Sunday, 9 January, 1943

Grimethorpe

Sunday 11.30 p.m.

9.1.43

My Very Own Darling,

Sitting here in the firelight, it seems difficult to realise that seven days have flashed past since we were twirling round in that old fashioned waltz at the dance.  It was just about this time last Saturday when you asked the M.C. to play one!

What is NOT difficult to realise is that to-day after living in dreamland for a whole week, we have both been brought back to the grim realities of everyday life by our parting.

The war & the Army have seemed a long way off, my Darling when I have held you in my arms this last week, but now, with miles separating us & with aching hearts, we have to turn again to the jobs in front of us & apply ourselves to them with a will, for after all, until we have completed our respective tasks the full & complete happiness for which we now yearn cannot be ours.

Whenever I get downhearted now, Angel, I shall think of that & I am sure it will give me fresh heart, for after all, what better goal could a man work for than to spend the rest of his life with you?

I thought of you, Dear about 4.30 p.m. & wondered how you felt now that you had got back to the Hospital.  If you felt like I did when I arrived home, you would not be feeling very chippy.  I always hate that ride back from Doncaster to Grimethorpe after seeing you off, & I am sure it must be the same for you as the bus takes you away to Nottingham.

The feeling of loneliness which came over me as I started walking away from the bus station yesterday this morning (you see I put yesterday down – it seems so long ago!) was indescribable.  I felt like rushing back & taking you off the so-and-so bus.  What an empty feeling I had when I arrived in Grimethorpe, the place where I have become accustomed to seeing you!!

But to talk of you for a while.  What sort of a reception did you get when you reported in.  Was the Matron waiting for you with a whip?  I do hope things went off alright, for I should hate to think of you getting into trouble on my account.  You will tell me what she said, won’t you?  Don’t keep me in the dark, will you?

Did you see Kit at breakfast to-night & tell her the rest of the plot?  I bet she will laugh when she hears it all!

Looking back on the time we spent together, I have been trying to think of the things I have enjoyed most of all.  Not that day at Leeds!!  I think that afternoon we spent listening to the wireless in each others arms & the “shopping” in Barnsley were two of the most enjoyable times.  But as you so often remarked, Darling, each day seemed to outshine the rest in happiness.

Thank you, Darling, for making this leave so heavenly.  The bonds which the past eleven months have seen forged between us, have certainly been strengthened, haven’t they? 

Fancy, 24 hours ago I was holding you in my arms & feeling thrills running down my spine as your hands wandered round my neck, all the time, delighting in the fact that you were teasing me just so much as I was you!!!

We certainly have lots of memories to bridge the passage of time whilst we are apart, haven’t we, & lots of plans to make & dream of for the future.

“So, be the time of waiting long – or short, Gladly we face our parting with one thought – that's just Between Ourselves.”

Well, Darling, its about 1 a.m. now, so I think I had better go to bed.  I’ve just been thinking about you & wondering if you had been busy.

I am looking forward so much to a letter from you on Monday.  As I am going back to Camp first thing on Tuesday, don’t address any more letters to Grimethorpe will you, but send them to the Stalaag!!

I send all my love, Darling, supported by the memories of the past eight days.

Forever yours, Stan  xxxxx

Note to readers: if you're not sure what Stan is talking about regarding Matron waiting with a whip, see the post for 6 January.