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Cecil Duke Collection
assortment of items and some other names
Page 1 - Photos
Page 2 - Photos from Negatives
Page 3 - Letters 1932 - 1941
Page 4 - Letters 1942 - 1943
Page 5 - Letters 1944
Page 6 - Letters 1945 - 1948 (also
letters with no dates)
Page 7 - Letters 1950s onwards &
Certificates, Invoices etc.
1930 & 1932
  
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1) 17th December 1930 St. John's P.E.S., Newcastle - Cecil Duke, as a
pupil at this school was truthful, regular and punctual. I have no
recollection of ever finding it necessary to admonish him as a school-boy.
He was considerably above the average in intelligence, and towards the
latter part of his school career showed a desire to improve himself rarely
found in boys of his age. I have no doubt that he will give entire
satisfaction in whatever position he may be placed and I shall gladly answer
any queries that may subsequently be made on his behalf. H. Purdy, Prinp.
2) 10th December 1932 to Mr. Cecil A. Duke. To be opened when I am going to
sleep - 56 Westmoreland Street, Belfast - This is to Certify that I leave
anything I have to my Dear and Kind Nephew, Cecil Alexander Duke Sagt.?
Dukes Eldest Son who has often come to comfort me when alone. Signed
by his loving aunt Mrs. S. A. Gill 10.12.32
1937
 
   
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1) 11th January 1937 (Port Said) Postmark Grays, Essex to Miss (F.)
Maclachlan, Enniskerry, 7 Irwin Avenue, Belfast, N. Ireland - Tilbury,
Monday. Sailing tomorrow, & are due in Liverpool Thursday at mid-night. Hope
you are all well. Cecil
2) 26th January 1937 - Postmark London to C. Duke, Esq., M.V.
"Worcestershire," Bibby Line, Martin's Bank Buildings, Water Street,
Liverpool - "Tenby" 251 Prospect Road, Woodford Green, Essex 25th
January 1937. My dear Cecil, I have purposely refrained from writing
to you sooner, for a reason which you would probably not understand! As a
matter of fact, seeing you that day made me so unsettled, & set me thinking,
too, of a certain evening nearly 2 years old now, that I simply forced
myself to think of work & other things, in order to prevent my writing to
you, & disgusting you by being sentimental! I know you will not understand,
so I won't try to explain, or say any more. Except that it was lovely to see
you again, even for such a brief time. It seems almost incredible that
it is really two years since we met, & in all that time we have only spent 2
evenings together, and a taxi ride across London - & we are still no nearer
knowing each other - well, very little, anyway. And I don't agree with you
that that is a good thing! Well, I have settled down again now, and am
capable of writing to you in the required "polite but friendly" manner. One
day you (and perhaps I) will grow tired of it. And that will be that, I
suppose. And I shall be relegated to your list of "has-beens" - which, I
understand, is usually pretty lengthy in the case of a sailor! Forgive
my talking like this, but I have no illusions, Cecil, nor do I imagine - a,
I should say, jump to wrong conclusions, just because a man kisses me on a
moonlight night. So you are quite safe from me, & there was really no need
to measure your distance so carefully in the taxi! However - Well,
anyway, you brought me a spot of luck, for when I returned to the office,
after snatching some lunch in a tiny restaurant (a rotten one, too!) near
Fenchurch St., I learnt that I had sold another film article to a magazine I
have not contributed to before, & a short story, to the same magazine!
(Maybe it was the tumble up the station stairs, but I prefer to think it was
you who brought me luck) I had a lovely time at the dance in the
evening, but - due to being half naked, I suppose - my cold was terrible
next day! I thought of you a lot, but resisted the temptation to
answer your letter at once. What happened, by-the-way, with the card-sharpers
on the train? Did they make any advances to you?! I hope you will not follow
my example & take a long time in replying to this. As ever, Rona
      
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1) 16th February 1937 - Postmark London to Mr. Cecil Duke, M.V.
