Wednesday, 2 June, 1943

2364226
Sergt S. Bristow                                                                            (27)
Headquarters
15 L of C Signals
B.N.A.F.

June 2nd, 1943.   

My Very Own Darling,

What a day this has been!  The first mail we have had since the introduction of the new address brought me in no less than ten letters – five from you and what is more wonderful – your photograph*.  It was simply grand to get it Darling, and now it stands in front of me as I am writing this letter.  If only it could talk to me and tell me all the lovely things you write in your letters!  It is such a good photo that it looks almost as though that was going to happen at any moment.  That will be the day when I hear that deep voice of yours once more.  Still as you say very optimistically in one of your letters we are a milestone nearer!

I am pleased to say I am feeling fine once more and enjoying all the daily dips I am getting at present in the Mediterranean.  We had a swimming gala in the local swimming pool last night and I managed to win the long plunge and was in one of the teams in the final of the water polo match.  I am writing an ordinary letter, by the way, and will put in a photograph of the swimming pool.  Sorry I can’t get hold of anyone to take a few photographs of “yours truly” to send along, but I have not given up hope yet.  We have the camera – all we need now is the films!

So you are back in uniform once more – and after having to walk half the way back!  Do you remember the last ‘bus strike at Grimethorpe, Darling, and how two people very much in love prayed that it would continue so that they would not have to be parted so soon?  Although they were tinged with the sadness of parting those few days we spent together were grand weren’t they and something really to look back on all the time we are parted, as an example of what really lies in store for us when we start this adventure of ours.

Have you completely recovered from the hectic time of being housekeeper.  From Vera’s letter it appears that you satisfied all concerned.  Having learned that, I shall arrive home for my first dinner with an easy mind after our marriage!  Still, I believe you once told me that you had already invested in a tin-opener, so I needn’t really worry, although, believe me, after living out of tins for the past three months I think I shall feel like committing some dastardly act if ever I see a piece of corned beef once I return to England.  Since the end of the campaign, however, we have had grand food and I have just returned from supper, after really making a beast of myself over a plate of strawberries – and they are not 2s. 6d. a pound like they are in England.  When one considers the amount of fruit I am eating at the moment, there’s no wonder I get touches of dysentery!  Still, I won’t make your mouth water anymore – I’ll just change the subject.

The really big news of the week is that I have actually been to the pictures!  Yes, for the first time in four months.  I went into the neighbouring town a couple of days ago and went to the local bug-run where they show a programme of English films each night for the benefit of the English troops.  The picture was ages old – “Oh Johnny, How you can love!” but nevertheless it was quite a treat and very much appreciated.

I kept an eye open for a present for you, but it was the usual story of their being quite a lot of stuff – of a sort, kicking around, but really nothing worth spending money on.  Still, don’t give up hope.  I might find a pair of silk stockings even yet! !

So your sewing has given ideas to your female friends has it?  Don’t tell me that Kit has started! ! !  These mystical things which you keep telling me about should prove very interesting at some future date!

Well, Darling, it’s getting dark now and there are no lights in this present camp, so I shall have to finish whether I want to or not.  I am writing an ordinary letter to-morrow, so will tell you all the rest of the news then.

Keep smiling Darling, and keep my love until that longed for day when I shall be able to hold you in my arms again and our world will once again be complete.

Always yours, Stan  xxxxxx

The swimming gala was held in a very 1930's 'Art Deco'-style lido.

* To see Grace's photo, see 'Two Precious Pictures' posted on 2 March.  I was wrong in my assumption that Stan took both of these photos with him when he left the UK, as subsequent letters clearly show.  Grace's photo reached Stan in June, 1943, as evidenced by this letter.

 

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