Monday, 22 March, 1943 - Stan's 24th birthday

General Hospital Annexe                                                               No. 8
Selston
Notts

22. 3. 43         

My Own Darling,

I thought that I would write a few lines to let you know my thoughts are with you Darling upon this particular day – your birthday.

I wonder what sort of day it has been for you?  An enjoyable one, I hope.  It will be different from your birthday of last year – do you remember?

If my memory is correct you were at home and I was to go home the following day.

I wonder if you have received one of my previous letters in which I wished you “Many Happy Returns”.  I hope so.  If only we can be together for your next birthday, Dear.

This morning’s post brought me a letter from home.  Eric is now at Gibraltar.  I suppose I am allowed to tell you that sort of news.

Vera says that yesterday morning little Annice (the child from across the road) walked in, dressed up in a large white apron and informed her that she wanted a ”Matrons” cap like “Aunt Grace’s”.  As I am going home on Saturday I will have to see what I can find her out of my old uniform.

An hour later

Its a wonder I am here to continue my letter – Kit decided to use her pent up energy on me.  You know how much I like being tickled.  Well – she started by tickling me.  I will not tell you how we finished.  I can assure you it was most unladylike – not to mention the bruises which we both have gained.

There she goes again – she simply will not let me get on with your letter.  I think that I will have to finish for to-night and continue to-morrow.

Good-night Darling – sleep well.

 March 23^rd

I received your “Air letter” this morning, Dear.  It was grand!

Two letters from you in less than one week.  Almost like old times again.

I do hope you have received some of my letters.  It must be dreadful for you – receiving no post.  It is the one bright spot of my life now – receiving your letters.

By the way – do you remember the new “Rushcliffe Plan” whereby we nurses were to get higher salaries and shorter hours?  I think that it is being taken up by our hospital but the one snag is that once we are trained we can be directed anywhere they chose to send us.

Not that I am worried for myself but I don’t suppose it would suit you – would it?  However, as I do not take my final until September it is no use worrying.  A lot may happen before then.

I am going into Nottingham to-morrow so will send this letter by Air Mail.  You will most likely receive it within a week then.

So you did some washing!!  I am glad you have told me – I will remember that and make use of the information at some future date – so watch out Mr Bristow!!

On my dressing table stands a vase of Spring flowers – daisies, dandelions and wild violets.  Have I made you feel jealous Darling – don’t you wish you were here to see them?

I am looking forward so much to going home next Saturday, if only to go for a walk over the fields and common – there will be one thing wrong though – you will not be with me.

I agree with you when you say that Grimethorpe is a pretty awful place but there is something to be said for the surrounding districts – where we have spent so much of our time together.

I do not think I told you that I went to collect my photograph last week and it still is not ready.  I will try again to-morrow.  I would like to take it home with me next time I go.

And now, Darling, I must close as I must write home.   I am afraid that my letter is not very newsy but  to make up for the lack of news I will tell you that I am missing you terribly Dear and loving you as much as ever.

Yours always, Darling, Grace.  Xxxxxxxx

P.S. I made enquiries about an Air Mail service to your part of the world.  As yet these letters cannot go by Air Mail so I am sending you an Airgraph.  xx

 In preparation for sending letters by Air Mail, Grace has bought some thin, blue notepaper, which makes a change from the odd assortment of pieces of paper she is used to writing on - exercise books, ward record sheets, etc.!