Lez Clare letters 1942

January 1943

5.1.43	Clare to Lez	Have just had a week together. Reminisces about when Lez worked at the same office and they had lunch together at the Corner House. Asks about exam results
11.1.43	Clare to Lez	This letter was not in an envelope, the date is an educated guess is still confusing her name occasionally! Describes herself going home on the bus with her case
19.1.43	Clare to Lez	Lez left in the early hours, a ‘hellish barrage’ was going on. Joan and Frank are staying/ living at the flat. Lez leaves on the last train he can to get back to his station on time. They are creating their own room at Clare’s mother’s flat. Furniture has been ordered and a carpet has been laid.
26.1.43	Clare to Lez	Just a short letter, wishing he were with her, looking forward to the 50-odd years of togetherness to come Reminisces again about life when both worked in the same office, about the number of phone calls Lez made, of the fun they had.

February 1943

5.2.43 Clare to Lez She is tired because they work until 6pm now. Has written to Hux who is miles from anywhere, ‘no friends, no beer’ Looking forward to Lez being a Petty Officer wjth gold braid and to their ‘2nd honeymoon’ in ‘dear old Bournemouth’. She says ‘the war seems so overwhelming and near and nothing is safe and secure any more’
Lez and his friends drank a lot of beer, Jim’s letters contained much about pubs and being able to get good beer.

13.2.43 Blanche to ‘Leslie’ She is answering a query about shoes. Has had a letter from Edgar saying Lez is to become an officer. She thinks it would be good to rise ‘to the heights of the Senior Service and bask in the sunshine of the glittering uniform’
Blanche writes from Portsmouth

18.2.43 Clare to Lez Went to the cinema with Cully, work colleague. Discusses the film. Asks if there is any news from the ‘draft front.
No envelope, notional date.

24.2.43 Clare to Lez On fireguard. Hux is home, arranged meeting on Friday evening. Joan and she went to the Brasserie Universelle for dinner. No news of Vera. Has finished the baby frock. Has sent Lez some ‘really decent’ tobacco. Is looking forward to the forthcoming trip to Bournemouth.
She talks about ‘the usual Cufley-Tower-Saturday-night’

March 1943

4.3.43 Clare to Lez Went to the Adelphi to watch a dress rehearsal and came out to find there was a raid on. She caught a bus and ran the rest of the way to GW House, to be on firewatch

11.3.43 Clare to Lez Is pleased that Lez phones everyday.. has written to Betty. Visited the Cufleys and cuddled little Susan Anne.

16.3.43 Clare to Lez Glorious weather. Looking forward to a weekend away-knows not where. No time to go and cuddle Susan Anne this week

18.3.43 Hotel Merville to Lez Quote for a stay 12th to 16th April

21.3.43 Hux to Clare Has lost Lez’s address. Hopes to be home before Lez, Westy, is posted. Has heard from Jim and Colin Lawson, written to Tom

22.3.43 Clare to Lez Has been to a play-reading, enjoyed every minute. How did his test piece go? She is dreading losing their weekends together.

23.3.43 Clare to Lez Glad she went to Osterly. Had lovely wkend at Lez’s base.

24.3.43 Clare to Lez Has been off work with a ‘sore throat’. Enjoying the rest. Talks about MTBs in the news. Has he had his results yet? Looking forward to Bournemouth

End March Lez’s exam paper: 78/80 and report on an engine: Good

April 1943

1.4.43 Clare to Lez Going to Bournemouth next w/d. ‘They’ve’ made the whole of the east and south coasts a Defence Area so before going they must check there are no restrictions. Wishing the war could be over and the ‘dull doubt and lagging despair in our hearts’ could end. *reflects on the laughter they’ve shared and what they’ve done together

5.4.43 Clare to Lez Was up v early to wave him off at Waterloo. Susan’s Christening took place. Baby is ‘lovely, chubby and happy’. Hux is home but no one’s heard from Tom
Lez’s address is now: HMS Victory, Gosport, Hants

7.4.43 Clothing issue note 3 thin socks (prs), 1 black tie, 3 collars (white), 3 handkerchiefs, 1 towel

8.4.43 Clare to Lez Is looking forward to Lez’s week’s leave and to their ‘2nd honeymoon’. Tom and Hux are home, Tom will still be here on Sat

10.4.43 Clare to Lez When I got back from Spanish….
Gerald lives with them, friend/lodger of Clare’s mum.
Clare used a used envelope, the second postmark is indecipherable. 10th is a guess.

20.4.43 Clare to Lez Saying what a lovely holiday they had
The envelope is addressed to M/M Westaway and has been redirected twice

21.4.43 Clare to Lez At new camp, near Blanche in Portsmouth Clare wonders if she could stay with Blanche and see Lez at the w/d
Address: RNCamp, Stamshaw, Portsmouth

22.4.43 Clare to Lez Has written to Hux. Is still full of the 7 days holiday they had, how happy she is. On fireguard tonight

23.4.43
was undated Clare to Lez Has been drying ‘oversized’ underwear on the office radiator. Will send them today

23.4.43 Hux to Clare In B Company. Training v hard. Clare had mentioned Bournemouth which made him ’sigh for the good old days’ waiting to hear from the War Office Selection Board, re becoming an officer

27.4.43
was undated. Clare to Lez Lez’s leave has been cancelled. Clare reminisces about the first time she went to the club. Wonderful times. Went to see Casablanca on Easter Monday, 26th, has a sweet theme song: As Time Goes By
This letter has no envelope and is very grubby on the outer folded surface. Was it kept in a pocket and read often?

28.4.43 Clare to Lez Easter weekend. Friday went to pub with Joan & Frank. Sat went shopping. Sat evening went to Cufley Towers. Found Vera and Tom!! There. Sunday she popped down to see ‘your Mum and Dad’ to find ‘your Uncles Jim and Harry’ were there too. Edgar is now at Mildenhall, Suffolk, if he could get his bike going he’d be home for weekends!
These were not the brothers of Lez’s dad, they were Charlie and Bill. Were they his mother’s brothers?

29.4.43 Clare to Lez A note to say going to his camp will be great, any chance of staying at the White Horse?

May 1943

5.5.43 Clare to Lez Had a lovely time walking together . Glad to have seen the barracks where he will spend his last night. Congratulations to him for going to an advanced course.

6.5.43 Clare to Lez Thrilled to find out the new camp is in a beautiful setting. Has had a day’s training at a fire station. Is looking forward to seeing him on Sat
It seems that they stay at Joan’s when Lez is home, and that Clare goes over there to use a sewing machine
Joan and Frank lived at 95 the Drive, Dansom Park, their French windows opening onto an orchard beyond which was a cottage

7.5.43 Clare to Lez Hoorah for a weekend in the country next Sat.
Clare is very sensitive to weather, eg in this letter ‘the weather is warming up again, wind in the west.
Address is now RNTE (RN Training Establishment) Cobham, Surrey

10.5.43 Clare to Lez Had been together on Sat.until fireguard on Sat night. Went to the cinema with Joan and Frank on Sun. looking forward to a whole w/d at the White Lion

11.5.43 Clare to Lez Rained all day! Looking forward to a w/d away!

12.5.43 Clare to Lez Busy time at the office. Looking forward to the weekend. Save some beer for me!
Talks of Mike, obviously a fellow trainee, could it be the same ‘Miky’ who sent the wedding telegram from Isleworth?

14.5.43 Clare to Lez
(letter card) Went to see Vera and Susan on Wed evening, Vera is often on her own in the evenings these days. Has Sat off. Will be on the earliest train

18.5.43 His Mother to ‘Les’ Edgar is home on leave. Came over with Muriel and the baby ‘He’s a lovely baby’. Gave him Edgar’s address: Sgt. Westaway, Sgt’s Mess, RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk

18.5.43 Clare to Lez Wonderful w/d! Sunshine and husband! Lez home next w/d

19.5.43 Hux to Lez Describes training. Still hoping for ‘another stripe’. Looking forward to leave. Has missed Len at home

19.5.43 Clare to Lez Will pop down to see Lez’s mum, has he written to her recently? Is he playing darts tonight?

20.5.43 Clare to Lez They have talked of a possible foreign draft. She would ‘put a brave face on it and write reams every night’. There have been nuisance air raids each night this week, perhaps designed to disturb sleep? They have succeeded!

21.5.43 Clare to Lez Has written to Lez’s mum to tell her they are going to tea on Sunday she is running the box office for an amateur production.

25.5.43 Clare to Lez Had stayed at Joan’s on Sunday. Lez left v early Mon, to catch the 6.57 from waterloo. Over lunch she read an account of a raid on St Nazaire, MTBs were involved- well worth reading.
Clare ate out for lunch often, this time in the restaurant of Thames House, Millbank, HQ of Imperial Chemicals

26.5.43 Clare to Lez Show nearly sold out. Going on Thurs. Will meet Lez on Sunday off the 10.27am to Esher

28.5.43 Clare to Lez Short note of arrangements for Sunday
This note was posted at 12.15pm Friday. Clare had absolute confidence in it arriving before Sunday at 10.50am, when she would arrive.

