1915 Letter 2
Feb. 24, [1915]
Dearest Mother,
George has just been here all evening and such a talk as we have had. He said
if I wanted to go out all right but he'd rather just sit and talk. He is such
a fine big fellow- and so good looking. His Mother surely must be very proud
of him for he is a man already and a fine one-
The 9th Battalion has been all broken up and he is at Tidworth
doing fatigue duty - unloading lumber - cleaning up huts after the men who have
gone to France and being generally useful. The detachment at Tidworth is known
as Imperial Details and they form a sort of training depot for recruits - George
feels badly at not going to France with the rest but I'm glad to have at least
one of the boys here. In all probability - we'll go down there - for a few weeks
anyway - to relieve the nurses who are there - Then we will be moved to France
in readiness for the spring campaign. They say over here that the nurses at
Salisbury worked far harder than the ones in France - as the sickness among
the men was terrible - but not to be wondered at in such weather.
Yesterday morning we were all sworn in - for a year or for the duration of
the war. Some of the girls are just beginning to realize what they are in for
- everything up to the present having been rather pleasant.
I am all ready to go and hope I go soon. We are all tired of having no special
aim in life and will be glad to be busy.
I will be glad too if I go ahead of the rest. I am inclined to think that
here after I'll travel alone. I like Miss Elliott very well and we get along
together - being very much Holly's type but on the ship we got so tired of Miss
Godard that we don't seem able to get over it. She is a nice girl but the family
pet and very spoiled and babyish and so prim that she nearly drives us crazy.
We sort of grew away from her on the ship and once you see a person at their
worst you never take to them again. She was the joke of the ship- her petted
ways and her absolute abandonment to sea sicknessness.
We three have a room together and it's much cheaper but she tags around after
me till I want to slap her.
All that must sound very ill-natured but don't take it seriously. There surely
are some very interesting women. Miss Boulter is very strict and determined
that there will be little or no talk about this lot - for which we are very
thankful.
As you say it is the chance of a life-time - when you think what we are seeing!
George says he wouldn't have missed it for anything. He was talking about his
Mother and said how hard it would have been on her if she'd been alive. Poor
boy - he is so young - and yet so grown up.
He said Eric was well the last he saw of him but simply foaming at their treatment
- but I think Eric's turn will come to go ahead and he'll be all the more ready
for it. George met Jean Kennedy and says she is really an awfully nice girl
and certainly doesn't look her age. But as to Eric's feeling he had no idea.
We are going to see David Copperfield to-night and sight-seeing to-day. There
is no end to the things one can do here. I found I'd have some money over and
above so bought a navy blue suit, as my things were done for and my uniform
wasn't ready. I will take it with me and if I can go and see Eric it may be
handy. Our uniforms are going to be very becoming etc. and the capes too.
I'll get some pictures as soon as possible.
Friday am.
George came over in the morning about ten. He hadn't seen the Horse Guards
so went there and on to the Palace. Then walked to the Abbey - and saw it thoroughly
- all the Royal Chapels etc., all the old Kings and Queens of hundreds of
years ago. It was nearly twelve so we stayed for the Intercessory service. It
was worse than any funeral. All the people seemed to have friends in France
and many were in mourning. It was very beautiful though. The prayers are so
fitting - then there was a hymn for those away and "Oh God our help in
ages past". There was no choir, just a clergyman in a black surplice. Everyone
was crying and guess we did too a little. George is a dear boy. He told me all
about his trip over and how hard it was at camp for him to keep straight as
they were all heavy drinkers, but I think he'll be all right. He also told me
all this gossip he'd heard about Teddy looking after the baby - and it is evidently
worrying the poor boy. He is very much Don's style - happiest in his home. He
does not seem to think Elsie should be trusted with Ted's upbringing and I guess
he's right.
What a blessing it is to have such dear boys - for they all are - other families
may have more but I doubt if many have less to worry about in their boys.
We walked around part of the afternoon and then at George's earnest request
to two movie shows one after another. He expressed a fondness for movies and
said none of the other fellows would go with him. Then we had dinner at "Ye
Old Cheshire Cheese" tavern - planked plaise - the most delicious fish
I ever ate and Irish Stew "the dish of the evening. Then toasted Cheshire
cheese and tea. It is a very quaint old place and full of all sorts of associations.
We sat in Dr. Johnston's seat. I am sending you a menu.
Well I must close if I'm to catch this mail.
Ever so much love to you both.
Yours always,
Helen