Yes, they let me go yesterday afternoon & a posh ambulance called for me. I said goodbye to the patients in the Haldam ward & in smart blues with a red tie drove back home, rejoicing. Capt.Vincent explained that they want to give me treatment for Malaria, sort of research, but want me to have an attack. Next time I go up at once. My temp. being normal spoilt their game. But he re-admitted me to our own hospital & I played piquet with Thompson & won 2/- & went to bed & dreamed of you. Now I want Capt. Vincent round to hear what happens. I am quite normal so I expect I’ll go out, see the Sgt. Major & find out what happens to me. There squads posted to B Battery today, but I doubt if I’ll go. But we’ll see. More later if not.
Its good to be well and back in barracks if only in dock. I expect Capt. V kept me to give me the weekend’s rest. Bless him. I’m slightly airy & bedworthy.
Your nice letter just came, written on Wednesday evening & Thursday. The Sitting room sounds lovely. And Klaus doing the ceiling. Good Boy. And why’s is Harry so awkward over the 1 ? Silly man.
I await bulletins were amazing calm, turbulence being strongly restrained. Bless you, either way. And Eric protecting you. (What did he mean by saying, remember if you want anything I’m next door ? Not, I hope, fallen for you. I couldn’t understand him not).
Noon Capt. Vincent’s a wise man. He won’t let me go. I chafed at the verdict, but after an hour pottering round the barracks, by the farthest field, to the sea & to the Naafi & I’m glad to be back in the ward, bedecked in blue. So today I rest – another walk this afternoon & tomorrow I can go out & then, all being well, back to duty on Monday. But why worry & hurry. No scripts to write & I may as well cure slowly & get my strength back. I’ve no illness now, only a grand appetite, sleep like a child & enjoy gentle convalescence. Your paste is a godsend. But I’ll be well away by the time you come. This is the correct treatment for Fever, a slow lazy luscious recovery. I’ve books & I can and doze. ‘Sall about me. Hideous blue suit though.
A nice letter from your mother, who goes to Cheltenham, so I’ll write there. Such a cheery letter. Good soul. You’ll be 2 alright, then it’s all right
4o/c. Just played Thompson (by the clever devil with a tobacconist’s shop at Castle Bromwich & a vague duodenal ulcer) Chess & beat him ! He’s so cross, he reads books & talks a lot. And dear postie just brought me your Thursday-Friday letter & the paper & spectator & a box of apples from Mother. Dear Saturday afternoon lance Bombardier Postie.
Oh, Scotsmen don’t wear anything underneath. He’d got funny feet. Nice man.
Glad you liked the whiskies.
Oh, yes, that’s the idea, be Emily. Emilily as you can. I can play Julian. How is Julian. Emily’s a fine model. As for names, why not 3 ? Brian’s initials would be too good ! Sally wouldn’t mind, because she wouldn’t (wont) be.
The Sitting room sounds magnificent, I must come & see it. Good Klaus. Tell him never to get the Air-up about anything. No we’ll not stay at Mrs. Robinson’s friend. Somewhere nice & modest & ussish. Ernie’s place might do.
Postie’s been very hustly. He took your letters here, then up to Scarborough Hospital & back here for 4o/c Saturday afternoon & you only posted on Friday. Dear Postie. He deserves his stripe.
After dinner and I slept soundly in the ward armchair for 2 hours & then played chess. Oh, I’ve sold 3 Mornings at Seven, one to George Lowe, one to Bill Potter & one to Ernie Threstle. Money toward your visit. We’ll need a tenner for that somehow, altogether.
There is still HOPE then ? You are clever. Go & stay with Aunt Jess & oil off to see Dr. Sandiland. I’m sure she is good, we have faith in her. Yes, I’ll always support Sheffield Wednesday & buy their coupons & pools. D’you remember the poorly one? Consternation.
Oh, a darling 20 year old American R.A.F. boy came to Scarboro hospital. From Pennsylvania. So handsome & quiet & smiley with a soft accent. He had rheumatism badly. Blamed the climate. He & two pals came over to join the R.A.F. from college. They are training as pilots. They came over on a convoy of 120 ships with 25 escorting vessels, the Revenge one of them. He was very proud of the R.A.F. They saw no enemy air – or sea craft but the escort destroyed 2 planes & 2submarines ! So what about the Atlantic crossing being safe !
We need a baby grand in the sitting room now.
Did you get the bed from the Erskines.
Ask Mr. Buggins in very good time.
I’m going for another airy toddle soon. Everyone’s out walking in Town. Barracks are deserted.
Yo Ho the Twelfth.
Yes, that’s the cure they’re trying on me next time, Atkinson’s one. My love to him. Does he miss Hobbs ?
Lovely remark, “Sh, Daddy’s a bit Malarial today”. Yes I’d mind it awfully if they cured it. But they won’t. Mother fondly imagines they’ll 5.
The temperature is Very dull & disappointing. George left M.@7o/c on his bed this morning & Capt. Vincent picked it up & examined it. I feel awful ! George & nurse explained all about it. Poor me, so ashamed & apologetic did I
feel.
So you ate a tomato ! Just a little remark like that & I see the scene & my bushes. Oh, how do the two sets compare ? The bottom ones – by the girls residence -is experimental, a new place. Do you give them their Ketchup ? Klaus can, every other Sunday. Pick & hang the onions carefully, with binder twine, in the shed at the bottom, and keep the little ones for transplanting next spring. How are the leeks. Draw me one please.
You’ll arrive on the Friday, won’t you ? I’ll get the there to meet you. There may be a train arriving at York at 4 or 5, that’ll do you. What a thrill. I might get a permit to go to York to meet you.
All notices here are stuck up with sticking plaster.
Be dignified & slow, always, one lapse & there might be Hell to Pay. Thank Christopher for his letter. Did you ? Did I ask you to.
And now, a bientot. Two letters today, you dear faithful one. My blessing & love. More tomorrow.
1
2
3
4