Tuesday, 17 October, 1944

G.H.N.

17.10.44                                                                                                     194

My Very Own Darling,

Have not much news for you but a letter is always welcome, is it not?

Have had rather a hectic morning in the operating theatre with a “case”.  In fact I was quite exhausted at the end of it.  In the first place it was a big abdominal operation, secondly Mr Allen, the surgeon, was in a bad mood and thirdly the patient did not take his anaesthetic very well.  The patient twisted and turned and struggled and did everything he ought not to do and it took me all my time to keep him on the table.  I was wishing I had six pairs of hands.  However, after three solid hours of it the operation was finished so here is hoping it will be a success.

Sister came back from her week-end this morning.  I was wishing I had had her here yesterday as the Duke and Duchess of Portland visited the hospital.

We all had to rush around putting on clean linen and threatening the patients with what we would do to them if they dared to untidy their beds before “their Graces” came.  I had just managed to get the last clean sheet on when they arrived – followed by Colonel Pearson, Matron, etc as well as cameramen and newspaper reporters.  Whew – what a do!!

Eventually they disappeared and I was just beginning to breath again when who should arrive but Professor Flint from Leeds Infirmary, followed by nearly all the Specialists in the hospital.  Another hectic half an hour followed and at long last I was able to get into the kitchen and serve the patients dinners which by this time were not as hot as they might have been.

Who said that hospitals were places where peace and quietness reigned?

Well my Darling this letter seems to be all shop.  Here, however, is a bit of old news, but forever new – I love you, Dear – more than you will ever know.  Hurry and come back to me – I long for you and need you so much.

Now and always – your own, Grace  xxxxxxx


This cutting from the Nottingham Evening News records the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Portland to the hospital, although I do not think it was sent to Stan, as it is not mentioned in the letter.

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