June 1943

1.6.43 Clare to Lez Has found an optician who makes his own sunglasses. Will buy a pr. ‘Darling, did I tell you that Hilda (blonde girl-friend of Vera, with little boy Michael 4 years old) has now heard that her hubby Stan is a prisoner in Jap hands? Grand news isn’t it angel? She’s had to wait so long she’d almost given up hope’.
Letters now addressed to P/MX 500221, H.M.S. Attack, Mess4, Portland

3.6.43 Clare to Lez What is his new address? She managed to buy sunglasses. Lunched in a vegan restaurant-not impressed with food or clientele. Hux is going out with Pat again…something going on there? Even if they are 1st cousins

4.6.43 Clare to Lez It’s raining hard. Depressing. Hux is taking her to lunch tomorrow

7.6.43 Clare to Lez Had her first censored letter today! Had a good gossip with Joan on Sat, then Sunday tea with Joan, Frank, her mum and Gerald. Sun evening went to see Lez’s mum for a chat.

8.6.43 Clare to Lez Lez’s mother is looking ‘awfully well. She really is a grand person!’

8.6.43 (2) Clare to Lez Went out last evening to see Vera. Hilda and Joan were there, had a hen-party! They have heard from Tom ‘posted from his boat’.

9.6.43 Clare to Lez Have to wait 5 weeks to know whether he’s to stay in England or go abroad. Hates indecision: ‘man’s worst enemy’. Has read Lez’s letter on religion. She has faith her ’ ideal is to do as much good as possible and create happiness…’

10.6.43 Clare to Lez Is pleased you’re in the navy, sailors do come home sometimes whereas Army is away ‘for the duration’. Language classes start next week: Spanish on Monday, French on Friday.

11.6.43 Clare to Lez Very tired, fireguard last night, trying to sleep in a dorm with someone snoring. What is he doing over Whitsun? She might walk over to the pool, where she’s bound to meet Jim, Vera and Susan.

11.6.43 Mother to Lez Was pleased to hear the news from Claire on Sunday. Edgar was home for one night last week and the baby kept him awake all night ‘Muriel knows she has him alright’. Joyce has passed her medical A1

15.6.43 Blanche to Lez Replying to a letter from Lez talking about not wanting to go back to an office job and wondering about moving overseas. B says ‘this wars going to go on for years so why worry about so distant a future?’ he seemed to be suggesting joining a navy abroad. B’s answer: ‘Ernie says you’ll be pleased to get out of it after you’ve finished with this war’. Finishes with love to Claire and says she must write to Tom and Edgar next.
Lez is asked to write to Jim’s brother, Clare visits Hux’s mother, Joan goes to tea at Vera’s, Blanche writes to Tom. The ‘gang’ included a wide number of family members.

15.6.43 Clare to Lez Whit weekend, but poor weather has prevented her going out Reminisces that ‘this time last year’ all the gang were lying out on towels at Dansom Pool enjoying a life of leisure.

16.6.43 Clare to Lez Has had 3 letters in one day! He has a rise of 6s6d coming, so their savings will surely reach£200 by Christmas. Is delighted to hear that Lez got 85 in his exam .

17.6.43 Clare to Lez Joking about who knows more about fighting fires. Pleased to hear that all members of the mess enjoy the S.E.P.s she sends. If he wants to buy her a little something she’d love a little Navy pin brooch, to flaunt it around.
What is the SEP? she sends copies to Hux too. The Saturday Evening Post?

18.6.43 Clare to Lez News that Lez may get some leave next week.

19.6.43 Clare to Lez Pinning all her hopes on seeing Lez next week. She is very low. Is enjoying her French evening class and has been voted onto the committee as their representative.

21.6.43 Clare to Lez If she had been a boy she would have been a pilot. Has spent this Sun afternoon beside the pool with Jim, Vera and Susan. All chubby and happy. News: Tom is in Algiers, Jim knows because they memorised a code before he left; Bill has sent you a letter; Jack Cotter ( Vera’s brother?) representing British Movietone went with the first landing party to Lampedusa; Penny is still in the Pay Corps in Knightsbridge
His address is now MTB210. Clare’s letters are being redirected

22.6.43 Bobbie to Lez Sending the photos he was waiting for.

22.6.43 Clare to Lez Much happier, out of the slough of despond. Spanish class not as good as the French. She has filled her time up very effectively. Midsummer day today (21st), ‘Mum’s birthday’.

23.6.43 Clare to Lez Very disappointed that Lez did not have leave. Wanted to talk to someone, and as ‘there is no understanding between mother and I’ she went to Plumstead. They are all worried about Auntie Tot who fell down and hurt herself badly. Commiserates with Lez for being seasick.

23.6.43 Clare to Lez Telegram: rotten about leave. am so proud darling and happy best of luck on trials my thoughts with you always love you. Clare

24.6.43 Clare to Lez Spent 1½hrs on French homework. Very proud, he got 87‰in his exam. How is his beard growing?

25.6.43 Clare to Lez What a thrill! A phone call! Wishes him well for his trial, hoping he can get used to the heat, roaring engines and roll of the boat. All able bodied men must do fire watch now. Women can volunteer for something else, she is thinking of Civil Defence work, eg switchboard.

26.6.43 Clare to Lez How are the trials going? Hopes to see him after they’re finished. ‘Mum‘ and Gerald seem to have split up. ‘afraid mum is going to be lonely again’.

28.6.43 Clare to Lez Has been out to an informal lunch with Mr Paton, the boss. Spent Sat night in Chelsea with Joy Cully, colleague and friend.

29.6.43 Clare to Lez Spent Sunday with Joy, had breakfast, lunch and dinner out. Has been voted ‘book and Stationery Secretary’ by the members of the language group

July 1943

2.7.43 Clare to Lez Refers to a letter from Lez where he describes ‘being bashed about and roasted at the same time’. Looking forward to leave coming soon.

3.7.43 Elizabeth ‘Joy’ Cully to Lez In response to a letter Lez wrote at Clare’s request. Thanks. Clare is lovely.
Address altered to HMS Attack

3.7.43 Clare to Lez Is reading ‘The Voyage’ by Charles Morgan. Very interesting. Today another ‘National Day of Prayer’
PS had his phone call and is ‘as happy as a sand boy’
This must have been the call to say that he had 10 days leave. The first for 6 weeks

16.7.43 Clare to Lez A short note to greet him when he is back in barracks after their 10 days together. ‘one day, and lets hope it is not far distant, we shall be able to look to a future of peace and happiness together’

19.7.43 Clare to Lez Wishes Lez good luck with a screen test to be in a film about the Navy. Has decided to carry on with French classes, they’re so much fun! Is trying to relax more, be more philosophical and have faith in the future.

22.7.43 Clare to Lez ‘Mum and Gerald are on holiday this week’ commiserates that the film didn’t come off. Her watch needs a clean. It’s at the jewellers. Vera is staying at Christchurch for another week

25.7.43 Clare to Lez Is run off her feet at the office, doing the HEO( higher executive officer)’s work. In reply to a letter about ‘growing up rapidly’ from Lez, she describes her early life- hard. Says she thinks her education is lacking in the fields of music, art, painting, ballet, England, the sea, beauties of foreign countries and far lands.
She posted this letter on Sunday to see if it would arrive before the next one, which was posted on Monday. They both had a Monday postmark, so answer: no.

26.7.43 Clare to Lez Looking forward to seeing Vera and Susan, must be getting as brown as a berry. Walked through the park with Joan and Frank. Tells Lez not to worry that he has not been drafted yet. Is sure he will get a good post

27.7.43 Clare to Lez Is feeling that Lez is fed up, which is depressing her too. Discusses ‘Mousso’s resignation in Italy. Is this the beginning of the end? Will it all be over by the end of the year?

29.7.43 Clare to Lez Has received two letters. Very happy. PS Darling you write lovely letters. More please!

August 1943

8.8.43 Clare to Lez A short note to say what a lovely week they have had together. Wishing him well in whatever post he’s given
When Lez is on leave they stay in their own room in Joan and Frank’s house, The Drive. This is where their furniture is.

9.8.43 Clare to Lez Sunday at the flat, watching the dinner cook whilst ‘Mum and Gerald’ go out for a walk. Went to see Vera and Jim. Susan is teething

10.8.43 Elizabeth Cully to Lez Thank you for the grand evening we all had when you were home on leave.
Address altered to: HMS Aggressive

10.8.43 Clare to Lez Hux is now a full corporal. Tom sent Mrs Huxley a birthday card. ‘Quite a thoughtful chap these days, eh?’ Thinking about their plans for a plot of land and a bungalow, is going to economise even more.

11.8.43 Clare to Lez Hopes he’s not suffering too much after his inoculations.

12.8.43 Clare to Lez Went to a prom with Cully. Heavenly music: a violin concerto in E minor. On firewatch so slept in the office shelter. Had a great breakfast, and hopes they’re feeding him better.
Was it the Mendelssohn concerto?

13.8.43 Clare to Lez Went to Cufley Towers last night and let Susan climb all over her. Now knows he’s in Newhaven- only an hour from Brighton, but ‘the ban goes on that part of the coast on Monday’, so she wouldn’t be allowed in.
Address now: HMS Aggressive (mess 12), Newhaven, Sussex

14.8.43 Clare to Lez Thrilled to hear about the draft….but why can’t he stay at Newhaven, only 1hr from town?! Re her ideal man: he had to be strong and utterly reliable, with a good sense of humour and ideas for the future. ‘Well he came along one May..’
Plea for Lez to write to Edgar .

