Friday, 7 - Sunday, 9 May, 1943

Nurses Home, G. H. N.                                                                            (22)

5 p.m.  7. 5. 43  

Doncaster

My Own Darling,

I am writing this letter in the little hut at the Bus Station at Doncaster.  I missed the 4 p.m. bus by four minutes so consequently am having to wait two hours for the next bus home.

I really did not expect to go home again before July 1^st – my holidays but Dad rang Matron up last night to see if I could go home for a few days as Mother is not well.  I did not get the message until 9.30 this morning.  I was in the middle of doing “Dressings” when Sister informed me that I was wanted at the office.  I looked back upon all my bad mis-deeds trying to think which one Sister had found out.  However, it proved to be none of these.  Matron said that I could not go home until tomorrow but Sister White said that was ridiculous and sent me off duty at 12.30 p.m. with the result that I caught the 1.20 p.m. bus to Mansfield.  Of course, it is just my luck to have to wait two hours when I am particularly anxious to get home.  I will let you know at the end of my letter how things are at home.

I received two of your letters yesterday.  One, an Airgraph which had taken just a fortnight to come and one letter by ordinary mail which had taken a month to come.  It was numbered (8).

Sunday – 3 p.m.

As the hut began to fill up with people I had to leave your letter and here I am, at home, trying to finish it.

The doctor came this morning to see Mother and said that she was to stay in bed for at least a week.  I have just finished writing to Matron to ask if I may stay at home for ten days.  I dare not let Dad write!

Mother is thoroughly run down and needs a good rest.  I am pleased to say that she is a little better than when I came on Friday.

I am getting some good experience now, Stan!  Keeping house for five (including myself), two of which are invalids*.  So far, there has been no complaints – in fact everybody has enjoyed their food.  So you see, you will not be the first one I have to practice on (Thank goodness, I hear you saying).

I managed to get up to 19 Burntwood Rd last night.  I could only stay an hour as I had to get back for the supper.

Darling, I miss you terribly when I am at home.  Although I am quite busy and have not much spare time you are in my thoughts more than ever when I am at home.  Life here, without you, is – well, you know what it is like.  Hurry up the day when we shall be together again – for always.

Vera received your Air Letter alright and is going to reply some time within the next few days.  I have set her on with my knitting.  She says that she will have plenty to tell you about my progress as “head cook and bottle-washer”.  So far I have only cut my hand with the bread knife so it is not too bad is it?

When I was up at 19’ last night John insisted upon me seeing his Bantams.  I think that he is going to have three more on Wednesday.  He gave me two eggs and I can safely recommend them.

Mother and Dad wish to be remembered to you.  I have some baking to do an apple pie – I hope it turns out all right.  My love as always, Darling, Yours Grace  xxxx

P.S. Heard the news this morning about the latest successes over there.  Those of Port du Fahs,** etc.  Everybody here is very thrilled and proud of everybody over there.

*  At this point it seems that Grace’s grandfather, John Walker, was ill and living with Alice, his daughter, at 56 Brierley Road. This would account for Grace “keeping house for five”.

** See tomorrow's post for background on what is happening around Tunis at this point.