
Sweetheart,
I have again two letters to answer and one of them a fairly long one,
so here goes.
First of all, thanks very much for those snaps. They are really good
and are very clear (I nearly said plain but that will not do at all). Dad
sent me some and I guess they are the ones you took for him. Whilst we
are on the subject, did I see a difference between those lips or do mine
eyes deceive me?
I expected you would like a poultry sale. They are always more
friendly than furniture sales. The fowls seem to fetch a good price but
of course they always fetch more at this time of year.
Thornhill seems to be full for the duration now. I don't wonder for
Carson is always so peaceful and those poor devils from London will be
finding it a big change, I bet.
What was the name of the people and the place at Longway Bank? I may
know them and it's interesting to keep a check on them.
So the damsons are ripe, are they. I can't remember but last time I
was at home I think they were in flower. That seems to make it a long
time ago.
Things here are much the same. The weather is alternatively wet and
fine and always fairly cold and very cold at night. The rain we have had
lately has swollen the river and now it's impossible to get over it by the
stepping stones and so cuts off our short cut into Doune.
We get bored stiff here and when we have a few moments off, nearly
half the company begins to wander back to the time before they joined the
Army. Perhaps I am one of the worst offenders and I often think of those
Sunday afternoons we had together, remember them? and often you seem very
near although so far away.
Your letters get read and reread times without number. Still, moaning
won't do any good and it does not do to think too much.
The battalion sports are on Saturday and I am in for the high jump.
Goodness knows what I shall do there. I did manage 4'11'' this afternoon
so I am hoping for the best even though there are the pick of a thousand
men competing.
Well darling I don't know what to say. Nothing happens to write about
and I am not going to bore you with another description of this district
so all I can say is write long letters (I can't say write more often for
that would recoil on me) until leave starts again.
Goodnight my love,
Reg.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Same address
28.9.40
Joanna darling,
Forgive me for not answering your letter before but I don't seem to
have had much time this week. I ought to have made time I know so really
there is no excuse.
Yes, the snaps were very good indeed and I guessed the origin of the
kitten. You say I must have looked very closely at the photos. Of course
I did. You did not expect me to just slip them into my pocket, did you.
How did the blackberrying trip turn out? I guess the main result
would be a lot of scratches on those lovely little hands and a very blue
tongue. Still it would keep you out of mischief and you might even get a
few blackberries besides.
The battalion sports went off very well and I got 2nd in the high jump
and was rewarded with a 3/- voucher. As three in our tent had all got a
voucher, we went and spent the lot immediately and bought enough stuff to
give all the tent (7) a feed.
So you have finished one story in Waverley Novels have you, they take
some reading. I read the lot, all four volumes; it took some doing and a
long time but I ploughed through them eventually. I cannot remember any
of them now though.
Nothing fresh ever happens here and so the only thing that remains to
be said is that I long for you more and more, every day and every hour.
Goodbye my love
Reg
P.S. You must have quite a heap of letters now. R
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Same address
6.10.40
Joanna darling,
Thanks for your very welcome letter which I received yesterday. It's
been a lovely autumn Sunday and everything is looking lovely. The trees,
especially the beech, are a riot of colour and the day has been quite warm
although its turning chilly now. The days are fine but when darkness
falls so does the rain and it pours all night. The noise on the tent is
awful but we don't grumble about that as long as we keep fairly dry.
Last night everyone in our tent went into Stirling and we did not
return until about 10.15 and then we got to our tent in the pouring rain
only to find that the water had run into the tent. Someone had cut a
ditch right through the centre and so our beds were dry. We had to start
and flit to another tent then. It was anything but pleasant, as you can
imagine.
I cannot quite make out how you enjoyed the sale, you say it was a
good sale and let it go at that. I used to enjoy those farm sales and
have a fine time at them.
Later:-
We have just been up to the canteen for some supper:- 2 eggs, mash and
beans. The moon is shining on the river and everything looks fine, even
the clouds do not seem so heavy tonight; the burn is in spate and it seems
to rush madly by. It's only about 3 yards from my head and the steady
pulse makes me feel sleepy. It's now that the salmon come up to spawn I
am told. It's certainly deep enough but of course I have not seen any.
Even if they were coming up as I looked I should not see them as the water
is a reddish brown colour owing to the sand and dirt it is bringing down.
Yes, leave has started again but very steadily here. The English
regiments seem to be better off than us in that respect but I suppose that
as we miss all the air raids it's more or less even. I am 29 on the Coy
leave list. No 1 has gone tonight and so five more weeks or so should see
me home. Home for seven whole days, dearest, seven days.
I should like to have seen you in that barn at Dene Farm taking the
cash. I bet you had a busy time. Whose was the biggest cheque? I would
like to make an even bet that it was signed, "J Yates & Sons". If the
stock was good, I'm certain of it.
I think we shall be in billets in about a fortnight. That will be
grand and I hope rather warmer. I am lying on my bed (groundsheet,
palliasse and 3 blankets) writing this by the light of a candle stuck on
top of a tin helmet (tin topee here) and if it interests you (I don't
think it can) I will tell you what I can see and hear at the moment. To
begin with there are at the moment only two other occupants in the tent,
one is reading a wild west book and the other, to judge by his face, is at
home. Both are already in bed. In the tent on the left there seems to be
a great argument about whose turn it is to clear up in the morning i. e.
to brush out the loose soil and fag ends; the tent on the right is singing
"Happy is the day that a soldier gets his pay to the rather skilful
playing of a guitar.
Darling I am afraid that I have written a lot of tripe but I just
wandered on so if you are not interested please make the best you can of
it and imagine the time when I shall be able to whisper
Goodnight my love
Reg
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Same old address
Thursday night
Joanna dearest,
I have some time hanging heavy on my hands so I will start this and
complete it when I get your letter.
For the first time for more than a week, it's a fine night and do we
need it! everything is moist and we have had to move away from the river
edge as the water was rising so rapidly. It must have risen 4 foot during
a night and so you can guess the rain we must have had when I say that
instead of being the usual peaceful stream, it turned into a raging
torrent overnight.
Another leave party have gone tonight. It's drawing steadily nearer,
dearest. It cannot be many weeks now before we are together again. I am
writing this by candlelight on my bed (3 forms and bed on top) and
thinking all the time of you.
Autumn seems to be well on its way now, all the leaves are falling
fast and as you can guess everything is muddy and we can never feel clean.
Still, we should get from under canvas before long and then things will be
much better.
Has AJ been on holiday this year? He usually takes a month or six
weeks off during the summer but as I have heard nothing I presume he is
economising or again perhaps he was too busy doing some innocent client
down.
Have you still got the crowd staying with you? I refer to the shower
who descended upon you from London some time ago. I bet they are getting
used to the quietness of Carson now and perhaps a little fed up with it.
Still, I don't suppose they want to get back as things are. A chap out of
our tent went home to London today. He was wondering how many nights (if
any) he would get in bed but he wasn't letting it bother him at all.
How is Carson looking now? I bet it looks something like it does here
- all golds and browns on the beeches and yellow on the limes. The
rabbits on the hill should be giving good sport now. Don't I wish often
that I was wandering round there with the old gun and ferret. After you
and home, that's one of the things that most often occurs to me,
especially at times like this. I am supposed to be prowling around the
camp now but as it's cold and we are all in the marquee together, we say,
"hang it" and stay inside where at least the wind cannot get at us. About
everyone but myself is asleep now so I have got the lamp instead of my
candle to write by. The candle is hidden in one of my other boots. The
chaps are honest enough about money, but they are a devil for pinching
candles.
Monday dinnertime
Thanks for your letter just received, dearest. As to the length of my
letters I have got a good start with this one so I ought to make a novel
of it almost. It's going to be rather difficult though. We have a would
be player of bagpipes here and he is practising on a chanter. If it
interests you his name is Maclean, he answers to "toothpaste" here and he
is capable of making hideous noises.
It's much drier now; the ground is getting firmer and we have been
able to return to our tents again. It's much warmer in a small tent than
a marquee and the river's down. We should be OK for a while.
So Hardhurst Farm is sold, is it? I can't understand a £90 bill. £90
is not 10% of the farm value and 10% is the usual deposit. I expect that
a sale of stock will be the next thing there.
From your letter it appears that the London folk are still with you.
Well it's 2 o'clock so once again I shall have to break off-
Later
You seem to have had the usual accommodation at Dakin's sale. I am
not surprised his fowls sold cheaply. From what I know of him I guess he
works on the "no eggs no corn" standard. He is a miserable miserly old
cuss.
You seem a very busy person amongst the fruit trees these days. First
it was damsons, then blackberries and now apples. Oh and then there were
the gooseberries. Turning gardener?
One last request don't shake me too hard when I get home. You are
quite capable of trying I know but I reckon one kiss and we shall forget
all about shaking, so until I can say it to you
Goodnight my love,
Reg.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Same address
21.10.40
Joanna dearest,
Thanks for your last letter which I received yesterday. If I answer
it now you can't grumble about the time even if it is not as long as the
last.
