August 1945
Clare to Lez (69a) |
They spend most of each day outdoors. Joan and Clare had a long swim today (Wed). Reminds him of the lovely weekend they had together in Arundel while he was stationed at Littlehampton. Looking forward to reading letters when she gets home |
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Clare to Lez (70) |
last 3 days of the holiday the sun blazed down. Frank came down on Friday and they went to a dance at the pavilion. She feels as fit as a fiddle. |
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Lez to Clare (47) |
The flies are awful tonight. Two of his cabin mates are ill. He says that he came over here in the Mauretania, newly built in 1939. the largest ship to have passed through the Suez Canal, there was room for nothing wider than a rowing boat on either side. Talks of the seaside and being parted. |
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Clare to Lez (71) |
Describes her holiday and Hastings, the dances and the beach. Eating fish was a real treat. She feels wonderful, tanned and full of beans. On arriving back she fell upon the letters, then the neighbour arrived with a parcel. Wow, the rugs are lovely. Thrilled! |
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Lez to Clare (48) |
Pleads with Clare to look for a good camera for him, it would give him an interest “out here”. Rains unabated. Describes some snaps he’s sent. |
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Clare to Lez (72) |
She’s back from the holiday, the weather has turned and it’s August bank holiday Monday. She’s not looking forward to work tomorrow. Edgar had been home on leave. Went to visit Hux and found all his family, brother sisters, mother, there. Clare obviously knew them well. Talks about carpets, prefabs anf the demob, which is going well. |
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Lez to Clare (49) |
More talk of cameras, advises she goes to a reputable firm who will advise her. Gives his opinion on films:”I’ll never get over my predjudice against ’heavy’ films”, thinks real life provides enough drama for anyone, he wants to watch ‘escapist’ films. |
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Blanche to Lez |
newsy family letter. She hasn’t found a place for Joyce yet. Is expecting Fred home soon. Does not want to work with him, would rather emigrate. |
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Lez to Clare (50) |
Talks of plans for the future, being almost certain that he will be home by next spring. Is beginning to get the feeling of freedom again. Has been calculating his money position and thinks they will be able to do all they’ve set out to achieve. He does not want to live in Woolwich or Plumstead under any circumstances. |
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Clare to Lez (73) |
explains her efforts at finding a camera, and film for it (films are almost unobtainable, in England or India). Copies he details of his payslip and discusses money matters. |
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Clare to Lez (74) |
The splitting of the atom, and the news that the scientists have used the knowledge to drop a bomb on Japan. Clare is appalled. “it really is the most ghastly weapon”. Wonders if it is worth saving for one’s old age. Relates the news that policemen were all to be demobbed under Class B, perhaps civil servants will be next? |
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Clare to Lez (75) |
The Japs have surrendered, with conditions, the complete surrender cannot be long coming. Workers heard at lunchtime, and all up the Strand and Aldwych paper was being thrown out of the windows, and people were collecting in Trafalgar Square. |
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Doris to Lez |
Encloses clipping about the demob. “Blanche’s Fred” is out and Ernie has handed over the business to him. Blanche is buying a saloon for Joyce; Earn will be looking after his own shop now; Blanche wants Joyce to teach her hair dressing so she can have a business too. Edgar has been over to see them on his motorbike |
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Lez to Clare (51) |
Chides Clare for writing that she is very ordinary. “let me affirm categorically that of all the extra-ordinary creatures in this world you are No1, First Class.” |
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Lez to Clare (52) |
Rumours are sweeping Bombay, he now knows that he will not be retained by the Nave, but will demob with his group. Remembers the time he came up the Thames with MTB710 and Clare and Joan were waiting at Westminster, “the thrill of a lifetime”. Has been to the market and bought more cigars to send home. Has also bought foodstuffs. Is interested in the political changes now Labour are in power. One thing is certain: there will be a much bigger Civil Service, so his job is secure. |
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Blanche to Lez |
we are all waiting for the great news of the Jap’s surrender. What an age it seems. Looking forward to Lez coming home safely |
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Clare to Lez (76) |
