The Letters between Lez and Clare Westaway
From August 1942 to December 1945

October 1945

1.10.45

Clare to Lez (99)

What a boon to have an electric iron! Jim is willing to help with the flat. He has not got a new job yet, but got to the second interview this week. Office time reduced by an hour, yippee. Joan has started her dressmaking business, employs 2 girls and has been inundated with orders. Notes down his pay statement and prospects.

2.10.45

Lez to Clare (75)

had a celebration for one being demobed, gp 21, Lez has a poor throat this morning. Says he must be careful. Has been granted four medals:1939/45 star, The Atlantic Medal, the France & Germany Medal and the Defence Medal. The F&G medal is a “clasp” to the Atlantic Medal and is indicate by a rosette on the Atlantic ribbons. He’s likely to get two more:service abroad and victory, but they have not been announced yet.

3.10.45

Clare to Lez (100)

Housing problem terrible, we are lucky, if we didn’t rent that flat in Blessington last year we would stand an earthly. Had lunch with schoolfriends, reminisces over the fun they had, “it was a lovely school…loved every moment…..lived only for books and the companionship of the girls.” Very worried about news of riots in Bombay. “Throats are my weakness too, I only have to smoke a few cigarettes and sing and I wheeze for days afterwards.

3.10.45

Lez to Clare (74)

 written 22.9.45
Has not been out of camp (ashore). Has been reading a lot about cameras. Fascinating. Going to do much when he gets back. Gives his ideas on starting a family, when? Where? Thinks they should have some time to catch up first. He was dreading going back to the office, but not any more, he sees hjs future advancement within the CS.

4.10.45

Clare to Lez (101)

Spoke to Edgar on the phone. Sounds much more his old self, but still not regaining weight. Flew to Germany with no ill effects this week, had a wonderful time seeing the sights and eating! Is hoping to stay in the RAF for 4 years then take his Clerical Officer exam.

5.10.45

Lez to Clare (76)

today it’s 6 months since he left England. It’s flown by. Talks of all he could buy and being ready for the demob, “which must come soon”

6.10.45

Clare to Lez (102)

she would like to try photography too “certainly dad was very artistic and made a hobby of photography.” As Lez has said, she thinks they should have “a glorious year of fun in which we do as we please, go where fancies dictate, free of cares and duties”

7.10.45

Lez to Clare (77)

describes going to Bombay, with rioting still going on. They nearly got caught up in trouble, but made their purchases and made it back to the main street.

9.10.45

Clare to Lez (103)

Just a note, written in the office
will write more tonight , this penned whilst eating sanwiches, then off shopping

10.10.45

Clare to lez (104)

Has received 33 utility furniture points so can now make enquiries. Also has a permit for 20sq yds of lino and 15yds curtaining. The flat is still a mess, but is assured that it will be ready in 3 weeks.

10.10.45

Lez to Clare (78)

He’s borrowed a camera and will take some snaps. It’s cooler in the evenings now. He lies on his bed painting scenes of domestic bliss, which he describes.

11.10.45

Clare to Lez (104a)

feels on top of the world. Has been looking at furniture. Then bought a matching saucepan and kettle.

11.10.45

Lez to Clare (79)

went to Bombay  for a swim. It was glorious, swim and sunbathe. They are all pale again. Took some shots. Describes Bombay at night: the homeless and those in flats.

12.10.45

Clare to Lez (105)

Flat news: in two weeks time she should be able to get in and clean up and stain floors. They are re-wiring the house. Still wondrous summer weather. Joan’s business is flourishing. Thinks Lez will be demobbed at the end of Jan.

12.10.45

Lez to Clare (80)

Describes morning parade, disparagingly. Latest demob plan says he’ll be out soon after Christmas ( he’s in group 35 and group 31 have been told that they will be out for Christmas). Is happy with that, but is steeling himself not to be disappointed if he’s on the seas rather than home for Christmas. Describes, amusingly, his photographic trip to Bombay, and some serious sunbathing.

13.10.45

Clare to Lez (106)

Has tried to find out whether there will be any electric points in 12 Blessington. The elec co. cannot tell her. Has been to the Gas Co. and ordered a stove to rent. Walked home with Vera, and the two ‘babes’. Jim is still out of work.