I am enclosing a hankie or puff, or whatever it is. It's got the
Seaforth crest on it and I do hope you will like it.
It's raining at the moment but it's not so bad as it has been and we
have moved into tin huts so really we are better off. I went into
Stirling yesterday and saw "North West Passage". Have you seen it? It's
a very good picture in colour and well worth seeing.
Your soldiers seem to be a long time getting to Wirksworth. It's the
same everywhere I guess. Rumour after rumour and as often as not nothing
results. What do you expect? Bands and flags and full pomp and ceremony.
There's very little of that. still if you did see a full band either
brass or pipe you would not forget it easily.
Practically another week gone dearest. A week nearer to you and home
is how I look on it. It will not be so long now, and then a week at
Carson and you in my arms.
Goodbye Joanna mine,
Reg.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Same address
Sunday 27.10.40
Joanna dearest,
Once more I will start you a letter without any intention of finishing
today. We shall be on the move very soon so I will wait until I get the
new address before I post.
I am glad you liked the doins. I picked the colour out because I
remembered your coat, how could I forget it. You had it on the last time
I saw you. How did you know the motto and crest?
To return to the most prosaic of all subjects, the weather. It's been
fine here for several days and the ground is quite firm again except of
course for the places over which the transport passes. Of course in huts
we can keep things reasonably clean and the result is more comfort, less
boot polishing and blanco-ing.
Every morning at about 8 o'clock the geese and swans fly over on their
way from loch to another. They fly in large numbers and always in perfect
formation. The gulls have deserted us now but there are still a lot of
herons flying up and down the river. Amongst the beech and oak trees the
squirrels are very busy collecting the seeds and acorns. They are fine
brown ones and if you happen to see them on a sunny day, they look grand,
but they are very shy.
Wonders will never cease; our old Rev friend in a new suit! I can't
imagine what he would look like. If he has his beard trimmed, he might
look almost respectable for a change.
I notice today that there are a lot of Home Guards about with new
uniforms. Have our respective fathers put theirs on yet? If so, are they
feeling very proud of themselves. Naturally the Home Guard will be far
superior to the Army but why has your pop got a down on soldiers.
If you ever suggest joining anything again, I will either shake you or
drop you. Your type has definitely no place amongst the ATS or any
similar organisation. I have yet to see a decent one, so don't joke about
it again.
I had already heard about the Grange Mill episode. Apparently no
damage resulted so that doesn't matter.
Tuesday
Hadrian's Camp
Carlisle
To continue
We have bussed as far as here today and strange to say we did not get
fed up with the journey, I expect because of all the change of scenery.
We got here just after four and were surprised and delighted to find a
huge barracks of huts containing beds, electric lighting and hot water
pipes. Why can't they leave us here instead of getting us away before
dawn tomorrow. You have no idea how grand it seems; we have not been in
any type of bed since leaving Lincoln and here we have sprung beds and
palliasses.
It's very cold today but I am getting steadily nearer you and home.
Will wait and see where we get to before I write any more.
All my love,
Reg.
New address - D Coy 6th Seaforth Highlanders
Haydock Park
Newton - le - Willows
Nr Ashton. Lancs.
To continue
Thursday night
We got here yesterday but before I begin on this place I will finish
off Hadrian's Camp. I had a look round after writing the previous chapter
and found it a wonderful place. It accommodated without crushing a
division and had a huge dining hall, a good cinema, two canteens and a
YMCA. The Barrack square was as big as Renshaw's big pasture field at the
top of the Town and was almost big enough for an aerodrome. I think that
does for that.
Now for Haydock Park. It is of course, a race course. We are in one
of the stables and as there are only five of us in here we are quite
comfortable. There is electric light and the place is fairly dry. French
sailors are in a camp next to us and a more filthy scruffy lot I never
wish to see. They look unwashed and according to all accounts their camp
is filthy.
I have not been down into the village but from all accounts it is not
a bad place for amusements even if it is a rather depressed area.
Well, I think that's about all so let me have a letter soon please,
darling.
Goodnight my love,
Reg.
PS Any complaints as to the length of the letter or anything I have
missed out. It was a huge convoy, about 20 miles long. R
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
4805489 Pte WR Ward
D Coy 6th Seaforth Hld
Northwich. Cheshire.
Sunday
Joanna dear,
The above is the correct address so if you have not already posted
please use it & not the other. I have no news really so I don't intend to
write a deal, the only thing of interest is that we get about 4 warnings a
day but no real raids. I went to a cinema last night & saw "The Road to
Singapore" it was not a bad picture & all troops got a free issue of ice
creams, the people here are very pleased that the "Jocks" are here & seem
most disappointed that we are not wearing kilts, well that's all until I
get your letter
Goodbye darling
Reg.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
4805498 Pte WR Ward
D Coy.
6th Seaforth Highlanders
Northwich. Cheshire.
8.11.40
Joanna dearest,
No doubt you will have received my letter bearing the same address
before this; the above is the correct address.
Darling, another leave party left tonight and all being well I shall
be on the next so a week after you receive this I shall be in Carson again
(perhaps!!) Under these circumstances I don't intend to write a long
letter but to wait until I can tell you any news that I may have.
So the RASC blokes have to return to billets when there is an air
raid, do they. It's a good job for them that they are not here. No one
seems to take any notice of them here. I suppose it's a case of
familiarity breeding contempt, as there are about three or four on average
every 24 hours, it's not to be wondered at. As we are in the district
which lies between four or five big towns or cities, I suppose that's why
we get all the warnings. Nothing gets dropped here anyway.
I am now on a course in the Intelligence Dept. and finding it much
more interesting than the ordinary drills etc. As you know I don't know
the first thing about a motor bike yet this afternoon they showed me how
to start one and before five minutes were up I was cruising around on it.
The rest of the time seems to be map reading etc. and it's rather
enjoyable.
Yes, the convoy was huge. I believe it was 30 miles long; excitement
was great as we came through the towns.
Mr Caiger once tried the magazine game with me; that is how we fell
out.
You are quite justified if you grumble about the length of this letter
but it's nearly lights out and I have still to make my bed so until I am
able to say it, Goodnight my love. I will soon be with you. Ever yours,
Reg.
On leave 13 - 20 Nov/40
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
4805498 Pte WR Ward
D Coy. 6th Seaforth Highlanders
Haydock. St Helens. Lancs.
Friday
Joanna my darling,
This is only going to be a hurried note to let you know I arrived here
about 10 last night. When we arrived it was foggy and pouring with rain,
a really filthy night. I had just time to get in and make my bed before
lights out. I was very lucky. I dropped across one of our lads in
Manchester and as he had found a man who was getting a taxi across the
city, we went with him.
Darling, it was a miserable job coming back here. Goodness knows when
the next leave will be. Still, we had quite a few hours together and they
will be something to remember.
Well, it's about time I was off, so for the present, goodbye.
All my love,
Reg.
PS. Write soon.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Same address
Sunday
Joanna, my darling,
No doubt you will have received my letter by this time and thinking what a
measly little note it was, but time was short darling and so it had to be.
I will try and make this one longer although I have no news and I can't
just keep writing "I love you" time after time to fill the pages, can I?
Coming back to this hole was a rotten job and made everyone miserable
for a day or two but the effects are wearing off a bit now and things
don't seem quite so bad as they were on Friday. Still, I can't think of
anything else but being at home at the moment and it almost seems as if
you are with me now with your head on my shoulder. Oh dear, how I wish
you were.
When I got to Wigan it was pouring with rain and about as miserable as
a night could be. Still, I suppose it was a suitable night for the job.
When I got in, I found that one of my "stable mates" had gone on leave.
His time will be shortening now but I don't suppose that will be bothering
him yet.
I know you will be writing today if you have not already done so, so I
will wait for your letter before I finish off. For the present, cheerio
my darling,
Reg.
Friday
Thanks for your letter which I received yesterday. You must have been
busy on Sunday. Yes, you are right it's a good job I was not waiting for
you, or is it?
Life does not seem so bad now but the chaps who came back last night
have got the same complaint now.
Alleman was over last night and pasted the surrounding district fairly
well but dropped nothing near here. The sky was lit up with gun flashes
for some hours. I was in a cinema when the warning went but although the
usual notice about leaving if so desiring was put on, not a person moved.
In fact, they all laughed.
Well darling the dinner pipes are playing, so I guess I'll dry up.
Cheerio my love, Your Reg.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Same address
Sunday
Joanna darling,
I expect you will be wondering why I have not written before this.
The answer is because I was hoping to get home on a 48 hour pass tonight
but it was no good - it did not come off. I will keep putting passes in
until I do get one.
Air raids have bothered us very little up to now. we are getting very
few - they seem to be concentrating more on the south now.
I was one of a party who went to Wigan yesterday as a drill squad. I
don't think we did too badly but all of us felt very nervous. It was held
in the Market Square and a huge crowd were looking on. Still, once we got
going we did not see any of them. As we were working to whistle blasts
and no words of command at all, we had to keep our wits about us all the
time. The Mayor and the City fathers were all present but as we came on
first thing in the afternoon and cleared off to tea immediately after, we
did not hear any speeches. Wigan set out to raise 250 thousand quid in a
week and up to yesterday at 2pm they had got 800 thousand or more than
three times their objective, not bad!
