Friday, 23 June, 1944 - Two Letters

Stan and Grace seem to have become synchronised with their letter-writing.  Here are yet another two letters written on the same day.

G.H.N.                                                                      (141)

23-6-44

My Precious Darling,

Only one more week and then my holiday, though I must admit I am not feeling very excited about it, as yet.  I feel ready for it but there is a difference in feeling ready for a holiday and in getting excited about one, isn’t there?

I do not think I told you in my last letter that Kit and I are not going to Scotland after all.  Nan’s Mother is very ill.  We have not made up our minds where to go yet but we shall probably decide something at the last minute.

We are having an evening dress dance here on Tuesday.  Have not made up my mind yet whether to go or not.  I will see how I feel on Tuesday.

At the moment I am reading a book called “Fanny by Gaslight”.  It is a very good novel and takes you back to Victorian times.  It is well worth reading.  A picture has been made of it quite recently so I am looking forward to seeing it when it is eventually shown in Nottingham.

Thursday was a glorious day and my half-day.  A friend and I were going on the river but we decided to walk along the river bank until we came to a place known as “The Grove”.  It is rather pretty there so we did a spot of sun-bathing.  Thursday evening we were going to the Empire Theatre to see Jimmie James (remember, my ex-patient) but it was rather late when we returned from our walk so did not get there in the end.  However, he brought some of the company along this morning and he entertained the soldiers on the ward.  He also brought them cigarettes, matches, etc.

The people of Nottm: have also been very good to the boys and hardly a day has passed without somebody bringing something for them.  Sister gave them strawberries for tea to-day.  She really has been marvellous with them and all the soldiers think she is grand.  It is her week-end but we are not too busy at the moment.

I can hear work calling me but before I close I will tell you that you still have all my love.  

‘Bye Darling, Grace  xxxxx

 

2364226
Sergt. S. Bristow,
Headquarters
15 L of C Signals                                                                           165.
Cen Med Forces

23 Jun 44

My Very Own Darling,

What we all have been expecting all day has just happened.  Its started thundering and lightening & the rain is pelting down as hard as it can.  Still it will perhaps clear the air a bit and – most important – help to clean the dusty dirty streets.  We have had quite our full share of rain during the past couple of days or so, as perhaps you have noted from the BBC reports which have stated that our troops advance had been hindered by rain.

Been a bit disappointed today, Dear, for I was looking forward to a letter from you.  It's four days since I had the last & that's longer than I have had to wait for sometime now.  Still, I should imagine that if you are very busy on the ward you won’t have as much time to devote to correspondence as you had before the balloon went up.  Hope that you aren’t being worked too hard, Darling.

Yesterday afternoon when I went swimming there was an officer there with a black and white cocker spaniel & the dog wasn’t half enjoying its romp in the water.  The officer told me that it had come all the way through the Desert, Sicily & Italy with him.

They are a nice breed of animal are spaniels.  I should like to have one after the war.  Would you have any particular objections Darling, or would looking after me and a dog be too much of a strain!!

Things remain very quiet in this part of the country.  I think that we are fast becoming “forgotten men”.  As long as they don’t forget us when it's going home time, I shan’t mind.

You didn’t mention, Dear, whether this latest war development had put paid to your holiday.  Are you still going to get them or have they been postponed?  If you have been working long hours as I guess you must have been, I should think you will be ready for a rest.  Don’t forget to tell me Darling, for if your holidays do start at the beginning of July I should have to start addressing your letters to Grimethorpe.

Well, I was going to toddle down to the pictures but as its raining I think bed with a book’s more sensible.

The bottom of the page again, Angel, so I’ll have to say “goodnight” once again.  Don’t forget that I am loving you more & more as each day passes. 

Always yours, Stan   xxxxxxxxx

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