Postmarked COLNE LANCS 7.15PM 28 AUG 1939
addressed to Miss Kathleen M. Eadie, The Manse, Kilconquhar, Fife Scotland
34 Albert Road, Colne, Lancs,
August 28th 1939
My sweetest angel,
It was a very pleasurable surprise to find this morning that a communication had been received from your dear self. I note that it was posted at “Cooper” on Saturday. Whilst agreeing that I am unperturbed by such a minor matter as the possibility of war I regret to inform you that I am seriously perturbed by the news of your illness and view the matter with grave concern. Although the state of your health was hinted at in a previous communiqué from you, I am indeed suprised to find that you have had to retire to your bed and I suppose remain confined to your room. I am sure I am not alone in wishing you a speedy recovery and trusting that you will be well enough to have your golf lesson arrange for today. It is perhaps as well that I did not try and get in telephonic communication with you last evening as I had intended as such message might have created a panic in your household as well as disturb me unduly by your likely inability to speak on the telephone. As before state I do wish you a very speedy recovery and trust that the brusque tone of my letter did not add to your bedridden misery.
I am informed on every side that the international situation is blacker now than before but regret that I cannot agree with such opinions, which are I consider not founded on a true interpretation of the facts. I cannot reiterate too strongly my opinion that there will be no war and that a peaceful solution will be found out of the present difficulties. I would like you to bear up to the future with confidence and strength.
An agency message reports that Canon Dempsey’s address in the Parish Church was another of his typical informal chats. The theme of his talk was why people didn’t go to Church. He said that one by came every morning and night and one day Dempsey asked the lad what his employer thought about him going to Church so often, to which the lad replied “He says I’m daft.” In epic style Dempsey dramatically delivered invective to the assembled “The Wesleyans built that big chapel in Albert Road to hold eight hundred – do you think there’ll be eighty in tonight. The Baptists built that big chapel to hold a thousand – do you think there’ll be sixty in tonight.”
Rumours that Herr Dempsey is to be appointed the Fuhrer of Frawden are without foundation. Councillor Foulds of Colne states that such a step would be contrary to the constitution of the village and might bring a series of incidents sufficient to preciptiate another crisis.
I beg to advise you that owing to the state of preparedness that must constantly be observed during the present testing time, I am unable to call out the Band of Helme’s Hussars who are at present on duty watching the bridge at Saint Neck Harry. Their purpose is twofold (1) to watch for I.R.A. activities threatening communications (2) German submarines sailing up disguised as kippers.
The bunting and flags which would also in normal times, brought out are not available as they have been torn up for bandages and cleaning rags.
The remark made by Colonel Helme regarding Bert Haightons marriage had no official source, as certain quarters seen to infer, but was merely a facetious fancy of the Colonels, who does not see why two people who are in love should be married when hostilities threaten and where there might be good reason to believe that they might be parting for a long while. The remark was also made with the intention of testing the attitude of a certain other party, the conclusions in this matter only being known to the Colonel. In any war it is definite that B.H. would go away after his initial training in this country.
Home again – to what – nothing but crises news. I tink I will go to the pictures tonight. Well sugar pie or rather that should be sweetie pie or better still you like to be called darling dont you darling. Now what was I going to say oh yes – it won’t be long till Thursday will it. And then we can get back to our dogs and our cat and dog life. (Jokingly of course)
I am so worried about your health and you tell me so little. Please get well sweet one and hurry back home. That’s a good girl. Dont forget to write and tell me the last time I am to write oh its all right you will be telling me that tomorrow in that nice letter you have written and posted by this time.
Why have you moved into Moué room? I suppose it will be to ease space not that you have been ostracised by the rest of your family for being in love with a fat boy not good enough for you.
Mother has just asked me to go to the Majestic with her – Laurel and Hardy in Fra Diavolo – which I have seen before but at which I hope to laugh heartily again. I laughed very loudly at the trailer last week.
I’m sorry you think my letters are shorter than yours but I beg to differ. Anyway I will close this now. Don’t be frightened sweetheart. Love me a lot and never fail to let me know and it will soon be Thursday and you’ll be able to prove how demonstrative you can be at times and how thankful you are to see me. And also to show you how glad I am to see you I might as a special treat kiss your neck.
All my love sweetheart, Ronald