Postmarked COLNE LANCS 8PM 11 JAN 1940
addressed to Lieut. R. N. P. Helme, D.W.R., N.R.A. Pavilion, Bisley Camp, Brookwood, Woking, Surrey
ALBERT HOUSE. COLNE. LANCS. TEL.NO.282
11th Jan. Thurs.
My darling Ronald,
Here is your dear little fiancé writing to you from her country town. Your dear little fiancé who has at the minute got grubby hands and a shiney nose; but I think you would still like to kiss her. And she – oh dear, she is still simply longing to kiss you.
I wish your weekend leave would hurry up and come. I am longing to have you back home again. Oh, this war, I wish it would end. It’s vile being without you all this time. Darling, I love you as I never knew anyone could love.
It is a week tomorrow since I saw you, and it seems very much longer than that. Surely you will be able to get off for the weekend of the 26th. Well, that’s the only weekend you can possibly get in Jan. If you come then there is a good dance at the Imperial : the joing Rotary dance – 6/6. That would be nice – yes?
Angel – the latest engagement. It has really capped me, but I don’t suppose it will surprize you much. Well, Mary Sagar and Hayseed Parsons. Oh, isn’t it vile?! Poor Mary. She’ll regret that some day. Just you see my lamb. He is at home on leave just now, and they will be at the dance tomorrow. Private Part – I mean Parsons! Honey, you must be a Captain soon so as I can swank some more.
John and Daphne arrived home late last night, and both seem well and full of beans. John was very sorry you didn’t call in at Upper Berkley Street. He really seemed disappointed about it – so you see.
How goes the Hygiene course? I am surprised at you using your own words in your notes. Or maybe I’m not! You will be a very clever boy now.
James managed to get 48 hours leave to see about his uniform. In fact, it’s more than 48 hours as they are to wire when they want him, and they haven’t wired yet. He arrived back on Tuesday. We have seen very little of him though, and I think there must be some attraction in Burnley – unless it’s just Willie. He went to Manchester for his uniform.
Well dearest, I must take Prince out now. It is nearly four – so I’ve time for an hours good walk. How I wish you were here to go with me. I’ll continue later, and maybe there will be a letter from you when I get back.
… I read your letter just before I went out. It was waiting downstairs for me. I haven’t got it with me, but I don’t think there were any questions to answer, or any comments to make upon it. Oh yes, you are vulgar, but I guess I am used to it now. I do draw the line at some things of course – but you’ll do.
Oh heck, I don’t really want to go to this dance tomorrow. I suppose I had better try on my frock tonight to see if it’s OK. When I see other people enjoying themselves, I shall probably weep. What a life.
I had a nice walk this afternoon. It was a lovely winters afternoon with frost on the ground and a very new, new moon. I wished a wish of course, and as usual, it concerned you my Angel Boy. Or should I call you Dearest Heart – or was it Darling Heart? Yes – yes you big, very big N.P. I shall now resign my post or position of President of the Nosey Parkers. You, Ronald Helme are the new president. Fancy looking over anyone’s shoulder. And just think how nosey you are about letters I receive. You always want to know from whom they are, and you even want to read them. What a quizy husband you’ll be!
Oh dear, I have just tried to blot my letter with the wrong side of the blotting paper. Here is the news. German aircraft over the east coast. Ech gosh, what a lot of German planes over here today.
The sirens went off in Cowling Earby and Barlick this morning, but the wireless has just said there have been no sirens in Britain today. So you see they’re wrong.
I am writing this on my knees, and I don’t like doing much, but John and Daphne are playing ping pong on the table. I don’t think you have ever played ping pong in this house. Amazing when we have had it for years. I think we will have it up when you come home. Oh ear I am longing to see you my darling N.P. my dearest brown eyed b-beauty. Funny the way I adore you, but there is no doubt about it at all.
How is the operation scar – on the cheek? I forgot to examine it last Friday; but it can’t have been bad because I didn’t notice it.
Ma has gone down to Moran’s to have her hair done, so Mrs Moran will be asking about you I suppose. Here she is back home again with her hair all flat and waved.
I have just heard from Moué the opinions of Mary’s engagement. Irene Swire says she is giggling about it like an infant, and not taking it at all seriously. Freda Hartley seems to consider it absurd as Mary is so young in her mind. “Now I can understand Kathleen Eadie being engaged”, says she to Irene “as she is far more mature in her mind.” So there we are.
Hayseed tells Mary he has stopped drinking, but Raymond says he is just as bad as ever. Gosh, I think he looks bloated.
How glad I am to have you my dear fat boy. Your mittens are finished, your waistcoat progresses – and every stitch filled with my love. Kisses, cuddles and caresses, Kathleen