envelope - europeana1914-1918.eu web viewlil tells me she came on to dinner on sunday and i am very...

Envelope Postmark 6.45pm 1 Jun 1917

Glen Lea, etc.

******************Letter Dover 1 June 1917

Dear Father & Mother,

I have arrived here safely. It was quite an uneventful journey down. I reached London at a little after 6.30, then went across to Charing Cross by Underground. After making certain of my Dover train I went to the Little Theatre YMCA for tea, and dropped you a line from there giving my address. I am living in room G1, so please put after No 7 Company, "Room G1".

Our special train got us to Dover at 11 o'clock, and I got up to camp at quarter to twelve and went straight to bed.

This morning I saw the S.M. and he has told me to report to the doctor tomorrow (Saturday) morning about my eyes, so I cannot tell you anything definite in this letter, but will keep you well informed.

We cannot get to know where the draft is going to; they haven't told them from the orderly room yet, but it is probable that they will move off on Tuesday. I sincerely hope I shall manage to get left behind. Even if I don't, I am confident that my good luck will follow me through, as it has done for the past twelve months now.

I have received the letter, tobacco and sweets quite safely. With what Lilian sent me I have quite a large supply now.

Don't think there is anything more this time.

Love to all, fromYours affectionately

Alvin

*******************Letter Card Postmark Dover

6.45pm 2 Jun 1917Glen Lea, etc.

Dear Father, Mother & Margaret, Dover 2/6/17 SaturdayI am still hanging fire here, but am another step nearer. This morning went to the eye specialist and he again told me that my sight is not fit for category A. I had quite a decent little talk with him and told him that previously our medical officer took no notice of that when I was examined before, so this morning I asked him to put it into writing this time, which he did.

Tomorrow I have to report to our medical officer and I should then get to know something more definite, and I hope to be able to send you some good news.

I am hoping everything will go all right.

Love and best wishes to all from

1

Yours affectionately,

Alvin

*********************** Envelope Postmark Dover

7pm 3 Jun 1917Glen Lea, etc.

*******************Letter Dover

3/6/17Sunday


What a relief!

When I reported to the Medical Officer this morning he had no alternative but to mark me now T.M.B. for B1. It was a good job I got the Eye Specialist to put his recommendation into writing, or it would have been the same tale as before. The fact that he didn't do it before has given me a comfortable three months anyway. Everything seems to be working out for the best. I always touch lucky.

This T.M.B. means that I shall have to go before the next Travelling Medical Board which sits here, and they will no doubt mark me down as B1 in accordance in accordance with the eye specialist's recommendation.

Now don't you all feel relieved? I tell you straight I do. It wouldn't have come off if I hadn't stuck to my guns. A soldier seems to have very few rights, and if he doesn't stick up for those he won't get them. However, they won't beat Alvin so very easily.

Seeing this is my third letter in three days, you can't expect much news can you? I will therefore close with love & best wishes to all of you from


Alvin.

******************* Envelope Postmark 7.30pm 6 Jun 1917

Glen Lea, etc.

******************* Letter

Dear Father & Mother, Dover 6 June 1917

Thanks for your Sunday's letter enclosing Lilian's letter which Newman had sent on for me from St. Margaret's.

Yes, I quite agree with you, that before I go away a few of the Cuthberts we know should have a turn. I wouldn't mind going on munitions for a change, and let somebody else have my khaki suit.

2

Well, I suppose you would feel more relieved when you got my Sunday's letter, telling you that everything is going favourably. My luck is still sticking to me, and I hope and trust that it will continue to do so.

No, I haven't caught cold through changing my clothes. The weather has been beautiful since I came back here.

I hope, with you, that the war will be about finished in July.

I think I dropped you a line to say that I had received the pants all right.

We are very busy here in the office and the draft leaves tomorrow (Thursday) and there is a tremendous amount of clerical work to do in connection with it.

You say you won't neglect to write me if I get sent away; well I am pleased to say that eventuality is now passed, for the present, at any rate.

Yes, that little slip was for my chum Newman. Poor chap seems quite lost without me, doesn't he? No he hasn't got married, but it seems that the idea was that his wife had come down for Whitsuntide, and he hasn't made anyone any wiser. Didn't I tell you when I was over that his girl had been to see him for the weekend, and that I had just had tea with them when I was fetched away to Dover?

I think this is all the news at present.

Love to all fromYours affectionately.

Alvin.

****************** Letter 8 June 1917


Thanks for you Wednesday's letter.

Yes, I know you would be relieved to learn that the eye specialists had recommended me for Category B1. If I hadn't got him to put his recommendation into writing I should never have got the medical officer to put me down for the T.M.B. Still, he's a good man who can get any change out of your Alvin, when it comes to a case of fair & square dealing. You know it is still the same medical officer who was at Dover when I came here in February, and he puts all the difficulties he can in the way of a man attempting to get his rights, but when I handed him that note he said nothing but just "All right - you'll be for the next T.M.B."

So, even our Margaret knew everything would be all right, did she? Let's hope things will always keep so. For myself I don't care what happens, but on account of the anxiety it would cause to Lilian and you I don't want to be sent over the other side. And then when one thinks of the Rabbits and the Cuthberts, one is bound to think that they in all fairness should go on and do a bit, while some of the soldiers have a try at Munition making, etc. Keep on wearing your lucky beans by all means, but don't trouble to send me one on. I frankly trust to my luck on its own.

3

You ask me if I run short of anything to let you know. Well I am short of nothing at all, but someday when you have a little time, I wish you would make me a date cake like the one Aunt Maggie sent me, that is if you have the recipe. Now don't go and send a big parcel (taking a yard because I give you an inch) but just one or two of your home made fancies. Now this is only for a change mind you - not a regular thing.

Well, at last I have been promoted to be a Lance-Corporal. I now wear a stripe on each arm. If I can't have the stars I must have the stripes. Perhaps in the end it will pay me better to do without a commission and go on as a ranker. When you write to me now, you must no longer address me as Private, but as follows: L/Cpl A.Whiteley 41739.

The big draft that it was intended I should go with went across to France yesterday. They left the barracks at three o'clock in the morning, marching to Folkestone to embark.

This is all this time, so I will shut up.


Alvin

****************** Envelope Postmark Dover 6.45pm

12 June 1917Glen Lea, etc.

******************

Letter Dover12 June 1917


I received yesterday the "Courier" and your Sunday's letter for which thanks.

Please don't swank so much about my promotion. It is only one step, but it gives me certain privileges. Yes, as you say, it may turn out to be all for the best that my application for a commission has been turned down.

Mr Stockton soon seems to have got into it; still he ought to be all right in the Engineers.

You included that slip about Butterworth in one of your previous letters and I saw it again in the "Courier".

No, I don't want you to send my stick. Didn't I tell you when I was home that we are not allowed to carry full size walking sticks in Dover; we can only use those ridiculous little swagger canes.

I wrote Aunt Maggie yesterday, telling her all the news of my recent exciting adventures. And really it was rather an exciting time, wasn't it? But once more things seem to be running smoothly. On Sunday I went over to St. Margarets and spent the half day with Newman and one or two other chums. Poor Newman seems more fed up than I do myself at my papers having been turned down. He doesn't seem to have made a friend of any of the other chaps like he did of me. I too am fed up at being in Dover on my own. went to the pictures on Saturday by myself. Wherever you found one of us you generally found the other.

4

We had a jolly good do on Sunday. We spent the afternoon on the beach, then had as much tea as we could under the food regulations - two poached eggs, two ounces of toast and tea. Well, we could do nothing else but go to another place (The Green Man) and have another tea, this time bread & jam and biscuits. In the evening, about nine o'clock, we had a slap-up burst in my old room at Morley House. Newman, Batstone, Hickman and of course myself. Batstone had a tin of herrings in tomatoes left over from a parcel. We went out and bought a loaf, quarter pound of margarine, one shilling's worth of tea and four buns. Quite one of our old time feeds. I had a midnight pass, so didn't leave them until nearly ten o'clock, getting back to the schools about quarter to eleven.

Oh! By the way you omitted to put on your last letter Duke of York's School. This is important as there is another battalion of Fusiliers in Dover (the 6th at the Meadows where we used to be).

Lil tells me that they seem to have got an epidemic of the flu at Delph Hill. Her Father, Gertie and Dora, all are in bed with it. I hope to goodness Lil doesn't go and get it. They will be having quite a busy time.

Love and best wishes to all, from

Yours affectionately

Alvin.

*******************Envelope Postmark Dover

16 June 17Glen Lea, etc.

*******************

Letter Dover 15 June 1917Friday night


Many thanks for your Wednesday's letter card and the parcel containing two returned letters from East Africa - I shall be glad when I get a few more returned. I got your letter card Thursday night and the parcel came this evening. We have only two collections & two deliveries a day here; the last collection is 5.40, so I couldn't catch that after I got the parcel. However, it has reached me safely and I thank you very much for it. Everything is just splendid. The chocolate and the pasties are finished; Corporal Taylor (my office colleague) and I have just made a jolly fine supper of them. He had a splendid parcel from home about a week ago, and of course I helped him to devour it. I have left the date cake untouched, as that will keep best, and will last a day or two as an extra for breakfasts and tea; then when that is finished there is the blackcurrant jam to fall back on as a sweetener. We two have our meals fetched into the office, so we bought a jar of marmalade about a week ago - it just puts a finish on to your breakfasts and teas, and is well worth the slight expense. Don't you worry I am looking after myself, and consider I have got a nice cushy berth here; if I can only manage to stick to it we shall do, shan't we? You ask me am I sleeping in a tent - certainly not! This is a splendid place, right on the hill top, about a mile & a half from the cliff edge and 2 ½ miles from either Dover or St. Margaret's. It is beautiful up here now, while down in Dover it feels very close when you go down. Our grounds extend about half a mile one way and a quarter mile

5

the other - bigger than Savile Park. It used to be a large school for soldier's sons before the war, and is a very new and up-to-date model barracks. All the buildings are cement and brick, very light and airy and extremely clean, floors are parquet blocks, and all the buildings are steam heated. We have a church in the grounds, rather bigger than the new St. Hilda's church, and a hospital about the same size. Our sergeant-major's office, where I work is a nice room like this

Drawing of office including desks and beds for Alvin & Cpl Taylor.

We only put our beds down at night of course.

You see we are quite nice and comfortable. I am sincerely hoping that I shall be settled down out of the Army by winter, but when winter comes ours will be a nice comfortable room.

I am surprised at Aunt Etta's coming back to their house. I wonder what their tenants have to say in the matter.

Hooson's jolly well ought to catch it, but not the way they are doing. The couple of them should be sent to the worst camps in England (not a good one like ours - it would be too good for them) and have a few months roughing it, just as a taste. Please don't bother yourselves about them. I shall be all right and even if eventually I should have to go out, well I shall do my best at whatever job I am put to. One can't do more than that; then when all is over I can come proudly home and settle down comfortably, with the knowledge that I have served my country. Even if I left the Army now I consider I have done my duty all along, and taking the rough with the smooth I cannot grumble at my experiences,

Last night I met my Bradford sailor chum by appointment, and he brought another Bradford sailor whom I knew and two other chums; we spent a very pleasant evening together finishing up at the Naval Rest with a high-class supper of bread & cheese & pickles, washed down with plenty of tea.Earlier in the evening we had had lemonade with ice-cream in it. And I don't feel any worse, so I think I don't ail much now. I am probably going to see the same boys on Sunday, when I hope to have another good time.

I shall probably be sending home some of my surplus stuff some day next week, so don't be afraid when you see a parcel, please. I will try to remember to include a Fusilier badge for our Margaret, and a shoulder title for you.

I think this is all this time round, so good-night and God bless from

Yours affectionately.Alvin.

************************Envelope Postmark Duke of York's School

9.15 am 20 June 17Glen Lea, etc.

************************Letter Dover 19th June 1917

Tuesday eveningDear Father & Mother,

6

I was glad to receive tonight your Sunday's letter and Monday's letter card, also the Courier.

Yes the Health Salts are very nice - just the thing for this weather. We really could do with some rain, but I suppose when it does come it will be too heavy to do good. It has been very hot here this last week or so.

I am glad to learn that Charlie is free until August and hope he will manage to keep out longer than that, even if he doesn't get total exemption.

Yes. I think I told you I got the parcel safely, and I enjoyed it very much; the only remnants are a little of the black-currant jam and a little of the health salts. That date cake was scrumptious. I think you made it extra good, didn't you Mother?

That air raid on London, was just too awful for anything and I am against our airmen doing the same to German children, but if by doing it we can just show the Germans the horrors of war perhaps they will realise what a terrible business it is and be as eager for peace as we are. The people living in Germany don't realise what a ghastly business the war is, nor will they do until they get it brought home to them, then perhaps they will be quickly clamouring for peace, and on that account I say let's have reprisals every day of the week until the Germans ask for peace. It will mean slaughtering innocent people, but come to think of it aren't all our soldiers innocent people too, even though they do wear khaki. We don't love fighting and are only having it to do at the behest of the Kaiser and his madmen. Our members of Parliament would be red-hot for reprisals if someday a German aeroplane should drop bombs into the Houses of Parliament and kill one or two of them. Then when they got hurt, perhaps they would give our airmen a free hand to smash German cities wholesale.

I am sorry to learn that George Eastwood is having to go. Doesn't it seem so very strange how so many of the best men have to join up, while a lot of the scum and dregs manage to keep out and save their dirty necks?

So Joe Tasker has beaten me now and is a full corporal. Good lad!

The raids never trouble us. We are too well defended. The Germans would far rather drop bombs on populous towns, which are only partially defended, than try to damage us. There are too many aeroplanes and anti-aircraft guns in Dover for it to be healthy for them. They go on both sides of us - Folkestone one way and Ramsgate the other - but don't touch us.

Fancy having to buy some new potatoes because Lady Margaret ordered some. What about Ma and Dad - didn't they like them too?

On Friday a young fellow of the Frontiersmen who went to East Africa at the same time as I did, and who was in my platoon, turned up at Dover. He is a Bradford lad, about 22, so as I thought he would be lonely here on his own I made it in my way to spend the week-end with him. As it was so boiling hot on Saturday afternoon I didn't feel inclined to go into town so I joined some of the Battalion orderly-room staff in a game of cricket. After tea, this lad (Clough is his name) and I went down into town and popped in to hear the organ recital. Curiously enough I ran across my two sailor chums (Bradford wool-chaps I have mentioned to you before) and several of their pals. After the recital we went and sat on the grass in the park which is part way to our camp.

On Sunday afternoon I took Clough out again. This time we went out as far as we could on the car and had a nice tea at a country cottage; after a short stroll round we trammed it back; I then showed him round the docks, and afterwards we went to chapel, after which we had a little supper at one of the soldiers' clubs in town, and so slowly back to camp.

7

As they happen to be rather short of N.C.O's in our battalion, I clicked for guard yesterday, going on at three in the afternoon. What a busy time it has been. We post sentries at the gates and at the hospital in the grounds, and as lance-corporal it was my duty to change these sentries every two hours during the twenty four, marching the new sentries from the guard room to their posts and relieving the men who had done their two hours and marching them back to the guard room. In addition to that, men were arriving every minute up to just after midnight - and it was the duty of the corporal in charge of the guard to take their particulars and book them in. It was one o'clock this morning before we could get to sleep, then I had to waken at three o'clock to change my sentries. I rolled myself up in my blanket until five o'clock, when I had to get up again to take over another relief. Of course at reveillé (5 am) the whole crowd of us have to turn out and stand with fixed bayonets while the bugler sounds the reveillé. Seeing that I didn't get too much sleep last night, I shall get to bed early tonight. Being in the office, we don't have to get up at reveillé, but stay in bed until 6.30, when we have nice time to dress and shave before breakfast.

Funds are beginning to get low. Will you please send me two pound notes by registered post? I don't like to feel short.

Once more you have all the news, so I will close with best love to all hoping this will find you all quite well as I am at present,


Alvin

*******************Envelope

Glen Lea, etc. Postmark Duke of York's School23 June 17

******************Letter

Dover 22 June 1917Friday night

Dear Father & Mother

Thanks very much for your yesterday's letter enclosing £1 note, which has just come to hand this evening.