I wish that pass had not been chucked out tomorrow. I should have
been with you. It can't be helped and I suppose I shall get one soon,
before Xmas, at any rate, I hope.
It's turned very cold here but we have a primus going and it warms the
place up and cooks anything we have been able to scrounge from the
cookhouse.
Well darling, will hope for that pass soon and then sweetheart, I
shall be able to say to you again
Goodnight my love
Reg.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Same address
Sunday
Joanna darling,
Thanks very much for your letter. How is your dad going on? It's
very cold here now, hard frosts every night and of course, no fires so you
can guess it is not too warm.
We have just been told that we are having a kit inspection so I
suppose I had better get ready for it and finish this later.
Well, we have had the inspection and what a twist it was. Whatever
the first lot were short of, we lent them and as soon as their turn was
over, they returned it plus whatever we were short of and so everybody was
able to produce a full kit.
Your big fires sound grand; we are still gathering round our primus,
cooking sausages and so on. It's alright especially as we don't pay for
it. It's acquired from the cookhouse and tastes all the better for it.
The Ashton folk are getting up numerous concerts for us just now,
though very few people attend. All the local "talent" do their turn and
you know what that means. I expect the crowd will get less and less if
they carry on with them.
I'm afraid the hope of getting home before or at Xmas is getting a
rather remote chance. Still, I may be lucky yet, who knows?
Les tells me he has had a bit of an accident, but it seems from his
letter that he will soon be OK again.
Well sweetheart, there seems to be very little more news. If only we
could have that week over again darling. Someday we will though.
Goodbye my love,
Reg.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
48 hour leave 18 - 20 Dec 1940 Same address
Saturday
Joanna mine,
Here we are again in the same old dump but not so fed up as after last
time.
Train services were anyhow of course but I was quite lucky. I got in
Wigan in time to catch the 10.20 bus to Ashton.
The air raid began when we were somewhere near Rowsley and of course
that meant all lights out. We arrived Manchester about 2 hours late just
as the raid was at its height. The streets were deserted and as I walked
across the city I never saw a car or a bus on the road. What with bombs
and the AA guns the noise was awful and everywhere was lit up by the
flashes. I saw no damage though.
Xmas is not being celebrated (officially) here. The New Year is to be
a big day though, I believe.
Well, sweetheart, there's no more news so cheerio for the present.
All my love,
Reg.
PS. The letter you sent has not arrived yet. Make the most of Xmas. I
don't quite know how to say Happy Christmas to you. It seems too common.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Same address
28.12.40
Joanna my darling,
I have just got in so I thought I had better settle down and write
while no one was playing the fool. To do this I had to borrow a knife to
sharpen my pencil and I noticed that although 60 men should be in, there
are only four including myself.
Well sweetheart, under the circumstances I have had a very good
Christmas. Two of us got an invite out for dinner on Xmas Day and what a
dinner we had! turkey and pudding and everything were just made to order
and it went down grand. Today I was one of a large party invited out by
the WVS and they gave us a very good tea indeed. Our only regret was that
our appetites were not bigger and tomorrow we go to tea again with the
same fellow who had us at Xmas.
Christmas Day is not celebrated here; we have New Years Day instead
and so really we should have two good days instead of one. However, I
will let you know about that in my next letter.
On Xmas night we held a party and what a party it was! I won't go
into details but I can assure you that everyone is quite sober now. I'm
afraid I was under the weather slightly as I am told I was trying to do
the Tarzan trick on the garlands (the bruise has almost gone now).
Well, I think that's enough about me and my disreputable ways so I
will reread your letter and see what to say next.
How did the party go? I hope it all went OK. I am glad to know
AJ came up to scratch. He is always benevolent at Xmas and I have seen
him smile then. Keep it up - it's not often he gives anything away.
Well dearest I think this covers more than your usual ration of paper,
so Goodnight my love,
Reg.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Joanna dear,
It's a free Sunday and an hour to go before dinner so here goes.
First of all I notice you say I don't seem to have received your
parcel. Either a letter I sent to you has got lost or else you had not
received it when you wrote. The contents were very good and the gloves
are fine and getting used very often.
We have had no snow here up to date; I think it's too cold,
everything is frozen up. This morning even the iron work on the inside of
the door is still white with frost, and so everyone has gone to the
warmest place he knows of - bed!
New Year's celebrations which I promised to tell you of went only
fairly well. Everyone was drunk so things got rather mixed up. The
dinner on New Years Day was posh - turkey, plum pudding etc. We even had
plates to eat off.
Do you realise sweetheart that if leave is not cancelled or if the
weekly number is not decreased, that I shall be home on 7 day's leave
again in about six week's time. I can't believe it yet myself.
You certainly had enough to do over Xmas, I gather. Still, that's all
to the good and you seem to have had a good time which is the main thing.
Your fears of boring me with your "childish chatter" are unfounded. Who
wants you to talk or write in an intellectual manner! I don't.
You once told me that when at a loss for something to write I could
tell you what people are doing at the moment. That idea may be OK
sometimes but now that I want to use it everyone is in bed, so what have I
done today? Oh, just done a bit of polishing brasses, darning socks,
cleaning boots and the usual round so I may as well close down.
Your Reg
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
19.1.41
Joanna dearest,
At the moment it's snowing. There is a level depth of 3 or 4 inches
at the moment but it's turned warmer. The cold has been awful for the
last week. It's not been fit to do anything but go to a cinema or to bed
after tea. The RCs of the town have opened a canteen for us inside the
camp and as there is a good fire there, it's done a roaring trade during
it's first week of life.
Last night I went to see "Black Friday". It's one of Boris Karloff's
pictures. Not at all bad if you like a picture with a few violent deaths
in it. You ought to see it.
You will see that we have not moved yet, but we are expecting to do so
this week.
About that wool. Are gloves very hard to knit because I should like
another pair if you really want to work. The others are exactly the right
size and very warm and comfortable.
As you say - being drunk is not a very pleasant state afterwards,
although at the time one is filled with a sense of goodwill towards men
etc. I think celebrations will have to finish except perhaps on very
special cases. The only question is the definition of a very special
occasion.
One advantage of not having written before is that it brings leave a
couple of weeks nearer, just about a month now dearest.
The Inspector who came to look at the Health cards need not be
surprised if they were not stamped up. They never were before and Mr
Gandy seems to know him so why worry?
This letter has been started half a dozen times. Either we have
raided C Coy or they have raided us and it's not safe to look out of the
door unless you are asking for a snowball in the eye. The last raid
carried out was very successful and we captured C Company's cookhouse but
found very little there.
Well, sweetheart until I next write, cheerio and remember I love you.
Yours,
Reg.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Marbury Hall
Northwich
Cheshire
28.1.41
Joanna dearest,
No doubt you will have expected to hear from me before this but I have
waited in order to let you have the new address.
Marbury is a lousy hole miles away from anywhere so I don't suppose I
shall go out a great deal. One big benefit is that we are all in warm
huts and have two fires going. In fact it was so hot that I could not get
to sleep last night. Everywhere is a sea of mud about 6" deep but we have
got wellingtons so that does not worry us too much.
You will have to excuse the awful scribble as I have been writing this
by candlelight with a stub of pencil about 1½" long.
The roads around here are only single tracks as the snow has drifted
and the roads were blocked altogether for a few days.
Ernest Steeples will find rather a difference from his placid
existence soon. I expect brother Fred will carry on now.
Les wrote me today of the Derby raid but he said he heard nothing from
Aunt Dora so we can only suppose that she was too scared to give tongue.
Yes, I can imagine Capt Symonds slipping; I have seen him doing it
above once.
Thanks very much for the gloves. Our minds must be synchronised as
you had already started them. Only one complaint, dearest and that is
that you have made them a bit short on the fingers.
Well dearest it will not be long before I am with you again and where
did you get the idea of going abroad?
So for the present, all my love,
Reg.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday night
Joanna my dearest,
Thanks for your letter. Please don't think that because I am writing
almost by return that it is only because I am dying of boredom, although
that's almost true. I know that if I don't write now I shall not be able
to write until the weekend as we are going out for two or three days
tomorrow.
After having had a look round, I have not changed my opinion of the
place, although it's very quaint. The village is composed of old houses,
some thatched and many old timbered places. What struck me most though
was that all the chimneys are the old fashioned kind which are usually
found only on Xmas cards.
I am writing this whilst on PAD orderly. I expect you are wondering
what the devil PAD is. It only boils down to this:- If there is a raid
it's my job to awaken the Orderly Officer, that's all. The room we are in
is a horrible hole, thank goodness it's only for one night. Still I
should not grumble as it's the first time I have ever done it.
You seem to have been very lucky with lifts lately. Don't let anyone
run away with you though. I am the only one to do that. The snow seems
to be hanging around with you. It's all gone here except for the very
light fall we had the other night.
