In war news at this time 16th March saw the German offensive in Hungary end with another Soviet victory. On the 19th March there was heavy bombing of important naval bases in Japan, Kobe and Kure and on the 20th Mandalay was liberated by the Indian 19th Infantry Division. Also on this date Tokyo was firebombed again.
In this letter I have been unable to find out what WASBY stands for. REME is Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.
SEAC = possibly South East Asia Command?
45 King George Road
Minehead
21st March 1945
My darling Johnnie,
You know I originally bought this writing paper to send to you and here I am using it myself! However, I will try to get you some more.
Do you realise that in two days’ time Russell will be twenty-two and he hasn’t a girl yet, except me!
I am writing thus sitting up in bed. Does that give you a big thrill John? I should get a bigger thrill if you were lying beside me.
This morning I received four pairs of silk stockings from your father. They really are beautiful darling and I am terribly thrilled. Before he went to Jamaica he said he would try and send some and so now dearest I shall be able to thrill you more on our honeymoon won’t I? He must have known!
We are going “all out” in the garden now to have it nice for your return, which cannot be very far off considering the German position.
I think I told you Russell has passed his exams but he did not pass the Admiralty board so in all probability he will get a commission in the army. That is, of course, if he passes the WASBY. Then he will try for the REME.
In your latest letter you tell me I am not to go to Dr.Raby any more until you get back and go into the matter. But why John? Haven’t you any faith in him any more? The longer I leave it before I go again, the more painful it is likely to be afterwards. Look, I have promised you and him that I will be good, do as he says for that three months or whatever it is. Isn’t that sufficient for you? Darling, I don’t want to have my back X-rayed, really I don’t. Please don’t make me John and am I allowed to visit Dr.Raby and have I to wait until you come with me? Please reply John and don’t be cross will you?
It is Thursday 9.30 am. Anthony is at school and really this is the first time I get to myself. I have just read through what I wrote in bed last night. Naturally I will do as you wish about not going to Dr.Raby, although he says the longer it is “out” the longer it will take to stay in. Only don’t take four more years to come home. Let’s be hearing from you over this.
I have written to my mother about you wanting to meet Anthony alone and don’t worry dearest we will arrange it. I wonder how long we shall be able to keep away from him. And darling we simply must take him back a present. Also a day or so in London with Anthony will enable you to take him out to the toy shops and perhaps buy him another little gift. This would greatly impress Anthony. He would probably “take you” as he knows London as well as he knows Minehead. You could also buy him a new dressing gown at the same rime as he insists on waiting for one until you can go with him. Strikes me that I shall be oddment out but I won’t mind John as long as you and Anthony, the two I love best in the world, are happy. It will seem very strange having to ‘share’ you with Anthony. Still, the nights will be our very own darling, at least for a while before we have another infant yelling his head off just when we are cosy! Pity babies can’t be born old enough to sleep though from seven till eight the next day. Still, we won’t be worried bu that for a while will we?
What a strange letter you will think this is. Well. I am in a strange mood! At the moment I want you so badly I don’t want to share you with Anthony or yelling babies!
Evelyn has gone up to Birmingham to see Stephen and also see the psychiatrist at the psychiatrist’s request. She is going to let us know about it. The specialist thinks that Evelyn would do Stephen good. Your doctor doesn’t think you need your wife by any chance?? Well, tell him, I want YOU badly!!
Anthony fell off his three wheeled bike on Tuesday and has a nasty cut about four inches above his knee on the inside. It made me feel quite sick when I saw it. However “Uncle Russell” did it up for him (he made no fuss with Russell) with a large chunk of elastoplast.
When Anthony “works” in the garden I always pay him for his help. Yesterday he earned tuppence as he helped with his wheelbarrow to move soil and carry turfs.
Anthony circa 1945
Well, I think I have written enough.
Russell has got a rise at his job of seven shillings and sixpence. Mr.Kemp badly wants him to do full-time. He says that Russell is doing more important work than he would in the forces!
Thank you darling for the SEAC papers. I am lending them to Mrs.Beale up the road as her husband is up the front at Burma. He used to be a hairdresser in Bagleys, for haired chap, name Clifford Beale.
Your dad has sent Anthony another book, on flying this time. When you write to him you might mention how thrilled we are with his gifts and how grateful we are as now I can go all glamorous for you. Tell him that.
Well, must stop now as it has gone eleven and I haven’t done a thing yet.
Take great care of yourself.
Oh, Maurice is going to save his leave now and spend it down here when you arrive. Do you mind? He seems to think you will be home by June/July. We all might go on the Norfolk Broads again in July as my father is very keen and would like to go. Maurice wants to too.
All for now.
All my love is yours. I’d give you more if you were here you know that.
I love you best in the world darling,
Your very own,
Janie xxxx
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