You seem to think that my busy night must have knocked me up. No at all! I felt no worse for it and besides it is quite an experience and one of the penalties of promotion. I am absolutely "in clover" here, and should be pleased to stick to this job for the duration, which I hope will not be long. Really it is time this beastly business was over. I think everyone is fed up by now. I am, aren't you?

Who do you buy your carriage clocks from? Mrs Marshall? I thought you weren't on speaking terms.

As you say, the £1 will see me through until you send on the other note (any time at your convenience). I am not spending a lot, but I never like to feel short and I may as well be making use of a little of my cash, so long as I don't make a big hole in my capital.

8

I had quite a nice letter from Aunt Maggie yesterday, and she enclosed me a 2/6 order. I must send her a letter tonight. They seem to be living on tenterhooks as regards Charlie. I do hope the lad won't have to join up.

I wrote Bernard Rhodes about ten days ago and had a Field card from him this morning saying that he is quite well.

Last night I went down into town - you know it is quite a long walk (2 ½) miles - and went to the Hippodrome - enjoyed the show very much for a change.

My words, but we have had some heavy rain today. If it has been general throughout the country it has been worth a few million pounds to the farmers. It has been really good soaking rain - not too heavy, though there has been quite a lot of thunder about.

We are expecting about 150 frontiersmen back this week-end, so I am hoping there will be some of my one-time chums amongst them.

Think this is the lot this time.

Hope you are all keeping very well, as I am pleased to say that I am at present.

Love and best wishes to you all, from,


Alvin

*******************Envelope Postmark Dover

? June 17

Glen Lea, etc.

*******************Letter Dover 28 June 1917


I sent Margaret a card yesterday morning telling her I had got your Monday's letter. Last night the parcel turned up safely. Thank you very much, indeed. Everything is tip top.

Oh! You might send on the other pound note now please.

You say in your letter that Mrs Hooson is now the young woman and Mother the old. I do wish you wouldn't worry about me please, Mother. I am a very lucky fellow indeed, and am very, very comfortable here. Just consider the homes where boys have been lost, then don't you think we are extremely fortunate so far? I certainly do, and it grieves me to think that you can be worrying at all. I wish you would look on the bright side of it all, and look forward to the time when I shall be coming back.

I don't think it at all likely that I should lose my stripe if I have to give up the clerical work, for the simple reason that the sergeant major promised me the stripe before I came into the office - while I was at St. Margaret's in fact, so I think I shall stick to them.

9

Confound it - we've got a young kitten in our office and the young beggar keeps chasing across my table and pawing my pen. It has walked over my letter several times. Just now it is stood with its fore-feet on my left arm, and purring away like a motor-car.

Quite a number of my draft of Frontiersmen have turned up these past few days, but none of them are chaps with whom I was very chummy. I believe there are another 150 on their way home, so perhaps there will be some among them.

I am afraid I haven't anything fresh in the news line for you. We are so far from Dover that I don't often feel inclined to go down - it is much nicer to stay up here on top of the hill. I went down on Monday evening for a change and went first house at the Hippodrome, but it was a very poor show.

Am still keeping in the very best of health and hope you are all the same.

Love to you all from


Alvin

******************Envelope Postmark Dover 7.45pm

30 Jun 17Glen Lea, etc.

*******************Letter Dover 30 June 1917

Sat mornDear Father & Mother,

Please excuse shortness of note but I want to catch this morning's post so that you can get the good news on Sunday morning.

The news is so good that if I hear of Mother worrying again and telling me she is looking old I shall be really cross. I went before the board yesterday, and would you believe it, instead of being marked down to B1 I have been marked still lower to C1. Hurrah! Haven't time to give you details now, but will write you more fully later. Don't tell anybody. Keep it dark.

Got your letter last night & Margaret's card.

Love to all from

Alvin

*******************Enelope Postmark Dover 1pm

2 Jul 1917Glen Lea, etc.

*******************Letter Dover 1 July 1917

Sunday nightDear Father & Mother,

10

I wrote you’re a very hurried not yesterday morning, but even though it was a short one I think the news I sent you would be the most welcome of all the news I have sent you since I returned from East Africa. I didn't know until late on Thursday night that I should be examined by the Board sitting on Friday, then I didn't get to know the result in time to catch Friday night's post. I was kept hanging around all day Friday waiting for my turn, and I was nearly the last, but my words, wasn't the result worth waiting for? I should say so.

On account of being dept at the board all Friday, my work got a long way behindhand, so I had a very busy day on Saturday and so couldn't write and tell you fully, but here is the story. When I appeared before the board (which, by the way, was a very "cushy" one) the President read the eye-specialist's report and had evidently decided what to mark me, then he looked up and said had I no other trouble than my eyes, evidently thinking that I hadn't seen any service. For a thousandth part of a second I thought he was going to say A1, but I replied "Well, sir, I was invalided home from East Africa." That touched his heart immediately, and without even referring to the other members of the Board he said "Oh, in that case we will give you C1" I was absolutely thunderstruck, and almost feared he had made a mistake, but the details came through from the Orderly Room this morning "Lance Corporal Alvin Whiteley 41739, C1, unlikely to become fit." So everything is as right as rain. Now please all of you rest yourselves quite content about me, won't you please? Fancy getting C1 after being recommended for and expecting only B1! Alvin, old boy, your good luck is following you all right.

C1 puts me right outside the fighting categories, though a C1 man is likely to be sent to France with a Labour Battalion, but being a Lance Corporal I shouldn't have any labouring to do, but merely see that others did it. Most of the lance corporals of B1 & C1 go from here to Training Reserve Battalions training these young lads of eighteen who are being called up. I have got something better than that in view; with the help of the sergeant-major I am applying for a transfer to the Army Pay Corps. I should get 2/- a day there, and hope I shall be able to get it. Perhaps my luck will continue to stick with me. Let's hope so.

Please don't tell anybody about me getting C1, or trying to get into the Pays Corps - not even my grandparents. So long as I am in England they won't worry about me.

Oh, about my stripe - there isn't much likelihood of my being reduced. In fact yesterday I got a rise of 3d per day - 1/9 per week. When a lance-corporal is first appointed he merely draws private's pay and doesn't usually get a rise for several months, but I have got my "pay of appointment" just three weeks after getting the stripes. Lucky beggar again! Lucky Jim, every time.

I have been down to town tonight and met my chum Shaw (the sailor) and two Frontiersmen and we all went to chapel, after which we had quite a nice little supper at the Catholic Women's League Hut - plate of stewed fruit and custard, bread & butter, piece of currant loaf, cup of tea, all for sevenpence each. Then "home". Food is still splendid here. We are now having new potatoes and plenty of them. Last Friday we had stewed rabbit & curry for dinner, followed by rice & figs. Yesterday it was splendid roast beef, new potatoes, marrowfat peas, followed by stewed apricots and custard. Our meals today have been:

Breakfast :- Rissoles - a sort of Yorkshire Duck (warm with gravy), bread & butter & tea.

Dinner:- Pan pie, with haricot beans & new potatoes.

Tea:- Pears, bread & butter, tea.

11

I only wish every soldier both here and abroad was living as well as the 5th R.F.

Well, I think this is all, and I must now close as it is 10.15, time for "lights out".

Love to all fromYours affectionately,

Alvin.

********************Letter Dover 4 July 1917

Wednesday nightDear father & Mother,

I sent you a card this afternoon telling you that I had received your registered letter. I haven't yet got hold of the parcel though it has arrived. We have to go to the post corporal for parcels, and I was out at the time he hands them out, but I know it is there, so may get it later.

I am glad the news I sent you pleased you all. I can jolly well tell you it has bucked me up. Now with reference to the Army Pays Corps. My application has gone through, and the quarter-master sergeant in charge of the battalion orderly room says I am almost certain to get it. He asked me where I would like to be stationed, Hounslow or Dover - you bet I said Hounslow, where I shall be a little bit nearer home. Having received so much encouragement I asked him couldn't I be transferred to the Pay Office at York. You might as will get all you can while you can. He said he was afraid he couldn't manage that for me but would put it forward and try. The difficulty is that here I am in the Eastern Command while York is in the Northern Command. Still you never know you know. First of all you must know that I am no longer C1. For the Pay Corps it is necessary to be B3 or C3. Well, B3 is actually a lower category than C1, but on paper all the B categories are higher than C1. The quarter master sergeant gave me a special note to take to the doctor, asking him to mark me B3. Of course he couldn't mark me down to C3. However, everything is just splendid, and with the backing behind me - our sergeant-major, and captain, then the orderly room quarter master sergeant, I am well away. Now, about these categories, as I asked you in my previous letter please don't let anybody know. I am quite contented that everything has been quite fair and square and above board, so I feel safe enough on that account. Wouldn't it just be ripping if I could get to York?

I have been a jolly lucky fellow I reckon, and I have received every consideration and assistance I have required at the hands of everybody here. The sergeant-major has been a real pal to me all through, and I am continuing to get on splendidly with him. I have of course got the pound note you sent me, but in view of the fact that I may be leaving Dover before long I am troubling you again by asking you to send me on another couple of pounds, because when I do leave here I would very much like to leave one or two tips. I would much rather do that after receiving favors, than bribing people before getting favors. I hope I am not giving you too much trouble, but you will quite understand.

Apart from this, if I can square a leave shortly I shall do so, but I daren't build up on getting it. Then if I get it I don't for a moment suppose I should get a free warrant, but should have to pay my fare one way.

Thursday morning. I managed to get hold of the parcel last night. It is just splendid. Thanks very much for the "fairing".

I don't rightly remember Margaret's birthday. Is it July 17th or 19th? Please let me know.

12

I got Father's letter-card last night. I am glad the news I sent you has pleased you all so much. I notice he was writing "It was a good job you got round to the Eye Specialist", then he altered it to "went". That's right; there was no "getting round" anybody. I merely went and told a plain straight forward tale and got my rights, nothing more. Several men evidently played the old soldier when they went before the Board and go marked A1 for their pains. I have always acted fairly & squarely in all my dealings in the Army and shall never stoop to any mean action to avoid service. I am not troubling about any interpreter's jobs for the present. If later there is any inducement I shall of course consider it.

What do you think about the photograph I am enclosing? I have just had half a dozen done and shall send one down to Myrtle Terrace.

I think this is the lot for the time being.Love to all from Yours affectionately,

Alvin

********************* Postcard Postmark Dover 7pm

8 Jul 1917Glen Lea, etc.

Dear Mother DoverSaturday night

Just received the regd. Letter. Thanks.

Will write you more fully later.

Love to all.

Alvin.

*****************Envelope Postmark Dover

1pm 9 Jul 1917

Glen Lea, etc.

*****************Letter

Dear Father & Mother & Margaret,

Last night I received the registered letter enclosing £2-10-0, also Margaret's letter. I hadn't time to write a letter so I just dropped you a postcard which I posted in town last night. I went down to the Organ Recital at the Town Hall, then adjourned to the Naval Rest for a little supper, then off "home".

I am glad that you like the photograph so well, especially as it came as a surprise for you. It is far better than that thing that I had taken at Hounslow, isn't it?

I have practically no news for you in this letter, but I think my last few letters have had plenty for you, and of the right sort, too. What do you say?

13

Today has turned out wet & miserable. I had put in a pass to go down to St. Margaret's, but I couldn't think of going today. If it had cleared up nicely I should have gone down to Chapel, but it is too far in the rain - a good half-hour's walk.

Thanks, Margaret, for our letter giving me the date of your birthday. I will try not to forget this time.

Think this the lot this time round. Love and best wishes to all fromYours affectionately.

Alvin

******************** Telegram

Duke of Yorks School Dover Sowerby Bridge 9 July 17

Handed in at 1032 Received here at 2.56p

TO{ Whiteley Glen Lea Sowerby Bridge

Coming home probably arrive Tuesday morning

*******************Letter Card Postmark 11am

17 July 17

Dear Father & Mother Hounslow (once more)16 July 1917

I have landed here quite all right, and judging by what the other fellows say I shall like all right.

I was recommended to a very nice place for lodgings, but found them full up, with the probability that they will be able to take me in a week or two. The lady to whom I went sent me to another house, which is very clean - they are a couple about the age of Aunt Maggy & Uncle Harry, and she has very kindly put me up until the lady at the first house can do with me. Have had a very nice tea. Will let you have more news later.

My address is:

Mr. Whiteley,C/o Mrs Birch13 Grosvenor Road,Hounslow,Middlesex.

Please kiss Margaret for me and wish her many happy returns tomorrow.Love to all from


Alvin.

14

*******************Envelope Postmark Hounslow

Glen Lea, etc.

*******************Letter Hounslow Thursday (19 July)


Many thanks for letters from Mother & Margaret. I have also got the Courier.

As you know I have got quite good digs and quite clean too. She feeds us very well. For breakfasts we have had - Tuesday boiled eggs, Wednesday bacon, today poached eggs on toast - always with plenty brown & white bread & butter, jam or marmalade. For dinner Tuesday roast mutton, cabbage, potatoes, ground rice pudding. Wednesday fine mutton chops, beans, potatoes & golden suet pudding. Today, stewed steak, carrots & potatoes, followed by fruit salad & junket (a sort of custard). Teas - Tuesday boiled ham & tomatoes, marmalade & bread, Wednesday sardines, today salad & potted meat. We always have cakes & jam or marmalade on for tea. She says if there is anything we specially like we must let her know.

I am managing the work all right and think I shall settle down A1. We don't start till 8.30, knock off at ¼ to 1 - start again 2 to 6.30 with a break for refreshments at five o'clock. This week we are working until 7 each evening, except Friday, which is always six. We finish Saturday noon until Monday morning. That is splendid for the men who live close to London - they can go home every week-end. I wish it wasn't so far home, but we mustn't grumble about anything now must we?

I am afraid that so far I haven't much news for you, but I will write you again in a few days, when I have had a chance to look round.

Didn't our Margaret get a good birthday?

Love & best wishes to allFromYours affectionately

Alvin

********************* Postcard Postmark Hounslow 22 Jul 17

Glen Lea, etc. Hounslow Sunday

Dear Mother,

Please send me on two pyjama suits or two night shirts (light ones), also my swimming costume.

Don't send anything in the way of food, please. Mrs Birch is treating me very well indeed.

Love to all, from

15

Alvin

********************* Envelope Postmark Hounslow 9pm 24 July 17

Glen Lea, etc.

*******************Letter Hounslow 24 July 1917


Many thanks for you Sunday's letter and the Courier.

I spent quite a pleasant week-end going to Hampton Court Palace on Sunday. Hounslow is nicely situated for getting about to these various places of interest.

Yes, I am quite comfortable in my digs and am still at the same place, but am hoping to get round to the place I mentioned first, about the end of this week.

Did I ask you for my swimming costume on that postcard I sent you? Don't take to much trouble finding it, because I may not use it when I get it.

I hope you will be able to find decent lodgings at Blackpool.

I am still liking the work all right and the hours are quite decent. Am afraid I shall not be able to manage any leave to come to Blackpool. All the regular men are having their holidays now, and they are consequently short-staffed.

No, I am not a long way from my work, only a matter of about 15 minutes walk.

Still keeping well, and hope you are all the same.

Love to all fromYours affectionately

Alvin

********************* Postcard (Hounslow Barracks) Postmark Hounslow 8pm 26 July 17

Glen Lea, etc.

Dear Mother, Hounslow Thursday

Got your letter yesterday & parcel today. Thanks.

Please note address now

C/o Mrs. Stone141 Bath RoadHounslow.

More later,

16

Love to all,Alvin

******************* Envelope Postmark Hounslow 11am 27 July 17

Glen Lea, etc.

*******************Letter (on Army Pay Corps crested paper) Hounslow Thursday night

Dear Father &Mother,

I received your Tuesday's letter yesterday afternoon and this morning your parcel with two pyjama suits and pants, also chocolate, for which thanks.

This afternoon I sent you a card with my new address on. As I told you before, Mrs Birch, at much inconvenience to herself, put me up temporarily, until Mrs Stone could accommodate me, so I am going to Mrs Stone's on Saturday, hence my postcard giving you my new address as c/o Mrs Stone

140 (not 141 as I said at noon) Bath RoadHounslowMiddlesex

It is a much larger house I am going to, and I shall be the only lodger for a month or so. The couple are about the age of Father and you. They have one boy in training at Dover, a girl about 18 and another girl about 9. They have quite a big house - in fact a semi-detached; they have also a piano, which is an advantage, so I think I shall be all right.

