Category: 1939 At War

Postmarked COLNE LANCS 7.30pm 6 OCT 1939
addressed to Lieutenant R. Helme, The Seven Stars Hotel, Barnoldswick.

Albert House. Colne. Lancs. Tel.No.282

6^th October.

My darling Ronnie,

Alas, I have been hoping you would ‘phone me yesterday or today – but so far the bell has been mute. As far as I am concerned, anyway. Maybe you’ll ‘phone tonight. Or perhaps you’ll come over? No, I don’t think so. Tomorrow perhaps.

How I love you, dear. But there seems to be such a little I can do to really prove it – except knit to keep you warm. Every stitch I knit is laden with love, so I don’t see how you can get hurt through a wall of love. I have just finished the back of your pullover.

Miss Clegg ‘phoned me this morning to ask if I would go and look after her six refugees while she did her shopping. So I went on for about an hour and a half. Most of them had colds, and I spent a lot of time wiping their noses. Then of course there was the inevitable trip up to the lavatory. Fortunately, the two boys did not ask to go!

I washed their hands, and left them sitting round the table waiting for their lunch. Then I went over to the W.V.S. to stain and varnish (both at the same time) the floor with John and Daphne. I had to go back again this afternoon to finish it, as the paint, or rather varnish, wouldn’t go quite all round. I stuck a bit on the door for amusement, and improved it.

Now I’ve got a headache, confound it.

I presume you are at The Seven Stars again – so I’ll send this there. I am going to will you to ‘phone this evening Ronnie phone, Ronnie phone, phone, phone… Yes you will. Come over soon, All my love sweetheart, Kay

Postmarked COLNE LANCS 7.30pm 2 OCT 1939
addressed to Lieut. R. Helme. D.W.R., Attatched to R.A.F. Station, Yeadon, Via Leeds

P.S. I’m glad the W.A.A.F.’s weren’t too ravishing!

Albert House. Colne. Lancs. Tel.No.282

1^st October

My belovéd Ronald,

You are so cute I could squeeze you to nothing. I am un or is it in – discribably happy that you are coming on Wednesday. Also very pleased that you should of your own free will have made an appointment at the dentist. Strangely enough, I made a promise to myself this morning on my way to the library, that I would, either by forse or persuasion, see that you went very soon. And that, I should say is telepathy – lovers’ telepathy.

I have not yet phoned your mother, as the Surgery door was unsnibbed during my conversation with you, and a number of people had clattered. It was best, I thought, to get out of the surgery before any more arrived. Also, I wanted another cup of tea.  But I shall ‘phone tonight.

I don’t think I told you that Daphne and I went on to the W.V.S. place on Saturday morning. She polished chairs, and I amused myself painting the grate which was somewhat rusted. I made a beautiful job of it, and enjoyed myself so much that I have volunteered to stain and varnish the floor. We may start tomorrow. Daphne being the second volunteer. She really can work you know. You’d be amazed at the vim she puts into scrubbing and rubbing and swilling, etc.

I want to go riding soon, but I think I’ll wait till Thursday as I don’t want to be stiff for Wednesday. Besides, Sally will probably be somewhat lively, and I would not like to break my collarbone or anything before you come to see me!

Moué and I have just been into Miss Mac’s to buy some stockings, and her confounded animal took a nip at Sunni, and has given him a nasty wee cut on his eye rim. It looked far worse that it was, as his eye was filled with blood. But now that it’s bathed it’s not so bad.

I am sitting in the gloom, but I can’t be bothered rousing myself to black out the room.

Moué started at Burnley Art School today, and seems to have enjoyed it. Zoë was very charming to her, and went to lunch with her – and Irene Swire.

Well darling, I am so glad you are coming on Wednesday. You have no idea how these visits, and the anticipation of them, buck me up. Or maybe you have. How I love you. I am forever thinking of you.

I won’t write tomorrow. Goodbye for now. All my love, yours Kay x.

Postmarked COLNE LANCS 7.15pm 1 OCT 1939
addressed to Lieut. R. Helme. D.W.R., Attatched to R.A.F. Station, Yeadon, Nr Leeds

Albert House. Colne. Lancs. Tel.No.282

1^st October.

