Postmarked COLNE LANCS 7.15PM 23 AUG 1939
addressed to Miss Kathleen M. Eadie, The Manse, Kilconquhar, Nr Elie, Fife Scotland
34 Albert Road, Colne, Lancs.
Wednesday
My darling Kay,
It is strange how these days do actually pass considering that you are away from me and so very far away physically. But they are longer than 24 hours and I guess Father Time is getting anxious for you to return so that we can get straight again. You see when you get back he shortens them to about 12 hours so that they even out. All this probably confuses you but it is just another way of saying the old old line which I have been saying since about 9.30pm December 28th 1936. You were only a little girl then and didn’t know such words existed. I can still see you in your red frock and straight hair and the lovely look on your face that hasn’t gone the way of the red frock and the straight bobbed hair. My dear you were a darling then and you are a million times sweeter now, and although I loved you then I love you many million times more now.
Went out to Marton last night, the weather was kind but close and cloudy and we spent a very interesting evening going through the details of getting into a defensive position. I wonder if we really will be using it before long. I hope not.
Donald Mellin a new officer under me, who I have known for some time, is in a similar position to me. His sweetheart goes away on Saturday for her holidays and comes back on the day he goes to camp. As I pointed out to him they won’t be parted as long as we have been by a week.
Oh dear I do feel tired today, my legs are very tired and I feel sleepy. Just think baby a week after you receive this you should be thinking of England Home and Beauty. (I suppose I must be the latter) My pictures haven’t come back from Will R.Rose yet. Your picture is sweet I can’t give over looking at it.
I am going with the Hattersley Smith to Bridlington on Saturday so may possibly not arrive in one piece. However I’ll do my best to keep intact so that you may have the full benefit of me on your return.
I suppose I’d better go and begin some work – after washing my hands and face. I’ll finish this at home after I have read your Tuesday edition which will have arrived by the noon post. Oh yes, I wanted to tell you not to be disappointed or discouraged after your golf lesson. Please don’t be – remember that I was just a rabbit no so long ago and even today there are many rabbits who don’t give over trying. But don’t try to hard. You can’t be excellent in a day. You just have to get the idea and then get plenty of practice.
Give my love to Prince and give him a little hug from me.
Home to another of your sweet cheering missives. How do you do it? Guess it must come natural!
The international situation is very bad and I’m afraid you and I will have to be prepared. I may as well tell you (I only got to know half an hour ago) that we are to be ready for mobilisation at a moments notice. The precautionary message came through last night and we have to be ready from the word go. This is secret of course (I wonder what Stanely Riddage is doing – funny thought) but I have no objection to you telling your father. It will impress him as to the gravity of the situation. For yourself sweetheart don’t be alarmed at. The action of the War Office have taken is purely precautionary and would facilitate mobilisation if it comes. There has been a little comedy about it. It is secret but I will tell you when you get home. The weekend at Bridlington will probably be cancelled so I am spared death at the hands of D.H.Smith.
What lovely letters you write. They express you completely and are typical of the sweet girl you are. Brrrr I could eat you.