15.10.45

Lez to Clare (81)

Talks of his post war job. Explains his reasons for not trying to get leave to travel through India. “I’m not particularly interested in the rest of India, this part is bad enough”. “The simple people won’t cause any trouble, but the classes above are born trouble-makers”.

17.10.45

Clare to Lez (107)

She has ordered ‘medium oak’ utility furniture from Maples. Went to Eltham ( the Cufleys) to see them all: Jeanette and Freddie, Hux and Pat. She heard how Freddie and Lez struggled home after Jim’s bachelor night and thought they were climbing a hill when they got to Plumstead Bridge! Hux and Pat have acquired a dog.
there are pictures of the dog with Hux amongst Dad’s stuff.

18.10.45

Lez to Clare (82)

Describes going to Bombay with no intention of spending anything, but ending up buying a shirt, socks, vests and butter.

19.10.45

Clare to Lez (108)

Loves being in London in the evening, the lights give her an exciting ‘dining out’ feeling. Today she lunched with Betty. “We’ve known each other so long…old friends are the best”.

22.10.45

Clare to Lez (109)

Joan and Leslie Ann arrived just as Clare was getting ready to go out. (why don’t they let us know?) She went to the Cuffley’s “where the hell have you been?”. “Same old V”. they went to the pub to meet the gang: Freddie and Jeanette, Hux and Pat, Jim and Vera, Bill Cufley and girl friend Grace. Many laughs. Freddie regaled them of tales of Westie (Lez) when he was running his Austin Seven.

22.10.45

Lez to Clare (83)

Woe is he. He dropped and ruined a spool of film. He has been spending so much on the necessities for their new home that he is in need of £10 from home, please. He is swimming every week now. Cannot understand fellows who say that life out here is pretty good, they wouldn’t mind staying.” I don’t understand them”.

23.10.45

Clare to Lez (110)

Joyce and Tom were hoping to live in one of the flatlets Blanche is having created in a house she has bought, but the borough have requisitioned it, so there’s no chance. Talks of changes afoot in the ministries, her ministry is the best at contracts, so will take over housing. There will be plenty of opportunities for Lez. Has sent £10. pleased that he is buying clothes. Shoes are unobtainable in London.

23.10.45

Lez to Clare (84)

It’s Divali (Lez describes it as the Hindu Christmas). The workshops have been decorated and all the Hindus are now on holiday, so the Naval men are having a holiday too. Yes, no trouble about buying a carpet for Mother, Lez was going to suggest it himself. The base is to be turned over to the Indian Navy on 1st Dec. They have been sunbathing nude and a photographer snapped them. Lez sent a copy to Clare, “I see no harm in sending it" the sun has cured his skin problems.

24.10.45

Clare to Lez (111)

Has bought him a pipe for his birthday, having queued up on two separate occasions to buy one of only five or six available! Spent 2½hours scouring London for a pair of shoes, finally found a pair of brown brogue court shoes. And has bought a hat.

26.10.45

Lez to Clare (85)

Would Clare please try to organise a phone for the flat, regardless of expense. His philosophy for how they should live their lives fills 5 pages.

27.10.45

Clare to Lez (112)

it’s been 7months since “that fateful last Sunday. Gosh, I’ll never forget your face when I met you that day…..” reminisces about times past…”We went to your club at Forest Hill…”. Revels in train journeys when they “…are no longer entombed in blacked out compartments”.
encloses an information sheet about utility furniture etc

27.10.45

Lez to Clare (86)

many “buzzes” going round. He is buoyed up by the strength of feeling that demobbing is increasing. It is making them all deranged! His emotions then rebound and he finds himself lethargic.

29.10.45

Clare to Lez (113)

went out this weekend, as last. Tom Lawson was there as well this week. Has visited Joan, who is very busy, even with a cleaner and 2 girls in the needle-room. Her head is full of arrangements for their flat.

November 1945

1.11.45

Clare to Lez (114)

The parcel of rugs has arrived. Lovely brown carpet. The decorators have finished in the flat! “Westaway Towers is almost on the map!”

3.11.45

Clare to Lez (115)

All excited inside: tomorrow she’s going to see the flat. Has heard that the Mauretania is in dock in Bombay, due to sail on 10th Nov with 5000 servicemen aboard. If only you could be among them.