My darling Ronald,

It was so nice to hear your beloved voice on the phone this morning. I’m afraid this will be a mere scrap as I think the post goes a bit earlier than it used to on Sunday, and I simply musn’t miss it.

You will wonder why I didn’t start earlier then? I had collewobbles as a matter of fact, but feel ok now. I shall really have to have injections before I take to the land!

Angel, I shall come to see you on Wednesday D.V. I’ll make enquiries tomorrow morning – and let you know. You are quite sure you can get off? I’ll get the eleven o’clock bus from here. Of course, I’ve no idea where I shall land in Leeds, but I suppose I’ll meet you somehow.

I love you so much, I’d take the ‘bus to London for a sight of you.

Your pullover is growing and should be quite snug under your shirt. I’m doing it in ordinary sock stitch – partly to be nice and flat, partly because the wool doesn’t take well to a pattern, partly because it won’t show anyway. Also it’s quicker.

Dad, Uncle Stan, Daphne and I went to Blackburn yesterday afternoon to the big warehouse there – to order a bycicle, some tinned foods, some door carpets, etc. Quite a nice change.

In the evening, as you know, we went to “Lilac Time” and enjoyed it very much. The great Zoë Riddiough sat on our row with that girl that Hanson Halstead(?) took to Keighley dance – with a sergeant in the Royal Artillery each. Very amusing. I wonder who they were – Miss Riddiough gave us her usual blank look – kept entirely for the female sex; and I wished I had had my Lieutenant to make her displeased with her non-commissioned officers! Catty, catty Eadie! She makes me quite sick though – keeping all her charm(!) for the men.

I’m longing to see you dear, and presume you are dying to see me. Get Wednesday off. I’ll trip to the post now.

I do hope you can read this. All my love precious, Kathleen.

Postmarked COLNE LANCS 6pm 29 SEP 1939
addressed Lieut. R. Helme, D.W.R., Attatched to R.A.F. Station, Yeadon, Via Leeds.

Albert House. Colne. Lancs. Tel.No.282

29^th September.

My darling Ronnie,

I am very sorry you couldn’t get over today, but the other news has cheered me up a great deal. You might easily get to Catterick to find me already there as a laundress or even a lavatory attendant. I would even stoop to such a level to be near you!!

I sent John down with a little present for your Mother this morning – and she phoned shortly after to thank me. You didn’t tell me she was knitting you some socks. Mine are sure to be very inferior, and you won’t want to wear them. Or perhaps you will wear them for love!

John, Daphne, Moué and I went for a good walk today. Do you remember that funny very over grown and muddy place we went to about two years ago – going up towards White Moor? We went up there. It was not so muddy this time though. We came out eventually onto the old Barlick road. We came down Cocker Hill, and then back onto Red Lane. Prince met a retriever and played with him for ages. They both got stung by wasps: Prince on his ear, the other on it’s nose. Prince doesn’t seem to be any the worse… There was a wasps nest near – so you wouldn’t have liked that much!

I rashly promised Sunni a walk and he is remembering judging from the crying noise. I doubt whether he’ll get much farther than the post!

We are probably going to see “Lilac Time” in Nelson tomorrow. We thought of going tonight, but I couldn’t tear myself away from a liver and bacon supper. You are the only person who can tear me away from liver and bacon.

Gosh, it’s chilly. I shall shortly have to take to my winter woollies – alas. Anyway, they are nice new ones.

I think we are in for a long and painful war, honey – now that Russia seems to be definitely in. What do you think of their beautiful peace treaty idea?

Oh dear, here comes Mr Ravvy(*) Hoghton. Katie has shown him in here. I have made polite conversation, and now Mum has come in. I have asked to be excused and have gone on writing! Running Commentary!

Now let me see, is there anything else to say? Well I really needn’t tell you that I adore you whole heartedly, and will continue to do so forever and ever and ever and ever. Amen.

Stop this war, stop everything and devote yourself to me.

I must close and pitter, patter to the post… Oh how I would love to kiss you now. Oh how I could kiss you, Ooh!