16.8.43 Clare to Lez Spent Sun pm with mum (Lez’s). they were pleased to hear that you seem ‘on top of the world’. Edgar is having 5days leave to celebrate Philip’s 1st birthday (Fri 20th), Harry and Nellie also have a week off, so they will all be at home next weekend. Clare collected £7 from Frank to pay Aunt Millie. Lez loves the countryside around his billet, and the people are convivial.
Clare was watching the full moon hoping Lez was too.

17.8.43 Clare to Lez Gerald’s left again. Clare kept mum company Sat afternoon. Lez is on a boat again. He sounded so happy. Talked about Lez’s description of the downs and their dream bungalow. Both agree that babies will have to wait until they are in their own home after the war

18.8.43 Clare to Lez Hoping Lez can come this weekend. She has no leave left, but could call in sick. Did some searching for Lez re correspondence courses to help him with exams in engineering. Thinking of taking the commission. Lez thinking of submitting stories for publication, Clare encourages him.

19.8.43 Clare to Lez Lez has phoned, will be up on Sat. Clare reminisces about their first air raid together, 3 yrs ago, on Plumstead Common. They stayed in the shelter until 3am talking. Their first kiss! And how 2 weeks later they stayed all night under a railway arch. Ends: ‘good hunting sweetheart’

20.8.43 Hux to Clare Thanks for her letter. Has been on a course about Sherman tanks, and before the WOSB. Has little hope of having passed. Will be on leave next week. Encloses a letter for Lez

21.8.43 Hux to Lez Same news as above. Had letters from Len (soon to be a 2nd Lieutenant), Penny (due for overseas), Colin Mac (still in N Ireland). Also from Tom (twice!!!) and Bill (who has also heard from the languorous one)

23.8.43 Clare to Lez Another lovely weekend together! Hux has passed his WOSB, that‘ll keep him in England for another 6months. Letters from Hux enclosed.

25.8.43 Clare to Lez Has he heard that call up men are now going to be drafted to the Navy and Marines, the Army is considered full up. Asks how his chest is, he was very croaky on Sunday.
There was a piano in the flat, or was it at Joan’s? She remarks that Lez was playing it on Sunday

30.8.43 Clare to Lez Very disappointed that he could not join her with Cully. She walked to the barbed wire and looked over the sea and thought of him.
Letter has been redirected to HMS Attack, Portland

31.8.43 Clare to Lez Describes the people she was with at the weekend. Knows, after a Sunday phonecall that Lez has moved. Is he on an MTB yet?
Letter has been redirected to MTB 710

September 1943

2.9.43 Clare to Lez Thinks he’s at the Attack, in a bleak barracks he hates. Tries to cheer him up. Office staff changing. She quotes Tennyson, ‘The old order changeth…’ Were 36 vacancies for HEO, so Lez’s turn should be coming up soon.

3.9.43 Clare to Lez Joan and Frank came over for dinner and now all are relaxing listening to Gracie Fields on the radio. A propos visiting the dentist she says all doctors and dentists seem to be working at full pressure these days. Her mum has heard from Gerald, he’s coming back to live, ‘I only hope that this time she’s learnt her lesson and will treat the man decently’.

7.9.43 Clare to Lez What a wonderful, peaceful weekend they had together! Lunched today with Cully and other Arts Club friends. Witty conversation, but ‘honestly, darling they live in another world!’
Letter addressed to: RNO, Beach Road, Littlehampton

9.9.43 Clare to Lez Talks about Italy’s unconditional surrender. Went to Regent Street and saw a headline and heard the magic words ‘Late night final’. Immediately joined the throng of people, fought their way to the middle and emerged with a torn copy of the Evening News. New boss seems OK. She writes a very interesting potted biography of him. Has had a phone call and will be with Lez on Sat. in Littlehampton.
MTB 710, which was being commissioned, was built in Littlehampton by William Osborne Ltd. Ordered: 7 Apr 1942, Commissioned: 18 Sep 1943. Lost: 10 Apr 1945

14.9.43 Clare to Lez Two ‘glorious, heavenly days spent together. Has seen the MTB, ‘all new and shiny and clean-lined outlined against the jetty’. They were in Arundel
Letters now addressed to: HM MTB 710, c/o GPO, London

16.9.43 Blanche to Lez A long letter in response to enquiries by Lez on how one approaches a bank manager to fund the buying of a house. She says they should aim to save 1/3 of the cost of the property. She says that after the repayment monthly of some of the loan they would then be able to borrow funds to buy a car and a boat, both of which she knows they want.
So, at this time 2 executive officers in the civil service could be expected to save, in perhaps 3 years, one third of the cost of a property. Blanche, indeed, advises them to save two thirds!

16.9.43 Clare to Lez Describes how she imprinted on her mind all the scenes and views of the boat, so that she only has to close her eyes to have clear vision of all the beauty they saw. It was a trick she learnt as a child when on holiday so that ‘when the greyness of winter came along, I had locked in my heart the vivid impression of sparkling waves, huge summer trees, birds, flowers and rolling hills’. She goes on to quote ‘one of my favourite poets- Lawrence Binyon’: ‘Oh summer sun, Oh moving trees..’

18.9.43 Clare to Lez Ordered Lez’s ‘baccy’ today. Joan and Frank came round ‘and we cut up a couple of your Mars bars and smacked our lips over them’. Lez now has a cabin, in which he has to move about on all fours!
Clare wonders whether he saw the harvest moon whilst he’s smoking a quiet pipe on deck. Make a wish, darling.
Clare does Lez’s laundry, she has written about collars before, now she is wondering where to send his shirts now that he’s on the move.

20.9.43 Clare to Lez Now knows that Lez’s boat is operational. Describes her last fire watch at the office: saw a film; had a meal in a Polish restaurant; tried to catch the no.10 bus, very good description, ended up almost late!

21.9.43 Mother to Lez Pleased he’s on a boat. Had news from Gladys saying ‘Charlie would be over here in a month’s time’
Is Gladys Uncle Charlie’s wife? This Charlie is Cousin Charlie

23.9.43 Clare to Lez Warning went for the first time in days. Is in the flat, but when the All Clear sounds she must wend her way to The Drive ‘ to share our bedroom with mum.’

24.9.43 Clare to Lez Good to hear he’s enjoying sailing around, seeing beautiful places. Has he got enough woollies now the weather’s turned?

25.9.43 Clare to Lez He sounds very happy in his work. They are taking the sandbags down from the statue of Eros in Piccadilly Circus. ‘What a glorious day that will be when all the bright lights are on in London again.’ Has he written to his mum recently?
Lez wants to send her a special lighter that he is designing, Clare says: ‘it will probably encourage me to smoke!’

28.9.43 Clare to Lez Commiserates with him over the bumps he has sustained this week. Lez gave a cryptic description of the anchorage. Did she guess its situation?
Went down to Garibaldi St, mum pleased with the news. ‘You’re a sweet man for writing to her.’. ‘Your pop gave me a kiss on the forehead before going out’. Joan is pregnant. Perhaps Frank will settle down now? Tom has his 2nd stripe and is now a bombardier. Still in N Africa. Len skipped guard duty one evening, was found out and reduced to the ranks.
There are many references to photographs in the letters. In this one Clare recounts how ‘pop’ had his photo taken ‘with artificial carnation in buttonhole and mandolin figuring hugely’. Also she wants one of the enlargements of Edgar and little Philip when they are done.

30.9.43 Clare to Lez Clare describes Piccadilly Circus, with its crowds, in great detail. Wishes that ‘while this war is on we could all learn to value freedom above all else in the world, the joy of being able to make our own decisions….’ Remembers hearing the Victory Bells sounding because of the N Africa victory.
Is going to a swimming gala on Saturday with Vera.

October 1943

1.10.43 Clare to Lez Is very happy, Lez phoned yesterday to arrange leave. Detailed account of his pay, and why this quarter’s pay was so low. Gerald has gone away again.
A covering letter for a parcel says that there isn’t much in the shops these days, she might try her hand at pastry making, if there’s enough fat at home.
His salary is £304+£36 (war bonus).When he was promoted to LS (Leading seaman?) the navy didn’t notify the Ministry of Supply. I deduce that his naval salary was subtracted from his civil service salary, and the difference paid straight to his bank account.

4.10.43 Hux to Clare Hux is not enjoying this training camp at all. Poor food and conditions. He has learnt to drive a 30cwt truck and is now learning how to ride motor bikes. This he is enjoying.

6.10.43 Clare to Lez Another grand weekend has passed. She liked the two youngsters on the train who called him ‘mech’. She’s finished Cold Comfort Farm and recommends it, sure that its humour will appeal to him

7.10.43 Clare to Lez On firewatch. The sirens went, she donned her tin hat and went to her post. After a while they got the all clear. She dislikes the cramped bunker where they sleep on bunks. Airless. Her colleague, Joan, is still waiting for news of her husband who was a prisoner of war in Italy. Has he received the 2 parcels yet?

8.10.43 Clare to Lez Thoroughly enjoying the elocution classes. Has a colleague in the office, Miss Amery(?), who is very funny. Clare describes the office as being very slack now Mr Mussan is in charge. She has to keep an eye on what he does, lest some dreadful mistake is made. ‘His attitude is hardly fair cos it puts all the responsibility on me’. On the train this evening she heard gunfire, the lights went out, then the gunfire stopped. She ‘wasted no time’ getting to the flat because she did not have a tin hat with her. The guns ‘are having a grand time and shrapnel is tinkling down’.
Clare wonders how Joan is ‘Frank is not too good after his experience in the Arsenal’.