Mrs Wyley will be glad to have her boy back in dear old England again, and I sincerely hope the lad won't fare any worse than I have done. He will be silly if he asks them to discharge him quickly from hospital. If he has got to the Bristol Dysentery Hospital they may keep him quite a long time. Most of the Fusiliers from Africa have recently been sent to Bristol and kept there two or three months. I know well enough the lad will want to get home, but tell his mother to advise him to hang on as long as they will keep him.

I don't know what Lil will do about her holidays. I have written asking if she can arrange to come and stay at Mrs Stones. I hope she can manage to have two full weekends here, then we should be able to have a good time. Under the circumstances please don't bank my money this time as I may send for it so that we can knock about and have a good look round.

No, the war news is none too bright but I think the whole thing will collapse before the year-end. All nations are fed up with it, and getting more so, week by week. Still having gone so far we must keep our end up.

Yes, I do hope I shall be able to hang on here all right, then we shall have nothing to worry about shall we? I have been a very very, lucky fellow, all along and my luck will surely stick to me now.

Well, I think this is all this time, so good night allLove and best wishes fromYours sincerely,

Alvin

17

********************* Envelope Postmark Hounslow

Glen Lea, etc.

*********************

Letter HounslowMonday


Many thanks for you letter and the Courier received tonight.

I am glad you have managed to get lodgings and hope they will turn out to be good ones and that you will be all of you much better for your holiday. One thing, you will be able to go with a more contented mind now that you would be able to do last year. I do hope you will all enjoy yourselves thoroughly.

Well, I have got into my new digs and they are splendid. I have the front room, a good big room with a double bed, absolutely the best of food. Mrs Stone is a splendid cook. Then I have an unlimited supply of nice apples from their tree; they have far more than they require, the tree being absolutely laden full; unfortunately for Mrs Stone they are no use for cooking but are splendid eaters. I must try to send you some - because I might as well do that as see them thrown away.

Please Mother don't trouble to send me any peas. Stones have about four times as much garden as we have, with beans, peas, marrows and all kinds of things. I shall be glad to receive the few your are sending this week just to say I have had some of our own peas, but I beg of you not to go to the trouble of sending more.

Did I tell you that Mr & Mrs Stone are scarcely as old as you? They have one boy 19 years old in the Training Reserve at Dover, a girl sixteen and another girl eight. Mr Stone is a piano maker, and was apprenticed at Burling & Mansfields and is now at Hipkins'.

Saturday I didn't do much. In the afternoon I flitted and had my hair cut, then in the evening I went for a nice long walk with Mr Stone. The county round here is beautiful, and is country mind you.

Yesterday was very dull and it commenced to rain very heavily in the afternoon. It has b been the same today.

Have nothing more to talk about, so will now close with love to all from Yours affectionately

Alvin

********************Envelope Postmark Hounslow 11am 3 Aug 17

Glen Lea, etc.

*******************

18

Letter Hounslow, Thursday

Dear Mother,

How strange that after Mrs Stone had posted you a parcel of apples I should receive your letter asking me to send some. After dinner today I gathered those and Mrs Stone promised to parcel them up and get them off - that accounts for the strange writing on the address. She asked me if I would like to send some, and refuses to be paid for them, as being eaters they have to waste ever such a lot every year. It is a pity they won't cook. They have only one tree - a very big one, but absolutely loaded. When I get home to tea tonight, here was your letter asking for some.

Eileen, the little girl aged eight, sent Margaret a card, showing where I am living - you can only see the gate - the house stands right back. That was very thoughtful of Mrs Stone - you see she has a boy now in training at Dover, and she knows Mothers like to see or get an idea what sort of a place their boys are staying at. I have described the place to her where her boy is encamped - it was between our camp and the town.

Really, they are making me very, very comfortable. I have the best bedroom, looking out onto the front, with a large sized comfortable double bed. She is a very good cook - a Norfolk woman - not one of these slatternly Londoners. Mrs Birch, where I lived before, was a cook before marriage.

Since Sunday it has scarcely stopped raining. Perhaps it will get it over before your holidays. I do hope it will. I want you all to gave a good time and make up for last year. This time you won't have any worry about me - on the other hand you will know that I shall be very happy and enjoying myself with Lilian.

Instead of eating the peas raw, I let Mrs Stone boil them, which she did - helped out with some of her own kidney beans.

Now about my cheque. Please send me five pounds down - posted to Mrs Birch. I want you please to keep the remaining pound for yourselves - it will help you with the extra fares. Now understand you must do this please. No back answers please - I really want you to take it and shall be cross if you don't. When you write tell me that you have done so.

I sent you a card this morning asking you to address me for the next few days to Mrs Birch's. Mills (one of Mrs Birch's lodgers) is having his wife & two children to stay with Mrs Stone, so I am obliging him by changing places with him for the time that his wife is here. Mrs Stone could have managed with me, but I think it's best for all concerned.

Will you please send me down that book "Four Songs of the Fair" and the "The Sergeant of the Line" sometime during the next few days?

Think this is the lot this time thank you.

Love to all from


Alvin

****************** Postcard Postmark Hounslow 7.45pm

19

6 Aug 17Glen Lea, etc.

Dear Mother, Monday

Regd. Letter, music & Courier arrived safely, thanks.

Today being Bank Holiday and got the day off haven't time for letter. Will write tomorrow.

Love from

AlvinXXX

******************* Envelope Postmark Hounslow 11am


******************* Letter Hounslow Tuesday evening

Dear Mother,

I sent you a card yesterday morning telling you that I had received the registered letter, music and Courier.

I am glad you like the apples. They really are beautiful, aren't they? Unfortunately some of them are affected with grubs, so you must be careful when eating them. We will send you some more a little later. Mrs Stone is very generous indeed - too much so in fact. I am sure Lilian will be comfortable while she is here. Mrs Stone's daughter is having a fortnight's holiday, and will be able to have all next week with Lil - that is very nice isn't it? I am quite looking forward to our holiday - given good weather we should have a real good time.

Lil tells me she came on to dinner on Sunday and I am very pleased to know that you are picking up again; she says you know how to smile again. That's right I do hope you will have good weather and come back from Blackpool benefitted in every way. I bet our "blossom" will have a rare old "beano" - what do you say?

Of course my next letter will come to Blackpool.

You can't get decent views of dirty Sowb. Brig. Let Margaret send Eileen one of Blackpool that will suit Eileen all right. They would be right pals if they were together.

Don't think there is much likelihood of getting a piano given, as you suggest. The cheapest piano Hopkinsons (where Mr Stone works now) turn out is about sixty guineas.

From now you may address me back at Mrs Stones - 140 Bath Road, please.

Well we have had quite a good Bank Holiday week-end and have been favoured with quite respectable weather - Saturday was dull, but it didn't rain.

On Saturday evening, Mr Stone, his daughter (Floss), Mr Mills & Mr Stokes (Mrs Birch's two lodgers) and myself went to the Chiswick Empire first house. It was a capital show. On

20

Sunday morning Mr Birch, Mr Stone, Mills and I walked to Richmond and trammed it part way back. Sunday afternoon I didn't go out, but in the evening we had a very nice country walk. On Monday morning Miss Stone & I cycled to Slough (a matter of twenty miles return journey) then in the afternoon the whole crowd of us went by car to Shepherd's Bush; there we got another car to Uxbridge - a beautiful country ride - had tea there and got back to Hounslow about eleven o'clock, after a real good outing.

I think that is the whole story. Not a bad week-end considering. Think this is the lot.Hope all are well as I amYours affectionately

Alvin

*********************

Postcard Postmark 11am 13 Aug 17

Mrs A.E.WhiteleyC/o Mrs Porritt,18 Rigby Road,South Shore,Blackpool

Dear Mother,

Please excuse me for not writing earlier, but we have been out all weekend & not had time for writing.

Lil arrived quite all right on Friday. I managed to get off for a couple of hours and went up to King's Cross to meet her. She will probably write you today.

Love from AlvinXXX

******************Envelope Postmark Hounslow

16 Aug? 1917Mrs A.E.Whiteley,c/o Mrs Porritt,18 Rigby Road,South Shore,Blackpool.

******************Letter Hounslow Thursday

Dear Mother,

I was very pleased to receive your Sunday's letter and glad to know that you are having a good time.

21

We are having some splendid weather here, and of course are enjoying ourselves splendidly. We clear off straight away after tea in the evening, so I don't find much time for writing you, but Lil wrote you on Monday morning.

I'll bet young "Blossom" is having a ripping time, isn't she now?

Poor Dad! What a shame! Is there absolutely no beer in all Blackpool. It must be sickening.

So far we have managed to knock about a good deal. Last Saturday we went to Kew Gardens in the afternoon, had tea in the gardens, then in the evening went down to Chiswick to the Empire. Sunday morning we went to Hampton Court Palace, then in the afternoon we went to Richmond. Yesterday Mrs Stone took Lil to the Kneller Hall concert at Twickenham. Kneller Hall is the Royal Military College of Music and they give a concert every Wednesday afternoon.

I am writing this note at dinner time, so haven't much time.

Mrs Stone is doing splendidly for us.

Love to all from Lil & myself


Alvin.

*******************Envelope Postmark 7pm 20 Aug 1917

Glen Lea, etc.

*******************

Letter 20 August 1917

Dear Mother,

Many thanks for you very long letter, and the several postcards you have sent us. You seem to have had a ripping time, and I do hope you all feel benefitted by the change. What a pity you didn't have the best weather all the time! It has been splendid here ever since Lil came - she has never been kept in - last Monday evening we got a little wet and that is all we have had. It has kept the rain for during the night and then been beautiful in the mornings.

We had a splendid week-end. On Friday night we went to London to His Majesty's Theatre, where we saw Oscar Asche & Lily Brayton in "Chu-Chin-Chow", the most gorgeous production I ever saw in my life. I never saw such a riot of color, and yet not one color clashed with another - it was absolutely beautiful. And the acting!! We never get any real acting in Halifax.

On Saturday afternoon we went up to London again - through Regent's Park to the Zoo where we stayed until close on 7 o'clock. My words, it is a wonderful place, especially for the kiddies. Many of the animals are in comparative freedom and you don't have to stare through iron bars at them; then too as nearly as possible they are shown in their natural environments. The Zoo is in two sections. On ought really to spend a full day there. Our Margaret would have just enjoyed herself there.

On the evening we went to the Palace Theatre, where we saw Gertie Millar in "Airs & Graces".

22

Yesterday we had a lovely outing; we went on the top of a motor bus to Leatherhead, Box Hill & Dorking, a matter of over twenty miles each way through the loveliest part of Surrey passing through Kew, Richmond, Kingston & Petersham. Really it was pretty and such a delightful day; we set off before dinner and got back about ten o'clock. We haven't spent much time indoors and are both feeling and looking well for our holiday. I hope the weather will continue decent while Lil stays here.

Love to all from Lil and myself.


Alvin.

*******************Envelope Postmark Hounslow 9.40pm


*******************Letter Hounslow

23 Aug 1917Dear Father & Mother,

Many thanks for your letters.

I am so pleased to know that Mother has benefitted so much by her holiday, as Blackpool doesn't always seem to agree with her. Of course I know that Father & Margaret would have a good time. Couldn't poor Dad get a taste of beer anywhere at all in Blackpool.

I'll bet Margaret is a swank with her wrist watch. Does she ever take her eyes of it?

Fancy never to get up North! You must have had a real restful holiday.

I sent word to Sam to alter that form to B3, that is the category now. I hope he would be able to rectify that, because it should be that there is some idea of getting me out on the "W" reserve, B3 would get me out much sooner than C1. However I don't think there is much likelihood of anything coming of it, but one never knows.

Whatever has gone wrong with the works? Clifford Hooson a soldier! I wonder how they are taking it. Garrison Duty eh! Where? At home or abroad?

Well we have had a ripping holiday and Lil has practically lived out of doors, I have been finishing at six all this week. Unfortunately all good things come to an end sooner or later, and I am only too sorry that she must come home on Saturday, or she'll be getting sacked. Still, we have had a splendid time, and good weather all along. It has been sensible weather here - rained when we have been in bed, and so been beautifully fresh each morning.

Next week I am one of the fire picquet so shall be confined to Barracks from Saturday until the following Saturday noon. A picquet of 15 men is provided every week, and the men must sleep & live in barracks. Fortunately it only comes once in about ten weeks so we mustn't grumble. For any letters posted up to next Thursday night, please address me:

Pte. A Whiteley,

23

East Surrey Transfer Section,Hut 3, A.P.O. No. 2,Hounslow.

Then after that address as usual care of Mrs Stone.

Will you please send me three pounds along to Mrs Stones next week-end, say Friday morning early, so that I shall get it on the Saturday?

I think this is all for the present.

Love from Lilian & myself,Yours affectionately,

Alvin.

********************* Postcard Postmark Hounslow 7.00pm 25 Aug 17Glen Lea, etc.

Dear Mother 25-8-17

Instead of APO now please write Army Pay Office No 2. Not really important but better for the Post Office people. Use this address up to Thursday, after which c/o Mrs Stone.Have got Lil away safely today. Isn't it a shame?Yours affectionately

Alvin

*********************Envelope Postmark Hounslow

7.30pm 26 Aug 17Glen Lea, etc.

*********************Letter Sunday afternoon

Dear Father, Mother & Margaret,

Here I am in Barracks, on fire picquet. We were supposed to start yesterday noon, but I begged off until ten o'clock last night, so I was able to get Lil away safely. I saw her settled down comfortably in the 4 o'clock train. What a shame it was that I had to send her home. Still, like all good things the holiday had to end, but we have had a real good time and have been extremely fortunate as regards the weather, and so were able to get about a lot. The week ends were just fine.

Yesterday, after I had seen Lil away I went wandering about London. I took a bus from King's Cross to Westminster, walked over the bridge and back then down Whitehall, through the Horse Guards, down Pall Mall, past Buckingham Palace, along Birdcage Walk, across St. James' Park, down the Strand, past the Law Courts, up Ludgate Hill, to St Paul's Cathedral. I went inside and just managed to look round before closing time. Then I went back down Ludgate Hill to Blackfriars Bridge where I took the tram along the Thames Embankment, back to Westminster, where I had tea at on of Lyon's cafés. After tea I took the bus again and got to

24

Sloane Square, where I got on the Underground for Hounslow. Mrs Stone made me a little supper and I got into barracks shortly before ten o'clock.

On Friday Aileen sent Margaret a basket of fruit for a present. I don't know what she put in - plums & apples I believe. Mrs Stone wouldn't even let me pay for the postage, never name the contents. It was a present for Margaret, so she must write a nice letter thanking Aileen and Mrs Stone. Aileen was glad to receive the card on Friday morning - her birthday. I don't know how old she is - nine I believe.

We are quite comfortable in Barracks. There are fifteen of us and we have quite a large room - proper folding camp beds with mattresses (biscuits they call them - probably because they look like a large dog-biscuit) - and to talk about food - we have more than we can eat. We had a splendid dinner of roast mutton, potatoes, carrots & cabbage, and were all able to have double helpings - then we had to leave some. Without stretching it, we had quite ten pounds of carrots; we had eggs for breakfast and plenty of bread. My night out is Tuesday.

Don't think I have more to say this time so will now close with best love to all fromYours affectionately

Alvin

******************** Envelope Postmark Hounslow

Date illegibleGlen Lea, etc.

*********************Letter 27 Aug 1917

C/o Mrs Stone,140 Bath Road,Hounslow


Thanks for your Sunday's letter.

I am glad you had such a nice outing to Soyland. It was a beautiful day here, so I am sure it would be grand up at Soyland. Our Blossom has had quite a good time lately, hasn't she? Uncle Albert too would be pleased to have you up there.

About that B3 business. B3 is the category under which I came here, and moreover that is one of the categories included in those from which men can be substituted and relegated back to the Army Reserve. What is afoot I don't know, but if they do get me back to Bradford I shall be delighted I can tell you.

It is very good of you to suggest sending me some vegetables, but please don't trouble because there is such an abundance of cheap vegetables here - far cheaper than at home.

Now for the news.

In about four weeks I shall have done my probation here and it is almost certain that I shall be kept on, because I have seemed to be very successful with everything I have tackled, and am practically spending all my time as right hand man to the Acting Paymaster on our section.

25

Well, Lil and I have decided that if I am kept on here we shall get married and live at Mrs Stone's where we shall be very comfortable and happy.