Mr Hoghton departs. “Goodnight” “Goodnight” The front door opens, Revvy goes out____.

What was I saying. Oh yes, what I wanted to say was I love you. Kisses, cuddles, caresses, Kay x

Postmarked COLNE LANCS 7.30pm 28 SEP 1939
addressed to Lieut.R.Helme, D.W.R., Attatched to R.A.F.Station, Yeadon, Via Leeds.

Albert House. Colne. Lancs. Tel.No.282

28^th September

My dearest Ronald,

It is a year since yesterday, and I am loving you more every minute. Why can I not be with you all the time – every day, every night for ever and ever.

Every time I see you I love you more and want you more – and so it goes on.

I am hoping you will be sent over tomorrow, but I am not letting myself expect it because I may be disappointed.

I went down to Smith’s this morning and ordered twelve carnations which came to three bob. I was surprised to find them so cheap at this time of year. They are sending them up to your house in the morning with your card.

I was out for a walk with Prince this afternoon; and oh what heavenly peace there is in the country. It made me want to sit down and stay there. I went along this side of Old Ebbie’s – however it’s spelt, and down a very rough lane which eventually leads to the railway again. I expect you know it. Prince was full of beans, and was wearing his new lead, having broken his slip lead and his whip lead! This one is just an ordinary one, but it is thick and short, and seems very suitable.

I have told Mummy I want to be engaged before you go abroad. She said “Yes, well Ronnie must ask your Father”. Won’t that be lovely for you?!

Honey, I love you.

I started your pullover today, and have managed to get some khaki wool at Worrels for 4½ an ounse. The stuff I’m doing your socks with was 6½ same quality and not such a nice colour. So ____.

Granny has retired to bed – in self defence I think, though she says she has a cold! Actually I fear she is peeved with lack of attention. Mum has been out a lot lately, and was to have gone out this afternoon. Of course, she has had to stay in! What a woman! She makes me sick. And to think my middle name is Marion. I really have a good mind to have it changed. What do you suggest? Maria, Maud, Martha?!

Think how terrible it will be when they read our banns. Kathleen Marion ____. Ooch!

Honey, I blether; and I am sure you are busy.

So I guess I had better shoot oop.

Oh how I love you. I think I am going to burst with love and longing very soon now. Kisses, cuddles and caresses, Yours aye, Kathleen.

Postmarked COLNE LANCS 7.30pm 25 SEP 1939
addressed to Lieut. R. Helme, D.W.R., Attatched to R.A.F. Station, Yeadon, Via Leeds.

Albert House. Colne. Lancs. Tel.No.282

Monday

My dearest Ronald,

You are a lamb, and I adore you, and I’m glad you think I’m worth ten bob a day and a whole lot more in spiritual value. But let me tell you my love, that once you are married to me you are taped. Completely and permenantly taped – so make hay while the sun shines; but don’t let the sun shine too often!

Hurry up and come over and see me, and blow to the Army and everything else. Stanley Riddiough called yesterday, and made me long for a sight of you. Even though he did look slim and really remarkably improved in appearance. I wanted to swap him for you.

He is thoroughly enjoying the Army and the work (or lack of it!) and has put on a stone in the last three months. But he was not unbareably conceited about it all, as I had expected him to be.

The eight officers of his lot have all been presented with Ford 10’s or Ford 8’s. I forget which! That comes of being in the R.A.S.C. I suppose.

The sock grows and grows, but is by no means a thing of beauty. It should keep your little footy warm though – when I’ve darned all the holes! When I think that I’ve still another to do (and Mum is actually talking about “Your next pair of sock-“) it sends my heart in twain. Never mind I have turned the heel of the first successfully – and now I know how to do it.

I am longing to see you, and to squeeze you round the centre of your adiposity. If Stanley gets fatter with Army life I suppose you will too, dear. No I’m not really being rude at all. You’re very cute anyway.

It is about twenty past six, and I’m now going all on my ownio to take Prince for a walk. I’ll post this first.

Let me know if you want me to write less – and don’t you go forgetting I love you. Kisses cuddles caresses, Kay

Postmarked COLNE LANCS 715pm 24 SEP 1939
addressed to Lieut. R. Helme. D.W.R., Attatched to R.A.F. Station, Yeadon, Via Leeds

Albert House, Colne, Lancashire.