Owing to manoeuvres this week, leave is a week later so it's about a
fortnight at least before I am home again.
Sales don't seem too plentiful this year, only a couple. Admittedly
Hurst Farm should be a good one, but two is not many for March. One year
I remember we were out, either getting ready for one or holding one every
day for about three weeks.
I should like to see Ernest Steeples doing his stuff. I can't imagine
him as anything but a groundsman for WGS. Fred will be a bit lost now he
has not got Ernest to fall out with. They used to fall out like the devil
at one time.
I will try and describe this place if you can stand it:- The hall
itself is a big red bricked place about the size of Hopton Hall. It seems
to face both ways with the ornamental gardens at the side. There are no
end of outbuildings, garages and so on. All the grounds are very secluded
and full of yew trees. It was supposed to have been used as a nudist
colony at one time and I should say it was an ideal place for one. There
is a very big lake on the north side, it's so big that it was used by a
sailing club before the war started. I don't suppose any of the above
really interests you though for although this place is very lovely it's
impossible to wander on describing it. It lacks the size and colour of
the Scotch scenery.
Whilst we were in Haydock one of our chaps got married to one of the
local girls and quite a few more got engaged. I kept clear of any
entanglements at all and here it is impossible to get entangled; it was
quick work on their part though.
I love you dear and am waiting impatiently for the next fortnight to
pass.
All my love
Reg.
Leave Feb 13 -20th 1941
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday
Joanna darling,
Since I came back I seem to have dropped in for a whirl of guards,
stunts and fatigues. In fact, I have only had a couple of nights in my
own bed since I got back.
Trains were very good coming back and but for the fact that the
Warrington train from Manchester was late, I should have been in
Warrington before 9 o'clock. However, perhaps it was just as well as the
truck did not leave for the camp until after midnight.
Coming back was not so bad this time as before. Of course I have been
very fed up but having so much to do has eased it up a bit.
You will remember I told you that we might be moving. Well,the
painting out of the Ys I told you of turned out a flop. They just altered
the foundation colour and then painted them on again. Of course there are
plenty of rumours about but they are only the normal ones and nothing to
bother about or believe.
Thinking about last week makes me realise what a difference you made
to it in comparison with what it would have been without you. The part I
like to remember most is the night we were supposed to go to the social,
remember?
Well sweetheart, nothing to report here so will pipe down. The only
thing left is to say, I love you, write soon.
Goodnight my love.
Reg.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Same address
8.3.41
Joanna darling,
Thanks for your letter. No, I am not carrying out my threat not to
write, it's just my idleness, I guess. Not writing to you would not be so
bad, it's not receiving them that would be worse.
We are still busy all the time, on guard again tomorrow so have been
soldiering up today.
The last week we went on a two day manoeuvre. What a stunt it was!
We got our breakfast at 6 o'clock on Thursday and no more grub until about
eleven on Friday. We spent the night out; it was useless trying to sleep
so we walked about all night trying to keep warm, but could not do it.
There is supposed to be another one this week, I hope I miss it. As if
the stunt was not enough, I had to have the toothache but that's been
attended to now.
I expected Bob Harrison's sale to be a good one - brothers Wm and John
would see to that, not to mention the other one, what's his name? Walter,
I think. Do you know him?
Carson seems to be a money making place at present. Socials and sales
of junk seem to be almost every week and a dance coming on. Who is
Alfred? He may dance well but I am hanged if I ever heard of him
before.
You don't expect to get a holiday. Why not? Work in the office is
always very slack in summer so there's no reason why you should not get
one. Stick out for it sweetheart and you will get it alright.
The cinema seems to be doing better now. In the dim future I guess
they will be able to pay a dividend. Tom Turner has a few shares in it so
I expect he will always be poking into the account books if they are on
your desk.
Socks:- Even if I have got big feet normal socks fit well. Have you
started to make me a pair? If you make them a bit longer than normal, not
much, they should be OK. I remember us talking about it, but I did not
expect you to knit a pair.
I am going to try and get another forty eight hour pass very soon. If
I get it I shall be bringing a pal of mine along. I hope you won't mind
sweetheart. His name is W Macdonald but the name he answers to is MINK.
So don't think your eyes are faulty if you see a couple of bonnets coming
across the Wirksworth Market Place.
Well darling I think that's about all so Goodbye for the present
sweetheart. Perhaps it won't be so long before I can say it to you.
Goodnight my love,
Reg.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Liverpool
3am 17.3.41
Joanna darling,
No doubt the above address and date will make you wonder a bit so I
had better explain. We are firewatching in warehouses only a few hundred
yards from the docks. The place four of us have landed in is a warehouse
stacked with rice, tons of it, and three bags of walnuts which I might
add, are very tasty. This district makes us all realise what the war
means; whole streets and blocks of the biggest stores I have ever seen are
nothing but heaps of burnt timber and twisted metal. Buildings five and
six storeys high are nothing but empty shells and a window is a rare
sight. Amongst this ruin are men and women and swarms of kids who seem
just as cheerful as ever although they must dread nightfall. Some houses
whose neighbours are just missing are still occupied and they still laugh
and assure me that this is nothing in comparison to Birkenhead.
As I said, our place contains rice, our neighbour's dried fruit and
spices and opposite is a house full of sugar. Take all these smells plus
that of rats which swarm everywhere and mix it with the smell of burnt
wood, paper and food and you have got the atmosphere of the place. All of
this may have bored you sweetheart but to me the terrible tragedy and
horror of it all, especially of those kids, seems very close. It's now
just after 3am and the sirens have not gone. This spot has had it every
night for the past four nights so it does not look as if we are going to
have anything to do. The people who were on last night put out 470
incendiaries though.
You will have thought by now that a couple of days leave is rather a
remote chance and you are quite correct. Not only are we away from camp
but the Mink is doing 10 days CB at the moment.
Do you realise that Saturday makes me 12 months in the Army. It
sounds a long time and in a way it seems it. Still I have seen a few
places and people which I would never have done otherwise.
Well, my own, it's about time I got down amongst these rice bags
again, so Goodnight my love. You don't seem very far away. Good morning,
Ever your,
Reg
PS It's that same old pencil about 1" long so excuse the cramped writing. R
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
4805498 L/Cpl WR Ward
D Coy etc.
2am Friday
Joanna darling,
Thanks for your letter received yesterday. The all clear has just
gone so as I am awake for a couple of hours, you look like getting an
unusually quick reply to your letter.
The raid, or rather, the alert we have just had turned out to be
nothing so we have not had any work to do. I am in HQ at the moment and
living in an improvised clearing hospital. It's not all that bad except
for the fact that when there is an alarm, people begin to pour in. They
are so quick after the siren that I am sure they never undress at night.
We are billeted in houses which have been evacuated on the outskirts
of the city and come onto the docks each evening before it goes dark so
you see we are not in the blitzed area all the time.
I am afraid that the 48 hour pass is a long way away. Still, never
mind, better late than never and my "precious pal" got 10 days for being
out without a pass. He would have got off but for the fact that this is
by no means the first time it has happened, so if you thought he had
committed some terrible crime, I am afraid you were mistaken. What's the
Mink like? Well, he is fairly ugly, about 5'6"", very strong and I doubt
if you would ever tell a word he says, for he comes from somewhere away up
in the north.
I guess the snowdrops will be about over now, I don't suppose that the
Fishpond is a very clean spot at present.
Well, sweetheart, more later, it's my turn to sleep.
Goodnight my love,
Reg.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
4805498
L/Cpl WR Ward
Same address
Joanna darling,
No doubt you will be thinking that I have forsaken you but really we
are getting chased off our feet all day and I have been Orderly Corporal
since I wrote you last, so I have been at it until 10pm every night as
well.
We did not have at all a bad time in Liverpool. There were one or two
short alerts of course, but no raids so we were fine.
I have got the hut on my own for five minutes now. I was writing to
Dad and all the devils went out for dinner so it's up to me to look after
the kit until one comes back. If we don't do this it's likely that
someone makes up deficiencies in his kit, as our code is to pinch anything
but on no account to get it from someone in the same hut.
We were on a two day stunt early this week and we walked over 40 miles
so you can guess we were about all in by the time we finished.
That 48 hour pass is a very remote possibility at present and my
precious pal, as you call him is away home to somewhere in the Lossiemouth
district today on three week's agricultural leave.
You ask what he is like. Well, medium size, thick built, as strong as
a horse, ugly with black curly hair and an accent like a saw, that's all,
but it does not describe him.
Did I tell you that I had seen Wilf Batterley from Middleton? He was
looking for me again last night but I never saw him although I was
knocking about the camp.
It's a wretched wet day today. Still, it was grand first thing this
morning so I suppose we cannot grumble.
Goodbye,
Reg.
PS Just found the letter I wrote you and thought I'd lost so enclose it.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Same address
2.4.41
Joanna my darling,
I seem to write to you in all kinds of queer places and very rarely
from Marbury. This is being written at 11.30pm in the guard room at
Brigade HQ. I can't tell you how I have been looking forward to your
letter. It's my own fault I know but I have watched each mail in for a
letter from you and then I receive a parcel. Thanks very much for the
socks sweetheart. They are fine. I have not tried them on, of course,
but they feel very warm, and thanks also for the pencil. You see I have
started using it.