"Worcestershire," c.o. Messrs. Steel Bros. & Co., Rangoon, Burma - "Tenby"
251 Prospect Road, Woodford Green, Essex. 15th Feb., 1937 My
dear Cecil, I feel rather ashamed of my last letter to you, I didn't realise
I could be such a fool. Please forgive me & forget it. You obviously thought
it very stupid, & so it was. But, after all, Cecil, I am only human, you
know. You ask me to explain what I meant, but, quite frankly, I
hesitate to do so. In fact I cannot do so. Really, I feel I said
enough.. too much, perhaps. If I said more we would, no doubt, both
regret it. It might spoil our friendship, you know. But in your last
letter there are one or two things I should like to answer. One - you say
(I'd better quote it in case you've forgotten) "I fail to see why you should
feel unsettled after seeing me" and "I can't for the life of me imagine why
you should be sentimental on my account," can't you, Cecil? Don't you think,
after our brief acquaintance on the Worcestershire and our long
correspondence, it is natural for me to - a little anyway? Do you think I'm
one of those cold FEMALES (I hate that word!) who feel completely
indifferent about men - particularly men that like? What kind of a woman do
you think I am, Cecil? I should quite honestly, like to know. No,
Cecil, I haven't forgotten, either, the first letter you wrote me from
Liverpool. It might interest you to know that I still have it, & have no
intention, either, of parting with it. I suppose that surprises you? I'm
beginning to think that many things about me would surprise you. Yes,
I remembered quite distinctly answering that letter & letting you know I did
not wish you to write sentimental letters to me. I did so for 2
reasons. Those reasons have always been very strictly my own, but now you've
asked for them, more or less, you're going to have them! Well - I
remember, most distinctly, your telling me on "our" evening together on the
"Worcestershire" that you wouldn't like to think that any girl took you
seriously. Well, I can quite understand that. Most men are out "for a good
time & no regrets" - and so are most women, for that matter. Me, too.
But, in view of that remark, & your behaviour just a little while later, do
you think I would want you to write sentimental letters to me? Have a
heart, Cecil, I have one, as it happens, & its also capable of being hurt
pretty deeply, so I made up my mind that I wouldn't let you, or anyone, hurt
me - oh Cecil, I do understand that you would not want any girl to take you
seriously, but if you had continued writing to me as affectionately as your
first letter - well, do you think that such letters would have meant nothing
to me? After that night together, too? Obviously, after your telling
me that, it was just a nights flirtation - possibly proving a bit nicer that
the average flirtation, but definitely nothing more than that. I remember so
clearly you passing that remark to me, too. It was when we first met
in the evening & we were standing on the deck - I think I was sitting on the
rail? - before we went up onto the flying-bridge, or whatever you call it.
You asked me if I were engaged & if there was anyone important to me at
home. I told you there was no-one, & you told me likewise - but you added
"it wouldn't be fair to a girl - me away at sea all the while" and then "I
shouldn't want any girl to take me seriously." So I did not attach any
importance to our evening together. After all, I must admit that other
men have kissed me at different times - some (very few) thought they were in
love with me, & others quite frankly admitted that they just wanted to kiss
me. I don't mean on the cruise, but before I ever met you, so why
should I think that might meant anything to you? I did not really expect
ever to hear from you. But I remembered your last remark to me at
parting, you will have forgotten that by now. So I didn't want you to
continue to write me as you began, because I was afraid that I might fall
very much in love with you, Cecil. That brings me to the second
reason, six weeks before I went on that cruise I broke off my engagement to
a man to whom I had been engaged for nearly 3 years. I don't want to tell
you all about it because, for one thing, it wouldn't interest you, I don't
suppose, and for another it would take too long, & this letter is already
too long, & for yet another - I don't like talking about it. When I
met you I was 24 (now I'm 25!!), & I'd wasted nearly 3 years of my life, or,
though I don't think so now, I thought at the time I had wasted my youth!
Actually it did me a lot of good, although thee whole business hurt terribly
at the time, suffering does do one good. Now I'm thankful for it all.
And when I met you I was thankful for it all, but not until I did meet you.
Another thing you must realise, Cecil, is this - you are so completely
different from the men I know in London, so much more healthy & clean &
open-air - that I didn't know how to take you, whether you were an
outrageous flirt or a thoroughly genuine & honest man! Whether you
were absolutely a rotter, or quite the reverse, you will think this mad, I
know. I still don't know how to take you. But now, perhaps, you will
understand why I made up my mind not to let you be sentimental. Please
understand. It was cowardly of me, but I was so afraid of falling in love
with you, & you hurting me. You see, I knew you wouldn't want me to fall in
love with you & get all serious & sentimental about you. I'm not really as
cold & hard as I've tried to be, you know, but that was the real reason why
I would not let you kiss me that much &, while it would have meant nothing
to you, it would have meant a lot to me. The whiskey was an excuse, but not
a lie. (I don't like being kissed after a drink of whiskey.) Please
don't think that lots of men have kissed me, you're quite wrong if you do
think that. Two years ago nearly, I made up my mind that I would not
fall in love again, that I'd work like a trojan & take no men seriously.