We have already been engaged far too long and should have been settled down nicely some time ago, had it not been for this abominable war. I am sure you will agree with me that we shall be far happier living here together this winter than being apart and only occasionally seeing each other. Mrs Stone will be delighted to have us and will do her best for us, and judging by what she has done for me already, we couldn't possibly improve on her for a landlady.

Now, I don't know exactly how you will take this news, but I want you to take it in the right way. I know that all my life the main concern of both of you has been my happiness and I am absolutely confident that I am about to start on the happiest time of my life. I quite realise the seriousness of the business, and nobody can say that we have rushed into matrimony. I certainly didn't see my way clear to get married when I enlisted, but now I can look confidently to the future, which I am sure is full of happiness for Lil & myself.

I know that parents grieve rather at giving their sons and daughters, and yet is not a disappointed grief. Let the thought of Lil's & my happiness overcome any thought of loss, because it isn't loss. Rather than that my love for your will decrease I am sure that it will grow, especially as I know that you have always worked and always will for my happiness and well-being.

Please write and tell me that you are pleased that we have at last decided to take the step. Remember that in the last year and a half I have had a good taste of the rough - now I mean to enjoy some of the sweets of life.

When I am actually transferred to the Pays Corps (at the end of my probation) I shall have to obtain permission from our commanding officer, then there will be two or three weeks of busy correspondence, fixing up one thing and another, so that I think the wedding should take place in just under two months' time from now.

I am writing Mr & Mrs Spencer by this post. I only wish I could have come to break the news to you and them; it would have been much nicer than letter writing. One can always express one's real feelings better in words than in writing.

I don't think I have more news tonight so I will now close with the best of love to both of you and Margaret from

Yours as affectionately as ever,

AlvinXXXXXXXX

*********************** Envelope Postmark Hounslow 30 Aug 17

Glen Lea, etc.

*********************Letter Hounslow

30-8-17Dear Mother,

26

Many thanks for the parcel received yesterday. It was very thoughtful of you to send it.

Thank "me Margaret" for the beans; they were real tasty and by the time it took me to eat them I should say there would have been nearly enough for a boiling for me.

I have had a very quiet time in barracks this week. Being on fire-picquet we are not allowed to go out of the barrack gates, except on our nights out. Mine were Saturday (when I went up to King's Cross with Lil) and Tuesday. On Tuesday evening I had a stroll round , then called in at Mrs Stones before going back to barracks. She would insist on making me a little supper before I left.

Her son came home on leave unexpectedly on Monday, staying until Saturday night. I didn't see him on Tuesday as he had gone out with a chum. I shall probably see him on Saturday, before he returns. He is transferring to the Machine Gun Corps and going to Grantham next week for a further period of training and is hoping eventually to get into the tanks. I believe he had the opportunity of getting into the Flying Corps as a carpenter, but the silly young beggar wouldn't take it. Most of the youngsters seem to want to get out to France, but I think they soon get a rude awakening when they do get there.

We get tons of food here in barracks - far more than we can eat in fact so have nothing to grumble about, but the chaps who have come straight from civilian employment into the Pays Corps grumble a lot at the beds. There are only two real soldiers amongst us - Alvin & another chap.

Think this is all this time round, so I will now close.


AlvinXXXXXX

Envelope Postmark Hounslow 2.30pm2 Sep 17

Glen Lea, etc.


2 Sep 1917Dear Mother,

It is now Sunday morning and it has just occurred to me that it is your birthday, and even though I am late with my good wishes, please accept my very best for your happiness and may you have many more happy birthdays.

Mr Stone and I are going to cycle to Reigate after breakfast (it isn't eight o'clock yet). It is a beautiful morning - proper September.

Yours very affectionately

Alvin

********************Envelope Postmark Hounslow 4 Sep 17

27

Glen Lea, etc.

*******************

Letter HounslowMonday

Dear Mother,

Your Sunday's letter enclosing the £1 note arrived safely this evening, thank you. Thanks also for the table-cloth which you brought for Lil.

I don't think they will have too big a spread and yet they will want to do the thing properly and why not - the first at their house. For the little extra expense they might as well, because even a very quiet affair must have a fair amount of expense attached to it.

Won't the two Margarets just swank? I don't know what to say about Aunt Maggie and Uncle Harry. The weather in September is always nice, whereas if they wait until October it will be almost winter, and they would not be able to get about. And I say Mother, will you take that remaining £3 of mine for extras when Aunt Maggie does come? It will be helpful to you, I know that even if they only come for a few days you will find it expensive and then there will be a little expense for you in rigging out Margaret and yourself, so I really want you to take it. Please say that you will. I don't want you to lose too much over the affair - do you understand?

Yesterday Mr Stone and I had a glorious outing; we cycled through Teddington, Kingston, Surbiton, Leatherhead to Reigate, where we had our sandwiches which we had taken with us (we set off about 9 o'clock). We then pushed our bikes up Reigate Hill, from the top of which we had a lovely view. After resting and enjoying the view for a while we set off on the return journey over Benstead Common and the Epsom Downs. I saw the famous Epsom Racecourse. This is the place where Florrie stated for a time when Joe was in hospital. What glorious air it is on the top of the Downs.

Well we got back just after five o'clock when Mrs Stone had got our dinner ready for us after which we rested, then I had a bath, which freshened me up nicely. I was very tired, but had a splendid outing - round about fifty miles.

Love to all from


AlvinXXXXXXXWell, I'm blowed, I've left out the main thing. I am sending you a small birthday present by parcel post. I remembered your birthday when I was in barracks but couldn't get out for anything, then forgot it until yesterday morning.

****************** Envelope Postmark Hounslow

9 Sep 17Glen Lea, etc.

******************Letter Hounslow

Sunday

28

Dear Mother,

Thanks for your Thursday's letter. I am so glad you like the cloth. I got it at the shop where Mrs Stone's daughter works. I really believe it must have been ticketed wrongly, because she brought out one 2/- more nothing near so good, nor quite so big. Lil and I shall want afternoon tea on it one of these fine days.

I am pleased to here you went to Bradford. You did right to call and see Sam. Good old boy. Father will be pleased if the suit is so good. You know he never gave less than five or six guineas before the war. What must he be giving now? You can depend upon it, the cloth is all right.

Yesterday was very nice. I didn't go out in the afternoon, but helped Mr Stone to dig some of his potatoes. After tea we two walked all the way to Richmond, then down to Kew, where we got the tram home.

Today it has been very dull and miserable. It rained very hard this morning. About twelve o'clock it cleared a little, so Mr S. and I went out for a stroll, but we soon had to turn back.It is now drizzling. I think I shall go to chapel tonight.

I haven't any more news for you, so will now close with love and best wishes to all of you.


Alvin.

XXXXXXXXDid Margaret get the plums all right?

******************** Envelope Postmark Hounslow 12.30pm


******************Letter Hounslow 12-9-17

Dear Mother,

Thanks for your Sunday's letter. I am very pleased you liked the plums. They really were beauties, I bet our Margaret enjoyed them.

Yes, Mother, you must look your very best please.

I'm sorry I haven't much in the way of news for you this time, but thought I had better drop you a line or two.

Yesterday I got the paper. Tonight I am sending Sam one of those photographs I brought with me.

I shall be through with my probation next week, but I don't think it at all likely they will throw me out. Everything seems to have gone all right with me so far.

29


AlvinXXXX

*********************

Envelope Postmark Hounslow 18 Sep 17

Glen Lea, etc.

*********************Letter Hounslow

MondayDear Father & Mother,

Thanks for Sunday's letter and the Courier,

As far as visitors are concerned I shouldn't have cared how few were asked. I want no big spread & show. If a small affair should have said

Grandfather Mr SpencerGrandmother Mrs SpencerFather DoraMother LizzieMargaret Mr Edward SpencerAunt Maggie GertieUncle HarryCharlie

As Lil has no grandparents it would have about evened things up. I didn't expect Aunt Etta & Uncle Jim, nor Uncle Albert & Aunt Emily. You mention four on Mother's side & four on Father's side. I agree that numbers would balance, but Mother's four are all she has on her side, so we couldn't ask more if we wanted, while four on Father's side is only a fraction. Personally I don't care who is asked but I don't want any offence to be given anywhere, because little things like that may lead to friction in the future. If Aunt Maggie, Uncle harry, Uncle Albert, Aunt Emily are asked, Father's family might say, "Well, Clara's family is all there - why not all Ted's?" Mind you it doesn't concern me in the least - so long as the knot is tied properly I don't care two straws for anything else.

If it turns out that there will only be a few it seems to me it will be more comfortable and not so much like a tea-fight if they have the breakfast at home.

I shall ask for enough leave to allow of our running over to Blackpool for a day or two - just a little honeymoon you know.

What a Mother you are! Fancy sending a parcel of Moggie. Thanks all the same - it is jolly good of your.

Now about Grandfather and the organ. I should certainly be glad to have him play, but I feel sure he would rather be a spectator and sit with Grandmother, and I think Grandmother too

30

would rather have him sit with her on the great day. Don't you really think so? Let me know when you two have talked it over again.

I insist that you have the £3 as a little present, because you will be put to a fair expense as regards clothes for Mother & Margaret. Won't me Margaret be a little swell? What colour are you having Mother? You haven't told me yet.

Well, we have had quite a busy week-end. On Saturday afternoon Mr Stone and I trammed it to Brentford and watched the match between Brentford and Tottenham Hotspurs. In the evening we had quite a nice stroll in the country. On Sunday, their son Harvey who has been home on draft leave, Mr Stone and I cycled to Maidenhead, about sixteen miles further up the Thames. It is a beautiful little spot. Going, on our right, we saw Windsor Castle. We got back round about 2.30 and had quite a big blow out - Yorkshire Pudding (which Mrs Stone knows how to cook very nicely) leg of mutton, marrow, potatoes, stewed fruit and custard. At four o'clock we all set off by tram to Busch Corner, where we got a boat and rowed up the Thames past Richmond, as far as Teddington and back to our starting place - we had the boat nearly three hours then came back home for a late tea, about 8.30.

The poor lad has gone back to Dover tonight - it does seem a shame - he was only 19 a week or two ago, and now he may be packed of to France any day. He is very odd with one eye, and cannot see too well with it so I have told him to go sick with it tomorrow and see whether he cannot get his category reduced, then get a transfer into the Flying Corps. I have told him just how to tackle that doctor at the Duke of York's School, and hope he manages to get a T.M.B. Mrs Stone naturally takes it very hard. The lad himself seems to have been keen enough on going out, but I think that at the last he is, well, only a lad, and would rather stay this side the water.

Don't think I have anything more of interest this time round, so I will now close with love and best wishes to all from Yours affectionately

Alvin


Glen Lea, etc.

*****************Letter Hounslow

ThursdayDear Mother,

I got the parcel all right thank you.

The moggy is splendid, but really it does seem a shame sending all this way, when I am getting all I require here.

Talk about sugar! It is worse here than at home I should think. Mrs Stone is having great difficulty in getting any. Why not buy some of those saccharine tablets from Boots or some other chemists for use in tea? They are sold in little bottles and the tablets are only just a little larger than a pin head, but one is equal to a teaspoon of sugar. Father could take a bottle with him and you could use them at home, then it would leave you more sugar for cooking

31

purposes. Saccharine would be no use for cooking. Several of our chaps took saccharine out to East Africa.

You ask me how I am getting along with my work. Just splendid! And having a very easy time of it just at present - always was lucky. My two months expired last Monday so seeing that they have not sent me back to Dover I expect they are keeping me on. It takes a few days for the transfer documents to come through.

Poor Mrs Stone is full of trouble today. Her boy was home on leave last week and only went back on Monday night. This morning she had a letter from him saying was off to France early this morning. It does seem a shame having to send out lads his age - he is only a few weeks over the nineteen.

I haven't much news for you this time.

Love and best wishes to all


Alvin

*******************Envelope Postmark Hounslow 7.30pm



Saturday nightDear Father & Mother,

Thank you very much for your Thursday's letter enclosing the notes. I dropped you a card this afternoon to let you know I had received them safely.

I am glad to know that you have taken the news in the proper way.

Yes I certainly did not agree with soldiers getting married before going away, but how very differently placed I am now. I have been away and am now comfortably situated here, so why not make Lil & myself as happy as possible now. We have had a fair share of this war's sorrows, so now we ought to enjoy the sweets of life while we are young.

You know I am not one to come to hasty conclusions on anything and I have decided to get married only after giving the matter full consideration. We discussed the matter before I went to East Africa, and decided then that it would be far better for all concerned to wait. That was a sensible decision, and I feel sure that our decision to get married now is equally sensible.

I thank you very much indeed for the good wishes you express in your letter. I feel sure they will all be realised, and we shall be just as happy as it is possible for a couple to be. I received quite a nice letter too from Mr & Mrs Spencer.

That little remark about a home is Mother over again. Nobody ever had a better Father or Mother than I, and no lad ever valued his parents more than I do, and I am sure my marriage to Lil will make me think more of you rather than less. Please look at it in this light - you are not

32

losing a son, but gaining a daughter, and a better sweeter daughter you couldn't wish to have, now could you?

That's right, don't tell Margaret yet, nor anybody until I write definitely after my probation is up with.

Well, I have finished my spell in barracks and it hasn't been at all bad. We have been quite a nice party and had some really good times. There were just fifteen of us. We had tons on food, but I did just enjoy that oatmeal moggie and the sweet cake.

Sam has not yet replied those particulars. It will take a considerable time to put the matter through in any case. If he is trying to get me out, here's wishing him good luck - more power to his elbow.

Mrs Stones' boy has been home on leave this week and Mr Stone and I went up to London to see him off to Dover this evening. He is off to the Machine Gun Corps at Grantham next week.

I think this is all this time round.

Love and best wishes to all fromYours affectionately

Alvin


Glen Lea, etc.

*******************

Letter 140 Bath RoadHounslowSunday aft.


Thanks for Friday's letter telling me all the news. Sorry I haven't much news for you in return. Still I must keep on sending you a line or two, mustn't I?

Yesterday afternoon I went to Chelsea with Mr Stone and saw the football match between Chelsea & Brentford. It does seem a scandalous shame to see thousands upon thousands of spectators and three parts of them men of military age - men who've managed to dodge it. How grand it would be if they could just have been lifted up bodily and plonked down somewhere in France, and the same number of Tommies picked up in France and dumped down in Chelsea. We got back to tea about 6.30 and had just a short stroll after tea.

This morning we have had a lovely walk for about two hours. Am now taking easy this afternoon.

Have Marshall's had some money left or what? Trade must be bucking up. I wonder how he is getting on in the V.T.C.

As you say, they do seem to be busy at Delph Hill. It must be a very exciting time for them. I suppose I too should be busy were I at home. Things are quiet enough here.

33

Yes, I too wish Father would borrow a coat & hat for the occasion. He would look rather odd to be the only one in a trilby. I suppose Uncle Harry will get one too. I will write Aunt Maggie some day next week.

Certainly we must have one couple from Father's side to balance things as regards Aunts & Uncles. As you say there would be a swarm if we asked all Aunts & Uncles. How would it be to ask Aunt Ethel and Uncle Herbert? Perhaps Father would prefer to ask Uncle Ernest as his elder brother. Really it is immaterial to me. Father must just ask whichever he prefers. Whatever he does will be quite agreeable to me. I know that he would rather decide that himself.

Last week they warned all the B1 men that they were having to leave the Pay Corps at an early date. It will affect a big number of the men and the heads don't care for the idea. A medical board is coming to the end of next week, and the sergeant in charge of our section tells me that he has been informed that the board will alter all those men's categories lower so that they can be kept on. It would cause no end of trouble if they had to leave, and that is one way of keeping them on. They have done the same thing at one of the other Pay Offices at Blackheath this last week. A board is due to sit at Hounslow until December, but to get over this difficulty it is coming this next week. I suppose I shall have to go before the board, but you need have no anxiety on my behalf in view of the fact that it is only two months since I came here as a B3 man, and have also been accepted into the Pay Corps. I was told last Friday that I had got through my probation and am now a Pay Corps man. Are you pleased? I jolly well am.

Don't think I have anything more to say, so will now close.

With love & best wishes to all,

Yours very sincerely

Alvin

Mrs Stone thanks you for your kind thoughts in her trouble.

Not a word about this board to any mortal soul.