It's queer that you mention "you are still in England". Yes, I am,
but this will be the last letter you will receive from me written in
England for some time for I am fairly certain that during the next few
days we are going to Ireland. So sweetheart, don't drop in a faint if you
see a letter with a Censor's label attached to it very soon. All letters
both to and from me will be censored I expect so I guess our style will
become more prosaic than it is now, for I know I don't like the idea of
anyone reading my letters or yours.
Of course, all this means that we can definitely give up the idea of a
48 hour pass so I don't look like seeing you again for quite a time. It's
hard luck but we shall have to make the best of it. How long is it since
I was home? about a couple of months I reckon so I suppose that memories
will have to suffice a little longer.
Glad to hear that you are enjoying yourself at the dances. Keep it up
darling. Being miserable never helped anyone.
The Agricultural Board seem to be combing the district fairly well. I
knew Oakdens had to take the rap; HG told me last time I was home but I did
not know that the old patriarch Sandars was getting hauled over the
coals.
Well, I don't think I have any news so Goodbye darling, until I am
able to come back to you.
Ever yours, Reg.
PS Did I remember to tell you I LOVE YOU!
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
4805498
L/Cpl WR Ward
D Company
6th Seaforth Highlanders
Crom Castle
Fermanagh
N Ireland
7.4.41
Joanna dearest,
You will see by the address that we have moved and I can't say it's
been to our advantage.
The district around here is very beautiful; it's fairly thickly wooded
but very thinly populated. The people have a very simple life I imagine
and I suppose they are rather poor.
I don't remember anything of the crossing. I went to sleep before we
left and did not awake until we landed. It was a very smooth sea in any
case so don't think everyone was sick in the true fiction manner.
Well, I don't think I have any news to add to my last letter so
cheerio,
All my love,
Reg.
PS Please let Dad have the address. I did not know it when I wrote to him
last night. R
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
posted Sat 21.4.41
Joanna darling,
Well, I have had a look round now and will try and give you some idea
of this place Ireland, or the part we have had the misfortune to be dumped
in.
If you are going to try to imagine it, the first thing you must do is
to wash out of your mind any picture of our neat and orderly countryside
and substitute a brown, scrubby wasteland covered with scrubby trees for
the most part and dotted with lakes. I suppose it's the hedges that make
so much difference. They are huge and wide, never cut and they just
spread as they like. The ground is not drained and is cut about by
natural ditches and waterways and peat diggings. This means of course
rushes and coarse grass, patches of swamp here and there. The houses are
very quaint, they are nearly all whitewashed and thatched; poor old shacks
really but they look nice. The outhouses are made of any old sticks and
bits of wood, thatched and generally very tumbledown. There are very few
good roads, they are mostly old cart tracks which wander on.
As I said before there is a great deal of water around here and the
only birds which frequent it are swans. There are quite a lot of them and
you can always see a few near the rushes on any of the lakes.
Well, I think that just about completes the scenery.
I got your letter addressed to Marbury after I wrote to you.
About ignoring the censor, you are wrong, generally speaking, they are
censored by our own platoon officer who of course knows me well, but I
believe we shall get a green envelope in a day or so, so he won't censor
this one. In any case it's difficult to overcome the idea of someone
other than you reading it.
I thought that old Sanders would appeal to you. He looks like an angel
doesn't he, although he is very close fisted.
I have been in Jones' tea rooms. They are not too good although I
should think that you will prefer them to Nellie Doxey's.
Tom Turner as no doubt you already know, has some shares in Wirksworth
Cinema. No doubt he believes in supporting home industries. At any rate
he used to go to every picture that was put on.
Your description of the new vetter of the souls of the locals seems
to be a very similar chap to Mr Williams, am I correct? You seem to have
formed a good opinion of him anyway which is a good recommendation.
Part of your letter has got lost, it must have been when I turned my
pockets out yesterday but I believe you said you had been knitting again,
am I right? The gloves are wearing well and I have managed to darn them
quite well with the buckshee wool you sent with them and really they are
quite respectable yet. The socks are very warm and comfortable too.
The worst of this place is that being so far from civilisation we
cannot get a paper and as we are without a wireless we never hear any
news. I understand that the war is not over yet though.
Leave is a long way away now darling, too far away to start thinking
about yet so I shall just have to remember you as you were when I last saw
you, so now, sweetheart, Goodnight. All my love.
Reg.
Tell Dad I got his letter and will write tomorrow. Also received yours and
will write.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
posted 20.4.41
Joanna dearest,
It's a grand peaceful Sunday afternoon so I guess it's a good chance to get
on with a few letters. You will not have received my last letter yet so I
will try and add a little each day for about four days. You should get a
bit longer letter this time.
Knocking around here we see countless queer things and each time I
think that will interest Joanna next time I write. I have thought this so
many times now that I have forgotten most of them and I am afraid that
those I have remembered will read rather like a catalogue.
I think I mentioned in my last letter that this is a land of poultry,
goats and donkeys. I told you before that the land around here is very
wet and so everyone keeps ducks as well as fowls. We buy the eggs for
frying at night although they are two bob a dozen. Each house seems to
keep at least one goat; they tether them by the roadside during the day so
that in the few places where there are a few houses together it's about
like passing through an avenue of goats. I believe that in some places
they keep them in the house at night. The most common sight on the
byroads is a donkey cart and some of them look really funny. They have
little carts properly made and the old moke pulls it along often with a
big load on or even a couple of fat old farmers' wives on their way to
market. I daresay you have often read of an Irish street scene and seen
pictures of it. Yesterday I saw one old man driving calves up the main
street and a number of equally old crocks going on their way in their
donkey carts. The clothes of the folk are as dilapidated as the houses.
One of the chaps here saw a horsedrawn double decker tram car somewhere
about a week ago but I have not seen that yet.
There are a lot of wild swans around and one can be seen sitting on
her nest quite close to the road near here. Of course there are quite a
lot of fish too and we spend quite a lot of time in the evenings fishing
and some people catch quite a lot. I am not one of them, I have not been
able to catch even a cold yet.
Yesterday we had a walk to the nearest village which is about five
miles from here. The pubs keep open all day here. They say it's too much
trouble to shut the door as it only wants opening again. Sound reasoning
and they sell black porter mainly. It's like a mixture of mud and
Guinness diluted with water. Terrible stuff but they seem to thrive on
it.
We have been to church this morning. This means going from camp
across to an island by bridge and then across to yet another by ferry.
Quite an interesting journey considering it's not a mile to the place.
All the buds on the trees are beginning to burst now and the hedge
bottoms are full of flowers:- primroses mostly, but a lot of violets and a
sort of white celandine. The daffodils are out in the park and round a lot
of the houses so things are looking very pretty.
I have not yet received your letter addressed "Home Forces", but I
expect it will arrive soon. Yes, I saw your "Lovely Britain" but I did
not think it included Ireland. It is very deserted, the nearest cinema is
about 8 miles away and the nearest town about 20. You say you are going
to see "Gullivers Travels". I saw it in Stirling and thought it was
rather clever and very comical.
Keith and Hilda seem to get back to Carson fairly often. They have
been there each time I have been on leave you know.
Well darling I think you have had today's ration of paper so cheerio
for the present. R.
Sunday morning 1 am
On guard again, sweetheart so will continue now everything's quiet.
We have been on a route march since I wrote the first part of this letter
and have been looking around. This leaves me with my first impression of
dilapidated and boggy land and unfenced picturesque cottages miles from
anywhere.
I have yet to see one of those lovely Irish colleens. Those I have
seen are about as dilapidated as their parents. Honestly, I have not seen
one pretty girl since we came here so you are not likely to have a rival
here. As we have rather a lot of work on our hands the days seem to go
quickly although we very rarely know what day it is.
The canteen here is hopeless and we have a devil of a job to spend our
money! There are no fags to be had in the camp and yet tonight a chap
brought me a pound's worth from the village without any trouble.
It's a queer country altogether; you can buy all the rationed goods
you want without a card and yet I have not seen a cake in Ireland yet and
that includes the shops in the towns as well.
I have received your "Home Forces" letter now so lets see what
questions you ask. Shamrock? not seen any yet but I expect the lilies
will be out in the Via Gellia now. Queer, you don't seem to ask any
questions this time and I guess I have told you all there is to tell so
for the present Goodbye darling,
All my love
Reg.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
5.5.41
Joanna darling,
Thanks very much for your long letter. I am afraid I shall not be
able to match it for length but we will see how we go on.
First of all, leave is starting again. At what rate I don't know yet
but according to the usual unreliable rumours it's not going to be so bad,
so it looks as if I may see the gardens in bloom this year. It will be
grand to be with you in the summer again. I have got a long walk in
mind, right over by Oldfield Lane and round by the Sitch Farm. Have you
been round there very much?
I guess that owing to the time taken in the post, our letters are
bound to keep crossing as evidently happened last time. You will know by
now that I have got your letters.