That is what I am doing. But its very hard to when I meet men like
you, who are so different from the men in London (not counting Freddy, who
has been a greater friend to me than anyone for several years) The men I mix
with here are mostly reprobates - journalists & reporters - good sorts in
their way, but rotten at bottom, as I found out. You cannot blame me if,
after a dose of such men, I meet someone like you - so utterly different -
no wonder I feel restless, after I saw you last & wished you had not to come
& go in my life the way you do! Honestly, Cecil, if it were not for
Freddy I should have a very lovely time, for as it is I have few friends but
lots & lots of acquaintances to whom I mean nothing, & mean nothing to me.
I hope this has cleared the air a bit. I know it all sounds senseless, but
do try to understand. Your sincere friend, Rona
2) 17th March 1937 Tenby, 251 Prospect Road, Woodford Green, Essex -
Dear Cecil, I don't know where you are at all & its months - & seems it -
since I heard from you - but, like a shot in the dark, I'm posting this to
Marseilles as it is the only address I know, & hope you get it alright. As
ever, Rana or Rona PS The snap was taken at Bournemouth recently, when
I went down for the weekend. Hope you like it. R.
   
10th April 1937 - Postmark Woodford Green, Essex to Cecil Duke, Esq., M.V.
"Worcestershire," Bibby Line, c.o. Alex. Howden & Co., Tilbury Docks, Essex
- Saturday Darling Cecil, I simply cannot wait until Tuesday to let
you know just how much I love the book-ends. Really I shall never be able to
tell you just how much, because there aren't words enough - or if there are,
I cannot find them. All I can say is thank you, & that seems so
inadequate! But, believe me, I shall always treasure them very, very
dearly, not only because they are the loveliest I have ever seen, but also
because they came from you. I was so entranced with them that I just
couldn't get to sleep for excitement, but kept switching on my lamp to have
another look at them! And I've had a lovely brain-wave, too. At least,
I thin its a brain-wave, but how you will take it, I don't know.
Anyway, here it is. I have a day "owing" to me from the office, which
I should have had at Easter but was too busy to take it. How would you like
it if I took it this week - say Thursday or Friday (preferably Fri.) and
then, if you were not already fixed, maybe we could go to Kew of Hampton
Court or somewhere, in the afternoon? I only make this as a suggestion, to
be turned down if you wish, as you did, I think, mention Friday to me last
night - it is Saturday you said, Isn't it? Anyway, if this idea
appeals at all perhaps you'd let me know in your letter (about Tuesday) so
that I may ask for the day in plenty of time. I leave it to you to choose
which day, if you like the idea. Last night was so lovely, Cecil, &
leaves me looking forward to Tuesday. Really, it all seems too good to be
true, after the months & months of waiting I've so patiently borne - but
they've been worth it, to me at any rate, to see you at all. If I
hadn't seen the elephants as soon as I wakened I should have thought last
night a dream. Yours ever, Rona
 
      
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1) 22nd April 1937 - Wireless Telegram to Cecil Duke, Worcestershire - Bibby
Line Wireless Service - I WONT AGREE LOVE RONA
2) 26th April 1937 - Postmark London to Cecil Duke, ?. Enniskerry, 7 Irwin
Avenue, Belfast, Ireland - Office, Monday My darling Cecil, You have
no idea how relieved I was to get your wire! You must have thought me either
very silly or very bold to send you a radio, but I did so want to stop you
from leaving the ship & going away for so long, as you planned. & I thought
that somehow I just had to get word to you before you docked at L'pool,
otherwise you might have walked right off the ship & right out of my life,
at the same time. Oh darling, I'm glad you didn't! Thank you, too, for
your letter which came Saturday night, it made me considerably happier! Do
you think you really might take a trip up to London to see me before you
sail? It would be lovely, if you could! I've just finished
making myself a new Spring costume, & I'd wear it in your honour.
