COATBRIDGE. . .THURSDAY 13/5/43

Dearest Heart
A nice letter from you today, with  one from Rolf, which I read after due puzzling, and one from Elizabeth offering to read yet another Children’s Hour-play – which shall be wrote for her. Nice of her to be so accommodating.  And nice of Rolf to be so friendly and gay and what about the British Army now? These Germans are the best fighting machine in the world, the best organised, they have an ideal. They are self sacrificing, they are brilliant administrators, they have the most modern technique, equipment and scientists, and they have a mission. All that I agree with, but the British Army, with the Navy and the Air Force, they fox them, round them up, break their hearts, and kill and capture  them. And consider the relative supply lines !     I am on the right side, I always thought I was. Sorry the Americans have captured Winston, but he may escape, he does, a lot, as in South Africa.

This grand news affected the company, for I took two hundred of them for a ten mile route march this afternoon in constant rain, and we scorned gas capes.  They strode along so proud and upright and willing and gay. A dear throng to lead over Scottish lanes and little bridges. Comic lot to, the things they said, I got very wet, and had a hot bath, a vast tea and listened to the News and went to sleep in front of the fire. Now I wrote to you, then some play, then to the party for not to seem boorish, its the Lodgers Last Night, then to Turn out the Guard and Turn In James. Then back for more writing, more reading or even early to bed.

A new Captain has arrived for duty, Captain Hardie, my age, quiet, well bred,   stolid and nice, from Chester and London.  He’s R.A.O.C. and has a troop of experts with him, soldiers.

Letter from Harry herewith this afternoon. He telephoned this evening and is happier and is going to Liverpool !

How touching that Mrs. Green should be so quaintly appreciative of your   qualities, bless her for that. And the mackintosh sheet !  That sounds rather cold. But its moving, and the blue shoes for luck. What a blessed child to have so loved a mother.   We all love you.  Me too !

How are finances.  Say if it gets draughty or difficult won’t you. Any answer from the Income Tax man. I bet it shakes him asking how much he owes me.

Now for some play.  Dearest heart, we shall have long summers together and a career to make, and a child to care for and love and, perhaps, be loved by.

The Thons expect me every evening ! I go every morning for coffee at half past ten with Mrs. Thorn and have to be there at James’ bedtime.

Bless you, and your dear mother. She is so kind and self sacrificing to us on leave. It shall be repaid to her.  Get the visit to Kettering organised.

Ever your very stupid but devoted husband . . .