11.10.43 Clare to Lez Autumn mists ‘make me ache with missing you’.
Lez is on the move again. Have the parcels arrived yet? Clare has started to crotchet a shawl for Joan’s baby. Has seen Susan who now sits on the carpet, has 2 teeth and chuckles all the time. She sends Lez a couple of her curls to keep him company.
The curls are still in the envelope.

20.10.43 Clare to Lez What luck! Lez had leave again last weekend. Clare went down by train. News: Penny is now in India; Freddie Kidd became ill in Sicily, was drafted back to rest camp in n Africa, ‘where he immediately bumped into Tom! Small world eh?’
Enclosed their bank balance sheet for the year.

21.10.43 Clare to Lez Last night was the dress rehearsal of their play, Clare is assistant stage manager. 1am on firewatch cos Jerry braved the storm. Bombs fell near Joan and Frank.

28.10.43 Clare to Lez On fire watch. Ate pie and salad at Saviours. Not allowed to go far from the building now, if they are allowed at all. Joan’s hubby, p.o.w. in Italy has probably been transferred to Germany. Describes how MTBs sank 4 e-boats, 7 damaged off E Anglia. What a party! The note paper is Capri Blue, she’s beginning to feel as if she’s writing with dark glasses on! But the alternative was lined paper, which she detests. Baccy has not arrived, she will make enquiries.

30.10.43 Clare to Lez Clare’s mum has had the week off with ‘bronchial catarrh. Clare wishes she’d change her job, which is filing metal all day. She’s been told to approach her boss for release, she writes: ‘if she lets this opportunity pass I shan’t worry about it again. There are some people who just won’t help themselves’.
Much description of good music and funny shows on the radio.
Letter covering the parcel of some baccy enclosed

November 1943

2.11.43 Clare to Lez Went to Plumstead last eve.( Sun), had lovely long chat. They were ‘awfully glad’ to hear Lez has been recommended for PO (Petty Officer). His father told the tale of how Lez mended a neighbour’s typewriter or sewing machine when a kid. Clare loves to hear these stories of the days before she knew him. His mum has ‘a touch of blood pressure’ and has had occasional dizzy spells. Clare says “she’s a grand person. I never go down to see her without coming away with a feeling of faith and courage.” Edgar was on 10 days leave and they went ‘home’ (Garibaldi St). Philip is now walking and seems to be quite a handful! Mum and Doris say that Pop is going to dress up as a cowboy at Christmas! He’s in a sketch in a concert. They were reminiscing about the ‘ lovely Christmas parties you used to have before the war’. Clare thinks it’s going to be great to belong to a large, happy family.

3.11.43 Hux to Clare Content to be written

4.11.43 Clare to Lez Clare is worried about his tobacco supply: it is scarce and parcels go astray. Pleased that he has tried helming the boat. She has bought the material to make a coat. Is waiting for the Vogue pattern to arrive. Says that clothes are beginning to get so old that it needs an evening a week mending. ‘there goes wailing Lizzie’. It must have been the air raid alarm. 15min later it’s all over.

6.11.43 Clare to Lez It’s Friday evening and Joan and Frank have come round. Joan and ‘mum’ have talked for 2 hours! Joan is fit and very happy. ‘mum’ is well again and going back to the dirty factory. Gerald is coming tomorrow, after 2 or 3 weeks absence. She has high hopes that Germany will collapse early next year. Has just finished reading While Rome Burns, collection of essays by Alexander Woollcott.
Includes a letter from Hux.

7.11.43 Cully (Mr) to Clare Thanks for the letter. His life is pleasant ‘out here’

10.11.43 Clare to Lez There has been a call in the office for people to volunteer as Relief Workers to go abroad to help food distribution, nursing, housing of refugees etc when the war is over. There will certainly be many openings for permanent civil servants. If he wants an office job.

11.11.43 Clare to Lez Clare’s mum has been off sick for 10 days and looks 10 years younger. Clare has persuaded her to ask for a release and has got it. Now looking around for lighter work. She is wearing smart clothes every day now because her hubby may turn up anytime.

14.11.43 Lez’s mother to Lez Saying all is well. Muriel had a fright a few nights ago when shrapnel came through the conservatory and they thought it was a bomb. Wishing him many happy returns, but hopefully not in the Navy.

14.11.43 Clare to Lez The chances of seeing him next w/end are good-he’s phoned. She understands he’s moved on again.

16.11.43 Clare to Lez Wishing him a happy birthday for the 18th and hoping that leave may be granted. He’s been told ‘prospects are bright’

18.11.44 Clare to Lez Burning question: when will my hubby be coming home on leave? Life very unmomentous. Gerald been away for weeks, so Mum has rather empty life. Tells herself that she’s spent ‘umpteen w/ends by the sea this year’, she shouldn’t ‘beef’

20.11.43 Clare to Lez Written Sat lunchtime, still hoping to see him sometime over the weekend

22.11.43 Clare to Lez Written on Sunday. Still hoping to see him home. There is a pea-souper outside which has kept her between 4 walls.
She enclosed a humorous article from the Sunday Express by Nathaniel Gubbins

23.11.43 Clare to Lez Has received a letter saying leave is immanent. V.happy! talks about manners and how queer it is that women appreciate being treated differentially, by a man rising as she approaches etc. ‘emancipation will bring no satisfaction to women, I’m sure, if it means the end of old-world courtliness.’

24.11.43 Clare to Lez The life of a sailor’s wife ‘is teaching me to be philosophical’. She continues to want him home, but is not getting so worked up. Auntie Millie has got a job in the War Office, so Clare will have a travelling companion again. Is pleased to hear he is playing rugby again. She has finished her black velvet hat and wore it with her red velvet dress.

25.11.43 Clare to Lez Still no leave. Lez feeling v. low. Determined to catch the early train on Wednesday to buy the SEP, Saturday Evening Post, she misses reading it. Talks of the RAF raids on Berlin. Describes the devastation in Italy and elsewhere. Feels so sorry for the poor people

26.11.43 Clare to Lez Weather glorious, reminds her of their wedding day, almost a year ago. Muses on the thought that the sun shines on the blessed. Lez has been having Clare’s photos cleaned, and at least one tinted.

27.11.43 Clare to Lez Understands that there is renewed German activity in the channel, and therefore coastal forces are likely to be busy.

29.11.43 Clare to Lez Sunday afternoon spent happily at ‘Westaway Castle’. Muriel, Edgar (on 9 day’s leave) and Philip were there. Philip now runs around, talks a little and has nearly all his teeth. Brims over with energy; laughs a lot. He’s got the old mechanical brain alright. Edgar is now a flight sergeant with a crown above his stripes.

December 1943

5.12.43 Clare to Lez Commiserates with Lez , he has dislocated his knee-cap. Clare is run down and has come out in a nervous, itchy rash over arms and legs
Lez is writing almost daily at the moment. His letters according to Clare are funny and sometimes very thoughtful/thought provoking

7.12.43 Clare to Lez Hopes the knee is mending/ed. Is feeling more alive. Puts it down to medicine: Epsom salts+ a bromide+ something that burns my throat+ peppermint, 3 times a day. ‘Ugh’. Her certificate said: nervous debility and insomnia
She has been staying at 95 The Drive, Joan’s house, which she calls ‘home’. Her mother’s flat she just calls the flat.

9.12.43 Clare to Lez Still no leave! Is on sick-leave. Has had many letters. Mr Mussam has been moved from her office (Con2F).

16.12.43 Norman (Penfold) to Lez and Clare Is in Allahabad, India. In the pay office. Getting used to India. Waistline is expanding owing to a surfeit of nuts, fruit and eggs. Hopes all are well. Please remember me to the Cufley house.

20.12.43 Clare to Lez Have just spent a week’s holiday together. Clare is starting back to work on Mon (20th), doctor’s last words: ’don’t get right down again’. Happy Christmas!
Lez is now POMM = Petty Officer motor mechanic

21.12.43 Clare to Lez A registered letter including some money to ‘buy the lads a pint’. Lez’s new commanding officer is Lt Bones.

22.12.43 Le’s mother to Lez A Christmas card ‘to Leslie with love from Mum and Dad’

23.12.43 Clare to Lez Likes the sound of the new skipper, instilling order lost under an Aussie. New boss for Clare is Mr Farmer. Keen to ‘learn all there is to know about electricity’. She is now working in a quiet environment, with a fairer distribution of work amongst the 3 in the office. Mr Paton’s 65th birthday.
Who was Mr Paton? Obviously above her immediate boss.

25.12.43 Clare to Lez Written on Christmas Eve, wishing him a Happy Christmas. Philip has fallen down some steps and sprained his wrist. ‘poor mite’

26.12.43 Clare to Lez Written on Christmas Day. There was news of a big battle in the Channel on thurs (23rd), her fear assuaged the next day when the Admiralty announced no losses in coastal craft. She feels that they wasted the last leave and promises to make every moment of the next leave a memorable moment to take back to the boat
This is the first letter seen where she acknowledges the danger he faces, the hard work and lack of sleep.

28.12.43 Clare to Lez Written on Boxing Day. Had a quiet Christmas day. Hux visited. He is looking fit. Len is engaged and is in the Glider Pilot Regiment.
Lez got leave and arrived at Garibaldi St!!!!!
Describes his family ‘wonderful’

29.12.43 Clare to Lez Blanche and Joyce and I went in to have a glass of wine and some cake with Doris. She left with Blanche and ‘were waved in true Westaway fashion all the way up Garibaldi St…they’re a great bunch of people and I’m proud to be one of them.’