********************

Envelope Postmark Hounslow25 Sep 17

Glen Lea, etc.

*********************Letter Tuesday

Dear Mother,

Thanks for Sunday's letter and the Courier.

What a busy morning you had on Sunday! I am glad Albert has been able to get a leave at last. He has done well to be able to stand it so long.

My last letter would tell you about an Aunt & Uncle on Father's side.

34

I do hope Father will ask Midgley for coat & hat. Why shouldn't he, just for once. It would be a shame to buy one specially for the occasion, because he would never wear it again.

Well done Rhodes'. Nobody can call them skinny, even though they have risen from lowly beginnings.

I go before the board tomorrow. I feel sure I shall get a category which will keep me here, and sincerely hope my confidence will be fulfilled. It would be a great shame to have our plans upset now. Still, I can only trust to my luck, which has carried me through all right up to now. Beyond this I have nothing fresh to report, so will now close with love & best wishes to all from


AlvinXXXXX

**********************Envelope Postmark Hounslow


**********************Letter Wednesday noon


I have seen the board this morning and am pleased to say that I have been marked C2, so I am all right for remaining in the Pays Corps. Quite a load off my mind I can tell you, I really did feel a little anxious about the result, but now, everything has turned out all right.

The date is October 24th, Wednesday - probably in the morning. Now I have got this Board business over I shall be writing Aunt Maggie and Charlie.

No time for any more just nowYours affectionately

Alvin


9.45pm 30 Sep 17Glen Lea, etc.

********************

Letter 140 Bath Road,HounslowFriday


Thanks for your Wednesday's letter.

Weren't you glad to get my Wednesday's letter telling you I was now C2? Well I certainly felt rather anxious about the result, but I really never had an easier job in my life. I was the last but

35

one to be examined on Wednesday morning, my name beginning with W. When I went into the room the doctor whom I went before first nearly fell on my neck and kissed me when after he had asked me whether I had ever served abroad. I told him I had been to East Africa and invalided home. He said "You are the first man who has come in here today. All morning we have been busy examining a "batch of scroungers, who are hanging on to the petticoats of the Pays Corps."

Practically without any examination .

When I got to the President of the Board he marked me C2 and congratulated me on my previous record. All the board were pleased with me. Fancy that now - your Alvin creating quite a furore!

Now, for the first matter of business. I am writing Grandfather about playing and shall see what he thinks about the idea. I still think though that he will prefer to sit with Grandmother, where he can see the ceremony. I think I should in his place. However, we shall see. You have got to ask one of Father's brothers or sisters (and partner). I want no talk of asking none of them so that the others cannot grumble. One couple has got to be asked, and the rest must think what they like. What can be fairer than one couple one side and one couple the other? For convenience it might be best to ask Aunt Ethel & Uncle Herbert - one cab would then do for them. Now that opens up another question about Grandfather. He would have to be there before the guests arrived for playing, then who would walk in with Grandmother? I am sure that she would rather have him with her. Still we shall see. If Aunt Ethel cannot attend on account of her weakness how would it be to ask Uncle Ernest & Aunt Sarah Alice as being Father's elder brother? They would have to tram it I think. Petrol is too scarce a commodity to run a car up Sowerby New Road. Now the matter is in your hands. Tell Lil which couple you are asking, so that she can send out the necessary invitations.

Now as regards Aunt Emily - I don't want to say "No" there, but if it is decided to have one couple each side, what is the use saying we ought to stretch a point and ask one more, because she is the only one you can ask, when there is Uncle Albert and his wife still left unasked (leaving out of account that they wouldn't come if asked). I don't want to hurt Aunt Emily's feelings at all and I absolutely decline to say yes or no. If Aunt Emily is asked it is quite reasonable for Father's brothers and sisters to say that Uncle Albert & his wife were asked and didn't go - knowing that there is the unfortunate estrangement between them. That means they would assume all Mother's brothers and sisters were asked and only one of Father's. That is the position as I see it. Please let me hear no more of not asking any of Father's, but ask only one couple soon, letting Lilian know which it is going to be.

Now, Mother, you will have quite enough on from now to the time of the wedding and the week of the wedding you will be busier still with Aunt Maggie and family, so please don't think of having a tea for the remainder. Why should you? I don't want you to go and knock yourself up, and there is the question of expense too. I certainly shouldn't have a do, so there. It is quite different for Mrs Spencer to ask a few of their relatives - as you say she has plenty help. Yes you have a grand little chum growing up to help you. Isn't she a comfort to you now Mother? She must have felt still more of a treasure to you when I was in Africa. Mrs Stone says she doesn't know what she would do without her little girl for company. Tell our Margaret any time you like. Won't she be delighted and excited. Tell whoever you like now, all is settled.

I shouldn't think of giving anything like £4-10-0 for a dress. I know you will be able to get something to make you look quite nice without going to that expense.

I will write Aunt Maggie and tell her not to go to the expense of a new suit for Charlie.

36


1230pm 3 Oct 17Glen Lea, etc.

*********************Letter 140 Bath Road

Hounslow2-10-17

Dear Mother,

Thanks for Sunday's letter and the Courier.

You'll look a proper toff in your shaded blue silk taffeta - and won't me Margaret look a little beauty in her silk embroidery? In the letter I have had today from Lil she tells me that Dora has decided not to be a bridesmaid, so she thinks it will be nice to have Lizzie and the two Margarets after all. I think that will please Aunt Maggie, won't it? And you as well.

I hope Father will borrow Midgeley's (or somebody else's) frock coat and top hat - he'll look real smart and he ought to do on my "great" day, shouldn't he? I should have some dark grey suède gloves, rather than tan kid; they are not so loud, and are yet distinctly more dressy.

I certainly don't want Aunt Maggie to go to the expense of a new suit for Charlie, especially as he has only recently got a new grey suit. Please tell her that will you?

Of course Lillian's parents will send out the invitations. I merely wanted Dad to say which couple to ask. There can be no favouritism about it. He says Aunt Eta & Uncle Jim and so it shall be. Now that's settled.

I thought my new category would please you. It did me, I can assure you, but I always was a lucky beggar and always will be.

I shall be coming home by the night train next Friday, and hope to get home early Saturday. I haven't been promised the pass, but am told it will be all right. I will then cash my allowance and remit the amount for my insurance. I shall be able to fix up all sorts of things on Saturday.I don't seem to have more news, so will now close, with best love to all from yours very sincerely,

Alvin

Seeing I expect to be home on Saturday, don't write again this week.

********************* Letter 140 Bath Road

HounslowWednesday (estimated 3/10/17)

Dear Mother,

Thanks for yesterday's letter enclosing the old East African one.

Perhaps now that Lil has decided on having the two Margarets, Uncle Harry will come as well. And Reggie will have to be there in that case; we couldn't leave him out. We shall have to talk over the guests at the week-end, and see what final arrangements can be made. Amongst all our relatives, who is there who wouldn't turn up? Uncle Albert's wife is the only one who would

37

be missing, I'm thinking. Still it is no good arguing the point by letter; things must remain as they are until the week-end. 'Fraid twill be a very busy one. It is absolutely useless asking for Monday off as well as Saturday. The Saturday took enough getting.

Yes, leave the key under the bin then I can come in and get straight to bed. Please don't get up at that unearthly hour (4 o'clock).

I shall come home by the same train, Friday night, as last time (I hope), so I shall get some breakfast at Leeds before I continue my journey to Sowerby Bridge.

I wrote last Sam week and told him about the Board. I have not yet told him about the wedding, but shall do so in a week or so.

Am still keeping very well, and hope all of you are.

Love to all fromYours affectionately,

AlvinXXXXXXFor Margaret xxxxxxxxxxXXXXX

********************Envelope Postmark Hounslow

9.45pm 9 Oct 17

Glen Lea, etc.

********************Letter 140 Bath Road

HounslowTuesday night

Dear Mother,

I received your yesterday's letter this evening.

Yes, I am quite all right Mother. Please do not worry the least little bit about me. I have ample bedclothes and in fact since the weather came cooler I have had extra clothing on, and in addition there is always another spare blanket over the bed foot in case I should wish to put that on as well. Mrs Stone is extremely thoughtful in every way.

Everything is quite all right about coming here. She just wished to put the whole matter before us as clearly as possible. Last week she was much discouraged with one thing and another, especially as regards buying-in. Of course I told you a lot of folks had rushed to Hounslow from London and bought up all the supplies. At the weekend things were normal again. After three weeks she has had a letter from her boy and that has brightened her up considerably. However, we shall come here as arranged and then when Lil gets here we shall be much better able to look out together for something convenient. You bet we shall be all right Mother.

Please excuse more as I am in a hurry to get the post. We are working until 7.15 each night this week, so that makes it quite 8 o'clock by the time I have had tea.

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The celery & cucumber has been very nice.

At least don't send me any moggie, Mother.

Best love to all from Yours Affectionately

XXXAlvinXXXX


9.45pm 10 Oct 17Glen Lea, etc.

*******************Letter 140 Bath Road

Hounslow10-10-17

Dear Mother,

I hadn't an opportunity of sending you much of a letter last night. I had several to write. I wrote the people at Blackpool, also a letter to Charlie & Aunt Maggie.

No, Mother, I am not a bit worse for the travelling. I certainly was rather tired on Monday but I didn't do too much work. I have got a real soft job. On most of the jobs in the Pay Corps the clerks are timed with their work. They can't time me, and I have the free run of the place, can just pick up a job when I feel to want; my work seems to be to keep the wheels oiled.

As I am on overtime this week, I have no opportunity of seeking other digs and I have arranged that we shall come to Mrs Stones and then see how we go on, but I shall keep on the look-out and we will get somewhere where we can say is "ours" and as Lil will live in the room more than me, it would be much better that she should be here when I fix up anything. Then again when she comes, we shall get to know more people in Hounslow by attending the Wesleyan Chapel, and shall probably make some friends who will be glad to help us in this respect. I will also look in the local papers this weekend to see whether any apartments are being advertised. Don't you worry Mother, I shall always come to the top. I think you know your Alvin well enough for that.

Now as regards warmth & beds. I have now ample blankets and to spare. I shall never go short of anything for the want of asking.

We probably should do better by having rooms and keeping ourselves. I am thankful Sam Helm is making me the allowance he is; it makes me feel more secure and independent. I shall write him tonight and let him know of the happy event. I dare say he will be glad to learn the news, don't you think so, Mother?

Please don't trouble to send any moggie, Mother. Honestly, Mrs Stone feeds me like a lord, and I really don't require anything sending on.

This week all our section is working to 7.15. There is no need for it as far as I am concerned - I am just doing the same day's work - nor more, no less.

Well, Mother, I have nothing else to report, so I will now close with best love to all of you from

39


Alvin.

********************Envelope Postmark Hounslow 12 Oct 17

Glen Lea, etc.

********************

Letter 140 Bath Road,Hounslow11-10-17


I have nothing much in the way of news for you, but the probability of difficulty in getting taxis prompted me to write to you.

Of course wedding guests are supposed to find their own conveyances to the church, and the bride's father to supply them from the church to wherever they have the meal (or reception). If Tom Spencer can arrange the whole lot, well and good (I shall pay the cost of the two from Sowerby Bridge to King Cross Chapel). If he experiences too much difficulty I have asked Lil to let you know, then you must try to arrange for two from Marsh's, especially as the drivers will know Sowerby Bridge streets better than a Halifax driver. I should say one would fetch Grandmother, Aunt Maggie and the two bridesmaids, then the other for you two, Charlie and myself. Don't you think that will be the best way? Everybody else is near the tram route and they must make their own arrangements.

Please do what is necessary, won't you?

Am keeping quite all right and hope you are all well.

Love to all from


Alvin


5pm 13 Oct 17Glen Lea, etc.

*********************Letter 140 Bath Road

HounslowThursday

Did I ask you not to post anything later than Saturday night's post?


40

I hope you were not upset by the tone of my last night's letter, but I really was worried by the thought of the likelihood of things being muddled up, and I still think after sleeping on it that whoever is in the last load won't get there in time. For one thing you must remember the hills of Tuel Lane and Bolton Brow. To do it in the time would lead to accidents, and what is more as I have repeatedly told you we are not supposed to take the guests to church and I don't want you to do it.

My suggestion is for one taxi. Be at Grandmother's promptly at ¼ to one, bring her up to our house, call for Aunt Maggie and the two Margarets (also Uncle Harry if he is there). Take that load straight away then come back for Father, Mother, Charles and myself (and probably Reggie).

That is all that is necessary, and I really am surprised that you should trouble about wanting to take anybody else in taxis, more especially as it is war-time, and we ought to economise petrol rather than use too much.

Now please make all arrangements for everything to be done properly, and at my expense mind you.

I know you have done what you thought best, but I really don't think it will work. I am sorry if my letter last night didn't please you, but I was very much worried as to how it was going to be done.

If Aunt Alice doesn't reply, we shall assume she isn't going to be there. Please, as whatever else you do, don't ask her if she is going. I don't want her without Uncle Albert.


Alvin

**********************Envelope Postmark Hounslow


*********************Letter 140 Bath Road

Hounslow15-10-17


I received your Thursday's letter enclosing Sam's letter to East Africa, and this morning I got Father's letter card saying he had fixed up about taxis at the Sowerby Bridge end.

I had a letter from Lil at Manchester this morning and she says she had a glorious reception at the Albert Hall. She absolutely fetched the place down.

Yesterday I went to tea and supper at the home of one of my Pays Corps friends at Ealing. It was quite a pleasant change.

Please try and arrange for two taxis, I don't care to take the risk of only one and having to wait for it going to King Cross and back. Get two to commence at one o'clock prompt. One to fetch Grandmother, Aunt Maggie and the two Margarets, then straight on Burnley Road. The other

41

one for you two, Charlie and myself. Aunt Etta & Uncle Jim will of course go on by tram, so will Aunt Emily, and Uncle Earnest & Aunt Sarah Alice.

Uncle Albert sent me a letter to say that he will not be able to be there. I hope to goodness his wife won't turn up. In any case, if she does she also must tram it. You know it is not just each side that should make its own arrangements but everybody is supposed to get to the church themselves, carriages from the church to wherever the reception is, supplied by the bride's father. Now you must please arrange exactly as I have said above; it is not a case of showing any favouritism for anybody but just using the two cabs. We must have the two, to leave at 5 to one from Grandmother's and one o'clock from our house. I shan't take the risk of one going to King Cross and then back again. Any delay on the first journey would upset the whole affair, and we mustn't run any risks.

The cost will be borne by me. I shan't listen to you taking the expense. It isn't your affair at all, please. Now let that be understood, and do book two.

I am enclosing you one of the group photographs of the Stone family. What do you think about it?

Well, I must now close with best love to you all fromYours affectionately

Alvin

Uncle Earnest has not yet replied to Lil's invitation, neither has Aunt Emily.



*******************Letter 140 Bath Road

HounslowWednesday


Thanks for you Monday's and Tuesday's letters.

Now, please don't misunderstand me, I know you are all doing your best in my absence to arrange things as they should be, but when I read your letter at tea time, I couldn't tell you how cross I felt and what's more I still do, and shall do until I know things have been put right.

Whatever in the name of all that is wonderful do you mean by arranging to take all our side to chapel in one taxi? I won't have it, so there. In the first place we are not expected to do it. People are supposed to get themselves to church and must do so in this case, especially as so many of them live on the tram route. Uncle Ernest & wife, Aunt Etta & Uncle Jim, and Aunt Emily, all have the trams at their doors, and under the circumstances I am not going to run the risk of a muddle up for the sake of carrying them all to church in a taxi. It is just too babyish for anything. It is my wedding and I want things doing as I want them, and blow the expense.

It must be as I said. One load Grandmother, Aunt Maggie (& probably Uncle Harry) and the two Margarets. Another load - Father, Mother, Charlie and myself.

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No taxi ever built will run three journeys to King Cross in an hour. You talk of them being 5 minutes each way. I don't think ! and what about the waiting? It is all very well saying you have told them no waiting, but there is sure to be some delay, somewhere. I don't care who you disappoint or what. I am determined this shall be as I say. Two loads and only two loads. I wish to goodness I could be there to talk to you. I can't express my feelings properly on paper.

I don't mean to be cross and hurt your feelings, but I really am very much annoyed, especially after I told you in my first letter what I wanted you to arrange. That was and still is what I wanted.