Glad you liked my efforts at description. As you say, you will have
some idea of it but you cannot see the comical side of it from reading.
I am sending this letter in a green envelope. By doing this it will
not get censored here so I feel a little more freedom in writing. Don't
be scared by the official look of the envelope.
Thanks very much for the paper. There are quite a few lads here from
around Chesterfield so you can guess it got fairly well read. I notice a
G M & S wrapper on it. Is it from you or from HG?
I wish there were some Youth Movement to darn for us here. It's a bit
of a job we find especially as we don't do any until they are all in a
pitiful state. I can't agree with you that the poor fellows are to be
pitied at all. I think they are lucky.
I see you have another couple of dances coming off. I should like to
be there. We never progressed very far with the dancing lessons.
Remember? As I have not been to a dance for over a year now you will have
to start again from scratch with me. The question which is bound to arise
though is the same one which cropped up over that Social - "To go or not
to go".
Suggestions for a costume, let me think a minute - Lady Godiva?
Alright, don't blush and shout, I take it all back although you would make
a good one; how about a nurse? or a Spanish senorita? Not Peace. The
result would be OK no doubt, but a bit out of place in Carson. I wish I
were home for it. I know what I would do, go as a civilian. Glad to hear
you had a good time at the last one, but I too would like that evening in
February over again.
You will have seen by my last letter that I have seen Gulliver's
Travels and no doubt you think your descriptions bored me. They did not,
it was like seeing the picture over again but it was worth seeing twice.
What with one person and another you will be having a full house again
soon, soldiers' wives and grannies. This grandmother of yours, quite
frankly I did not know that you had one. I suppose she's your mother's
mother. If she is anything like her granddaughter good enough.
Mr Smith, don't know of him but if he goes in for highbrow music and
only just got married, I don't want to. How old is he? He appears not to
mind how long this war lasts so I guess he is one of these essential
workers who gets well paid for making a nuisance of himself.
We had a concert here three nights ago. It was more of a leg show
than anything and was quite good, lots of dancing and such like. There's
a mobile cinema coming tomorrow and we hope for better results than last
time when the sound apparatus broke down and although the actors kept
opening their mouths, no sound came.
Goodnight dearest,
All my love,
Reg.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
4805498 L/Cpl WR Ward
D Coy 6th Seaforth Highlanders
Newtown Butler
Co Fermanagh. N Ireland
12.5.41
Joanna dearest,
There is no news whatever here, things are just humdrum and as I have
told you all I have seen around here, I can't tell you again. I expect
that Carson's looking grand now although I gather from Dad's letter that
it is colder than it is here. I envy you your walk round the hill, or
rather, I envy Stan being able to walk around with you.
Thanks very much for the socks; you have certainly got the right size
and I am going to keep them as a reserve pair for when the others get too
ancient.
We are spending quite a lot of our spare time boating now. We can get
a boat for 6d an hour so any night we get free sees us on the water and
though we are far from expert we manage to push along. As boats and
ferries are the only way of getting about in many places here, the local
folk are very good with their boats and I have seen one man rowing a big
boat with cattle on it himself. They use tremendous sweeps and row with
the left oar in the right hand. I have already told you of my fishing
attempts and its miserable results. Some people, however, have different
luck for pike of 8 to 12 pounds are pulled out every night. We do not use
a bent pin as you imagine but buy 1d hooks and 6d lines from the village,
cut a bamboo pole (these grow profusely in this queer climate) and then we
have a serviceable rod, all for 7d. Not bad is it?
Turning a red head, are you? is it natural? Don't know what I shall
do if you are a redhead. You seem to be firmly convinced that I shall be
coming home in about six months time, get that idea out of your head. I
cannot say when it will be, but it will certainly be less than six. I
hope a couple of months at the outside limit.
So old Dr Crawford is suffering from shock, is he. I know him very
well. In fact he always calls me a saver of lives and that is only
because I stopped him from getting run over once by a lorry one day as he
sauntered over the road thinking of his sermons. He is not a bad old bird
though.
Cheerio darling,
All my love,
Reg.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
25.5.41
Joanna darling,
Thanks very much for both your letter and the parcel. You will no
doubt be surprised to hear that I received them both on the same day. The
cake was great sweetheart. We were going out the next night and so I took
the half I had not already disposed of along and it was very handy. It's
the first cake I have seen or tasted since coming to this benighted
country. It's becoming increasingly obvious that I am going to like this
grandmother of yours.
You seem to be rather crazy over primroses. You should see them here.
I think they grow on every hedgerow and on every bank, the place is simply
littered with them. The bluebells are out too now, big masses of them,
and then there are all sorts of hedgerow flowers which I have not seen
before. Azaleas are a show here now - there are some big bushes and trees
and they are simply covered with yellow bloom. You will guess that with
all these flowers, the young green of the leaves and the red of numerous
copper beeches, that it's looking very beautiful now, especially if seen
across the water.
I agree with you that this long time between posts is mighty awkward
and I also wonder now did I reply to that letter or did I get it the next
day. Of course my dilatory way of replying to all letters makes it far
worse. Even when written I generally have them in my pocket for a day or
two before I post them.
The weather here has been wet and cold for the last week. Before that
it was quite hot and sunny, rather different from the snow that you have
been having.
You apparently keep getting a raid or two; nothing like that here, we
never see or hear a plane. You sleep through it though? You must be
either very tired or have a very clear conscience.
How many evacuees are there in Carson now? I mean in comparison to
how many there used to be of course. Do they ebb and flow still?
Carson and Wirksworth will be towns to me when I come on leave. You
usually mention that the picture is not much good this week. I shall soon
be saying "What are pictures?" I doubt very much if 20% of the local
population here have ever been to a cinema.
Gloves - don't send them please. I will collect when I am on leave,
which all being well will be in about five weeks time or less. In any
case the other pairs are quite serviceable yet and as the weather is now,
they only get used on guards at night and so on.
Well, sweetheart, I've no more news, so I may as well pipe down, so
until next time,
Goodnight my love
Reg.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
4805498 L/Cpl WR Ward
D Coy 6th Seaforth Highlanders
Newtown Butler
Co Fermanagh. N Ireland
7.6.41
Joanna darling,
Afraid this letter is rather overdue but there's a reason for it. I
hope you have not made arrangements for next weekend as I hope to be home
then. It's not definite of course, but I think it's a good bet.
For this reason your ration of letter is going to be small this time
so if you have a grumble about it you will be able to tell me.
The weather here is grand. It's hot and sunny and rather different
from yours. Still it may be better very soon.
I saw the report of Mrs Anthony's death in the paper and was very
sorry. I knew her very well indeed and she was a very nice person when
you really got to know her. I also saw that Frank Clay was missing. Poor
devil, it will be a long time, if ever, before I see him again.
Well, sweetheart no more news until I can tell you myself. It won't
be long before I can hold you in my arms again and say, Goodnight
sweetheart,
All my love,
Reg.
Leave 13-20 June 1941
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Newton Butler
Darling,
I'm afraid this is going to be more of a note than a letter so don't
be surprised if it is short.
I got here about 4 o'clock this afternoon so you can guess we were all
fed up by the time we got here. We had a very good crossing, the water
was dead calm and we went on deck for about a mile before we docked. It
was very cold but light and so I was very interested in the way we went
in. We were not so lucky with accommodation this time as we shared the
floorspace of the room we were in with numerous barrels, tables and other
chattels.
Talbot failed to fetch me but I got down in time on Eric's bike. I
met him (Talbot) on the way down and told him that I did not want him at
that time so he just turned back.
Well sweetheart, I've no more news and memories are too near to (don't
know how to express myself but I reckon you understand, you always do) so
as I'm tired, I will go to bed.
Goodnight darling,
All my love,
Reg.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 28.6.41
Joanna darling,
Although it seems a long time since I wrote a week ago, I have got
little or no news. I do wish it was a fortnight ago but still I suppose
that we had our week and must wait and hope for the next although it seems
a long way away at present.
We have been out all week on manoeuvres. I have been looking around
and have come to the conclusion that it's only Western Ireland that is as
bad as I described to you. As we got further east it became much more
like our own Derbyshire and less of the wildman-like appearance. One
evening we met some very nice people indeed. They were very decent and
four of us had our supper and breakfast with them. I thought them more
like Lancashire people than anyone, very different from the usual run of
Irish folk.
This is a very difficult letter to write for the only thing I can
think of is the time I was with you at home and of course you will
remember it as well as I do, so how can I write of that.
Darling it's no use, the grey matter refuses to function so I will try
and write a better one as soon as I get your letter which I know will be
on its way now.
Goodnight my love
Ever yours,
Reg.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted 6.7.41
Joanna darling,
Thanks for your letter which I received soon after I posted my last
one. I have not heard from Dad yet but I expect I shall do so soon.
Things are very much the same here. The honeysuckle is out now and as
it swarms everywhere the smell is grand. The water lilies are out too,
not our little yellow ones but big ones about 7" across and pure white,
double petals and orange centres, more like winter roses than anything and
there are hundreds of them.
