Monday, 30 October, 1944 - Two Letters

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

30 Oct. 44.                                                                          229.

Hello my own Precious Darling,

I had a most delightful surprise today.  This morning the postman brought one letter from you & this afternoon presented me with another two.  Three letters in one day from the most important person in my little world is my idea of a good thing!  Thanks so much Darling.  Your letters are the only sure cure for a fit of the “dumps”.

One of the letters you had started to write on your last night at Nottingham.  I suppose you would feel a little sad really at leaving the hospital after spending four years there and making so many friends.  You express a hate at having to say “Goodbye” to people.  Yes, it is never a pleasant process is it?  The most painful that I can remember was one very miserable February day when I had to say goodbye to you on Doncaster Station.  I’ve never felt so lonely and desolate in all my life as I felt that day as I saw you disappear from the station and as I stood watching you until you disappeared round the corner.

I was pleased that there was a letter waiting for you on your arrival home, but of course, I should much rather have been there to welcome you personally.  Oh, Darling, the times I sit and dream of the times we have welcomed each other on our various arrivals in Grimethorpe, and of the one most important one which is yet to come – my return – are innumerable.  Is there any wonder that we both get so impatient, when we just consider all the joy and happiness which awaits us on our reunion.  I never realized until I met you Dearest that the future could hold so much promise.

Glad you managed to wade through the book I sent you.  It was a bit hard going in parts, I thought, but it was quite a pleasing story.  Your new book “Fame is the Spur” seems to be an interesting book.  I will have to read it when I get back home.  (Yet another of the “things to do on reaching home”)

Very pleased to hear both from you and from Mother of your frequent visits to ‘19’.  You know Darling, I am always intrigued when you report having had a “long & interesting talk with my Mother”.  Wouldn’t I simply love to know what you talk about!  Still, I won’t ask, for I know your reply will be “mind your own business”. 

Well, I’ve still a lot to write about, so I’ll have another go tomorrow.  Until then, bye bye.

Keep loving me Darling.  I need you very much.  All yours Stan  xxxxxxxxxx

 

Grimethorpe

30.10.44                                                                                     201

My Most Precious Darling,

This after-noon I returned from my week-end visit to Kit’s home and found two “Parades” waiting for me.  I did hope that there would be a letter for me – yes, I am very greedy I know.  However, there was not a letter for me but perhaps there will be one to-morrow.  Thank you for the books Dear – they had been forwarded on to me from Nottingham.

By the way, I cannot remember whether or not I have told you to send my letters to Barnsley now.  The address is:-          

NURSES HOME,
KENDRAY HOSPITAL,
BARNSLEY.

As I did not take the two air letters, which I received on Friday, with me to Askern I could not answer them fully in my last letter.

You seemed rather depressed Darling and “fed up” with every-thing when you last wrote to me.  I know how you feel Dearest – I have had these days when everything has gone wrong, how much worse it must be for you though.  I guess that it is on such days that you really do feel so far away from England and everything and everybody that goes with England.

Never mind my Darling – this war cannot last for ever, thank God.

I am writing this letter where I like to sit and write my letters to you when I am home and also this is the time I like writing them.

Yes, it is in the same old kitchen and everybody has gone to bed, leaving me alone with some still vivid and very happy memories of you my Beloved and this same kitchen.

Everything is the same as when you saw it last – the same old hearthrug on the floor, a lovely fire in the grate and it is bitterly cold outside.

As I look up I notice that Mother has been ironing my (well, I will leave you to guess whats) and they are on the line above the kitchen range.

Remember the very first morning I brought you home and similar articles of my clothing were airing there?  Gosh, did I feel embarrassed.

I could go on reminiscing all night – if I had another air letter and if it were not almost midnight.  As it is Dear I will have to say Good-night and I love you as dearly as ever Precious.

For ever yours, Grace xxxxxx