Thank you, too, for the p.c. it was awfully nice, & looked a nice ship. I
hope your crossing was nice, too, dear. I meant to write you over the
weekend but, honestly, didn't have a spare minute. On Saturday morning I
always (weather permitting) play Tennis with my sister Freda, and this
Saturday was so lovely that we played for longer than usual, I just dashed
home in time for lunch, & in the afternoon did shopping for Mother (always a
lengthy job!) Got home about five & made some tea, & then thought I'd
sit down & write you, but some friends called & asked me to go to Tennis &
then to supper, & I went. When I got home (11.0 or thereabouts) your
letter was waiting. Well, I read it & read it & took it to bed & read
& read it again, so you can gather how welcome it was! I then began to
write you (in pencil & very badly) & in the middle of it I fell right off to
sleep, I was so tired! Wakened about 2 hours later very cold, as I
wasn't properly snuggled down, & my lamp still burning! and yesterday I got
up at the un-godly hour of seven o'clock, (Sunday too!) to go down to the
seaside to see a bungalow which I want to take Mother to for a holiday in
June. It was a glorious day, & the bungalow proved to be very nice
indeed, & right on the beach practically, & I hope I shall be able to get it
for the week I want. Unfortunately I cannot afford more than a week, as the
rest is really enormous! If we go, which I hope we do, I shall ask my
sister & her little girl to come with us. It ought to be rather fun & nice
for bathing, & it (the bungalow, I mean) has a huge verandah where we could
have our meals, & Mother could sit & watch us bathe. It is at Selsey?
Bill, East Beach. Rather a deserted place, & unfortunately a very stony
beach, but it is Mother I'm thinking of for this week (mine comes later!) &
from her point of view it would be ideal so here's hoping I can get it. If I
do, I'll be able to have some snaps taken for you - if you'd like them,
sweetheart. I'm sure your aunt must have been delighted to have you
back again, I'm sure she must have missed you, after all your long time at
home with her before. I envy her, & almost feel jealous! Well darling,
I do so hope you will be able to manage a dash up to London before you sail.
You know how happy it would make me, don't you? I don't have to tell you.
I resolved that this would be a short letter, because my last two were so
lengthy, so I'd better stop before it gets any longer & you will weary of
it. With love from your Rona. P.S. Darling, I do hope the black
cat will bring you luck! Or at least to you, dear, because you deserve
it so. (kisses)
        
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1) 28th April 1937 - Postmark London to C. Duke, Esq., "Enniskerry," 7 Irwin
Avenue, Belfast, Ireland (The Fleetway House, Farringdon Street,
E.C.4) - Office, Wednesday My own darling Cecil, What a
delightful surprize! The powder case is simply sweet, and I love it, I'm
going to keep it for very best, & only use it for evenings, or when I go out
somewhere very special, it's perfectly adorable. But you know, you're
really very naughty to spend your money on me so much. Darling, you
should save it for yourself, to have a good time with when you go ashore in
foreign ports. I know very well that it is hard-earned, & you deserve
to have as good a time with it as often you can. Darling, you don't
mind my saying this, do you? It has nothing to do with me how you
spend your money, but I just want to make it clear that I want you more than
your presents, much as I treasure them. Anyway, sweetheart, thank you
very, very much. It was a delightful surprise, & I send you lots of
kisses in thanks; lots & lots & lots. I have thought of you a lot, &
have been hoping you are having a happy time at home. I expect you are
being utterly spoiled. That is the best of going away for a long time
at a stretch, one is made such a fuss of when one comes home again!
Now I'm always at home, (I expect my mother often wishes I'd go away & leave
her in peace for a time!) & the only person who makes any fuss of one is
Freddy, otherwise I'm just taken for granted - part of the home furnishings,
I suppose!! I adore being spoiled at times, too. Darling, you
have not mentioned in your letters how your Mother is, I do hope she is lots
better. Seems you will probably buck her up a lot. If I were she
I believe I should be jealous of your aunt, having so much of you! I
had a killing? letter from Peggy this morning. I read it in the train coming
up & chuckled the whole way. She says: "Ken looks sweet in his
boiler-suit. He hasn't any hairs on his chest, thank goodness!"
(Whatever is a "boiler suit," Cecil?) And it seems that they saw each
other before he sailed again last Friday night. She says: and we never
even kissed - but there was a reason for that because the poor lad has had
all his teeth out & he only had the top set in that night??" So please
darling, don't go having your teeth out next time you come to London or it
will be a most disappointing evening for me! It seems that if Ken does
not feel fitter when he comes home next time he is going to look for a job
ashore. This does not seem to please Peggy. I don't know why.