24^th Sept^r. 1939

My dearest Ronald,

Mother has insisted upon me using this bit of paper which she has addressed. It looks a mess, but I must needs do as I’m told.

I’m expecting this to reach you in Yeadon tomorrow, Monday, and I am praying that I shall have a letter from you. You have really done very well with letters this last week, but I suppose you will find less time at Yeadon. Please let me know how often I’ve to write you. Not every day, I guess.

Hadn’t you better just tear my last letter up? There isn’t really much about them anyway; and I’m going to write many more hundreds to you yet honey. Well anyway, a good number, because you’ll always have to leave me at home at least one fortnight in every year – to go to camp.

I think I saw the Ogden children when I was out this morning. They were just going in to the park. I wonder how they feel with their father away so long.

I went to see “The Drum” for the third time last night. I was going to stay in; and Moué Mum and Granny were going. But at the last minute the old girl started hemming and hawing and decided not to go. So Mum then wouldn’t go. Moué had been looking forward to it so much that I said I’d go. I didn’t really mind seeing it again, and Moué’s pleasure and gratitude were ample reward. Dear, dear.

This house continues to be too full, but I suppose we can’t do anything about it yet. Granny is certainly here for the duration – becoming ever more martered. She takes a delight in telling everyone how she was going to Harrogate but the hotels are taken over – etc, etc. Actually she had more or less decided not to go before that happened. Still, it makes a good tale!

The front bell has just gone, and it seems like the voice of one of the residents of Lower Emmott. I hope to goodness they stay out of here (drawing room) I just don’t feel like talking to them these days – though John has mentioned having them down to supper. I told Mum I would go out, which didn’t suit her.

I’m going up to Molly Fould’s for tea tomorrow. At least she is genuine, and I can have a good ‘omely chat with her. I don’t have to mind my P’s and Q’s.

Well Angel, your khaki sock is growing, but I really must say it is not half as nice as it should be. The wool – the only stuff I could get, is not very good quality and apt to split, but they should keep you warm. I hope you’ll pardon a few mistakes. As long as I don’t make the foot all lumps and bumps! I’ve never done socks before, and I find it quite intriguing.

Mrs Brimfield has heard a tale through Walter Clegg that you have captured a man posing as an officer. She asked me if it was true, and I assured her it wasn’t. What silly things people concoct! Another very strong rumour is that Mr Haardt is a German spy – and has been her all these years just finding things out. They have ‘proof’ and goodness knows what. Mrs Riddiough is one of the believers and chief spreders. It has probably the same value as her information to Marjory the day before we declared war, that the Germans had ceased firing! Mum is very annoyed that people should be so faithless; and we just don’t believe it at all. Granny dared to be suspicious and we squashed her completely.

I’ve a feeling it’s your Mother’s birthday sometime around now. Or has it past. You might oblige me by letting me know. Though I doubt whether you will!

This letter becomes too long I fear. I am still very lonely, and very much in love with you – so let me see your dear self soonish.

All my love, yours ever, Kay.

Postmarked COLNE LANCS 11.45am 21 SEP 1939
addressed to Lieut. R. Helme. D.W.R., Royal Station Hotel, York

Albert House, Colne, Lancs.

21st September.

My darling Ronnie,

I’m afraid you wont have had a short sweet note from me today, and if this takes two days, you wont have a short sweet note from me tomorrow! Oh but perhaps you will get my last one today. I’m all mixed up. Fancy letters to York taking two days. I could walk over in that time!

It was lovely to hear from you today, but it wasn’t so lovely to hear that you are to be one of the first to go to the front; although I suppose you must live up to your reputation, and I know that you personally will. You know honey, I think a great deal of you – apart from my love of you. I would think you were fine if I didn’t love you. And I don’t want any contradiction. You needn’t write giving me a long list of your faults because I know them. You needn’t say I’m blind because I’m not – and honeylamb I Love You.

I’m really not sorry you are finding time to feel homesick. I hope that you will still be able to feel homesick when you go away from me (very occasionally) in another twenty years!