I have told you Uncle Albert is not going to be there. I Aunt Alice doesn't reply I shall assume she is not going, and I don't want her to do either. Don't call and ask if she is going. If she can't be there I don't want her.

In you arranging you are leaving yourselves to the last. Wouldn't it be a nice thing, for you to be arriving after the bride arrives - probably after the ceremony has started?

Now, please see what you can do to mend things.

I think this is all tonight. Oh, I am forgetting. Newman's wife sent me an afternoon tea set, or a black coffee set (Royal Worcester). Very nice too.

Best wishes to all from Yours affectionately

Alvin

Please don't post anything after Saturday evening's post. I shall be leaving on Tuesday morning before the post arrives, and it takes more than a day for letters to come. Good night.



*******************

Letter 140 Bath roadHounslowThursday night


Oh! dear this taxi business gets worse & worse. Tom Spencer writes to say that Wallace Haigh would have easily managed to do the lot as he has three taxis and suggests that we should cancel the Sowerby Bridge one. If you do that and Marsh's want something for their trouble (they may have lost another job) well pay them and I will see that all right. It is my fault for interfering at all in the matter - I ought to have left things to Tom.

Now, as an alternative suggestion I think the following would be the best way out of it. Marsh's couldn't do the three trips in the time. Let them do two - commencing at quarter to one.

1st Uncle Ernest's wifeGrandmotherAunt Emily

43

Then on Burnley Road for the next load:-

No. 2 Aunt Maggie & two bridesmaidsUncle Jim & Aunt Etta

That would do nicely for Marsh's and would be running no risks.

Wallace Haigh's cabs could be collecting the people from King Cross end, and one could be sent on to be at our house at five past one for Father, Mother, Charlie & myself. With that I think everything would be all right.

I sincerely hope so anyway. I wish to goodness I had never interfered in the matter, then this trouble would not have arisen. However, there it is. I am so sorry about it all.

Love to all from Yours affectionately

Alvin

********************** Envelope Postmark Hounslow


********************** Letter 140 Bath Road

Hounslow21-10-17

Dear Mother, Thanks for your letter.

I am sorry Tom Spencer has written in such a way about the taxis, and I certainly hope Father won't cancel the one he has ordered in view of such a letter. I think he'll find Father as about cross-grained as himself.

I can understand him being annoyed, but he should be annoyed with me not you. I asked him in the first place to look after everything and when I was over that week-end it was mentioned that there may be a little difficulty about taxis. Well, when I get back here it occurred to me that it might help matters if, in case Tom had any difficulty, you would arrange the Sowerby Bridge end.

I wrote Tom on Thursday suggesting that Marsh's do two journeys with theirs and Haigh's (King Cross) send on for one load and I hope for the sake of peace and quietness that has now been settled. I wish to goodness I had kept my fingers out of the pie, and left Tom to it.

Please excuse more for tonight, Mother, am just off to the Chiswick Empire.


AlvinXXXXX

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******************* Envelope Postmark Hounslow


**********************Letter 140 Bath Road

Hounslow Sunday


I was very, very, pleased to receive your Friday's letter and to know that now there will be no fear of us not getting to the Chapel in time.

Before I go any further, I have written to Aunt Emily, asking her if Jack gets home to persuade him to come to the wedding. As she has no husband to accompany her, I know she will be only too proud to have her sailor boy there if he will go with her.

I am sorry if I wrote as I did about the taxis. I was not cross with your ordering them, but nervy about you trying to do it all with one taxi. It makes me feel more sorry still, when I know that Tom Spencer has sent you such a snotty letter, and I do hope it won't lead to any unpleasantness between you and Lil's family. As whatever else happens don't let that occur. Fall out with Tom if you like, but don't let it alter your relations with Lil's own people.

He is nothing but a big kid to carry on as he has done. If, when he got my letter telling him that you had arranged all for the Sowerby Bridge end, he foresaw difficulties ahead, it wasn't right of him to run like a bull at a red rag, and then write such a letter to you. He ought, under the circumstances, to have tried to see you and come to some amicable arrangement, instead of trying to get everbody's backs up , and then to say that Lil told him to ask you to cancel yours. He met in the town on Wednesday morning, and evidently bullied her about the business. The bounder! She must be quite enough excited and overwrought without him carrying on like this. If I had had anything of the sort to contend with I should have tried to settle it in a reasonable and friendly manner. I don't believe in trying to surmount obstacles by treading on other people's toes to do it, but I get over them nevertheless.

The question of guests providing their own conveyances was not rubbed into me. If it had been, there would not have been this bother - I should have told them there and then that we would make all arrangements for the Sowerby Bridge end. Don't run away with that idea at all. I thought I was helping things forward when I wrote you, and you also thought that you were doing the same and I appreciate what you have done and shall rest myself content that everything will be all right now.

Now, as whatever else, please don't let this unpleasant incident cause any strained feeling between you and Lil's own people. It is not their wish at all, but is caused entirely through Tom's pig-headedness, and of course through me writing to you about it in the first place.

I shall arrive in Halifax shortly after three on Tuesday afternoon if I catch all my connections properly. Whether I shall get on home to tea or not I cannot tell - probably not. I shall of course go to Lil's for the evening. However, we shall see.

Again thanking you for all you have done for me (and is this is my last "single" letter to you, that means all you have done for me from babyhood upwards). I will now close with the very best love to the dearest and best Father & Mother who ever were.

45

Yours very affectionately,

AlvinXXXXX

Envelope Postmark Blackpool1.15pm 27 Oct 17

Glen Lea, etc.

*******************Letter Blackpool

SaturdayDear Father & Mother,

Thanks for your Thursday's letter.

Yes it has been very rough indeed, just the sort that Father would enjoy. It has been blowing a gale ever since we arrived. This morning it is rather more calm. The weather hasn't been bad, mind you - we haven't got wet once. When anything has come down it has usually been hail.

Of course Blackpool is very quiet now, and we have plenty of room to breathe.

We are very comfortable here, and as we are only here for a few days we have persuaded them to board us, then it leaves us free to do as we like when we get in, without having to do any shopping. Judging by the appearance of the shops we shouldn't have had much difficulty in buying in. There seems to be plenty of everything - at a price of course.

Yes we to think the day passed off very well indeed. Wasn't it a grand wedding? As Mr Spencer said, Mr Bell made a right good job of it. And weren't the dresses nice? I never saw Mother look better in my life - she was a picture. Didn't you all feel proud of us as we were stood at the altar? It's a long long time since there was such a wedding in King Cross Chapel. Quite a nice account in the paper wasn't it?

Please send on to Hounslow the other vest that goes with the one I put on on Wednesday, also my fountain pen - the Waterman one. We had better write to people in ink thanking them for their presents. Seeing that you are putting in the pen (which cost 10/6) please register the parcel - it will only cost another 2d.

We shall be leaving here on Monday morning.

Nothing more this time round.

Love from both to all of you

Alvin & Lilian.

*********************Envelope Postmark Blackpool

8.15 28 Oct 17Glen Lea, etc.

********************* Letter Blackpool

46

Sunday aft.Dear Mother,

Yesterday I asked you to send to Hounslow the vest to match the one I am wearing, also my Waterman fountain pen. Of course I shall require as well the pair of pants I left at home, thick ones - not the new ones that came by parcel post. Will you also please send my silver cigarette case?

Altogether I want -1 vest1 pair pants1 Waterman fountain pen1 silver cigarette case

As I mentioned before, please register the parcel & get a receipt for it. It will only cost an additional twopence and will be much safer. There is no need to take it down to the General - you will be able to register it at the post office at Hill Crest.

It has been showery this morning but now it is fine again. We may probably call on James Riley this afternoon, unless we get driven inside again by the rain.

Love to all from

Alvin & Lilian

There is no hurry for the things I have asked for. They will do after your wash day.

Still having a splendid time in spite of the weather.

********************Letter Wednesday dinner time

Undated but 7 November from content.

My Dear Mother,

Thanks ever so much for the beautiful parcel you sent & have received it this morning. The sugar packet had burst down the side. Still I didn't have to waste very little. The cake & parkin are lovely. Alvin always has a cup of tea during the morning so I shall keep the parkin for him to take for lunch. Now about this other thing you sent. Alvin says you must send a note to say how much they have cost you, because he would much rather pay you & and then we can send to you again. We are absolutely delighted with everything you have sent to us and don't know how to thank you for all the trouble we have put you to.

Well, this morning I have been very busy indeed. Mrs Larke has been helping me to move the furniture round. I have got all finished now & we have ever so much more room & it looks much better too. Mrs Larke just lets us do as we like. Last night we (Alvin & I) out new silk into the piano front & sideboard doors. I fixed it all, Alvin tacked it in. We had quite a busy evening & enjoyed it too. When I put a few of my own covers about & photos our little home will be just lovely. I only wish you could just come to see us. I'm sure you would say how nice & cosy we are. We are quite settled here and as happy as happy can be. Alvin is getting a tremendous twist again (of course I am not telling you about myself) & he is looking champion. We are having lovely weather. Really it seems more like Spring instead of November.

47

I have not been to see Mrs Stone since we left her. Of course we parted all right and she asked us to call to see her any time & may go next week.

On Sunday we went to chapel & were asked out to tea. I don't remember the lady name who came to speak to us , but I thought she was very kind indeed.

We didn't go because we just wanted to take it easy & promised to go some other time. Oh we shall not be very long before we have plenty of friends I'm sure.

My words a fortnight today since just at this time 2.45 there was great excitement wasn't there? We too think our wedding topped any there has ever been at King X (Swanks). I'll bet Margaret does wish it could all come over again. (I shouldn't mind.)

I wonder what you next door Chum would have to say when she read the account in the paper.

Well now I must stop and do a little more shopping. We are both ever so pleased you are feeling much better & hope you will very soon be just your old self again.

Fondest Love to You AllYour Affect. DaughterLilian XXX

*******************Envelope Postmark 9.45pm

1 Nov 17Glen Lea, etc.

*******************Letter 140 Bath Road

HounslowThursday night.

New address for all letters126, Wellington Road, South Hounslow.

Dear Mother,

I have been wondering whether you are not well, seeing that we have had no letter from you since we came back to Hounslow. I do hope you are quite all right. You know you must take care of yourself this changeable weather.

I trust you are not worrying at all about us. We are young, and well able to look after ourselves (and each other) and when we get settled down in our own rooms, which will be absolutely our own, we shall be just as happy as it is possible for a couple to be. In fact we are quite looking forward to Saturday afternoon, when we do a flit. Lil will find things much more interesting when she gets a room that she can look after and arrange just as she likes; then there will be the buying in, which is quite a job now - in fact I should say a "fine art".

Well, lets be having a line or two of good news, Mother please.

My words, didn't the "Courier" give us a slashing report? They have made us feel quite proud of ourselves. Wednesday night's report was good but the Saturday's was much better.

Oh I say, if you haven't felt up to the mark, and not had a wash day this week, please send along the vest & pants, unwashed. I don't wish to give you any more trouble than necessary.

48

Hoping soon to hear favourably from you, I remain

Your affectionate son

AlvinXXXXXX Love to all of you from Lil and myself.

Please send a card to Lizzie with Uncle George Hardy's address for some cake & a card. I have sent Annie Ogden's address on.

******************* Letter 126 Wellington Road South

Hounslow4 Nov 1917


I sent you a card yesterday telling you the registered parcel had arrived, and that I had received your Friday's letter.

We were glad to hear that you are till keeping well, Mother must take care and not let that rheumatism get hold of her again.

As you say stones aren't the only pebbles on the beach. We seem to have struck very lucky here; we have the front room and the back bedroom. There is a bath & W.C. upstairs. It does feel grand to shut the door and be able to do and say just what we like, and put as much coal on the fire as we wish; everything just splendid. They are an elderly couple who used to keep a boarding house at Earl's Court, London, and she is evidently a splendid cook.

As soon as we came round yesterday we had a cup of tea then went to buy in. We bought our first joint and it has been delicious. Mrs Stone tried to damp our feelings saying we shouldn't be able to buy this nor that, but we did splendidly. We got a beautiful piece of sirloin - 2½ lb for 4/-. I managed to persuade the shop where we get our groceries to give us a pound of sugar. The lady who served us said she wasn't supposed to let any go, and she had to wrap it up so that it wouldn't look like sugar to the other customers. We got some splendid bacon at 2/4 a pound. We also got some Quaker Oats and some table syrup, some sardines, baked beans and other things.

I'll just draw our room for you.

X Fireplace Three cornered bookcase

Easy chair Easy chair

Window couch Table Sideboard

Piano Door

We are going to shift the piano to the corner marked X and put the couch where the piano is now.

49

We have ample wardrobe & draw accommodation in our bedroom. The bed has tons of blankets under the bedding. She seems a real decent person. In face she is very much like Aunt Emily, only her features are not so firm.

Please let us know exactly what the parcel you send costs, as we mustn't do any sponging. Once get properly on our feet and we shall be as right as rain. Have the post office people called in your ring paper yet?

The letter you sent me the other day was from Newman. While we were at Blackpool we sent his wife two sweet little Derby ornaments. It was a bit late for a wedding present but I hadn't had an opportunity earlier.

Yes I have received Sam's cheque all right and told him we were removing. Let any enquiring friend have our new address.

We are gradually getting replies away to all the people who sent us greetings and presents.

Mr Redfearn wrote to the Wesleyan Minister at Hounslow, telling him all about us, and he has already called to see us and wants us to join their choir, but we aren't having any. Not us. We shall probably be able to make some desirable friends at the chapel.

Yes didn't they put us some puff in the "Courier"? I wonder if there would be anything in the Guardian. Probably not. Still ask the newspaper chap to get you a copy of the Weekly Guardian for Saturday, October 27th on the off chance.

I think you have all the news this time round, so will now close with best love to all fromYours affectionately

Alvin & Lilian

XXXXXX

******************** Envelope Postmark 6 Nov 17

Glen Lea, etc.


ThursdayDear Father & Mother,

Thanks for your letter.

We are so very sorry to hear that poor Dad had an accident and hope that beyond his black-eye is no worse for the fall. It really is ridiculous having everything so very dark up in Yorkshire. The lighting is certainly bad here, but I believe it is better than at home and we are much nearer the danger than you. Our trains don't even have any curtains, and run about with full light.

That paper about the ring paper is nothing at all. It should have been sent to you within a fortnight of my transfer to the A.P.C.

Thank Margaret for her nice little letter. Lilian will write her in a day or two.

50

Was Alvin really looking piked? He's looking well enough now anyhow. We are "living" and no mistake - taking no notice of the war - patriotic or not patriotic. We are doing splendidly, and as you say Mother Stone did us a good turn when she made us want to leave her. We are able to buy just what we like, and have as much as we like. Lil is catering splendidly, and we get a good variety of food, and the old girl is a beautiful cook and is properly "mothering" us.

The weather is still keeping quite nice and mild - just a nip in the air night and morning and lovely during the day.

Perhaps the photographs will look much better when we get the finished ones. If we don't like them we shall write Greaves and give them a blowing up.

Would you mind posting ups ten pounds please to put in the bank here? We shall manage very well with the Army Pay and what Sam is sending us, but we never know what we shall require and it is best to be on the right side.

Now, when you register it, pay an extra penny, because with ordinary registration the post office gives only £5 compensation; for the extra penny they will pay us to £10. Do you understand? Better post it at the General, and tell them that there is £10 in, then they will understand.

Well, once more you have the budget, so we will now close with best love to all and hope Dad will be no worse.

Yours very affectionately,

Alvin & Lilian

Have Marshall's got their gramophone yet? They were advertising for one in last week's "Courier". If they get it will they pay for it, I wonder.

*******************

Envelope Postmark Hounslow 7.45pm7 November 1917

Glen Lea, etc.

*******************

Letter 126 Wellington Road SouthHounslowThursday night.

Dear Dad,

We were pleased to receive your letter this morning. How we smiled at your escapade. You didn't strike, but blooming well locked yourself out. Anyway there was one good thing in your favour - if you had forgotten your key you hadn't forgotten your orders to keep all the ground floor windows fastened. That's one good thing in your favour.

This letter is a treat all for yourself, as you favoured us with a letter. Of course we know that you don't usually have much time for letter writing, and Mother & Margaret keep us well supplied with all the news from the Glen Lea Front.