But, anyway, I think that a shore life would make him considerably worse -
it's not so healthy as the sea. I'm longing for a spot of sea air
myself, & am looking forward very much to the week in June when we go to
Selsey, I have fixed up about the bungalow now. We go down on June
5th. I feel quite excited at the prospect of a week of the ozone! I
only hope it stays fine - because otherwise, being such an isolated spot, it
might not be so good. But if I want a rest more than anything else.
This has been such a winter of hard work. Peggy makes a lovely
suggestion, she says: "Perhaps if you could arrange it with Cecil you could
come & spend a few days with me when he reaches Liverpool next time.
It would be un & give you a chance to see a bit more of him." Anyway,
you are always welcome, etc. etc. "Well, darling, would you like that? It
would more or less rest with you, because, no doubt, you have friends there,
& I would not wish to tread on any other girls toes, when probably she looks
forward just as much as I to seeing you when you dock. As regards the
cruise, Peggy cannot get away that week, & it seems doubtful whether I
shall. In any case, Peggy rather wants to try another of the Bibby
Line vessels. As for me, there is only one I want to go on, & you know
which one that is, don't you? There is also the question of L.S.D. to
be faced, & it seems rather probable, darling, that we shall have to do
something else, after all. However I am ?aced by the thought that I
shall see you again before then, next time you come to Tilbury? Well,
Cecil dear, I have work to do, so I suppose I'd better get on with it.
Write me soon, won't you sweetheart, & meantime I send you lots & lots of
love & kisses. Your own Rona (kisses) P.S. I saw a film called
"Beloved Enemy" the other night: All about an Irishman & an English girl who
love each other, & who seem to spend their lives only meeting each other for
fleeting moments, & saying goodbye again! And the hero spoke with an Irish
brogue just like yours, so altogether it was perfectly heart-rending!
Especially in the end when they realised that their worlds lay so apart that
they could never come together, as they planned. I went home feeling
perfectly miserable!!
      
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1) 11th May 1937 - Postmarks London/Marseille to Cecil Duke, Esq., M.V.
Worcestershire, (Bibby Line) c.o. Watson, Browne & Co., Marseilles, France -
11th May 1937 office 3.30 p.m. My own dearest Darling, It
seems years since we parted, yet only a week last Sunday! Really, when I
think of you, & the hours we spent together, darling, it all seems quite
unreal. I have to keep on reading your letters to convince myself that it is
really true. I'm longing for your next letter & do so hope you will
post one to me from Marseilles. Thank you, darling, for the telegram,
which came to me as a delightful surprise in the middle of my work last
Friday afternoon, it was sweet of you, & I've still got it with me, in the
handbag! Thank you also, dear, for the lovely box of chocolates, you spoil
me, & you shouldn't, but I love it, all the same, I could wish you were here
to share the chocolates with me - and I'd like to spoil you, too, & make a
fuss of you & pet you & look after you - you'd hate that, really, wouldn't
you? And yet it's only because I love you so ?rably that I feel that
way. My darling, I don't know how I'm going to survive there
interminable weeks without you. I knew I'd miss you - but what I do
feel is sheer agony at times. I wonder of you feel that way? No - I
don't think you possibly could, because you are off to foreign shores & warm
climes & new faces, while I still go on daily, the same train journey to &
from the office; the same daily routine. Thinking of you all the time.
Last Thursday, the evening before you sailed, my sister, Freda, & her
husband, Donald, & Freddy & myself, (This evening had been arranged a long,
long time ago & I could not have dropped out without causing a lot of
inconvenience & ill feeling) I went to dine at the Strand Palace, then to
Drury Lane to see "Careless Rapture", very good, & afterwards we had supper
& dances at the San Marco. It was Freddy's birthday, & Freddy's evening, & I
thought of you every single minute! Even in the theatre, when it was dark, I
was wishing you were sitting beside me, & afterwards going home in the car I
was wishing you were with me, so that I could have snuggled down in your
arms! Well, tomorrow is Coronation Day & London doesn't seem like
London at all, but some mad city belonging entirely to foreigners & visitors
& no longer to the Londonder! Today is simply pouring, too. Hope it's
not like this tomorrow! We have to be in our seats in St. James St. at 6-7
a.m., that means getting up & catching the 5-0 a.m. train! Horrors! I'm sure
I won't do it! I shall think of you in Gibralter, & hope you have a good
time. You ought to have, darling. You'll get ashore, won't you?
Sweetheart, is it really true that you love me? And will you always?
