Stan and Grace

G. H. N. Wednesday, 10 a.m.     My Own Darling   I agree with you – this postal system certainly is a nuisance I did not receive your letter until Tuesday afternoon.   Never mind Darling – only two weeks and four days and I shall be with you for nearly a week!   I must tell you how much I am looking forward to it – are you getting excited or are you too busy to think much about it? The “people in authority” are certainly keeping you busy these days.   I am beginning to think that your job is worse than ours and that is admitting a lot. I heard from Vera this morning and she said that John and Janet were having three days off and that Janet had been up to see her several times. My friend “Bunny” has had to go to our Annex which is about 14 miles away so she has left her wireless in my care until she comes back – which will be in three months time. It is grand having the wireless on until I wish to go to sleep and then to put out my hand and switch it off.   It is making m

Ward 2A Sunday, 3 a.m.    My Darling, I suppose you will have received my last letter telling you about my nights off.   It was grand getting your letter, though it was not very newsy.   I agree with you, there is not much to write about.   Of course, I can tell you how much I love you – that is – if you are not tired of hearing it. However, I have a spot of fresh news for you - I had a letter from Eric Friday morning.   He said that he was quite well and that we had not to worry about him.   He also said that he was looking forward to being home again but did not say when he might be coming.   He sent me a few snaps which I am sending home for the rest of the family to see.   Of course, they might have heard from him too. Well Darling, this letter is short but it is better than nothing (I hope).   We had a case in about an hour ago – an abdominal – and I have to prep her – just in case she has to go to the theatre.   I will write you a longer letter next time. Bye Darlin

Home Forces Sunday lunchtime    My Own Darling, They say “love will find a way” & you certainly seem to have found it!   Anyway you have succeeded in persuading the Matron to let you off on the same days as I am on leave.   There is certainly something for me to look forward to, now. I shall be going home, all being well on 19 th November, so I shall be able to come & meet you at Doncaster. I had a letter from Mother yesterday.   From what she says we shall have to be good children & spend each evening in Grimethorpe.   The last buses from Doncaster and Barnsley are at 8 p.m. now. Another thing she mentioned was that “Gone with the Wind” is in Barnsley whilst we are at home.   We shall have to take a day off to see it. There’s not a lot more to write about.   I set up a new record yesterday – by working from 8.30 a.m. to 2.30 a.m. Sunday - & I was back on duty at 8.30 a.m., this morning.   I am going to put in a claim for overtime!   Getting a unit ready

Usual address Wed’y evening 28.10.42 My Own Darling, It was grand news which came in your letter yesterday.   It is just about a month to my leave now & so now you are on nights, it appears quite possible that we shall be able to spend four or five days together. That makes this life a little more interesting.   It certainly hasn’t had much of interest lately, but the news in your letter gives me something else to think about now but just work! The weather hasn’t been too good lately has it?   It is extremely cold again to-day.   Up to last night I was using a room for an office which hadn’t a fire place.   The result was that I was absolutely frozen all day.   I did a bit of “flitting” during last evening, however, & have got a grand fire just in front of me now. How are things getting on in Grimethorpe?   Is everyone at “56” (I hope I have the number correct for a change) is keeping well.   Remember me to them when you next write.   Have you heard from your Brot

G. H. N. Tuesday   10.30 p.m.       Darling, Having kept me waiting for a letter from you for goodness knows how many days, I received one just before I came on duty. I was so worried Darling, wondering why I had not heard from you, but I understand – I was pleased to hear that you are getting the work down a bit.   You must be feeling tired out.   I only hope my letters act as a stimulant to you, as yours do to me. I did not get to bed until 12 mid-day and was called again at 5 p.m. for a lecture.   I felt tired out and depressed because I had not heard from you.   I am afraid that the lecture did not penetrate my grey matter.   As soon as lecture was over I saw the maid who delivers night staff letters and sure enough there was one for me. I felt as if I could jump over the moon then!   It’s queer what love does to one, is it not? I am hoping there will be post from you to-morrow, in reply to my last letter.   I am afraid I am greedy when it comes to receiving letters

Usual address Sunday 10.30 p.m.     My Dear Grace, I am glad to hear that you found your short stay at home such a pleasant break.   I agree with you, it is nice to get home – especially when there’s a good meal waiting for you, too!! I could just do with a visit home now.   I have been putting in 13 hours a day all this week & I can tell you, its no fun.   I don’t know how much longer working at this pressure is to continue, I am sure, but I hope its not for much longer. Yes, Mother appears to have been rather peeved about a letter, or something, but I am sure I wrote to her at the same time as I wrote to you.   The letter must have been delayed, or something. I am glad you had time for a visit to no 19 & that you took your Mother up too.   (By the way, Horticulture is not my strong point, but the spelling of those flowers is: chrysanthemum!!!) Remember me to Vera when you next write.   Its nice to think someone thinks something about me!   I often think of her,