the world is still waiting for the Jap’s final answer. Describes London dressing itself for celebration. If they don’t surrender by 5pm the two battle fleets steaming along the Japanese coast are going to “let ‘em have everything” including atom bombs. Is more hopeful of finding a flat. Came out of a theatre on Shaftesbury Ave to find the streets full of people celebrating unofficially. Stood in Trafalgar Square watching people dancing the Lambeth Walk and jiving! Went to Plumstead. All are well. Pop gave Clare a rose, “he certainly grows lovely flowers”. |
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Clare to Lez (77) |
Wonderful news: World Peace was declared on 15th August. Town was teeming with people, but Clare had to go to the office. Found parcels at home: fruit and tea, creams and hairgrips. Luxuries! |
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Lez to Clare (53) |
He is suffering with a cold and “belly ache” and wishes his ministering angel could be there |
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Clare to Lez (78) |
Hopes he’s better. There was much revelry in town, but she was not there this time. The gang called, Jim, Vera and Len, and they drove down to Yalding in Kent, where Lez plus the others have camped before. They picnic-ed and then swam. Susan loves the water. Len has enlarged “that snap at the pool” and will send it. Describes harvest scenes in Kent. More about Gwen |
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Lez to Clare (54) |
Is better now. He’s looking forward to a couple of years in their ‘Makeshift’ ie temp. flat, time to plan, have some fun. Has just heard, 9.30 news, that the Japs have accepted unconditional surrender!!!! “So it’s over, the whole rotten business is over, finished. |
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Clare to Lez (79) |
hard to realise it is all over! News of the gang: Len is thinking of doing the exec. Exam, everybody thinks the CS is a good bet; Bob Greene is married; Tim Lawson is also married; everybody’s looking for a car. Albert said that Lez has been soaked in petrol all his life! |
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Clare to Lez (79b) |
A short note. Wondering if he will be posted back to England soon, before demob. She’s playing tennis tonight as usual. |
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Lez to Clare (55) |
Hopping mad to have missed the celebrations in London. Much talk about demob. Is exhilarated with thought of the end. |
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Lez to Clare (56) |
has received news that the carpets have arrived home safely, and that Clare loves them. Now he will send a large one. Talks of the two letters he’s got, from his two sisters, and how he wouldn’t have he and Clare living near either of them for all the gold in the world. Is still exhilarated with talk of homecoming, it’s like getting out of prison. |
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Clare to Lez (80) |
Is delighted he is well, and so happy. She dare not allow herself to get excited, for fear of disappointments. |
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Clare to Lez (81) |
latest news of demob puts his group as being released in February, disappointing. 12 Blessington Road is being restored and as previous tenants they have first choice of flat. There will be a sugar shortage this winter, and the next 24 coupons will have to last until 1st May. |
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Lez to Clare (57) |
a 2-page swipe at the navy which has not allowed them the 2 days’ holiday to celebrate VJ-Day. Thinking of the future, all jittery! After the “foulest week of the monsoon” the weather is now cooler and the rain has stopped. |
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Clare to Lez (82) |
The people she could weep for are the women waiting at home for news of loved ones who have been prisoners of the Japs. She intends to take cookery classes this autumn at the Poly. Doris goes in the afternoons. Is toying with the idea of painting as a hobby. Talks of worsening economics; more rationing; but says she has not lost weight and feels the people have been well taken care of. |
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Lez to Clare (58) |
has bought another carpet, 9’x9’, in Bombay. More de-mob chat. He has heard that 24 hours after you step ashore in the UK you’re on your way home as a civilian! Wonders about the Woman’s place..would she object if he grilled the occasional steak? |
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Clare to Lez (83) |
Joan wants to start a dressmaking business. Excellent idea. Doris and Albert are away in Brighton. Saw a film including the Grand National and now lists “seeing a horse race” as one of her list of experiences of a life time yet to be done. Edgar is intending to stay in the RAF as long as possible. |
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Lez to Clare (59) |