Darling, don't forget me, will you? It will be terrible, if you come back to
me in July & find you don't love me at all. All my love, my precious,
dearest Cecil. Ever your own adoring, Rona (kisses)
        
 
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1) 20th May 1937 - Postmark London Air Mail to Mr. Cecil Duke, M.V.
"Worcestershire" (Bibby Line), c.o. Carson & Co. Ltd., Columbo - 20th May
1937 My dearest darling, Your two lovely letters came just when I was
beginning to think that I was never going to hear from you again! Yet I know
that you could not have got a line to me sooner - it was just that, after
seeing you in London, life seemed so empty after you had gone. My
darling, I do beg you not to think that, because of the things I told you
regarding my salary, etc., I was trying to force you, to put it bluntly,
into marriage. I realise only too well that, from your point of view,
it is not possible, & I would never have told you what I did were it not for
the fact that I loved you so much, & parting from you so painful, that,
after you had gone, I could not help dreaming impossible dreams - about how
lovely it would be for us to be together when you were in England. I
felt I did not care what the struggle was; that just to be with you even now
& then, if only for a short while, would be heaven to me. I dreamt
about a cosy little flat which I could make comfy & attractive, where we
could be alone together, just you & me & our love. Do you think me
silly & sentimental? I suppose I am. But I just couldn't help it. I thought
it all out, how I would work hard at my job, & writing, to keep this little
place going, to be ready & waiting for you to come home to, and you would
not find me a trace of a burden, because you would soon be away again to
other towns & ports, to all those other girls you have told me about. But I
would be at home, waiting for your return. And you could go on with your
career, & sit for all your exams, just the same, because I could keep
myself, & be no hindrance to you. I know now that such dreams were
foolish. But oh, how heavenly it would have been! My dearest one, I
think of you, too, the same way that you think of me, when I am in bed at
night. I think of you during the day, too, of course, but at night, when I
am in bed, alone in the dark, there is no-one to disturb me, & I can think
of you to my hearts content. It thrilled me when you told me that you, too,
think of me, lying in your arms. I dream of that, too. Forgive me for
telling you all this, but its true, every word. I thin if only Cecil
were with me now, our arms around each other. Wouldn't it be heaven?
The very thought of us, locked in each others arms at night, is so
unbearable sometimes that I try hard not to think of it. No, Cecil, I
do not doubt, as you think, your love for me. How can I? I have
only to think of your kisses & read your glorious letters. But it is
hard to believe that out of all the lots & lots of girls, attractive girls,
you must meet, you could possibly love anyone like me. But there is a
doubt in my mind, dear, not of your love, not of mine, but of whether we
shall ever be together. It seems so hopeless. Every day I seem
to realise more how hopeless it is. Lots of reasons - my name &
family, for instance, Mother does not want me to go on the cruise because
she is afraid I shall fall in love with you, & she does not want that
because, Mother - like, she wants me to marry someone who can give me a good
name & take care of me. She also thinks it would not be fair to you, to make
you want me when you are not in a position to have me, & will not be for so
many more years yet. She thinks that, if I do not see you, I shall get
over it. Don't blame her, darling, because it is only natural for a Mother
to feel that way. Perhaps I shall, one day, when (and if!) I am a
Mother. I saw a lovely film last night - Captains Corageous, Kipling's
Saga of the sea. Anything to do with the sea, I love, because of you. I t
was heart rending at the end, though, & I say there crying my eyes out!
Idiot, aren't I? I have had another short story published in another
womans magazine, &, just in case you would like to read it, I'm going to
send you a copy with the next "Argosy"? A fortnight on Saturday I go
to Selsey. I am looking forward to it, & am hoping for decent weather.
Waiting patiently for your next letter. Ever your own loving, Rana
(kisses) P.S. I sent a letter to Port Said by Air
Mail, & as I was anxious not to miss the mail I had to put a 6d stamp on,
which was all I had on me, & the G.P.O. closed (midnight last Friday) so if
you had to pay excess, do please let me know xxxx
2) 28th May 1937 - Wireless Telegram - Duke - "Worcestershire" Bibby
Line Wireless Service, Office of Origin, Shakespear, Thanks, Best of Luck,
Terrible Weather, Quite Fit, Jack
 
  
   
 
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1) 4th July 1937? Postmark Port Said to Mr. Cecil Duke, M. V. Worcestershire
(Bibby Line), c.o. Wm. Stapledon & Sons, Port Said
2) 18th July 1937 Postmark Woodford Green, Essex to Mr. Cecil Duke, M.V.