The usual lowness of spirits which follows a return from leave has
passed now and so things appear in a more rosy aspect than a week or ten
days ago.
Yes, the journey back here was fairly grim but I believe I had my moan
over that in my last letter so we will let it lie.
One interesting thing has happened, kilts are on sale and may be worn
as walking out dress. Don't think by my mentioning this that I am going
in for one. I am not thinking of doing so.
Fifth columnists eh! I don't think you would be exactly experts. You
would be too honest for one thing and in any case you were a bit obvious I
should think. Still it's a good job they called it a draw and did not
both claim a win which seems to be what usually happens.
Yes, I know a bank whereon the wild thyme grows and I also remember
other banks which are full of memories. Thank goodness we don't live in a
town, darling.
It was a bit of a job riding to Wirksworth on Eric's bike but there
was nothing else for it. I admit I sweat when I got there.
Thanks very much for the paper received today. Don Harrison has
certainly done very well. It's hard work thats got him through for
although he has got plenty of brains I don't consider he is brilliant.
Those snaps seem to be a long time. It did not used to take more than
three days at one time. I believe Dad was going to have the one of
himself and me enlarged but I don't know about that. You will have to see
him on that head.
All my love,
Reg.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
15.7.41
Joanna my darling,
Thanks very much for your letter and the Derbyshire Times which, by
the way, seems to be full of local news for a change.
I'm very sorry about the snaps; the one of Dad was quite good though.
Thanks very much for it. Didn't the queer one of you turn out, perhaps
it's just as well.
Every letter I get seems to complain of the heat; it's wet and cold
enough here; I wish we could swap a day or two's weather.
You seem to have had a good time at your picnic although it must have
been a rough house to break your shoe heels. We went over some fairly
rough country when I was home, but managed not to break anything.
I got the paper on the same day as your letter, Friday, and not only
did I get all the local news but there was a picture of one of the lads
here in it too.
I reckon our letters must have crossed again. It's queer that it
should have occurred through my writing an extra letter. However, I will
wait until I get your next letter before I write again.
I certainly hope that Uncle Fred is right in his prophecy; it's high
time this war was over but like yourself' I can't see it coming off.
AJ may be irritable but I don't suppose it's the heat, it's just that
he's getting a crabby old man and you must agree that a couple of kids
such as he has is sufficient justification.
I had not heard of Hill's accident but it's certainly a bad job for
him. I have only seen him once about seven months ago and before he took
over the tenancy but I hardly see how you can condemn the poor chap for
getting away from the air raids. I think it was quite a sensible thing to
do.
When we were round the fishpond on the Sunday night I noticed how wild
and overgrown it had become and I guess it's deteriorated since then and
in time the whole of the grounds will follow suit.
It will soon be your birthday dearest and I am hanged if I know what
to get. There seems so little here and the only thing I can think of and
I know it's what most of the chaps are getting, is silk stockings. They
are obtainable here and I wondered if you had any objections to me getting
them for you. It's a queer present I know but then - if you don't mind
let me know the size.
Darling, lets hope the next month or two pass quickly and until then,
sweetheart, the only thing we can do is to remember that last week, so for
the present all I can say is,
Goodnight my love,
Your Reg.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
20.7.41
Joanna darling,
Thanks very much for your long and interesting letter. No wonder your
wrist ached for when I got it I wondered if it was the MSS of a novel.
I have not heard from Dad at all this week so I reckon that he will be
writing today.
Everything is the same here, cool dull weather and no prospects of it
changing for the better yet. I am putting quite a lot of time in the
water just now. I was in yesterday and while it's not as warm as I could
wish it feels a lot colder to come out of the water than it does to stay
in.
There are numerous brown dragonflies here just now. They are big ones
of about six or seven inches wing span. I had not heard of brown ones
before and we have baptized them "Hurricanes" on account of their size.
One day last week we were taken out in trucks and dumped on the
countryside with no information as to where we were and just a map to work
on and a couple of points to call at with a rendezvous for next morning.
It was great Joanna, although we had about 15 miles to walk. We got tea
from a cottage and so I was able to have a look inside an ordinary
labourer's cottage. The best description is that it contains nothing but
a table and a few kitchen chairs and has no grate or stove. We then
pushed on and crossed the lakes by boat reaching a farm house about eleven
that night. Here I went to try and secure the loan of a hay loft to
sleep in and we got invited inside. The farmer turned out to be an
Irishman who had spent most of his life in New York and was in the Yankee
Army in the last war. We had a very interesting yarn with him and stayed
inside eating and drinking his tea until 2am and then bedded down in his
barn.
Like the cottage, the house had no grate but just an open fireplace with
the peat fire on the floor and although not to the same extent as in the
cottage, the furniture was the minimum necessary. These peat fires give
out a lot of heat and very soon catch. I always understood that they
burnt dully but they are quite a cheerful blaze and all they do when they
want to keep anything warm is to take a peat out and break it up, putting
the teapot or whatever it is on the fragments.
Now we will turn to your escapades! I never knew you were a keen
cyclist or had any inclinations that way and if that was your first
attempt, you certainly had your christening. You seem to have been very
lucky in your quest for directions too and I bet you were thankful for it
when you got your invitation to stay. From what you say you were lucky in
finding such a person for she seemed to show amazing hospitality. Having
never slept near kennels I don't know what the sound was like but I
certainly like your description of it as a devils' chorus.
You in shorts, my Joanna, it's almost unbelievable. Do you remember
two leaves ago (for that's how I count time now) that Betty was wearing
slacks and I distinctly remember you passing disparaging remarks about
them as suitable attire. You have changed, my darling, and not for the
worse either. I expect that on my next leave I shall be seeing you in
slacks and why not?
Not having heard from home this week I did not know that Les had been
to Birmingham. Well, he will be alright wherever he gets to in the end
for that lad is no one's mug.
I'm glad to hear that the Dene is looking well and not like the mess
we expected it to. I know that there are a big lot of sycamores in it but
the nettles will soon grow and make a mess of the ground that has been
cleared.
Yes, the tobacco did come from me and I never intended to put a letter
in it as owing to the somewhat peculiar means of transit this is
inadvisable. In my last letter I asked you about stockings but have not
heard anything from you on the subject yet. Let me know and if you say
yes, they will come to you in the same manner. The postmark you were
unable to make out was Chesterfield and yours may be anywhere. I don't
know what part it will be posted in yet.
Well sweetheart, I've no more news. I'm afraid this letter falls far
behind yours in length and style but it's all I can manage at the moment.
Goodbye my love, Reg.
PS If the Taddington photo comes out I consider it to be my property for I
must have a look at this new Joanna.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
After 20.7.41
Joanna my darling,
You make me rather ashamed of myself in the first line of your letter.
You say it will be rather short and then go on to write four pages whilst
I write four sometimes and feel quite pleased with myself as a result.
Thanks for the gooseberry tart sweetheart. It was grand and one or
two chaps I gave a piece to ( and a very small piece it was, I admit)
agreed that it was the best thing we had tasted for a long time. It
arrived in perfect condition and not in the usual broken up state.
It's now four days since I commenced this letter, darling. The
weather here is rotten, rain every day and almost every hour. From your
letter and Dad's it seems you could do with a drop of it and transfer a
drop of sunshine to us.
Last Saturday I went to a Brigade concert and it was easily the best
show I have ever seen. There were only five artists but they were good
and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Fred Wood's death is certainly a shock. I hope the lad gets off
alright. Billy Dakin having been able to get him out on bail is certainly
a very favourable sign. I expect AJ will be in a quandary how to go about
the business of the farm. As Wood was under notice it should not be too
bad but the question of crops (unless the lads do the harvesting) will be
giving him a headache. It's a very sad job altogether and Carson is
hardly the place for anything like that to happen.
I was talking to two old men digging peat on the moors the other day
and from what I could interpret they gave me to understand that they do
not sell the stuff but dig it only for home use. As it takes about 60
cart loads (not donkey loads) to keep a fire going for a year, I can now
understand the huge mounds of it which lie everywhere.
All the churches here are flying flags this week in commemoration of
Orange Day. I dare say this conveys very little to you, it meant nothing
to me at first but I find it is a kind of remembrance of a battle between
the Protestants and the Catholics; the Ps being led by some mysterious
person named King Billy. It is still a day for battle apparently and
there are no end of fights, brawls and rows as a rule this week.
Chaps keep coming back off leave with long faces, but they brighten
after a day or two and return to normal after a week. I must be the same
and by the mournful look on their faces, I must have been a pleasing
creature not long ago.
Goodnight Joanna,
All my love,
Reg.
PS When you see Dad will you please ask him if he got the tobacco alright.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday
Joanna dearest,
Thanks for both your letters and the parcel. As before the tart
arrived in perfect condition. On the arrival of a parcel folk look
around and when I said - a gooseberry tart they crowded round like a flock
of crows and like a flock of crows had to be chased. However, last night
three of us enjoyed it immensely, it was great.
Mail does seem to ebb and flow. I don't think it comes across on any
fixed day but the time taken in transit varies.