He doesn’t think there will be any war for 20 yrs or more, the people in power will be we who have been through this one, “I don’t believe that talk of war will be raised above a whisper”. Is finding it hard to decide, should he get the choice whether to go with demob A or B. |
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Clare to Lez (84) |
went to look at Blessington. Much work to be done yet. Describes the flats in the house. Has been to the Rehousing Bureau, which makes her realise how lucky they are to have the chance of a flat. Suggests they accept the 2-roomed flat facing south on the first floor. She now has the Utility points to buy furniture. |
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Clare to Lez (85) |
note accompanying the photos of her in a bathing costume taken at Hastings |
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Clare to lez (86) |
Very busy at the office, “it’s definitely more complicated clearing up a war, than starting, or running one.” She has bought a new winter coat: brown beaver lamb (?) |
September 1945
Lez to Clare (60) |
letters are the most important part of his life “out here” and thinks himself very lucky to be wed to someone who can write with humour and intelligence. Tries to explain Blanche’s position to Clare: B is a brainy business woman, who has the capital to set Joyce up in business, but obviously is expecting something in return. There are so many ‘buzzes’ about demob, it’s demoralising. Could Clare let him know the official line? |
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Clare to Lez (87) |
has done quite a lot of the shawl, but still yards to knit. Demob: new plans are being submitted to cabinet today, intended to speed up the process. She has heard that the date of demob is the date after the 56 days’ leave, if so Lez would certainly be home this year. She refuses to get too excited. Sign of the times: ices are being sold in the interval in theatres! Went to see the folks. They are organising a demob party for his return! |
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Lez to Clare (61) |
spent the morning sorting out garments, checking if still wearable. Is having a Good Conduct Badge sewn onto his no.1 Blue. It needs altering, buttons taken in 3”. Refers to her letter 77.”We are lucky to have gotten away with our lives…..there were times when the outlook was grim. …lucky too that our relations and friends have come through OK- except Mother-she was a grand old lady.” Now has a much better idea about the process of demob. Has Clare thought about what she will do when he’s back? The relaxing of Labour Regulations means she could get local work. Still thinks that office work is going to be too boring. |
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Clare to Lez (88) |
all about demob, and life after. She has thought about it . only thing for certain is that she will take as much leave as he will be getting, whether she’s supposed to or not. “it isn’t a dream any more, it’s coming true” |
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Lez to Clare (62) |
Monsoon now in its last phase, so there are dry times to hang things out. It means a lot to us. Badge now sewn on under the PO’s crossed hooks. He has applied for all the medals due to him”-no comments” |
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Lez to Clare (63) |
payday tomorrow, is going to Bombay to do more shopping. More demob talk. Where should they go for their holiday? |
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Clare to Lez (89) |
has giggled at the last 2 letters, says that the bugs and creepy-crawlies he talks of sound horrid. Lists her wishes in regards fabric and clothing. “more than half my life nowadays is spent up in the clouds”. |
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Clare to Lez |
Forces Letter, Clare calls an Airgraph. Is going to Cufley Towers this evening. They’ve had a jolly letter from Lez. |
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Clare to Lez (90) |
the Cufley children are water babies. Clare helped at bathtime. Joan and Frank dropped in for lunch. Gave no warning, as usual, so both Clare and her mother had other arrangements. J & F went to visit Auntie Millie and Uncle Len( on demob leave from the RAF). Saw a Noel Coward show with Muriel Fisher. |
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Lez to Clare (64) |
Vera has sent him a snap taken at Dansom Pool of him with Clare. He intends to put it up somewhere. Says they are all waiting to go home , “carrying out the pointless and ridiculous orders and parades, so beloved of the navy, is getting under my skin”. Talks of the new flat, thrilling, and how easy it will be for Mother to let two rooms. Wandered into an Indian part of Bombay. Not welcomed by the locals. They got out! |
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Clare to Lez (91) |
the evenings are drawing in, but depression is not setting in! she hears from the gang that Lez has received his medal ribbons, and looks like a Christmas tree. |
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Lez to Clare (65) |