"Worcestershire", c.o. Alex. Howden & Sons, (Bibby Line), Tilbury Docks,
Essex - Sunday At Home Dearest Darling, Do please forgive this
pencil, but O am doing a very naughty thing: writing a letter at the
breakfast table, so I must not use ink for fear of splashing the cloth!
Anyway, I'm sure you will forgive me this once. Well, darling, I was hoping
there might be a letter from you on perhaps Friday night & at any rate
Saturday; from Marseilles, as none has come, I am wondering whether you did
not receive mine, & yet I sent it by Air Mail on the date listed. I do hope
you got it, because it was a long letter and - well, I do hope you got it
all right, or you will be thinking, again, that I have forgotten you, &
perhaps you've even made up your mind to forget me, & even decided not to
see me next week as a punishment - oh dear, this gets worse & worse & I'm
working myself up to a fit of the blues! Darling, I'm going to see you
tomorrow night. I'm coming down to the slip if you can't meet me in
London. I sent you a letter to Plymouth, on Friday, so you will have had
that yesterday. Well, sweetheart, there is no news until I see you. But I do
just want to say. "Welcome Home, Darling!" There is someone here who has
been waiting three & a half months to say that. And now - only tomorrow
evening, dear, precious, darling; and we will be in each others arms again.
Until then, you own loving Rona (kisses) P.S. I want lots of big ones like
these tomorrow night, please, lots & lots & lots. P.S.S. Will you have
your uniform on when I come to the ship? Darling, I do hope so.
3) 24th July 1937 - Postmark Tilbury, Essex to Cecil Duke, S.S.
Worcestershire Telegram Woodford Green, Cecil Duke S/S
Worcestershire, Tilbury Docks - Parting terrible miss you awfully wrote last
night, posting Antwerp, Love Rona
4) 26th July 1937 - Postmark London to Mr. Cecil Duke, M.V.
"Worcestershire," (Bibby Line), c.o. Gellatly, Hankey & Co., Hamburg,
Germany - Monday Dearest, I sent off a letter to Antwerp this morning,
& am sending this now to Hamburg. I sent the letter to Antwerp because
I wasn't sure whether it would reach Hamburg before you left. I do
hope you got my wire at Tilbury O.K., & that it made you as happy as yours
made me, since Friday night I have felt in the depths of depression & still
do, although I was delighted to get your note this morning. I miss you
so agonisingly, it is hard to beat. I wrote you a very muddled note
when I got to bed on Friday night, & then thought, as it would not reach
Tilbury before you left, I would wire you there, & send the note to Antwerp.
I wrote more on Sunday & feel very guilty because I did not ask you to
excuse the pencil. Do, please. I have just came out to lunch,
but I am not going to our restaurant, because I simply couldn't beat it.
I should be reminded too much of last week. I want that week all over
again - every minute. oh darling, this parting has been much worse
than I anticipated. All my love, Your Rona
     
   
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1) 9th August 1937 Postmark Bournemouth, Poole to Mr. Cecil Duke, M.V.
"Worcestershire", (Bibby Line) Mortar, Mill Quay, Birkenhead, Cheshire -
Meyrick Mansion Hotel, Bournemouth - Monday My Darling Paddy, This is
the last change I have had to write you - you know what it is like when on
holiday, only in for meals, & never a moment to oneself! But I have not
stopped thinking of you since I left home on Saturday - wondering how you
were & what you were doing & going to do. I was so relieved to get your wire
on Saturday, as, until then, I had I had been almost sick with anxiety.
