Postmarked COLNE LANCS 8PM 23 JAN 1940
addressed to Lieut. R. Helme, D.W.R., Church House, Norton, Malton. Yorks
Albert House, Colne, Lancs.
23rd Jan.
My dearest Ronald,
No letter from you today my prescious, and I am just a wee bit worried. Surely you haven’t got measles after all? Oh dear, I am on pins to know if you are really coming home on Friday. Gee, how will I ever last out. Maybe you’ve written and it hasn’t arrived? Well anyway, I’m sure to hear tomorrow – and you’ll be telling me definitely if you are coming. I tried to get you a silk tie today but couldn’t get one anywhere in this ‘ere town; but I am going into Burnley on the morrow, so I shall get one there. I am going in to buy myself a petticoat – from my shopping centre: Marks and Spencer’s!
Dicky and Rita have just arrived. Goodbye peace! They have come to see about Bill and Marjory going to the flicks. I am staying in and going to bed early so as I shall be beautiful for the great day. One would think I was getting married. Wish we were my sweet boy.
Oh dear, how can I be really romantic and sweet with all this talking going on. Dicky and Rita have just departed, but Bill and Marj. are jabbering away. The former sends “his love”. He says “Do you know about the Adam & Eve party? Leaves off at eleven.” Ha ha! I don’t think he really expected me to tell you it.
I have asked Dicky and Rita to procure two tickets for the Rotary dance, so I hope we will get.
Bill keeps making wee remarks. I’ve to say his an addled brain, and he sends his love again!
Thank goodness, they have gone downstairs. Now for a little peace.
Judy was coming to tea today, but the dope has twisted her ankle trying to do something fancy while skating – so hasn’t been able to come. I can’t say I’m terribly sorry as I feel a bit doped today, and my glands are a bit sore. I simply must be rid of them.
Here is the news. What a world, what a world. Why doesn’t this war go and eat cake. Oh to be at peace again.
I haven’t been for a very long walk this afternoon: just up the fields and down the park.
We had a letter from James this morning, and he doesn’t seem very happy. He says he is with a very Western Brothers crowd, and that he has never seen so much drinking. Poor lad. I do feel sorry for him. I wish he could have got with you and then you could have looked after him. Also he would have been able to keep an eye on you – and report – yes?
Moué heard from Reg again today, and he asked if she could let him have a photo. Things are advancing. I don’t think you ever asked me for a photo. Which reminds me honey, you simply must have your photo taken. Soon my boy soon. I insist, I command you to have it done. Think how much nicer it will be for me to gaze at your dear face when you’re away; and think how proud I shall be to show it to all my friends and relations. You look such a peach in uniform. I simply must have one soon. How about going to Settle on Saturday? Or is it too far? Well anyway, you must have it taken somewhere within the next fortnight.
Your ring is sparkling up at me, and making my hands look like great red hams – all swollen red and chilblainy. Alas, I am a wreck. Must say I’m not too spotty at the minute though. Touch wood.
I am just burbling dear. The thought of seeing you so soon is going to my head and I can’t think of anything sensible to say. Well what does it matter? I love you, and that’s the main thing. I think this is Dad back from Burnley which means it is time for high tea. Fish and Chips. Yum!
One more letter to write to you before the weekend. Then I’ll be saying things instead of writing them.
I am so excited. Don’t please have a relapse.
All my love with kisses, cuddles, and caresses, Kay