I’m glad too, that you have noticed the three lovely children. A good sign dear. When children take after their father they are peculiar – yes? I have, in appearance that is, taken after mine!

Moué and I went to see “Prison without Bars” yesterday as we stayed in on Tuesday. We both enjoyed it. It is surprising how much more one enjoys a bit of sentiment when one is “love starved” in a manner of speaking. No wonder those poor loveless damsels pin film stars on the walls, and weep copiously at touching love scenes. Dear, dear, I feel like a grass widow already.

No I don’t really dearest; and as soon as the khaki wool comes I am going to start knitting like mad – socks, pullovers, mittens – all for my own particular big soldier. Think how nice and snug you’ll be my precious, all wrapped up in Kay’s knitting. Nothing could possibly hurt you if you wear my exquisite khaki pullover. They are asking us to knit them for the troops. My own dear soldier comes first though.

Meanwhile, I am speeding on with the babies blanket which should be done today or tomorrow if I get cracking. It is blue and yellow.

Is this letter going to be too long I wonder. Well, it shouldn’t take you long to read, and I would like to get to the end of this page.

Too bad you having to stick getting so much chicken. You must be sick of the sight of it. We don’t really have it much, but it was a present from Granny.

I understand about you not ringing me honey, and I’m quite content if you write to me.  In fact, I’m delighted. Do you leave York on Sunday? I hope it wont be too long before you see me again, but I can live for some time yet on the memory of your last visit.

Remember me to Ronald, give my love to Ronnie – and keep all the rest for yourself, you dear and precious boy. Yours, Kay

Numbered 167. Postmarked COLNE LANCS 7.30pm 19 SEP 1939
addressed to Lieut. R. Helme. D.W.R., The Royal Station Hotel, York

Albert House, Colne

19^th September

My darling Ronnie,

I can’t resist sending you another short letter. After all, I simply must thank you for yours which arrived this morning as a big surprise. I was quite sure you wouldn’t be writing – until later on anyway.

I’m looking forward to you ‘phoning some night. I expect I shall be in, as there is little to go out for these evenings. Just blackness!

I may go to the flicks tonight, although I am really not in the mood to see ‘Dawn Patrol!’ I feel it will be too grim for these days. I wouldn’t mind seeing it with you, but otherwise, I’m not sure I’d like to. I really want to see “Prison without Bars” at the Savoy, but Marj and Moué are going to a lecture on “Home Nursing”.

I shall really have to do something soon, honey. But I don’t feel like tying myself up in anything while there is a chance of seeing you now and again. Annie Clegg says I should have a shot at the Land Army. Anyway I am not going to do anything just now honey – except love you, and that is going to be an all time job – forever. But it isn’t a job. It’s a pleasure – a wonderful pleasure.

Must pipe down now, as you must visit the lavatory before you start the days work! Oh treasure, how I love you. Yours with kisses cuddles and caresses, Kathleen

Postmarked COLNE LANCS 7.15pm, 18 Sep 1939
addressed to Lieut.R.Helme. D.W.R., The Station Hotel, York

Albert House, Colne.

September 18^th

p.s. I have ordered the khaki wool.

My darling Ronnie,

I simply can’t restrain myself from writing a very wee letter to you – just a very wee one to let you know that I am still loving you. In fact, my love is for ever growing bigger and bigger, till soon I think I shall bust!

I do hope you are comfortable Angel, and that you are managing to sleep and eat well in spite of all your hard work. And above all darling boy, I hope you are saying a little prayer for me – as I am saying a little prayer for you.

Nothing of any great interest has happened since you left – which seems a year ago. Dad took some of us up to Carís(*) shooting box yesterday afternoon, and a farmer, Dad’s patient – showed us round. It is in a beautiful condition, and I could quite imagine ‘us’ going up at the weekends. £70 the shoot and five bob a week for the lodge and a little extra to the farmer for feeding the birds and keeping the garden etc. Very cheap, yes?

Well Angel I mustn’t write anymore. Don’t bother keeping this scrap; but keep my heart in a safe place. All my love dearest boy.

Yours Kathleen.