Monday, 20 September, 1943 - Letters from Stan by Air and by Sea

Firstly, Stan writes an air letter, which should arrive more quickly.

2364226                                                                                                 57.
Sergt. S. Bristow
Headquarters
15 L of C Signals
Cen Med Forces

20 Sep 43            

My Very Own Darling,

Back at last & no less than seven letters waiting for me!  How grand it was to read again of your doings & feelings.  Reading your letters is the best tonic I know.

I am still quite busy today getting back into the swing of things in the office, but not too busy Darling to pen this air letter to you.  If I get the opportunity this evening I’ll write a long letter in answer to all the seven that have piled up during my absence.

I am pleased to learn that you are back at work again & feeling more or less fit once more.  You made me quite envious mentioning that you had been to see “The Desert Song” – it is one of my favourite musical shows.  It seems ages since I went to a show, but we mustn’t grumble, I suppose, all those pleasures are to come again & next time they’ll be doubly pleasant because you will be with me, Dear.

I was thinking the other day (yes I do occasionally!) what vast strides we had made in the prosecution of the war since I left England.  I hope that we make as much progress during the next six months.  If we do, I think the day we are both waiting for will be much nearer than either of us has dared to hope.

You know my feelings in the matter, Darling, the day cannot arrive too soon.  I love you so much dear and am so happy & proud to know that you feel the same way.

Until tonight – all my love, Darling.  Yours Stan  xxxx

This is followed by a longer 'sea letter'.  Interestingly, he can say nothing about where he has been and what he has been doing.

2364226
Sergt. S. Bristow                                                                                      58.
Headquarters
15 L of C Signals
Cen Med Forces                                                                                              

9 pm  20 Sep 43            

My Very Own Darling,

Here I am as promised this afternoon, to answer all your seven letters, ranging from 26 July to 2 Sept – the first one is one which has just arrived from Africa after a long journey around the place.

Darling, I can’t describe the kick I get out of hearing about your various shopping expeditions & it makes me very proud & happy to know that despite the fact that we have been parted for so long & by so many miles you have so practical an interest in our future.  The only irritating point is that I am not able to join in this shopping business.  It’s probably as well, however, for I can’t remember the two of us agreeing on our shopping expeditions, as a general rule!!

Brings to mind the pleasant afternoons we have spent together “shop window gazing” doesn’t it dear?  It will be a thrill when we go shopping together for our own two selves, won’t it?

You seem to be getting a quite useful collection of things together, my Dear, & it sounds as though I shan’t starve when at last I “sacrifice” myself to your cooking!!  Toasting forks & tin openers!!  What happy memories those two unromantic household implements conjour up in my mind, Darling – pleasant nights toasting scones & myself in front of Vera’s fire & lolling lazily back with you as a pillow – what a delightful pillow!!

Being real sentimental, what we really must buy is a treacle jar.  Remember, that night - & your Mother’s reactions to our early morning meal which followed that ‘orrible walk from Lundwood through the frost?  Wasn’t it cold that night?

I remember when I made love to you* that night you kept saying “No you didn’t ought to”, but you wouldn’t turn me out – puzzling days those early days of our friendship, weren’t they?  You just wouldn’t make up your mind in those first six months, would you!!

You are keeping this fortune telling racket quiet.  What did she tell you, nothing upsetting I hope, for nothing is going to come between you & me and our happiness, is there?

I can’t quite fathom why you should decide to buy a new hat – unless you have turned over a new leaf & decided to start wearing one when you are dressed.

And what do you mean “halo style won’t convey much to you”.  I wasn’t the “South Elmsall Times” best wedding correspondent for four years without picking up a few points on feminine dress!!  I should imagine it is a style that would suit you.

Damn it!!  The so-and-so electricity has just failed so I shall have to finish this by candle light, so if the writing gets worse (is that possible?) you will know what to blame.

Well, Darling, the time is ticking by & I am afraid I must go to bed – I like going to bed for I can lay & think of you without any interruption.

This letter isn’t as long as I expected it to be, but I’ll write more to-morrow or the next day.

I could write every day & go on writing for ever telling you how much I love you & how hard it is being separated from you, but it is news that you already know Darling, isn’t it?

I am so proud to have a girl like you waiting for me back in England & love you for it so, so much.

Keep loving me, Darling.  Always yours  Stan  xxxxx

* Note: the phrase "making love to you" did not mean the same thing in 1943 as it means in 2025.  In 1943 it had a meaning closer to "being romantic" or "kissing and cuddling".

#lovestory  #lovestoryWWII   #lovestoryworldwar2  #1940slovestory #wartimelovestory  #lovestoryinletters  #loveletters

#royalsignalsWWII   #royalsignalsworldwar2   #soldierWWII  #sicily1943  


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