14 June, 1943

Sergt. S. Bristow                                                                                     31.
Headquarters,
15 L of C Signals
B.N.A.F.

Tuesday, 14 June 1943

My Own Darling,

It is difficult to realise that by the time you receive this you will no doubt have started your annual leave, and most annoying, too, to think that this year I shall not be able to share 10 of the 30 days with you.  Our leave together last July was gloriously happy, Darling, wasn’t it?

As you say in your letter which I received yesterday, it is grand to have such memories to look back on, for besides affording us both pleasure at the moment, they are there constantly to remind us of what our life together will be like when this crazy world has recovered its equilibrium.  “When – when – when”!!  How annoying that little word is when one is so impatient, isn’t it?  I look at your photograph numberless times a day, curse the time for passing so slowly, or alternatively the war for not progressing quickly enough (although even I, in my most prejudiced moment must admit things have moved very quickly during this last week) and then delve amongst my virtues (?) and bring to the surface Patience and try and settle myself by saying “Well, ‘Der Tag’ is well worth waiting for!!”  Just see what a mental mess you’ve made of me!!!!

But to get back to earth again, I really wish we were going to be together again during your holidays, but then (says he being super optimistic), who knows what next year will bring. 

Now that your Mother is not feeling too well, I don’t suppose you will be going to Wales.  I think I even remember Vera writing in one of her letter that you had persuaded your Mother and Father to have a holiday whilst you were at home.

The other day I decided to risk sending you and Mother some lemons which I had managed to get hold of.  (They are getting scarce now as the season is over).  I am posting them the same time as I post this letter, so in about a month’s time the lemons (or what’s left of them) should come on the scene, so you had better start saving up your sugar ration!

So the abbreviation “L of C” has hot you puzzled, has it?  Well, “L” doesn’t stand for, or is not a description of, the place we are living in it the moment.  Actually The abbreviation stands for “Line of Communication” - - and if you are any wiser now than you were before I shall be surprised!!

You keep a diary, eh?  That’s certainly been kept a secret from me!  I must get hold of it one of these days.  It should make interesting reading.  (Yes, I can hear all the threats you are making about what will happen to me if ever I do!)

I certainly do remember the visit to Hull and the afternoon on Brierley Common on the following afternoon.  You were in one of your most tantalising moods that afternoon, you remember!

And talking about fruit ......  I have just had two pounds of peaches brought in to me, lovely luscious things they are too, and believe it or not, all for 1s 3d.!  I bet you are green with envy.  I wish I could send you a few, but I am afraid they would not stand the journey.

It would have peeved me to have given away three quid entrance fee for an exam.  Do you get it back when you pass?  If so, that would be my main reason for passing!!  I hope you are not getting nervous about the prospects already.  I know you will do O.K., besides if it means you being called into the QAIMNS* I don’t particularly care if you don’t pass (That should start an argument!)

Well, not much more space, so I will wind up.  I shall think of you during the next month being at home in the surroundings which hold so many memories for us both.

I love you so much, Darling, so much so that it is making me so impatient for the war to end.  I suppose you know how I feel about it, as you will have felt the same for a long time.  Let’s get the war over as soon as possible so we can settle down and turn all our dreams into reality.

All my love, Angel.  Yours Stan  xxxx

* QAIMNS is the abbreviation for Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service.  Once Grace has qualified she could apply to join (or be called up to) QAIMNS.