Thursday, 23 December, 1943

 2364226

Sergt. S. Bristow

Unit Headquarters​​​​​​​​​91.

15 L of C Signals

Cen Med Forces

23 Dec 43​

 

My Very Own Darling,

 

I had a pleasant surprise today when a parcel arrived for me and when I opened it and found it contained books from you, Dear, my joy was complete!  Reading material was beginning to get in short supply & so your kindly thought has saved the day. 

 

Although your thoughtfulness is appreciated tremendously, Darling, I can’t help feeling a little bit selfish about getting a present from you, for after all you are forgoing all these little pleasures and having things for our home aren’t you?  I don’t want you to have to do all the dirty work.  Do you see my point?  So, Darling, next time you feel like buying me something, buy something for us & after putting it in the secret hoard of yours, write & tell me all about it & I shall be just as pleased and thrilled as I am with the books you have sent me.

 

You must have taken great pains in selecting them, Darling, for they cater for every mood.  Above all, too, I love autobiographies.  Did you know?  I am starting that one tonight, although it is pretty late already.

 

Yesterday your Christmas air-graph arrived.  It was a swizz!  They had not photographed it, but had sent the ordinary form by sea!!  Still whichever way it arrives, it is always thrilling to hear from you my dear.  A sea letter dated 26 Nov 43 also arrived yesterday.

 

I notice that you mention sending me a card in a previous sea letter, but I am afraid that it hasn’t put in an appearance yet, but – here’s hoping!

 

In a bundle of papers a couple of days ago my Mother had put the telegram which you sent to her telling her the good news about your SRN.  That has gone into my collection of treasures; it’s getting quite big now!  I suppose you have got settled down to being a fully-fledged nurse by now.  I am very proud of you Angel.

 

Had my first half holiday since arriving in Italy on Sunday when I scrounged a lift into the nearby town & had a very refreshing afternoon at a symphony concert.  The orchestra wasn’t bad, but not up to the usual British standard.

 

I was re-reading one of the letters you sent me last Dec 23rd last night, it said “Fancy, Darling, only another seven long days & we shall be together again.”  Wouldn’t it be simply divine Dear, if that were the case this year too?

 

Like you, I spend my time dreaming of the day when we shall be together again.  I always try to persuade myself that it is not far distant, but waiting is a wearisome pastime, isn’t it.  But no end of wishing will change things & so we shall just have to draw upon that most tried of all our virtues (?) patience, & carry on until it actually does happen.

 

One thing is certain, Darling; this absence is making my love for you stronger as each day passes (if it is possible for it to get any stronger).  It all belongs to you.

 

Always yours, Stan xxxx