30.12.43 Clare to Lez Short, disjointed note, written in a busy office.

31.12.43 Mike (Mikey) Williams to Lez Trained in Isleworth together, Mike and wife, Peggy have remained friends. Letter of Navy news

5.2.43	Clare to Lez	She is tired because they work until 6pm now. Has written to Hux who is miles from anywhere, ‘no friends, no beer’ Looking forward to Lez being a Petty Officer wjth gold braid and to their ‘2nd honeymoon’ in ‘dear old Bournemouth’. She says ‘the war seems so overwhelming and near and nothing is safe and secure any more’ Lez and his friends drank a lot of beer, Jim’s letters contained much about pubs and being able to get good beer.
13.2.43	Blanche to ‘Leslie’	She is answering a query about shoes. Has had a letter from Edgar saying Lez is to become an officer. She thinks it would be good to rise ‘to the heights of the Senior Service and bask in the sunshine of the glittering uniform’ Blanche writes from Portsmouth
18.2.43	Clare to Lez	Went to the cinema with Cully, work colleague. Discusses the film. Asks if there is any news from the ‘draft front. No envelope, notional date.
24.2.43	Clare to Lez	On fireguard. Hux is home, arranged meeting on Friday evening. Joan and she went to the Brasserie Universelle for dinner. No news of Vera. Has finished the baby frock. Has sent Lez some ‘really decent’ tobacco. Is looking forward to the forthcoming trip to Bournemouth. She talks about ‘the usual Cufley-Tower-Saturday-night’

4.3.43	Clare to Lez	Went to the Adelphi to watch a dress rehearsal and came out to find there was a raid on. She caught a bus and ran the rest of the way to GW House, to be on firewatch
11.3.43	Clare to Lez	Is pleased that Lez phones everyday.. has written to Betty. Visited the Cufleys and cuddled little Susan Anne.
16.3.43	Clare to Lez	Glorious weather. Looking forward to a weekend away-knows not where. No time to go and cuddle Susan Anne this week
18.3.43	Hotel Merville to Lez	Quote for a stay 12th to 16th April
21.3.43	Hux to Clare	Has lost Lez’s address. Hopes to be home before Lez, Westy, is posted. Has heard from Jim and Colin Lawson, written to Tom
22.3.43	Clare to Lez	Has been to a play-reading, enjoyed every minute. How did his test piece go? She is dreading losing their weekends together.
23.3.43	Clare to Lez	Glad she went to Osterly. Had lovely wkend at Lez’s base.
24.3.43	Clare to Lez	Has been off work with a ‘sore throat’. Enjoying the rest. Talks about MTBs in the news. Has he had his results yet? Looking forward to Bournemouth
End March		Lez’s exam paper: 78/80 and report on an engine: Good

1.4.43	Clare to Lez	Going to Bournemouth next w/d. ‘They’ve’ made the whole of the east and south coasts a Defence Area so before going they must check there are no restrictions. Wishing the war could be over and the ‘dull doubt and lagging despair in our hearts’ could end. *reflects on the laughter they’ve shared and what they’ve done together
5.4.43	Clare to Lez	Was up v early to wave him off at Waterloo. Susan’s Christening took place. Baby is ‘lovely, chubby and happy’. Hux is home but no one’s heard from Tom Lez’s address is now: HMS Victory, Gosport, Hants
7.4.43	Clothing issue note	3 thin socks (prs), 1 black tie, 3 collars (white), 3 handkerchiefs, 1 towel
8.4.43	Clare to Lez	Is looking forward to Lez’s week’s leave and to their ‘2nd honeymoon’. Tom and Hux are home, Tom will still be here on Sat
10.4.43	Clare to Lez	When I got back from Spanish…. Gerald lives with them, friend/lodger of Clare’s mum. Clare used a used envelope, the second postmark is indecipherable. 10th is a guess.
20.4.43	Clare to Lez	Saying what a lovely holiday they had The envelope is addressed to M/M Westaway and has been redirected twice
21.4.43	Clare to Lez	At new camp, near Blanche in Portsmouth Clare wonders if she could stay with Blanche and see Lez at the w/d Address: RNCamp, Stamshaw, Portsmouth
22.4.43	Clare to Lez	Has written to Hux. Is still full of the 7 days holiday they had, how happy she is. On fireguard tonight
23.4.43 was undated	Clare to Lez	Has been drying ‘oversized’ underwear on the office radiator. Will send them today
23.4.43	Hux to Clare	In B Company. Training v hard. Clare had mentioned Bournemouth which made him ’sigh for the good old days’ waiting to hear from the War Office Selection Board, re becoming an officer
27.4.43 was undated.	Clare to Lez	Lez’s leave has been cancelled. Clare reminisces about the first time she went to the club. Wonderful times. Went to see Casablanca on Easter Monday, 26th, has a sweet theme song: As Time Goes By This letter has no envelope and is very grubby on the outer folded surface. Was it kept in a pocket and read often?
28.4.43	Clare to Lez	Easter weekend. Friday went to pub with Joan & Frank. Sat went shopping. Sat evening went to Cufley Towers. Found Vera and Tom!! There. Sunday she popped down to see ‘your Mum and Dad’ to find ‘your Uncles Jim and Harry’ were there too. Edgar is now at Mildenhall, Suffolk, if he could get his bike going he’d be home for weekends! These were not the brothers of Lez’s dad, they were Charlie and Bill. Were they his mother’s brothers?
29.4.43	Clare to Lez	A note to say going to his camp will be great, any chance of staying at the White Horse?

5.5.43	Clare to Lez	Had a lovely time walking together . Glad to have seen the barracks where he will spend his last night. Congratulations to him for going to an advanced course.
6.5.43	Clare to Lez	Thrilled to find out the new camp is in a beautiful setting. Has had a day’s training at a fire station. Is looking forward to seeing him on Sat It seems that they stay at Joan’s when Lez is home, and that Clare goes over there to use a sewing machine Joan and Frank lived at 95 the Drive, Dansom Park, their French windows opening onto an orchard beyond which was a cottage
7.5.43	Clare to Lez	Hoorah for a weekend in the country next Sat. Clare is very sensitive to weather, eg in this letter ‘the weather is warming up again, wind in the west. Address is now RNTE (RN Training Establishment) Cobham, Surrey
10.5.43	Clare to Lez	Had been together on Sat.until fireguard on Sat night. Went to the cinema with Joan and Frank on Sun. looking forward to a whole w/d at the White Lion
11.5.43	Clare to Lez	Rained all day! Looking forward to a w/d away!
12.5.43	Clare to Lez	Busy time at the office. Looking forward to the weekend. Save some beer for me! Talks of Mike, obviously a fellow trainee, could it be the same ‘Miky’ who sent the wedding telegram from Isleworth?
14.5.43	Clare to Lez (letter card)	Went to see Vera and Susan on Wed evening, Vera is often on her own in the evenings these days. Has Sat off. Will be on the earliest train
18.5.43	His Mother to ‘Les’	Edgar is home on leave. Came over with Muriel and the baby ‘He’s a lovely baby’. Gave him Edgar’s address: Sgt. Westaway, Sgt’s Mess, RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk
18.5.43	Clare to Lez	Wonderful w/d! Sunshine and husband! Lez home next w/d
19.5.43	Hux to Lez	Describes training. Still hoping for ‘another stripe’. Looking forward to leave. Has missed Len at home
19.5.43	Clare to Lez	Will pop down to see Lez’s mum, has he written to her recently? Is he playing darts tonight?
20.5.43	Clare to Lez	They have talked of a possible foreign draft. She would ‘put a brave face on it and write reams every night’. There have been nuisance air raids each night this week, perhaps designed to disturb sleep? They have succeeded!
21.5.43	Clare to Lez	Has written to Lez’s mum to tell her they are going to tea on Sunday she is running the box office for an amateur production.
25.5.43	Clare to Lez	Had stayed at Joan’s on Sunday. Lez left v early Mon, to catch the 6.57 from waterloo. Over lunch she read an account of a raid on St Nazaire, MTBs were involved- well worth reading. Clare ate out for lunch often, this time in the restaurant of Thames House, Millbank, HQ of Imperial Chemicals
26.5.43	Clare to Lez	Show nearly sold out. Going on Thurs. Will meet Lez on Sunday off the 10.27am to Esher
28.5.43	Clare to Lez	Short note of arrangements for Sunday This note was posted at 12.15pm Friday. Clare had absolute confidence in it arriving before Sunday at 10.50am, when she would arrive.

