Stan and Grace

G. H. N. 30.11.42           My Own Darling, I am writing this short note so that there will be something waiting for you when you get back   (no, I will not call it a letter!) I was so thrilled with your letter – I will answer that to-night when I hope to have a bit more time. I have been quite busy since I came back  - s wotting – or at least – trying to, but my thoughts are inclined to wander in another direction.   You can guess where. Until to-night then.   Bye-bye Darling. All my love, Grace   xxxxxx   G. H. N. Monday, 11 p.m.        My Own Darling, I am afraid that my letter this morning was rather brief but I will try and make up for it with this one. I had been anxiously waiting for Monday morning to arrive ever since I came back on Friday.   I knew there would be a letter for me. You sound so miserable Darling.   I know how you must feel thought as I felt that way myse...

Grimethorpe Monday evening ( or Tuesday morning )    My Own Darling, Mrs Mabel Bristow (Grimethorpe) has just finished her weekly talk “The Goings-on at the Knitting Club” a very witty & informative discourse, & the time is now past midnight.   I thought, however, my Dear, that I would finish up what will most likely be my last night at home by writing to you. What tortuous days these past three have been, hanging about Grimethorpe with nothing to do & memories of our time together meeting me at every turn.   During the past ten months Grimethorpe has meant only two things to me – Home and YOU !   And when you are gone well, things are just not complete. The only bright spot has been the arrival of your letter this morning, Angel, & as you point out & as you experienced yourself, once back at work & the numbness of parting disappears a little. Nothing will ever erase the memories of our time together from my mind, my sweet! ...

G. H. N.      My Own, Precious, Darling, It is now 4.30 p.m.   I arrived back three-quarters of an hour ago.   I felt that I must write to you Darling, before I could even try to go to sleep.   It was dreadful coming back.   I feel one big ache inside and as I walked down the path leading to the “Nurses Home” I felt that I really did not belong here but that I belonged to you – I felt that I had been away ages and that I was a stranger. As soon as I got to my bedroom I did something which I was determined I was not going to do – I wept.   I felt so miserable and longed for you so much! Why am I telling you all this?   It will only make you feel worse and I guess you are feeling the same as I am now. I have often waited to write to you before and tell you just how I felt about certain things but I would not let myself.   What a fool I have been.   I realise that now.   I have lots more things to tell you but time is cr...

  Stan and Grace are now on leave in Grimethorpe, with Grace arriving in Doncaster on Sunday afternoon, 22 November, and leaving to go back to Nottingham on Friday, 27th November, as she will be on duty on Friday night. This postcard, showing the top of the High Street in Grimethorpe, was probably taken in the mid-1930's, judging by the clothes.  The little crowd is standing outside Andrews' drapery shop.  The railings on the far right-hand side are in front of the Council School.  The house in the centre of the photograph, facing down the street, is the farmhouse of Fold Head Farm, occupied at this time by William and Linda Metcalfe.  Low Farm, at the opposite end of Church Street, was occupied by William's brother, George, and his family.   Note that there is a (paved) pavement but an unmade road - village roads were not surfaced until motor vehicles became more common, after the war. From the letters we know that Stan and Grace will be limited to sp...

Friday, 1 p.m.      Darling, Arriving in Doncaster Sunday at 3.25 p.m.   I have just heard that I can start my nights off Sunday.   Sorry this is very brief but I was supposed to be in bed an hour ago and somehow or other I have to get down the main staircase with the letter and avoid meeting Sister. Until Sunday then Darling. All my love always, Grace   xxxx    

Thursday, 9 a.m.      Darling, I am afraid that this letter will be rather short as I am in a terrific hurry.   Darling – what do you think?   I might get my nights off after all.   I have been doing a bit of wrangling.   Now don’t ask questions – I only said might and if I do I will tell you about it when I see you. I should know by to-night so will write and let you know by Saturday morning.   I will also let you know the time I expect to arrive in Doncaster. By the way – I don’t think that two suitcases will be enough for this memorable occasion.   There will be at least a dozen !!!! Until Sat. Darling – Bye-bye.   ‘Scuse the smudges, love Grace   xxxx

Home Forces Tuesday        My Darling, I got your letter this morning, & read the contents with great disappointment.   I have been dreading something like this happening ever since I arranged my leave. I am sorry to say that there is very little I can do about getting the leave changed I have either got to start it to-morrow & have ten days, or delay it & run the risk of being re-called half way through it.   You see the date which you mention in your letter is the date when all our leave is supposed to finish. Because I really want to see you very much before I leave this country (as it now appears there is every likelihood of my doing very soon) I have decided to risk things & delay starting my leave until Saturday.   That means that I shall finish it on December the 1 st with good luck (and if I am not recalled).   That would give us a couple of days together. I was telling the Colonel about the contents of your le...