51

It was good of you to take all that trouble to make the proper shop get you another "Courier", which we got today. Thanks very much.

We are glad that Mother & Margaret are liking their holiday at Grindleton better than they did before time. If the weather keeps fine it should do you all good and we hope you will all be much benefitted by the change. It really is a lovely district. You know Mr Gilmour once took me for a run round Bolton-by-Bowland and we had a glorious peace-time tea at some famous hostelry there. It stands just at a turn in the road. I can see it all quite well in my mind's eye - even the room where we had tea, but I can't just remember the name. The tea cost us half a crown each (at least it cost Mr G that) - ham, chicken, tongued, beef - crikey, the sideboard fairly groaned with good things. It makes my mouth water to think of it. Mind you we aren't doing so dusty as regards grub here; you see being in the London Area we get fed first, then if there is anything left it goes to the provinces. Last weekend we got a lovely piece of sirloin - had French beans from Mr Matthew's garden (he told us we hadn't to let anything go to waste on his allotments, but just take stuff as though it was our own - they gave us their house key and told us to use the house as our own - showed us where we should find tinned meats [of which they have plenty] brandy, wines and all sorts - anything we want is ours. Don't you think he one of the best? But you must understand he isn't a Cockney, but YORKSHIRE, from Middleton in Teesdale. Mr & Mrs Matthews have made all the difference to our life here in Hounslow - we have always felt ourselves able to confide in them as though they were our own. They're champions. Mrs M. has lent us everything we shall require. You can't wonder at us liking them, can you?

Oh, I was telling you about last Sunday's dinner. We had a ripping Yorkshire pudding - containing Yorkshire eggs instead of egg substitute. Oh, and the potatoes were Mr Matthew's growing too.

Now to continue about the trip with Mr Gilmour. After the "bust up" we strolled up a hill-side - not a hill really but a ridge - just a gentle slope with a pine copse on the top. Do you recognise it from the description?

(written in the margin - I believe the name of the hill is SHAPRIDGE FELL. Am I right?)

A friend of his - a dancing master - was staying there at a cottage - a chap who kept himself in comfort during the summer by making money in newspaper competitions.

Well, we wrote to Mother & Margaret yesterday, so we haven't any news left, so will now conclude by wishing you all a real good healthful holiday, with plenty of sunshine, plenty of nice farm produce, no rain, no worry (please don't worry too much about us), but a real good tip top time.

Love and best wishes to Mother, Margaret and yourself and all at Gill House farm from


Alvin & Lilian

******************

Envelope Postmark Hounslow11am 12 Nov 17

Glen Lea, etc.

52

******************

Letter HounslowSunday night

Dear Father, Mother & Margaret,

I really must write you this letter or I shall be having you writing and asking whether I am poorly now.

We got your Thursday's letter. Now, we thank you very much for your kindness in saying that you won't have anything for the parcel you sent, but we shall send you a postal order for it. Will accept a little home-made sweetstuff occasionally, but groceries we certainly shall pay for. It isn't fair to expect you to get those for us without payment.

Fancy tying up our wedding reports in pink ribbon. You must be proud of them. But they were good, weren't they?

We are both glad to know that Mother's rheumatic isn't troubling her as much now.

My words, we do seem to have struck lucky as regards digs. It feels just Heaven on Earth to be away from Stone's, and we are able to do just as we like, buy what we like, eat what we like and say what we like, and the house isn't like a blooming barracks. As you advise us we can almost forget there is a war on. We are living splendidly, and are able to get an infinite variety of different foods. Mrs Stone seemed to think there was nothing but meat, bacon, eggs and boiled ham. Every morning we have Quaker Oats porridge with syrup & milk, then bacon or kippers, or say sardines. And we have had some lovely meat and vegetables - and the old girl knows how to cook - she is Swiss and used to keep a large boarding house at Earl's Court. One good thing - she is extremely careful and economical with our things - just as though she was cooking our own. Today we have had some meat called Silverside, 2lbs which looks to me something like Inlift - she broiled it beautifully for us. Don't you worry, we are doing fine - miles better than at the other place.

It has bee glorious today. This morning we took our time with things then went for a good long walk 2 ¼ hours, after which we were ready for our dinner, which was fine. We had a lazy afternoon, then after tea we went to chapel, then for a bit of a walk we went round by Mrs Birch's where I stayed at first and they were glad to see us. Mills and Stokes (her two lodgers) have left her this weekend and gone back to Stone's. They are exceptionally nice people - more refined than the S people. Mrs Birch asked Lil to go round and have a cup of tea with her on Tuesday afternoon.

Really, it has been a ripping week, and we are so happy and comfy. Everything is just grand.

Oh! On Thursday and again yesterday we had a visit from Knight Spencer (Edgar's son). He got a commission in the Flying Corps and has been sent to Acton, about 5 miles from here - half way from here to London.

Think this is all tonight, so will now chuck it -

Love to all fromYour affectionate son & daughter,

Alvin & Lilian.

53


14 Nov 17Glen Lea, etc.

*********************Letter 'Runnymede'

126 Wellington Rd. SouthWeds. Nov 14th

My Dear Mother & Father,

Thanks for the weekly papers. I opened it so carefully & felt sure there would be a nice long letter in it. However we have that to look forward to. I think Alvin told you, Mrs Birch asked me to afternoon tea yesterday (aren't we coming on?) I went & enjoyed the little change very much.

Mrs Birch is exceptionally nice & about you age. She told me she was not at all surprised to hear we had gone to fresh digs, as Mrs Stone is a very moody sort of person & is well known all round.

The two fellows that used to come round to Mrs Stone's lived with Mrs Birch. You know Alvin asked Mrs S. if she wanted to take these two fellows back again because if she did he would make arrangements with Mrs Birch & then we should have gone straight there when we came from Blackpool.

Of course Mrs Stone said right up to the last day we were with her that on no account would she take these boys back again. & there Mrs Stone had made all arrangements for these boys to go back & they left Mrs Birch & never told her where they were going but Mrs Birch knew & when the boys were just ready for leaving her house she didn't half tell them off. & I don't blame her for either do you? This just shows you what sort of person Mrs Stone has turned out to be. Now Mrs Birch hasn't anybody & told me she would have been only too delighted to have let us have front bedroom & sitting room. Anyhow all our little trouble is over & we are very lucky to have such a comfortable home. If we hadn't we should certainly have gone to Mrs Birch.

Tonight we are going to a tip top concert in Hounslow. I'm quite looking forward to having a good time. Last night Alvin had to work over an hour. I do hope he will not have to tonight.

This morning Mrs Larke & I hurried round with the house work & went into town. Of course we left all the dinner going on & was back in nice time to have all just ready for Alvin coming. We had Irish Stew for dinner with dumplings in & believe me there really looked enough for a family & we almost finished the lot. Mrs Larke could hardly believe her own eyes. Then she made us a nice apple pie & we had part of that, & cheese & coffee, so we are not doing so badly are we. This morning for breakfast we had quaker oates, bacon & browned potatoes & jam. We seem to have taken a great liking to quaker oates & have it every morning. For tea we are having watercress, stewed fruit & custard. We are doing as you told us forgetting there is a war on & we are just as happy as the days are long. It's just lovely to always be together & I'm enjoying doing the shopping. The only difficulty is getting sugar.

My words haven't we got a lot of presents. Still they are coming & now we have over 60 & I do want to see the photo's. I hope they are good. This morning we had a letter from Aunt Maggie. She too is longing to see them. She says Margaret & Charlie wish they had another wedding to go to. Well now I think I have told you all this time round & I have Alvin's buttons to clean ready for tonight & a little mending to do.

54

We are sending you a 5/- postal order towards the cost of the lovely parcel you sent us. The parkin was grand.

Hope you are all keeping in the pink. Give our love to Grandpa & Grandma Whiteley. Margaret I shall be ever so pleased to have a nice little letter from you love.

Fond Love to You AllFrom Both of usYour Affect Daughter,

Lilian.

********************

Envelope Postmark Hounslow11am 19 Nov 17

Glen Lea, etc.******************

Letter Sunday Night


Thank you for your Friday's letter.

It was very kind, indeed, of you to send those things as a gift, and we are sorry that you were cross because we sent you an order for them. However we are glad to know that besides all our other presents we have a frying pan and a hand brush to begin with.

Today we have been reckoning up the value of our presents, including money presents, and though we have omitted several we have made them up to about £65 and that is reckoning many of the things on the underside. This does not include "promised gifts" - yours and Lil's parents, Aunt Maggie, Aunt Emily, our Margaret and Lil's cousin Sam! Haven't we done well?

Recently we have been able to get hold of some really nice margarine, so we are certainly not going to go in for butter at its present price. It is abominable that the government allows such prices to be charged.

Fancy Mrs Spriggs trying to compare hers and Charlie Spriggs' wedding with OURS. There never was a grander at King Cross and never will be - so there.

How's Dad's black eye going on? Hope he's no worse for his fall.

I bet Margaret enjoyed herself last Saturday at the Palace, didn't she?

We got a nice little joint of mutton for today's dinner - not too bony - a bit of neck I should say.

It has been a very nice weekend again - quite mild. We got out into the country yesterday afternoon and again this morning. This evening we have been to Chapel.

Think this is all this time round. Love to all from both of us.

55


Alvin & Lilian

We have had sent on a lovely silver cake basket from the staff & warehousemen at Helms - cost about £2.

******************** Envelope Postmark Hounslow

11am 24 Nov 17Glen Lea, etc.

********************

Letter "Runnymede"Friday

My Dear Mother & Father,

I am just waiting for Mrs Larke finishing her nap. Poor old girl she was right done up & said she could not hold her eyes open another minute. We are going into town & it is now 3.15 so & do wish she would wake up or it will soon be dark.

It is a glorious day, the sun shining & just a nice little breeze. We seem to be having very different weather to you. What a shame all your flowers have been ruined. You say you have just one rosebud left.

Well I don't suppose you will hardly believe it, but there are plenty of roses out in the gardens here & they are beautiful. Of course we have no big winds here & that makes all the difference. There I here the old lady is moving. At last our photographs have come. We are absolutely delighted with them & think they are ripping. We all look rather serious but still I would much rather have them as they are, than all trying to smile and making a mess of it. I never have seen a better photo of any of us. Alvin says I look as though I am thinking "O touch me not". Don't I look tiny by the side of Alvin. Mrs Larke said What dat Mr Whiteley's Mother & Father. She thinks you do look so young. You do look a nut my words. Isn't Charlie and Alvin just like brothers? Except Charlie has rather more hair. Their nose & chin are just the same. We do hope you will like them now they are finished.

5.15. I've just come in and found the bird's flown and this letter unfinished so I might as well finish it off. Next week our section is starting a new system of book-keeping and all the loose leaf books have to be changed this weekend in readiness for Monday morning and we have to work tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon and Sunday morning, so they have let us finish at 5 o'clock today instead of our usual time (six).

Now that we are on what they call Family Allowance we don't have to have any Ring Paper, I just draw the whole amount - wages and the lodging allowance for the two of us, so there is nothing to worry about regarding those notices they have sent you.

Sorry to learn that Albert has been gassed, but hope it will not turn out to be very serious - in any case he will think himself jolly lucky to get out of it for part of the winter at any rate. Talking about winter, it is incredible how mild the weather keeps still. It is much too warm for an overcoat yet. I will write Albert one of these days.

On Sunday we are having Mazzini Spencer to tea (he works at Erith, the other side of London).

56

As you say, with all the mildness of the weather down here, there is nothing to beat good owd Yorksher, after all.

Glad Father's black eye is right again. He must take care, and not be in such a rush to get home at night.

We are writing to ask Lizzie to order us the remainder of the dinner service to complete the set for us. Tom bought us the half set for a present, and as it is such a nice pattern we think it best to make up the full set now that we have the opportunity, rather than be disappointed if we should wish to match it in a few years. We will use part of Uncle Herbert & Aunt Ethel's present for buying it. It will probably be 35/- or £2. However, we have asked Lizzie to call on you and get the money for it , when she knows exactly how much it is. Probably she will send you a card before she comes.

Don't think there is anything more of interest just now, so will conclude with love to all from


Alvin & Lilian.

The wanderers have just returned so I must clear the table, so that they can lay the tea.

******************** Envelope Postmark Blackburn

12.30 pm 24 Nov 17Mrs A.E.Whiteley,Glen Lea,Tuel Lane,Sowerby Bridge,Yorkshire

******************Letter

G3 WardQueen Mary's Military HospitalWhalleyLancsNov 24 1917

Dear Aunt

Many thanks for your welcome letter & good wishes also for the p/o you sent. It feels grand to be back in Blighty again so soon & I think I was very lucky in getting across as I had only got very little gas into me. I can't say anything about going to Blackburn as I am going to another hospital on Monday & I don't know which way it will be nearer home or further away but anywhere will suit me as long as it is over this side. The winter is getting over very nicely & if I have to go out again it will be so much less of the cold to stand. I was a bit surprised when I heard Alvin was getting married but I think he is all right for a job in England. When I am ready for off again I would not mind a do in India or that way on for a change. Well there is not much to say hoping you are all well in the best of health & spirits.

Your loving nephew

57

Albert.

***************Envelope Postmark 27 Nov 17

'Glen Lea', etc.

*****************Letter 'Runnymede'

Tuesday

My Dear Father & Mother & Margaret

It seems such a long time since we heard from you & yet it isn't long really. I suppose it is with always looking out for the post. I am hoping there will be something for us by this evening post.

Somehow we don't feel to have had any week end. You see Alvin had to work Sat. afternoon & Sun. morning & we look forward so much to the weekends. Still, we really must not grumble because we are so fortunate to be able to live together so happily.

We say many a time if only you could just slip in to see us, how very content you would be about us. We are ever so happy now. Mazzine Spencer came on Sun. He seemed to quite enjoy himself. My words I shouldn't like to live where he does. He is in at all the air raids. He has seen two Zepps brought down in flames. He says it is a sight he will never forget as long as he lives.

This morning we had ever such a surprise. Do you remember a fellow called Williamson that came to our chapel. Very smart looking. Well he is the secretary of a big mission like Eastbrook Hall somewhere very near London. I have forgot the name & Alvin put the letter in his pocket so I shall have to tell you later.

He asked us to go to their house for the day next Sunday also offers me an engagement for then too. To sing afternoon & evening, of course I shall be paid (What what!!)

We were going to a Mr Shackletons to tea on Sunday, but we shall have to give them back word & go some other time. We haven't asked for the engagement either. What does ta think about that? Eh? I shall try to give them a bit of my best. I should imagine it will be the largest place I have sung in. It holds over three thousand. Tell young Hidd & his mother.

Today I have really been very busy. Mrs Larke is lost in a cold so I told her she could stay in bed & I would manage all right. She has ear ache very bad so I made her bran poultices & its a very nice warm job isn't it? Anyhow she soon went to sleep & feels much better now & is downstairs.

On Friday Alvin has asked a young lady to tea that he works with. She bought us a jam dish for wedding present so I shall have to & beg pardon & thank you etc. Oh it would be nice if only you could come to tea anytime.

This morning it was just lovely. Sun shining beautiful but now & I believe it has started to rain. Last night after tea it absolutely poured down. We did just snuggle up to our big fire and feel very thankful we could be so comfortable.

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Alvin has written to his cousin. Poor boy. It is awful isn't it? Give my love to Uncle Jim & Auntie. I hope they are keeping well through all their trouble. Now I must stop to get this into post. We are both in the pink & hope you are all as well.

Fondest Love to you all from Both Your Affect Daughter

Lilian xxxxXxxxx

XMargaret

****************** Envelope Postmark 3 Dec 17

Mr & Mrs A.E.WhiteleyGlen LeaBurnley Rd.Sowerby Bridge Yorkshire.

******************Letter 'Runnymede'

Monday

My Dear Father, Mother & Margaret,

I have received Margaret's letter this morning & will answer it sometime during the week. I know you will be wondering what sort of a time we had yesterday. First of all. It was a lovely frosty day. It even tried to snow before we left Hounslow.

We left home at 10 o/c. On our way we thought we should like to see the guns our soldiers have taken from the Germans also one of our tanks that is with them in Trafalgar Square. We were very disappointed to find the cover had not been taken off the tank & we had not time to wait. Of course we could see the shape of it. I thought it was a tremendous size, but Alvin said he thought it would have been larger.