1.6.43	Clare to Lez	Has found an optician who makes his own sunglasses. Will buy a pr. ‘Darling, did I tell you that Hilda (blonde girl-friend of Vera, with little boy Michael 4 years old) has now heard that her hubby Stan is a prisoner in Jap hands? Grand news isn’t it angel? She’s had to wait so long she’d almost given up hope’. Letters now addressed to P/MX 500221, H.M.S. Attack, Mess4, Portland
3.6.43	Clare to Lez	What is his new address? She managed to buy sunglasses. Lunched in a vegan restaurant-not impressed with food or clientele. Hux is going out with Pat again…something going on there? Even if they are 1st cousins
4.6.43	Clare to Lez	It’s raining hard. Depressing. Hux is taking her to lunch tomorrow
7.6.43	Clare to Lez	Had her first censored letter today! Had a good gossip with Joan on Sat, then Sunday tea with Joan, Frank, her mum and Gerald. Sun evening went to see Lez’s mum for a chat.
8.6.43	Clare to Lez	Lez’s mother is looking ‘awfully well. She really is a grand person!’
8.6.43 (2)	Clare to Lez	Went out last evening to see Vera. Hilda and Joan were there, had a hen-party! They have heard from Tom ‘posted from his boat’.
9.6.43	Clare to Lez	Have to wait 5 weeks to know whether he’s to stay in England or go abroad. Hates indecision: ‘man’s worst enemy’. Has read Lez’s letter on religion. She has faith her ’ ideal is to do as much good as possible and create happiness…’
10.6.43	Clare to Lez	Is pleased you’re in the navy, sailors do come home sometimes whereas Army is away ‘for the duration’. Language classes start next week: Spanish on Monday, French on Friday.
11.6.43	Clare to Lez	Very tired, fireguard last night, trying to sleep in a dorm with someone snoring. What is he doing over Whitsun? She might walk over to the pool, where she’s bound to meet Jim, Vera and Susan.
11.6.43	Mother to Lez	Was pleased to hear the news from Claire on Sunday. Edgar was home for one night last week and the baby kept him awake all night ‘Muriel knows she has him alright’. Joyce has passed her medical A1
15.6.43	Blanche to Lez	Replying to a letter from Lez talking about not wanting to go back to an office job and wondering about moving overseas. B says ‘this wars going to go on for years so why worry about so distant a future?’ he seemed to be suggesting joining a navy abroad. B’s answer: ‘Ernie says you’ll be pleased to get out of it after you’ve finished with this war’. Finishes with love to Claire and says she must write to Tom and Edgar next. Lez is asked to write to Jim’s brother, Clare visits Hux’s mother, Joan goes to tea at Vera’s, Blanche writes to Tom. The ‘gang’ included a wide number of family members.
15.6.43	Clare to Lez	Whit weekend, but poor weather has prevented her going out Reminisces that ‘this time last year’ all the gang were lying out on towels at Dansom Pool enjoying a life of leisure.
16.6.43	Clare to Lez	Has had 3 letters in one day! He has a rise of 6s6d coming, so their savings will surely reach£200 by Christmas. Is delighted to hear that Lez got 85 in his exam .
17.6.43	Clare to Lez	Joking about who knows more about fighting fires. Pleased to hear that all members of the mess enjoy the S.E.P.s she sends. If he wants to buy her a little something she’d love a little Navy pin brooch, to flaunt it around. What is the SEP? she sends copies to Hux too. The Saturday Evening Post?
18.6.43	Clare to Lez	News that Lez may get some leave next week.
19.6.43	Clare to Lez	Pinning all her hopes on seeing Lez next week. She is very low. Is enjoying her French evening class and has been voted onto the committee as their representative.
21.6.43	Clare to Lez	If she had been a boy she would have been a pilot. Has spent this Sun afternoon beside the pool with Jim, Vera and Susan. All chubby and happy. News: Tom is in Algiers, Jim knows because they memorised a code before he left; Bill has sent you a letter; Jack Cotter ( Vera’s brother?) representing British Movietone went with the first landing party to Lampedusa; Penny is still in the Pay Corps in Knightsbridge His address is now MTB210. Clare’s letters are being redirected
22.6.43	Bobbie to Lez	Sending the photos he was waiting for.
22.6.43	Clare to Lez	Much happier, out of the slough of despond. Spanish class not as good as the French. She has filled her time up very effectively. Midsummer day today (21st), ‘Mum’s birthday’.
23.6.43	Clare to Lez	Very disappointed that Lez did not have leave. Wanted to talk to someone, and as ‘there is no understanding between mother and I’ she went to Plumstead. They are all worried about Auntie Tot who fell down and hurt herself badly. Commiserates with Lez for being seasick.
23.6.43	Clare to Lez	Telegram: rotten about leave. am so proud darling and happy best of luck on trials my thoughts with you always love you. Clare
24.6.43	Clare to Lez	Spent 1½hrs on French homework. Very proud, he got 87‰in his exam. How is his beard growing?
25.6.43	Clare to Lez	What a thrill! A phone call! Wishes him well for his trial, hoping he can get used to the heat, roaring engines and roll of the boat. All able bodied men must do fire watch now. Women can volunteer for something else, she is thinking of Civil Defence work, eg switchboard.
26.6.43	Clare to Lez	How are the trials going? Hopes to see him after they’re finished. ‘Mum‘ and Gerald seem to have split up. ‘afraid mum is going to be lonely again’.
28.6.43	Clare to Lez	Has been out to an informal lunch with Mr Paton, the boss. Spent Sat night in Chelsea with Joy Cully, colleague and friend.
29.6.43	Clare to Lez	Spent Sunday with Joy, had breakfast, lunch and dinner out. Has been voted ‘book and Stationery Secretary’ by the members of the language group

2.7.43	Clare to Lez	Refers to a letter from Lez where he describes ‘being bashed about and roasted at the same time’. Looking forward to leave coming soon.
3.7.43	Elizabeth ‘Joy’ Cully to Lez	In response to a letter Lez wrote at Clare’s request. Thanks. Clare is lovely. Address altered to HMS Attack
3.7.43	Clare to Lez	Is reading ‘The Voyage’ by Charles Morgan. Very interesting. Today another ‘National Day of Prayer’ PS had his phone call and is ‘as happy as a sand boy’ This must have been the call to say that he had 10 days leave. The first for 6 weeks
16.7.43	Clare to Lez	A short note to greet him when he is back in barracks after their 10 days together. ‘one day, and lets hope it is not far distant, we shall be able to look to a future of peace and happiness together’
19.7.43	Clare to Lez	Wishes Lez good luck with a screen test to be in a film about the Navy. Has decided to carry on with French classes, they’re so much fun! Is trying to relax more, be more philosophical and have faith in the future.
22.7.43	Clare to Lez	‘Mum and Gerald are on holiday this week’ commiserates that the film didn’t come off. Her watch needs a clean. It’s at the jewellers. Vera is staying at Christchurch for another week
25.7.43	Clare to Lez	Is run off her feet at the office, doing the HEO( higher executive officer)’s work. In reply to a letter about ‘growing up rapidly’ from Lez, she describes her early life- hard. Says she thinks her education is lacking in the fields of music, art, painting, ballet, England, the sea, beauties of foreign countries and far lands. She posted this letter on Sunday to see if it would arrive before the next one, which was posted on Monday. They both had a Monday postmark, so answer: no.
26.7.43	Clare to Lez	Looking forward to seeing Vera and Susan, must be getting as brown as a berry. Walked through the park with Joan and Frank. Tells Lez not to worry that he has not been drafted yet. Is sure he will get a good post
27.7.43	Clare to Lez	Is feeling that Lez is fed up, which is depressing her too. Discusses ‘Mousso’s resignation in Italy. Is this the beginning of the end? Will it all be over by the end of the year?
29.7.43	Clare to Lez	Has received two letters. Very happy. PS Darling you write lovely letters. More please!

8.8.43	Clare to Lez	A short note to say what a lovely week they have had together. Wishing him well in whatever post he’s given When Lez is on leave they stay in their own room in Joan and Frank’s house, The Drive. This is where their furniture is.
9.8.43	Clare to Lez	Sunday at the flat, watching the dinner cook whilst ‘Mum and Gerald’ go out for a walk. Went to see Vera and Jim. Susan is teething
10.8.43	Elizabeth Cully to Lez	Thank you for the grand evening we all had when you were home on leave. Address altered to: HMS Aggressive
10.8.43	Clare to Lez	Hux is now a full corporal. Tom sent Mrs Huxley a birthday card. ‘Quite a thoughtful chap these days, eh?’ Thinking about their plans for a plot of land and a bungalow, is going to economise even more.
11.8.43	Clare to Lez	Hopes he’s not suffering too much after his inoculations.
12.8.43	Clare to Lez	Went to a prom with Cully. Heavenly music: a violin concerto in E minor. On firewatch so slept in the office shelter. Had a great breakfast, and hopes they’re feeding him better. Was it the Mendelssohn concerto?
13.8.43	Clare to Lez	Went to Cufley Towers last night and let Susan climb all over her. Now knows he’s in Newhaven- only an hour from Brighton, but ‘the ban goes on that part of the coast on Monday’, so she wouldn’t be allowed in. Address now: HMS Aggressive (mess 12), Newhaven, Sussex
14.8.43	Clare to Lez	Thrilled to hear about the draft….but why can’t he stay at Newhaven, only 1hr from town?! Re her ideal man: he had to be strong and utterly reliable, with a good sense of humour and ideas for the future. ‘Well he came along one May..’ Plea for Lez to write to Edgar .
16.8.43	Clare to Lez	Spent Sun pm with mum (Lez’s). they were pleased to hear that you seem ‘on top of the world’. Edgar is having 5days leave to celebrate Philip’s 1st birthday (Fri 20th), Harry and Nellie also have a week off, so they will all be at home next weekend. Clare collected £7 from Frank to pay Aunt Millie. Lez loves the countryside around his billet, and the people are convivial. Clare was watching the full moon hoping Lez was too.
17.8.43	Clare to Lez	Gerald’s left again. Clare kept mum company Sat afternoon. Lez is on a boat again. He sounded so happy. Talked about Lez’s description of the downs and their dream bungalow. Both agree that babies will have to wait until they are in their own home after the war
18.8.43	Clare to Lez	Hoping Lez can come this weekend. She has no leave left, but could call in sick. Did some searching for Lez re correspondence courses to help him with exams in engineering. Thinking of taking the commission. Lez thinking of submitting stories for publication, Clare encourages him.
19.8.43	Clare to Lez	Lez has phoned, will be up on Sat. Clare reminisces about their first air raid together, 3 yrs ago, on Plumstead Common. They stayed in the shelter until 3am talking. Their first kiss! And how 2 weeks later they stayed all night under a railway arch. Ends: ‘good hunting sweetheart’
20.8.43	Hux to Clare	Thanks for her letter. Has been on a course about Sherman tanks, and before the WOSB. Has little hope of having passed. Will be on leave next week. Encloses a letter for Lez
21.8.43	Hux to Lez	Same news as above. Had letters from Len (soon to be a 2nd Lieutenant), Penny (due for overseas), Colin Mac (still in N Ireland). Also from Tom (twice!!!) and Bill (who has also heard from the languorous one)
23.8.43	Clare to Lez	Another lovely weekend together! Hux has passed his WOSB, that‘ll keep him in England for another 6months. Letters from Hux enclosed.
25.8.43	Clare to Lez	Has he heard that call up men are now going to be drafted to the Navy and Marines, the Army is considered full up. Asks how his chest is, he was very croaky on Sunday. There was a piano in the flat, or was it at Joan’s? She remarks that Lez was playing it on Sunday
30.8.43	Clare to Lez	Very disappointed that he could not join her with Cully. She walked to the barbed wire and looked over the sea and thought of him. Letter has been redirected to HMS Attack, Portland
31.8.43	Clare to Lez	Describes the people she was with at the weekend. Knows, after a Sunday phonecall that Lez has moved. Is he on an MTB yet? Letter has been redirected to MTB 710