4.11.45

Lez to Clare (87)

Started the Grande Finale- started to close the base.

5.11.45

Clare to Lez (116)

All her time is taken up planning for his homecoming. Poor Jim “is really quite enormous” and is talking of dieting. Has seen the flat and is very excited.

5.11.45

Lez to Clare (88)

Has had no mail for a week. Is feeling out of touch. Went to the beach in the sunshine, and took some shots with the camera.

5.11.45

Lez to Clare (89)

he enclosed several snaps with this letter and describes what they show.

6.11.45

Clare to Lez (117)

Is very well, thinks it’s because of the good news filtering through. The gang is splitting up for a while: Freddie back to Italy, Tom to Germany, and Bill and Hux also finish their leave. For food parcels she would like: tinned meats, severely rationed; and tinned fruits, unobtainable.

9.11.45

Clare to Lez (118)

Gang met at the pub for the last time, played billiards and darts. Has been buying: china tea service, glass water set, basins and cups for breakfast. Also ordered a saucepan set. Happy birthday! And have a round of drinks on me (£2 enclosed)

9.11.45

Lez to Clare (90)

Is pleased to hear about the Gang, and the furniture bought. He is trying to write a short story, it’s hard work but keeps his mind occupied.

10.11.45

Clare to Lez (119)

Parcels have arrived. Almonds!! Betty has arranges to rent the spare room in Welling, and will rent both rooms when Clare moves out. Grand isn’t it? She and Mother only spend one evening a week together now, and that at the pictures, so Clare won’t feel lonely in her own flat.

13.11.45

Clare to Lez (120)

Baby Leslie looks sweet in her new winter outfit of leggings and tailored coat (made by Joan). Went to the flat and scrubbed. Very dusty, very dirty, very tiring! Has received 5 parcels. Doris was thrilled with the rug; Pop loves his tea and cigars; the tin of salmon would cost 32 points, a couple get 40 points a month which has to cover necessities like cereals and tinned milk; the sheets are very good quality; the gloves fit perfectly. Edgar has signed for a further 4 years in the RAF
she mentions letter 91 with photos in it. We do not have it.

13.11.45

Lez to Clare (92)

He has bought a camera, a Zeiss, and has taken pics. Describes the locals’ reactions. Has seen the Mauritania in port, she sails in 6 days time with 5000 “very lucky people”. John Guilgood was playing Hamlet in Bombay, Lez was “mad at missing it”. People are so mediocre, he could get no one interested in the Hamlet, and is considered pretentious if he talks of art or going to the Proms.

14.11.45

Lez to Clare (93)

“nothing prosaic” in this love letter

14.11.45

Lez to Clare (93a)

A short note describing the enclosed photos

14.11.45

Clare to Lez (121)

the photos Lez sent are really fine. Doris helped her to do the cleaning on Monday, which Clare took off. There are no elec points, so she’s arranged with an electrician to put points in. Tom (Lawson) is also studying photography in his spare time.

16.11.45

Lez to Clare (94)

Has received 4 letters. Is gleeful about the flat. Has continued with photography, finished the first spool.

17.11.45

Clare to Lez (122)

Has spent the evening babysitting for Joan and Frank who have gone out for the evening in their car. They are putting the glass back in the station roofs. She loves the street lights and lit windows in the office buildings. Joyce came to the welling flat for the evening; “She’s awfully good company and I can quite imagine how she broke so many hearts”

19.11.45

Clare to Lez (123)

It’s frosty and a gale on the coast washed up a few more mines. Two have exploded outside Ramsgate. Reminds him to stock up with new clothes, the rationing is still so tough. Sunday morning scrubbing floors, all paint removed from one, ready for staining. Rooms are: 10’6”x11’6” (bedroom), 11’6”x14’6” (living room) and 3’6”x6’(kitchenette)

20.11.45

Clare to Lez (124)

Has spoken to Mr Hall: Lez is most likely to go back to Contracts, but nothing is certain in the CS. Has talked to the Insurance Agent re life policies.

21.11.45

Lez to Clare (95)

Latest on demob: he is bound to be on his way before the end of Dec. Is enclosing his application for a new driving licence, as an old-timer he is allowed to drive anything (!)