Lez on fine philosophical form about the trustworthiness of newspapers and politicians. We want a new world of free trade and openness; interchange of ideas. Civilisation is springing forward, we can thank God for being present in a renaissance that has no parallel. Describes in detail his day off in Bombay, and all that he has bought., including a carpet for Doris and gloves for Clare. |
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Lez to Clare (66) |
Happy talk of the flat. Don’t forget to call on the gang for help when/if you move in. suggests mahogany utility furniture: a richer tone. Excitement in camp, 2 policemen got draft chits back to UK, left today, so we’re not forgotten. |
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Clare to Lez (92) |
How wonderful it must be to go into shops and ask for what you want. Just like that. Approves of all his purchases. Her response to the letter: “you are the same logical clear-thinker….” |
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Lez to Clare (67) |
thinks news of her new coat is splendid. “there’s absolutely no work of any importance to do….” So he daydreams of past and future. Goes through their early days: his shock at seeing that ring from the Other Man on her finger; the holidays in Bournemouth. |
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Clare to Lez (93) |
Mr Bedford has retired. “He was most helpful to me when I first worked for Gordon”. Has seen notices asking for more technical posts than the Contracts that he was in. Thanksgiving Week starts tomorrow. In Trafalgar Square are all sorts of German weapons on show, she would like to see the V-bombs. There will be parades and sing-songs and speeches. “it’s a wonderful world and I feel right on top of it” |
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Lez to Clare (68) |
Loves the pin-ups in the swimsuit. Has been to Bombay to buy a handbag to go with the fur coat. Found a shop run by a chic Frenchwoman, and has bought a bag. He’s sent it airmail! Has found a shop selling sugar (which is very scarce here too) and will send a package. |
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Clare to Lez (94) |
Such a surprise! A package with a lovely handbag. Thank you! Her old friend Betty has been transferred back to London. They will have lunch and catch up. |
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Lez to Clare (69) |
his nerves are in a shattered state…all this waiting! Light-hearted letter about future happiness. |
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Clare to Lez (95) |
She has finished the black coat she’s been making: “not bad for an amateur”. The bag was admired by all the girls. Jim’s out of a job. Marley Tiles has closed down. He was hoping for a traveller’s job with them. Vera has given her some beautiful brushes. Vera has too many household articles these days. |
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Lez to Clare (70) |
He is ill with “dingy” fever. Too low to write much but will be better tomorrow |
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22.9.45 |
Clare to Lez (95a) |
Sorry he has been ill. Is pleased he will be leaving India soon. Went to see the V2 in Trafalgar Square, “and of all the sinister looking objects that takes the cake!” as asked, she will look out his driving licence, which needs renewing. |
Clare to Lez (96) |
Went down to see the folks. Joyce is looking well. Pop has received a certificate of thanks and appreciation on his retirement from the Arsenal, after 54 years. |
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Lez to Clare (71) |
Has been thinking of his future work. Would like Clare to keep tabs on his old office, keep his name in people’s minds. Should he write a letter to Mr Goad? He never imagined the days would go so slowly. Critcises the TUC for announcing that the troups in Europe should come home before those in Asia. Tells her more of his passage on the Mauritania. |
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Lez to Clare (72) |
Mail is becoming less reliable as they are using the planes to repatriate POWs. Things have slowed right down here, it’s almost certain that the base will close down early., but not certain what will happen to the personnel. The camp gramophone is playing “Whispering, my signature tune”. Must buy a joanna. |
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Clare to Lez (97) |
delicious food parcel arrived today. Peaches!! Bought an iron. It fused the flat! She found fuse wire and mended the fuse. Blessington is being decorated. The black coat is finished. |
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Lez to Clare (73) |
Lez has sent a sort of pin-up photo of himself as Tarzan in his Element. Also snaps of his corner of the cabin. Has sent two Christmas food parcels, one to Doris, one to Clare, including raisins, sultanas and butter. Includes a list of all 11 parcels sent, which Clare has annotated when they arrived. Says that 2 years away would have cracked him. |
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Clare to Lez (98) |
Woo hoo! Some Tarzan! Demob: the new scheme to be announced next Tues. Thinks the letter is a good idea, but is going to do some ferreting first |