2.9.43	Clare to Lez	Thinks he’s at the Attack, in a bleak barracks he hates. Tries to cheer him up. Office staff changing. She quotes Tennyson, ‘The old order changeth…’ Were 36 vacancies for HEO, so Lez’s turn should be coming up soon.
3.9.43	Clare to Lez	Joan and Frank came over for dinner and now all are relaxing listening to Gracie Fields on the radio. A propos visiting the dentist she says all doctors and dentists seem to be working at full pressure these days. Her mum has heard from Gerald, he’s coming back to live, ‘I only hope that this time she’s learnt her lesson and will treat the man decently’.
7.9.43	Clare to Lez	What a wonderful, peaceful weekend they had together! Lunched today with Cully and other Arts Club friends. Witty conversation, but ‘honestly, darling they live in another world!’ Letter addressed to: RNO, Beach Road, Littlehampton

9.9.43	Clare to Lez	Talks about Italy’s unconditional surrender. Went to Regent Street and saw a headline and heard the magic words ‘Late night final’. Immediately joined the throng of people, fought their way to the middle and emerged with a torn copy of the Evening News. New boss seems OK. She writes a very interesting potted biography of him. Has had a phone call and will be with Lez on Sat. in Littlehampton. MTB 710, which was being commissioned, was built in Littlehampton by William Osborne Ltd. Ordered: 7 Apr 1942, Commissioned: 18 Sep 1943. Lost: 10 Apr 1945
14.9.43	Clare to Lez	Two ‘glorious, heavenly days spent together. Has seen the MTB, ‘all new and shiny and clean-lined outlined against the jetty’. They were in Arundel Letters now addressed to: HM MTB 710, c/o GPO, London
16.9.43	Blanche to Lez	A long letter in response to enquiries by Lez on how one approaches a bank manager to fund the buying of a house. She says they should aim to save 1/3 of the cost of the property. She says that after the repayment monthly of some of the loan they would then be able to borrow funds to buy a car and a boat, both of which she knows they want. So, at this time 2 executive officers in the civil service could be expected to save, in perhaps 3 years, one third of the cost of a property. Blanche, indeed, advises them to save two thirds!
16.9.43	Clare to Lez	Describes how she imprinted on her mind all the scenes and views of the boat, so that she only has to close her eyes to have clear vision of all the beauty they saw. It was a trick she learnt as a child when on holiday so that ‘when the greyness of winter came along, I had locked in my heart the vivid impression of sparkling waves, huge summer trees, birds, flowers and rolling hills’. She goes on to quote ‘one of my favourite poets- Lawrence Binyon’: ‘Oh summer sun, Oh moving trees..’
18.9.43	Clare to Lez	Ordered Lez’s ‘baccy’ today. Joan and Frank came round ‘and we cut up a couple of your Mars bars and smacked our lips over them’. Lez now has a cabin, in which he has to move about on all fours! Clare wonders whether he saw the harvest moon whilst he’s smoking a quiet pipe on deck. Make a wish, darling. Clare does Lez’s laundry, she has written about collars before, now she is wondering where to send his shirts now that he’s on the move.
20.9.43	Clare to Lez	Now knows that Lez’s boat is operational. Describes her last fire watch at the office: saw a film; had a meal in a Polish restaurant; tried to catch the no.10 bus, very good description, ended up almost late!
21.9.43	Mother to Lez	Pleased he’s on a boat. Had news from Gladys saying ‘Charlie would be over here in a month’s time’ Is Gladys Uncle Charlie’s wife? This Charlie is Cousin Charlie
23.9.43	Clare to Lez	Warning went for the first time in days. Is in the flat, but when the All Clear sounds she must wend her way to The Drive ‘ to share our bedroom with mum.’
24.9.43	Clare to Lez	Good to hear he’s enjoying sailing around, seeing beautiful places. Has he got enough woollies now the weather’s turned?
25.9.43	Clare to Lez	He sounds very happy in his work. They are taking the sandbags down from the statue of Eros in Piccadilly Circus. ‘What a glorious day that will be when all the bright lights are on in London again.’ Has he written to his mum recently? Lez wants to send her a special lighter that he is designing, Clare says: ‘it will probably encourage me to smoke!’
28.9.43	Clare to Lez	Commiserates with him over the bumps he has sustained this week. Lez gave a cryptic description of the anchorage. Did she guess its situation? Went down to Garibaldi St, mum pleased with the news. ‘You’re a sweet man for writing to her.’. ‘Your pop gave me a kiss on the forehead before going out’. Joan is pregnant. Perhaps Frank will settle down now? Tom has his 2nd stripe and is now a bombardier. Still in N Africa. Len skipped guard duty one evening, was found out and reduced to the ranks. There are many references to photographs in the letters. In this one Clare recounts how ‘pop’ had his photo taken ‘with artificial carnation in buttonhole and mandolin figuring hugely’. Also she wants one of the enlargements of Edgar and little Philip when they are done.
30.9.43	Clare to Lez	Clare describes Piccadilly Circus, with its crowds, in great detail. Wishes that ‘while this war is on we could all learn to value freedom above all else in the world, the joy of being able to make our own decisions….’ Remembers hearing the Victory Bells sounding because of the N Africa victory. Is going to a swimming gala on Saturday with Vera.

1.10.43	Clare to Lez	Is very happy, Lez phoned yesterday to arrange leave. Detailed account of his pay, and why this quarter’s pay was so low. Gerald has gone away again. A covering letter for a parcel says that there isn’t much in the shops these days, she might try her hand at pastry making, if there’s enough fat at home. His salary is £304+£36 (war bonus).When he was promoted to LS (Leading seaman?) the navy didn’t notify the Ministry of Supply. I deduce that his naval salary was subtracted from his civil service salary, and the difference paid straight to his bank account.
4.10.43	Hux to Clare	Hux is not enjoying this training camp at all. Poor food and conditions. He has learnt to drive a 30cwt truck and is now learning how to ride motor bikes. This he is enjoying.
6.10.43	Clare to Lez	Another grand weekend has passed. She liked the two youngsters on the train who called him ‘mech’. She’s finished Cold Comfort Farm and recommends it, sure that its humour will appeal to him
7.10.43	Clare to Lez	On firewatch. The sirens went, she donned her tin hat and went to her post. After a while they got the all clear. She dislikes the cramped bunker where they sleep on bunks. Airless. Her colleague, Joan, is still waiting for news of her husband who was a prisoner of war in Italy. Has he received the 2 parcels yet?
8.10.43	Clare to Lez	Thoroughly enjoying the elocution classes. Has a colleague in the office, Miss Amery(?), who is very funny. Clare describes the office as being very slack now Mr Mussan is in charge. She has to keep an eye on what he does, lest some dreadful mistake is made. ‘His attitude is hardly fair cos it puts all the responsibility on me’. On the train this evening she heard gunfire, the lights went out, then the gunfire stopped. She ‘wasted no time’ getting to the flat because she did not have a tin hat with her. The guns ‘are having a grand time and shrapnel is tinkling down’. Clare wonders how Joan is ‘Frank is not too good after his experience in the Arsenal’.
11.10.43	Clare to Lez	Autumn mists ‘make me ache with missing you’. Lez is on the move again. Have the parcels arrived yet? Clare has started to crotchet a shawl for Joan’s baby. Has seen Susan who now sits on the carpet, has 2 teeth and chuckles all the time. She sends Lez a couple of her curls to keep him company. The curls are still in the envelope.
20.10.43	Clare to Lez	What luck! Lez had leave again last weekend. Clare went down by train. News: Penny is now in India; Freddie Kidd became ill in Sicily, was drafted back to rest camp in n Africa, ‘where he immediately bumped into Tom! Small world eh?’ Enclosed their bank balance sheet for the year.
21.10.43	Clare to Lez	Last night was the dress rehearsal of their play, Clare is assistant stage manager. 1am on firewatch cos Jerry braved the storm. Bombs fell near Joan and Frank.
28.10.43	Clare to Lez	On fire watch. Ate pie and salad at Saviours. Not allowed to go far from the building now, if they are allowed at all. Joan’s hubby, p.o.w. in Italy has probably been transferred to Germany. Describes how MTBs sank 4 e-boats, 7 damaged off E Anglia. What a party! The note paper is Capri Blue, she’s beginning to feel as if she’s writing with dark glasses on! But the alternative was lined paper, which she detests. Baccy has not arrived, she will make enquiries.
30.10.43	Clare to Lez	Clare’s mum has had the week off with ‘bronchial catarrh. Clare wishes she’d change her job, which is filing metal all day. She’s been told to approach her boss for release, she writes: ‘if she lets this opportunity pass I shan’t worry about it again. There are some people who just won’t help themselves’. Much description of good music and funny shows on the radio. Letter covering the parcel of some baccy enclosed