22.11.45

Clare to Lez (125)

Latest demob news says Lez will be onboard ship at Christmas, steaming for home. She’s very busy and time is now short. Encloses the CS newsletter.

23.11.45

Lez to Clare (96)

Official confirmation of rumours: George and others up to Gp31 are to go for a medical tomorrow, then away to Braganza on Friday. Lez is in the next batch, he guesses they will leave mid-Dec. additional merriment: the pipe (birthday present) has arrived

23.11.45

Lez to Clare (97)

George leaves for Braganza next Tuesday. Believes he is better organised and has done a trial packing. OK. Post very slow, one delivery a week.

24.11.45

Clare to Lez (126)

Wow! You may be on board in 2-3 weeks!  This is Friday. Hopes to have floors and curtains finished by the end of next week.

27.11.45

Lez to Clare (98)

Thinks that he will be away by the end of the month, whatever the contradictory  rumours say. Yes , he would like the larger room as their living room, “I have a violent dislike of small rooms, a throwback from Garibaldi Street where a table and two chairs filled the room.” Description of the custom of garlanding a leaver, carried out by the “coolies in our shop”. “Throughout our sojourn here the coolies have been treated remarkably well by the Naval chaps, much better than by their fellow Indians, and they really appreciate it”. Demob details: he will be able to give the name of the ship and date of departure, which Clare can use to find time of arrival: big ships take 2 weeks, smaller vessels dock to fuel up and take 3 days longer. The camp begins to feel like a holiday camp, but in work he “slaves” to get the clearing finished so that there is no hitch in the demob.

28.11.45

Clare to Lez (128)

Reminisces about the last time they spoke on the telephone, she in the office with tears streaming down her face, trying to find something cheery to say. She has seen their table and sideboard, it’s well made. Has rung the Fuel Overseer to get a permit for coal: 8cwt, the ration for Nov&Dec. Expects to move in next week.

29.11.45

Lez to Clare (99)

has seen off George, his turn should be next. Hopes the cigars have not been destroyed by a beetle, as other people’s were, and pleased that the almonds were edible, some parcels have arrived infested with ants!

30.11.45

Clare to Lez (129)

Lez’s letters with their “never failing fund of love, humour, commonsense and philosophy” have become a vital part of her life.

December 1945

4.12.45

Clare to Lez  (130)

has been very busy. Is booked to move in 10th Dec.
This is the last letter from Clare that we have

5.12.45

Blanche to Lez

sends money for a Happy Christmas. Wishes him a speedy return. Edgar is due for demob. Charlie is spending Christmas with Blanche

 

Lez to Clare (100)

written 23.11.45
Has sent some more snaps, tho’ enlargements he’s not posting. Talks of his camera, Zeiss Ikonta. Has bought a carpet for Mother.

 

Lez to Clare (101)

written 25.11.45
where will he spend Christmas? He’s all packed up. “as I left and lost so much gear on 710 and 764 my kitbag will be comparatively empty, no overcoat, oilskins, No3 suits, boots ,shoes, or any heavy gear whatsoever”

 

Lez to Clare (102)

written 27.11.45
very light-hearted look at his life, the navy ,what Clare should be doing (putting her feet up and dozing). More serious about India and whether the Indians really hate the British. Strongly recommends A Passage To India for an insight into the Indian mind.

 

Lez to Clare (103)

written 29.11.45
glad to see details of prospects for returning civil servants. Is pleased to think that he will return on his EO grade, maybe even higher. There is no news, not the tiniest rumour. Doris says that Albert has promised to put up the curtain rails for Clare. Asks her to go easy on the gold braid, bought to edge the pelmet, because in the Navy it is “synonymous with all that is over-powering, tyrannical, flannelling and generally unpleasant”.

 

Lez to Clare (104)

written 31.11.45
a love letter, fantasizing on looking at Clare’s photo

 

Lez to Clare (105)

written 2.12.45
has spent the day at the beach. Describes the scene, and the emptiness of the camp. Would like Clare to buy a yachting magazine so that he can keep up. Says they won’t be able to afford one at first but that he would like to charter a small day boat for holidays in Poole Harbour. Says Tom, Hux and Jim were also interested. Would she consider not working to enable her to have time to study some of her interests: she could forward her desire to go into local politics by studying local government; or take up musical studies. Says he is seriously spending 2 or 3 nights a week at night-school

 

Lez to Clare (105a)

written 3.12.45
Happy anniversary. News is in, his draft chit is on its way. Don’t write any more.