Four snaps was not bad considering the age of the spool and the light
at the time and it seems that you have split them up very fairly.
I see from the paper that Hill has been taken to hospital at Derby, a
fairly good piece of irony, that.
As you say, Wood's affairs will take some clearing up. I knew that
all the cattle were not his and I am not surprised that he had sold some
of the crops but that £100 at 48% is ridiculous. He must have been hard
up when he took that on. It's getting into the hands of the Jews with a
vengeance.
Birthday - thanks very much for the information re stockings. I will
try and get them as soon as possible and let you have them soon. As to
mine, I honestly don't know what to say. There's only one thing I can
think of and that's a cheap pen. I have to borrow one now for I'm certain
I am not going to send home for my Swan and so there is your answer. I
realize that pencil does not show well on this cheap paper and so we
shall both benefit.
Every day is the same here, there really is no news at all. We are
getting plenty of bathing at nights. I am in almost every night but I am
hanged if I can swim. I go for about three or four yards and then legs
and arms begin to act independently and I go under amongst a burst of
bubbles.
I am using the tin; it holds my boot brushes and other cleaning kit
fine and keeps it altogether instead of being scattered all over the floor
as it did before. I hardly know the day I received the Picture Post, but
I believe it was Thursday. I know the DT arrives on Fridays as a rule.
Where are you thinking of going for your holidays? Betty's idea of
going to Blackpool is a good one. John B and I went one year and came
back with 1/5 between us.
Well sweetheart, I don't think I've any more news and I see you have
your ration of notepaper, so until next time,
Goodbye my darling
All my love,
Reg.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted 6.8.41
My darling,
Thanks for your letter and the papers. Please don't send the Picture
Post any more as they have started getting it at the canteen now and so
it's only trouble and expense for you to keep sending it.
I will get and send the stockings this week. They will be a bit early
for your birthday but I don't see how I can be sure of you getting them
before or on your birthday unless I do.
I hope you have a good holiday sweetheart, and that the weather holds
good for you. You should get round a few very nice spots in the week. I
should like to be with you. Alton Towers seemed to be a very nice run and
place to go to but of course that's closed now so it's cut out.
Don't forget that photo you are to send me, the one in shorts!
[Photo 14] As to your idea of slacks, I'm afraid you must have looked
upon yourself with a baleful look as I can't imagine you looking bad in
anything.
You seem to have had a good time at the dance. I will not say I wish
I had been there for the odds are about four to one that if I had been,
we should never have got to the dance, as has happened before.
As usual, nothing happens here so I won't bore you with the usual
paragraph on the weather this time.
Later
I have got the stockings, darling. I don't much care for the colour
of one pair but see what you think of them; they look big in the foot for
you.
Well dearest, there seems to be little more news so I will pipe down,
wishing you the happiest of birthdays and wishing that I could share it
with you, my darling,
All my love,
Reg.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
9.8.41
Joanna my darling,
Two letters to reply to this time and a tin of gooseberries to thank
you for as well, rather a big order that.
Thanks for the photo. Les looks rather queer but still not bad
otherwise. I did wonder where the snap was but concluded that you had
forgotten to enclose it. I am sending you one of the pipe band [Photo 21]
(if I remember to enclose it). As it's the only one I have, I hope you
will show it to Dad.
The gooseberries are very nice, a bit wet of course, but rapidly
diminishing under the onslaught of about five of us. Have you got the
stockings yet? You ought to have done so by now.
Today is your birthday. I hope you have a good day. Starting your
holidays will give it a decent start anyway.
We have been out all week; it's been more like October weather and
sleeping out has been anything but pleasant, wet and cold. I can assure
you it's been no picnic. We got quite a long way east this time and the
countryside got more like home than this district, but everywhere there
were peat bogs and masses of honeysuckle in the hedgerows.
I seem to be gathering quite a collection of snaps now, you have taken
them all. My wallet is getting bulky but I expect the masterpiece of the
lot will be the one I have still to get.
By the time you get this, you will have done a good deal of cycling
(if you adhere to your programme) and dearest I envy you going round
there.
Betty and Co don't seem to have had much trouble in finding a fresh
job, good luck to her. She does not seem to have been in a mood to stand
any dictatorship from the never-never boss.
Dad also told me of the births but he also says his pig is growing
well. So there is a bit of professional jealousy between them. He also
tells me that Eric is starting work at Royce's on the 19th, I must be
getting old, I think.
Well dearest there seems to be nothing more just now to say so Goodbye
my darling, All my love,
Reg.
PS Thanks also for the book.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
16.8.41
Joanna dearest,
You will see by this letter that I have received your birthday present
and darling, thanks very much, you timed it perfectly and you bet the
contents are enjoyable. One bone I have to pick with you - I said a cheap
pen, but the one you sent is a beauty - nuff said.
As a matter of fact, I've three of your letters here, but I've replied
to one.
Today is alternately brilliant sun and showers and the Brigade
swimming is being held here. I have just come in from watching it and it
really is very good, some of them are very strong and swift. In fact they
travel at a normal walking pace. The bands of the Royal Scots Fusiliers
and Seaforths have been mixed and so the band looks well and full of
colour as the RSF's kilts are red and our mob's blue. The contests are
taking place just below here and as a bridge spans the water there it
provides an admirable grandstand.
Les tells me he goes into the RAF very soon and Nipper starts work on
Monday so that will be another change at home and I expect Dad will feel
rather lonely for a while.
Looking back on the holiday now what's the revised opinion on the joys
of cycling. You have given it a very fair trial and you must have enjoyed
it immensely although I admit an idle lazy week is my ideal at the moment.
On re-reading your last letter I'm just beginning to realise how much
ground you are covering.
The heather is looking grand here now, the only difference to yours is
that its always dotted with the peat stacks, for what with us are dry
moors, here are just bogs and it's funny how these bogs always seem to
choose either a hilltop or hillside and rarely a valley.
How will you stand when you register. Will you be exempt or will you
have to work elsewhere? If so we shall have to arrange our leaves
together.
I never thought you would make a pet of a pig even though it is a
special one! My Joanna, I wonder if I shall ever know you.
Darling this seems a paltry little letter in answer to both your
longer ones, but I guess that's all except dearest, I love you. All my
love,
Reg.
PS I don't want to appear to harp on the subject but did you get those
stockings. They were sent a fortnight ago.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
23.8.41
Joanna darling,
I'm very disappointed over the loss of the stockings and of course it
seems to me as if I have let you down over them somehow. They were sent
on the Tuesday preceding your birthday, from Scotland, and so I have no
hope of them turning up now; all I can think is that they must have got
opened in the post and some official thought that a couple of pairs would
be handy for his wife, the rotten devil. However dearest, it's no use
crying over spilt milk and I will try and get some more for next time I am
on leave or possibly before.
I'm glad that your birthday was such a success. I like the photo very
much [Photo 14], the bottom of it is of course spoilt and although you
appear to be supported mainly on fresh air, it's good, as to your remarks
that your blouse looks a mess, I don't agree; the shorts seem to suit you
but maybe I will decide better when I see you in them.
The leave rate has slowed down now so don't expect me to be with you
at the end of the three months, I don't know when it will be.
I suppose that by the time you receive this, Les will be away. The
calling up seems very haphazard. I think the old quotation "many are
called but few are chosen" fits in Carson. There is Les in Royces on Gov
contracts presumably and yet there are plenty of chaps who registered even
before I did and yet they are still roaming around.
I am expecting a letter from Eric soon; he will soon settle down I
hope but it's bound to be a big change for him at the start.
The photo I sent was taken about a hundred yards from this hut. It is
a fine setting. I will try and get a few cards of the district if I can
before I get home; it really is beautiful scenery.
Dad mentioned that you have an enlarged photo taken off the snap, how
has it turned out?
Dearest, nothing happens here so I am unable to write more, perhaps it
won't be so long before I see you again. I hope not anyway for it's all I
have to look forward to, so cheerio for the present.
All my love,
Reg.
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Sunday 3.9.41
Darling,
Whenever I set out to write to you I have the job of sorting your last
letter from a bundle. As this is the only time I empty my overflowing
pockets it helps to sort the grain from the chaff.
The local swaddies seem to be a rather talented lot. Carson rarely
had such celebrities playing at its dances, rather different from some of
the so called musicians we used to be visited by.
It's rather a good job you missed the ale by one number. It's evident
the Fates don't mean you to take to drink, but I suppose you would have
had no lack of supporters if you had been lucky.
It's about time the CQMS and his mates had their court - they must
have been held for some weeks now. By the way, the expression for Army
lockup is not "in jug" but "in the mush".
Wirksworth pubs are a valuer's dream these days; that's either the 3rd
or 4th time Mrs Land has left the Lion. AJ has done well out of her.
I see you are still doing your good work in the parish - apparently
you have not fallen into disgrace with the sky pilots yet. Did you ever
hear this expression used for a parson before? I don't know when I saw it
but in a book the author described the vicar as "the vetter of the souls
of the local peasants" and somehow it stuck in my mind.
Goodnight my love,
Reg.
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