2.11.43	Clare to Lez	Went to Plumstead last eve.( Sun), had lovely long chat. They were ‘awfully glad’ to hear Lez has been recommended for PO (Petty Officer). His father told the tale of how Lez mended a neighbour’s typewriter or sewing machine when a kid. Clare loves to hear these stories of the days before she knew him. His mum has ‘a touch of blood pressure’ and has had occasional dizzy spells. Clare says “she’s a grand person. I never go down to see her without coming away with a feeling of faith and courage.” Edgar was on 10 days leave and they went ‘home’ (Garibaldi St). Philip is now walking and seems to be quite a handful! Mum and Doris say that Pop is going to dress up as a cowboy at Christmas! He’s in a sketch in a concert. They were reminiscing about the ‘ lovely Christmas parties you used to have before the war’. Clare thinks it’s going to be great to belong to a large, happy family.
3.11.43	Hux to Clare	Content to be written
4.11.43	Clare to Lez	Clare is worried about his tobacco supply: it is scarce and parcels go astray. Pleased that he has tried helming the boat. She has bought the material to make a coat. Is waiting for the Vogue pattern to arrive. Says that clothes are beginning to get so old that it needs an evening a week mending. ‘there goes wailing Lizzie’. It must have been the air raid alarm. 15min later it’s all over.
6.11.43	Clare to Lez	It’s Friday evening and Joan and Frank have come round. Joan and ‘mum’ have talked for 2 hours! Joan is fit and very happy. ‘mum’ is well again and going back to the dirty factory. Gerald is coming tomorrow, after 2 or 3 weeks absence. She has high hopes that Germany will collapse early next year. Has just finished reading While Rome Burns, collection of essays by Alexander Woollcott. Includes a letter from Hux.
7.11.43	Cully (Mr) to Clare	Thanks for the letter. His life is pleasant ‘out here’
10.11.43	Clare to Lez	There has been a call in the office for people to volunteer as Relief Workers to go abroad to help food distribution, nursing, housing of refugees etc when the war is over. There will certainly be many openings for permanent civil servants. If he wants an office job.
11.11.43	Clare to Lez	Clare’s mum has been off sick for 10 days and looks 10 years younger. Clare has persuaded her to ask for a release and has got it. Now looking around for lighter work. She is wearing smart clothes every day now because her hubby may turn up anytime.
14.11.43	Lez’s mother to Lez	Saying all is well. Muriel had a fright a few nights ago when shrapnel came through the conservatory and they thought it was a bomb. Wishing him many happy returns, but hopefully not in the Navy.
14.11.43	Clare to Lez	The chances of seeing him next w/end are good-he’s phoned. She understands he’s moved on again.
16.11.43	Clare to Lez	Wishing him a happy birthday for the 18th and hoping that leave may be granted. He’s been told ‘prospects are bright’
18.11.44	Clare to Lez	Burning question: when will my hubby be coming home on leave? Life very unmomentous. Gerald been away for weeks, so Mum has rather empty life. Tells herself that she’s spent ‘umpteen w/ends by the sea this year’, she shouldn’t ‘beef’
20.11.43	Clare to Lez	Written Sat lunchtime, still hoping to see him sometime over the weekend
22.11.43	Clare to Lez	Written on Sunday. Still hoping to see him home. There is a pea-souper outside which has kept her between 4 walls. She enclosed a humorous article from the Sunday Express by Nathaniel Gubbins
23.11.43	Clare to Lez	Has received a letter saying leave is immanent. V.happy! talks about manners and how queer it is that women appreciate being treated differentially, by a man rising as she approaches etc. ‘emancipation will bring no satisfaction to women, I’m sure, if it means the end of old-world courtliness.’
24.11.43	Clare to Lez	The life of a sailor’s wife ‘is teaching me to be philosophical’. She continues to want him home, but is not getting so worked up. Auntie Millie has got a job in the War Office, so Clare will have a travelling companion again. Is pleased to hear he is playing rugby again. She has finished her black velvet hat and wore it with her red velvet dress.
25.11.43	Clare to Lez	Still no leave. Lez feeling v. low. Determined to catch the early train on Wednesday to buy the SEP, Saturday Evening Post, she misses reading it. Talks of the RAF raids on Berlin. Describes the devastation in Italy and elsewhere. Feels so sorry for the poor people
26.11.43	Clare to Lez	Weather glorious, reminds her of their wedding day, almost a year ago. Muses on the thought that the sun shines on the blessed. Lez has been having Clare’s photos cleaned, and at least one tinted.
27.11.43	Clare to Lez	Understands that there is renewed German activity in the channel, and therefore coastal forces are likely to be busy.
29.11.43	Clare to Lez	Sunday afternoon spent happily at ‘Westaway Castle’. Muriel, Edgar (on 9 day’s leave) and Philip were there. Philip now runs around, talks a little and has nearly all his teeth. Brims over with energy; laughs a lot. He’s got the old mechanical brain alright. Edgar is now a flight sergeant with a crown above his stripes.

5.12.43	Clare to Lez	Commiserates with Lez , he has dislocated his knee-cap. Clare is run down and has come out in a nervous, itchy rash over arms and legs Lez is writing almost daily at the moment. His letters according to Clare are funny and sometimes very thoughtful/thought provoking
7.12.43	Clare to Lez	Hopes the knee is mending/ed. Is feeling more alive. Puts it down to medicine: Epsom salts+ a bromide+ something that burns my throat+ peppermint, 3 times a day. ‘Ugh’. Her certificate said: nervous debility and insomnia She has been staying at 95 The Drive, Joan’s house, which she calls ‘home’. Her mother’s flat she just calls the flat.
9.12.43	Clare to Lez	Still no leave! Is on sick-leave. Has had many letters. Mr Mussam has been moved from her office (Con2F).
16.12.43	Norman (Penfold) to Lez and Clare	Is in Allahabad, India. In the pay office. Getting used to India. Waistline is expanding owing to a surfeit of nuts, fruit and eggs. Hopes all are well. Please remember me to the Cufley house.
20.12.43	Clare to Lez	Have just spent a week’s holiday together. Clare is starting back to work on Mon (20th), doctor’s last words: ’don’t get right down again’. Happy Christmas! Lez is now POMM = Petty Officer motor mechanic
21.12.43	Clare to Lez	A registered letter including some money to ‘buy the lads a pint’. Lez’s new commanding officer is Lt Bones.
22.12.43	Le’s mother to Lez	A Christmas card ‘to Leslie with love from Mum and Dad’
23.12.43	Clare to Lez	Likes the sound of the new skipper, instilling order lost under an Aussie. New boss for Clare is Mr Farmer. Keen to ‘learn all there is to know about electricity’. She is now working in a quiet environment, with a fairer distribution of work amongst the 3 in the office. Mr Paton’s 65th birthday. Who was Mr Paton? Obviously above her immediate boss.
25.12.43	Clare to Lez	Written on Christmas Eve, wishing him a Happy Christmas. Philip has fallen down some steps and sprained his wrist. ‘poor mite’
26.12.43	Clare to Lez	Written on Christmas Day. There was news of a big battle in the Channel on thurs (23rd), her fear assuaged the next day when the Admiralty announced no losses in coastal craft. She feels that they wasted the last leave and promises to make every moment of the next leave a memorable moment to take back to the boat This is the first letter seen where she acknowledges the danger he faces, the hard work and lack of sleep.
28.12.43	Clare to Lez	Written on Boxing Day. Had a quiet Christmas day. Hux visited. He is looking fit. Len is engaged and is in the Glider Pilot Regiment. Lez got leave and arrived at Garibaldi St!!!!! Describes his family ‘wonderful’
29.12.43	Clare to Lez	Blanche and Joyce and I went in to have a glass of wine and some cake with Doris. She left with Blanche and ‘were waved in true Westaway fashion all the way up Garibaldi St…they’re a great bunch of people and I’m proud to be one of them.’
30.12.43	Clare to Lez	Short, disjointed note, written in a busy office.
31.12.43	Mike (Mikey) Williams to Lez	Trained in Isleworth together, Mike and wife, Peggy have remained friends. Letter of Navy news