Letter to Molly 5

My Dearest Sweetheart Molly,

You really are the most clever girl in the world, getting your friend Ellen to write to my mate Beezer has him on absolute top form. He is driving me crackers though as he is so desperate to read her letters by himself so he won’t leave me alone. It is a funny old thing, we had primers to learn from at school and Beezer is learning by reading the sides of ammo boxes and bully beef tins. At least him being able to do his letters will be one good thing that comes out of this war, he will be able to get a better job than shovelling coke at the Gasworks. Who knows, if he clicks with Ellen he might need a good wage to support a wife and family?

We still haven’t had our leave confirmed, even if I knew I can’t say when as it wouldn’t get past the censor anyway, but I reckon if you add 10 weeks to mam’s birthday you won’t be far off. I will send you a telegram when we dock if I can, though everybody will have the same idea I reckon!

Looks like Autumn is on its way as it is a bit nippy at night now, still not balaclava weather but I doubt it will be too long until it is. They say that when it gets really cold that we will get a cup of Fry’s cocoa laced with a tot of rum to keep us going at night. There are a few who have taken the pledge in our platoon, I wonder if they will suspend it for the duration so they can get a slug of hooch in their cocoa?

I saw an aeroplane yesterday, we all cheered as he went over and the man in the back waved at us. Jerry has been putting balloons up to spy on our positions but they soon pull them down when one of our kites gets close as they shoot them down. Our brave boys hide in the clouds and burst them before they get lowered though.

Well my sweet angel, I have run out of paper again so must close. I count the days until I get home and sweep you into my arms and cash in the kisses we put on our letters.

All my love always

Eddie xx xx

Graham Scott