We saw all the guns & plenty of soldiers to guard them. There were crowds of people. It makes one wonder where in the world they all come from. On the top side of the Square there was a great big advert. We have never seen anything to compare with it. It told you how much money every city had put in the war loan. I should think it would stretch from Hx; post office corner right to the end of 'Kings' shop & quite as high as post office & there were crowds & crowds of people stood gazing up at it. Then every few yards there were men & women selling tank brooches & all sorts of toys (Sunday at that). Really it was more like being at big fair. We stayed about ¼ hour & then had to rush for a train. After we left the train again we had to cross over London Bridge & we had a splendid view of the Tower Bridge.

Then we had a long bus ride to the Hall (Deptford Central Hall). We had to go through a very low dirty part of London. All the shops were open & women with little shawls on & very dirty, crowded round the shops. The houses looked filthy. The majority clean their doorsteps but don't trouble about anything else. It makes one wonder how they can live in such dirty places. I shouldn't like to be anywhere near these during an air raid. We arrived at the hall 12.15.

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The congregation were just coming out. The first person we saw there was Mazzine Spencer looking like a frozen rabbit. My words his nose was nice & red. Then Mr Williamson came. He was delighted to see us & took us all round the hall. It is very much like Eastbrook Hall. There's just one thing they haven't & that is an organ. They have a piano & orchestra. The afternoon service was mixed. Men & women. I sang 'Sonny' & 'The best friend to have is Jesus'. My words they did just sing the chorus. There were four very poor old men on the front row & they nearly sang their heads off. It would have done you good to have seen & heard them. Mr Williamson told me one was an old gipsy.

I was on tip-top form & I didn't half let them have it.

At the evening service I sang 'The better land' & another out of 'Torrey's', 'Have faith in God'. They both went fine Alvin says & you could have heard a pin drop. I think I must have pleased the conductor as he has offered me two more engagements. They paid me 10/6 for each service. Don't you think that was very good for a beginning?

A gentleman that was also at Mr Williamson's told me an old lady next to him said I was a perfect little angel. So I shall have to get a pair of wings, eh?

My words they did give us a good tuck in at Williamson's. It felt like being at home.

First of all for dinner we started off with a real yorkshire pudding. Plenty potatoes, beans, cabbage & and as much new roasted beef and gravy off the meat plate. Then rice pudding, lovely home made apple pie, biscuits & cheese & coffee. There, don't you think we had a jolly good do? I didn't know how in the world I was going to sing. I ate such a lot. With it being so cold I can assure you we were ready for a good dinner. We went to tea & supper, caught the 10.10 train & arrived home 11.45 after having had a ripping day out.

Mr Williamson is going to send me a few bills on, so I will let you know as soon as they come.

Last Thursday evening we went to London to see Bernard Rhodes before leaving for France. We were very surprised to see Horace his brother with him. My words he does look well does Bernard & he is much nicer to talk to. Not the swank he used to have. Horace is in a poor way, his heart is very bad.

We really all intended going to the theatre, but could not get a seat anywhere, so we went to the hotel Bernard was staying at 'The Grovesner'. Oh my what a swanky place. I hardly knew which way to look. We stayed in the lounge & called for the Waiter to bring coffee & it was coffee too. In cups about as big as a thimble. My words but the better class do carry on. It was quite an eye opener for me. Girls smoking & drinking as large as life & all in evening dresses. Men waiters of course. I've never seen anything like it. It does one good to just peep into these places. Would you have enjoyed being there? I did.

I wonder if you are getting tired of reading this.

I seem to have such a lot to tell you.

Well it will soon be Christmas. Alvin says they are talking of giving them holiday from Sat. to the following Thurs. morning. Won't that be lovely if it comes off. They are talking of stopping soldiers from travelling at Christmas, of course if they do we are done for & shall have to make the best of it, but I do hope we shall get home. It will be just lovely to see you all again. I seem to have been down here such a long time. Do we to you?

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Fancy, we have got another present from chapel King X. A silver flower vase. Our presents seem never ending. I have had a letter from Percy Shoesmith's girl asking it we will suggest something for them to buy us.

Won't it be lovely when we start in nice little home of our own & we can have all these lovely things about.

Well I think I have told you about all that has happened this weekend. We have right enjoyed ourselves & we are both in fine health & looking forward to our Christmas dinner at home with you.

Fond Love from BothYour Affect. Daughter

Lilian

******************Envelope Postmark Hounslow

10 Dec 17Glen Lea etc.

******************Letter

"Runnymede"My Dear Mother, Friday

We received your parcel yesterday & thank you very much for being so kind to us. I made Alvin a sandwich with your lemon cheese in, & he said it was lovely.

I think I have never tasted nicer, it is so thick. Your sweet cake of course we always enjoy. Give me home things far before shop stuff. The sweet cakes you buy are short of sugar & fruit. We are having Irish stew for dinner, so tell Margaret we are having the two large carrots in it. I am sure they will improve the stew! On Tuesday Alvin had half day holiday, so we went to London. I had a good look round at the shops. We went to Selfridges. What a tremendous place it is. They have absolutely everything. We went into the toy department & we said if Margaret could have been there she would have been delighted. I think they must have every kind of toy that is made. All the shops close at six so stayed until the last minute & then went to Lyons to tea.

Oh I mustn't forget to tell you, we had a very big surprise while in Selfridges. Who should stand straight in front of us but Mr Denison. We were delighted to see him as he made a great fuss of us. He had just had tea or he said he would like to have tea with us. Don't we seem to have met a lot of friends since we came here? After tea we went to the theatre & landed home at 12o/c after having had a real jolly good time.

On Weds afternoon I went to London again. You see Mrs Larke's daughter is at home. I think I told you she was on the stage. She had two free tickets for a matinee (7/6 ones) & asked me if I should care to go with her, so I did.

It was a splendid show. It finished at 5o/c so we went to Harrods for an hour. It is a wonderful place & much more elaborate than Selfridges. I've never seen such beautiful things. It makes you long to buy such a lot. We went to the café to tea & arrived home at about 8.30. Alvin had just nicely had tea.

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I wonder if we shall be thinking of coming home next week at this time. I do hope they will not stop the soldiers from travelling. It will be a shame if they do.

Alvin's sore throat turned into a cold, but I'm pleased to tell you he is almost better again.

On Sunday I am singing at Deptford Hall again. Hope to have a good time. Alvin doesn't know for certain whether he is working Sunday or not. I hope he hasn't to. Now I must get along with my work.

Hope you are all keeping well & we both thank you very much for the parcel.

Ta-taFond Love to You All from BothYour Affectionate Daughter

Lilian

No I haven't to work Sunday after all.

We thought song would just suit Margaret. Tell her to ask her Grandpa to teach it her for Christmas.We are looking forward to a good time.

2.45

Alvin has just gone back to work again. He seems ever so much better. My words fancy having half day holiday tomorrow. Wonders never cease. I have been asking him if he has heard anything more about Christmas holiday, but he has not.

It seems to be a way they have in the Army, not to tell anything until the very last minute. Still we will hope for the best. I am just going to get washed & dressed & step into town. I wish the sun would shine. It is ever such a dull day.

Fond Love to All from BothYour Affect. Daughter

Lilian XXXXXX

****************** Letter Undated but thought to be 10/12/17

MondayMy dear Father & Mother,

I have just received your letter. Pleased to hear you are all keeping well. Now you say you don't know whether I can read your writing or not. Certainly I can, & I am always pleased to receive them I can assure you. I don't mind how you write if only you send good news. It isn't the writing we care about, it is the 'sender'. Now I have another nice surprise for you.

On Friday I had a letter from the 'conductor' at Deptford hall asking me to book five more engagements for them.

Starting next Sunday & the four following Sundays & another one for January 19th Sat. evening. I could scarcely believe my own eyes when I read the letter. I wish you could have just seen

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Alvin. He was delighted. I cannot possibly take them all if we come home for Christmas & hope they will put me in later on.

We do want to come home for Xmas, very much indeed. We are looking forward to such a ripping time. War or no war, we will enjoy ourselves. From today Alvin has to work every night until 8 o/c and Sundays from 10 o/c to 5 o/c. He doesn't think it will last any longer than Christmas. I hope not at any rate.

We are having good food, & I'm looking well after him. In fact he says he has never felt better since he came back from Africa. This weekend his throat has been rather sore, apart from this he hasn't had any other complaint. The weather is very changeable. One day it is lovely and warm, then the next very cold & frosty. With plenty of care he will soon be quite well again.

On Saturday afternoon we went to Richmond. It was lovely. The shops are looking very attractive & make one long to have such a lot of nice things. It is a very classy place & busy. It was a nice change to go where there was plenty going on. The toy shops would just suit Margaret. In fact I don't think we should be able to drag her away.

Then we came home & had a jolly good late tea, or dinner. I thought I would give Alvin a nice surprise.

We had tripe & onions & mashed potatoes, & I'll tell you we both enjoyed it A1. We were just in form for it.

Yesterday (Sunday) we stayed in all day, & kept ourselves nice & warm & had a lazy time. We haven't had a roast this week. I bought a thick piece of steak bone & cooked with tomatoes, cabbage, potatoes & rice pudding. If there is one thing Mrs Larke can cook, it is steak. You know when you cut it, the blood runs out. Today we are having sausage, onion sauce, mashed potatoes, turnip, rice pudding & apple pie & coffee. Do you think I am feeding Alvin well enough. I always try my best to give him good tempting meals. I wish you could just pop in to dinner.

Now, I must stop & set the table. You see Alvin has only just nice time to come home to dinner & hasn't time to wait for anything.

(Alvin writes) I'm having a half day tomorrow afternoon for a bit of overtime I put in recently. We are thinking of going to London for a jaunt round.

Letter ends unsigned.

*******************Letter Undated but calculated as 17/12/17

'Runnymede'Monday

My Dear Father, Mother & Margaret,

Thanks very much for letter I received this morning. Now about coming home. Alvin has holiday from Sat. dinner time until Thurs. morning. Isn't that a ripping long holiday. The trouble now is whether we shall be able to travel. Won't it be a shame if we have to stay here after all? Alvin is trying to see one of the top men today & you can be sure he will try his very best. I do hope he will find the gentleman in a good temper. I cannot realise Christmas is so near. Have you made any Christmas cake or puddings? Mrs Larke has made seven or eight puddings. She has had the fruit put away a long time. If she hadn't have had, she could not have made them because we cannot get currants or anything. Mother says she hasn't made any

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Christmas Cake because she cannot get enough fruit. I am sure we have never been without before. All the fruit she had was put into our wedding cake, so we shall not have to grumble at all. We have been wondering what Christmas dinner will be this time. Everything is such a tremendous price. We don't care a button what you have, if only we are at home to join with you. If we cannot possibly get home, we have an invitation for Christmas day. Of course I went to Deptford Hall again yesterday & went to Mr Williamson's to tea. They make us very welcome & we enjoy going to their house very much. Both Mr. & Mrs. W. asked us to go Christmas day, also to stay overnight & promised us that if we couldn't get home, they would try to make us as happy as possible. Don't you think it is very kind of them? Just now there are a few kiddies singing away at our door & they sound very nice too. Don't you wish you were with them Margaret?

Yesterday the weather was awful. Snowing blowing and raining. Just such a day as Oct. 24th. We really didn't want to leave our own little home. We both put plenty of clothes on, so we didn't take any harm. I hadn't to sing at the afternoon service, so we had our dinner before going. We stayed on bed until 10o/c & Mrs Larke brought us a cup of tea in bed. The people down here seem to go mad over a cup of tea in bed. If only they would bring something to eat with it I could understand them.

All this week Alvin has to work over until 8o/c. I'm sure it will feel a long day for him. He has a cup of tea during the afternoon so I have given him a few sandwiches to help him on until he comes home. Every morning and afternoon they are allowed 15 minutes for lunch. Alvin & his chum always go out for a short walk & then come back & have lunch during working hours. Of course he says then they are ready for it. Just imagine having all that time given & then the little monkeys pinch a bit more time. Don't you think he has a jolly nice time of it? I only hope we are here until the end of the war.

Well now I have told you about all that has happened this weekend & I hope that when Alvin comes home he will have good news. I will leave this letter open, then he can tell you himself.

Here we are again! Well I saw our Section Officer personally this afternoon and pitched him a proper tale. He couldn't give me the leave off hand, of course, but promised he would do his best to "wangle" it for me. He is the chap who got me an extra day for my wedding leave and a free voucher into the bargain, so I know all will be done that can be done. I shan't know until Wednesday or Thursday, but I am hoping that it will be all in order. Isn't it a ripping holiday? Saturday noon to Thursday morning? It would be a shame not to be able to get home, and yet, even if we cannot get home we shall be very happy here together - much more so than last Christmas when I was out in South Africa 6000 miles away.

Lil seems afraid of blowing her own trumpet, so I must blow it for her. At Deptford outside the hall yesterday there was a tremendous notice, six or eight yards long and about two yards deep.

THE WONDERFUL YORKSHIRE VOCALIST MISS LILIAN SPENCER WILL SING IN THIS HALL ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16th

How does that suit you? Evidently someone thinks that she knows how to sing a bit, eh? In view of the fact that the British captured Jerusalem last week they asked Lil to sing specially the "Holy City", a very old thing but very appropriate under the circumstances. A fortnight ago Lil sang for them one of the Torrey's, "The best friend to have is Jesus". Well, they would have it again last night. The congregation joined in the chorus after the last verse, and the parson stood up and made them sing it again. We really had a splendid time. Of course your Alvin

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sits in the audience, feeling as proud as a dog with two tails. And really I have a wife to be proud of haven't I now?

There is no need to see the doctor about my throat. It is quite all right now, and apart from a little cold I am no worse now, so please rest yourself content on that point.

Oh, they pressed Lil to promise to sing again next Sunday, but I believe the thought of seeing and eating a real Yorkshire pudding influenced her when she gave backword.

Well, I think this the lot this time please, so I will now dry up, with love and best wishes from both of us to all of your.


Alvin & Lilian


21 Dec 17Glen Lea, etc.

******************** Letter Thursday (20 Dec)


Just a short note about the holidays. I think there is no doubt about it now, but of course in the Army they do all sorts of funny things.

Firstly although our holiday starts on Saturday noon we are not allowed to travel before Sunday under any circumstances. So if we catch all our connections we should reach Halifax by 6.30 Sunday evening. We shall of course go straight to Lil's for a little while and we shall come on to your house to sleep; it will probably be late when we get there. If anything different turns up we will send you a wire, but we hope that won't be necessary.

You have had all the news this week so we will now close with the best of love from both to all of you.

Yours very sincerely and affectionately,

Lilian & Alvin.

********************Christmas card Christmas 1917

May troubles be light as air, Your course to success be plain.If good fortune should take a flightMay it quickly return again

A little line to greet youAnd words of friendly cheerTo show you I remember,Altho' I am not near.

65

C.A.D.@@@

With all Kind Thoughts andBest Wishes for ChristmasAnd Peace and Prosperity inThe New Year.

From

Jack Eastwood

15 Mess, H.M.S. "Repulse"c/o G.P.O. London

********************

Envelope

Postmark 28 Dec 1917Mrs A.E.WhiteleyGlen Lea, etc.

********************Letter Hounslow

Thursday night


I shan't write much of a letter this time as I shall get to bed early after these late nights.

I had quite a comfortable journey down and was able to sleep from about 1.30 until nearly six o'clock; that is from Crewe to London.

There was a letter from Helm & Co. all right, enclosing a cheque for £5. That part of the letter was signed as being from the firm, but below it was a short note from Sam himself.

"Please let me know whether you would be willing"to receive in National bonds or War Savings, at"your choice, anything in the shape of bonus I"may be able to send you early in the New Year?

He's a rare old trump, isn't he?

Now you'll let me pay for the cloth that you were kind enough to let Lilian have, won't you? Please let me know, by return, how much the whole thing is.

Oh thanks ever so much for the parcel you packed me up. It is just splendid.

We've had a really ripping Christmas this year haven't we, as what came of the one before? I know I never spent a happier one in all my life. You can have as much entertainment and pleasure as you like but Christmas isn't Christmas when spent away from the folks that one loves.

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This has been a Christmas worthy the name.

Mrs Birch will be delighted for me to go to her home for dinner until Lil returns.

Please excuse more this time round, it is getting on, so I must now close.

Love and best wishes to all, from


Alvin

*******************

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