Sunday, 13 & 14 June, 1943

Nurses Home
General Hospital    
Nottingham

Sunday 13-6-43

My Own Darling,

It is now 9 p.m. on Whit Sunday.  To-day has been my extra half-day for Whitsuntide.  As this afternoon the sun was shining and it really was a lovely day we (my friend & I) decided that we would go for a walk after tea – there being nothing much else to do.

We wandered down to the river (remember that river, Darling?) and walked along the banking for about an hour until we came to a place called The Grove.  It really is very pretty there.  We were sitting on a tree trunk admiring the view when suddenly it came very dark.  Yes, we were out for a good old storm.  We dashed back as quickly as we could as we were in thin dresses and short coats.  We just reached a main road when the rain came.  However, we managed to shelter in a little old shop.  There was the quaintest old man behind the counter.  He was very kind and said that we could stay there till after the storm.  It did not last very long and we managed to arrive back just in time for supper.  That was how I spent Whit Sunday – not very exciting was it?

Bunny (perhaps you remember my mentioning her before) has just come in and announced that we have got another island.  Linsoa, she said she thought it was.

I was very thrilled to hear about the fall of the other two islands in the Mediterranean, Pantellaris and Lampedusa.

Each new victory, however small or big it may be, brings us one step nearer to the final victory, doesn’t it, Darling?  What is more important is that it brings us one step nearer to the fulfilment of our ambitions.

As time is creeping on I think that I ought to retire for the night as it is my turn to “fire –watch” to-night.

Good-night Darling – sleep well.

Monday.  10 a.m.

I have just managed to get off duty.  I should have been off nearly an hour ago but could not manage it.  We are still up to the neck in work.

After I finished writing last night I had a phone call from Kit.  She is still at Selston.  She should have come back a fortnight ago but Sister has informed her that she will probably stay there until she goes on holiday (The same time as I go).

I can hardly realise that in just over a fortnight's time we will be on holiday.

I feel ready for a rest but you know Dear – it will not be the same without you.

I am reading a book at present called “Under New Management”.  It is one of Naomi Jacobs but is quite good.  Previous to that I read one called “Mary Glenn”.  It was about life in a South African village.  I was not very thrilled with it.

We have a comedian on the ward at the moment.  His name is Casey but he goes by the name of Jimmy James.  Ever heard of him?  He was at the Empire when he suddenly became ill.  As we were the taking-in ward he was brought to us.

Personally, I do not like the man.  He just makes me feel sick when I look at him but there you are – it takes all sorts to make a world.

I must close now dear so all my love as always.  I am writing you an Air Letter to-morrow.  They are much the best aren’t they?

Au Revoir Darling.  Your own, Grace   xxxxxxx

Although Grace didn't like 'Jimmy James', this did not prevent him from giving her this signed and dedicated photograph!