 

Lez to Clare (106)

written 5.12.45
The letters are definitely in the camp. He knows no more details. Congratulates Clare on getting the flat organised. A home of their own. “I can’t believe I’ve come to the end of our trial- unbelievable! But it’s true darling, it’s true”.

 

Lez to Clare (107)

written 7.12.45
a letter of daydreams

 

Lez to Clare (108)

written 8.12.45
He needs to write or he’ll go mad. Writes “babble” about Clare being in all his thoughts

 

Lez to Clare (109)

written 9.12.45
optimistic that he’ll be on the ship leaving on 20th. He’ll miss Christmas,” but if you climb to the top of Shooters Hill you’ll be able to see an offshoot of the same water that’s carrying me back to you.”

 

Lez to Clare (110)

written 12.12.45 addressed to 12 Blessington Road
another day wasted away…seemingly interminable delay… more invective on Navy. Wishes he knew when he was sailing.

 

Lez to Clare (111)

written 14.12.45
Has been told that his group are to go into Braganza to await shipment on Monday or Tuesday next! He doesn’t know date of sailing yet.  “Dawn is breaking, Aint love grand?”

 

 

Lez to Clare (112)

written 16.12.45 
He had said he would mark the back of the envelope in which is news of his sailing with a cross. This envelope has that cross with “this is it!”       
“when you read this I shall be steaming across the Arabian Sea”. He embarks on Wednesday (19th) on the Rajah, an escort aircraft-carrier. It was all a rush, they were detailed for draft into Braganza at 10.00hrs this morning. The commander grabbed the Rajah from the RAF and a panic notice went out for eligible ratings to fill it! The journey will probably take 3 weeks, and we won’t know where she’s docking until they get into British water and are signalled to a port.

 

Lez to Clare (113)

written 18.12.45
The Braganza is a hive of activity. In this camp seamen up to gp50 are being sent home. Completed all necessaries: medical (2min); dentist (just counted ‘em!); Pay Office , where they accredited us with every farthing we were entitled to. Has found out that the large rug is not lost, has arrived in Pickfords depot in UK. “Coo! What exciting times.”

 

Lez to Clare (114)

written 21.12.45. Clare has noted this date on the envelope
Aboard. Sail tomorrow via Aden and Port Said. The ship was set up as a troop carrier by the Yanks, “equipped it on standards that make the British Admiralty shudder and sigh that the Navy’s going soft.” There is no restriction on use of a camera.

 

Lez to Clare (114a)

written  18th Nov, posted by George on his arrival in Portsmouth, 22nd Dec
thought it would give Clare a thrill to receive a letter posted in Portsmouth, a sign that he won’t be far behind

 

telegram, Lez to Clare

written in Bombay, to arrive at Christmas
Merry, merry Christmas Darling………..In fact all our Christmases will be merry and every new year will be happier yet..”

 

Lez to Clare (115)

written on Christmas Eve, 24.12.45
The Rajah is pounding across the Arabian Sea at 16knots. Will post this in Aden, by the time Clare gets it “we’ll be halfway though the Med”. Eta 11th Jan, probably Sheerness. Life onboard is very dull. Still can’t believe it’s really happening.

 

Lez to Clare (116)

written on New Years Eve, 31.12.45.
just east of Suez, going through the canal tomorrow. It’s cool “no more sweating, no more tropical sun, no more prickly heat, no more pimples…good riddance” is just allowing himself to believe that this is a voyage to the Promised Land. As he comes west he loses “the procrastinating effects of the lotus leaf”,.. “east is certainly east, and they may have it for my money”.  Talks of the writing and receiving of letters.  “ yours have kept me alive and have given me courage through years of terror and misery and parting. Foe the rest of my life I shall remember the intense feeling of joy that every one of your letters gave me. I’ve got every one and I’ll never part with them.”

 

Lez to Clare (117)

posted at Portsmouth the day they docked
written in a hurry aboard the HMS Rajah steaming across the Bay of Biscay in a storm.
He arrived back in England on Saturday 12th January 1946