Please, do not mistrust me so, you know how I feel about you; I cannot tell
you more than I already have done how much I care. And please remember that
I am not alone with Freddy here - all the time we are with others. In fact,
I spend most of my time either swimming, or in a paddle canoe with my small
niece, whom I adore. Last evening I spent over with Mother, while the others
all went out (she didn't feel like going) & tonight we are going in a party
to the theatre. The weather is heavenly, but I can't say I'm enjoying
myself much. I would rather have gone cruising on your ship (even if rough,
I'd have been near you, at least.) G & I should have liked to come up
to Wallasey or somewhere this week, to see you whenever possible - but that
could not be arranged, & anyway your Aunt would want you to herself; and I
can understand how she feels, because I feel just the same about you! Please
don't think I am going to be engaged to Freddy while here, you know I am
not. I know I am not. And he knows I am not, too, because when we were
coming up from the beach today we passed a jewellers shop, and he pulled me
back from the rest & pointed out a magnificent platinum ring glittering in
solitary glory in the window; & he asked me, begged me, to let him buy it
for me. But even a ring like that wouldn't tempt me. And you know that. I
feel rather depressed, after your letter, perhaps because you seemed
depressed in your letter; and perhaps because I haven't yet heard what you
think of the things I suggested & said in my letter to you. And I can't help
feeling disappointed because I have to wait now until you can write me from
Marseilles. That is such a long long time. But I'll possess my soul in
patience! I do hope you enjoyed your days in Southport & Chester. How
I wish I had been with you. How I envy your aunt. My sister & brother-in-law
& Mother have now arrived & are eager to get to the theatre, so .... for the
time being only .... cheerio, darling. Don't forget me! And if you can get a
moment to send me a line - Lots of love Rona
2) 14th August 1937 Postmark Bournemouth, Poole/Marseilles to Mr. Cecil
Duke, M.V. "Worcestershire", (Bibby Line) c/o Watson Browne & Co.,
Marseilles, France - Meyrick Mansion Hotel, Bournemouth - My Darling Cecil,
It was so lovely to get your wire, I had been thinking of you all week &
wondering when I would hear from you - but I know how busy you are. This is
just to let you know that I have posted under separate cover of a small
thing which I hope you will find room for in your cabin, because I want you
whenever you look at it, to think of me, waiting very patiently for you to
come home? I had been looking for this particular one for a long time - I
had it in mind long before you came to London, & I believe I told you I was
looking for something high & low & could not find it. Well, I do hope you
like it. The artist, Cecil Alden, I once met, but he is now dead. He had a
large studio where all his models (all dogs) used to roam around &
thoroughly enjoy themselves, & he could do anything with them - like another
Cecil I know, he loved dogs. This little picture I sent you was a
special message for you. Forgive me for being sentimental! Thank you,
darling, for the chocolates, I found them left in my room when I came in
late last night. I was so thrilled. Bless you. Great haste. Looking forward
to hearing from you. Yours loving Rona (kisses)
1938
 
   
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1) 26th August 1938 - 251 Prospect Road, Woodford Green, Essex - My dear
Cecil, I'm sorry if my letter seemed bitter. I suppose it was, and it was
foolish of me. Please forgive me, but your letter seemed bitter to me, too,
and I felt disappointed, because it showed me plainly that I was foolish
ever to hope that you could care for me still, after what I did. You have
shown me plainly that you cannot forgive me. And I don't blame you. But I
can't help feeling hurt when you say that I "led you up the garden" and then
threw you over. I did not such thing. You know perfectly well that I loved
you deeply and sincerely and that what happened was not really my fault -
but what is the use of going over it all again? I know how you feel about
me, as a result, and that nothing I can say can change your opinion.
You say that "sometime" (in a very vague future) you will seek me out and
we'll then try to recapture a "memory" of the past. I'm afraid I don't want
a memory of the past. I want the reality of a glorious present. I want my
happiness while I'm young, so that I can treasure it and enjoy it and make
the most of it. Can't you realise that I feel the same now, in spite of
everything, as I did this time last year, and the year before, and the year
before that - ever since I first met you, and that I can't face a long
succession of the years passing and still getting no nearer to the happiness
I dreamed of, (and tried very hard to get!) growing older and older and then
regretting all the wasted years? Oh Cecil, I've wanted you for so long. I
don't want a good time with numerous men. I should hate it. I'm not that
sort and its no use my trying to be. But now I feel so tired. I was
just twenty-four when I met you and now I'm twenty-seven. (Horrors!) Can't
you understand how I feel? I want peace and happiness and a home and
everything that a woman wants when she gets to my age. Its natural. I envy
your sister, marrying the man she loves. I do hope she will have all the
happiness she has dreamed of. Never until this year have I felt as old
as I am, but this past year has done things to me. I've gone through a lot.
I think it is wiser in life to be frank and open about things, and I'm
trying to be. Will you be, please, with me? If you don't care any longer,
but merely would like to see me "sometime" tell me so, and I will
understand. But you will be kinder to tell me the frank, blunt truth, rather
than to try to soften the blow, as it were. You see, I want to start living
again, my own life, and if I can't go back and start where I left off,
before I broke everything, then I will pick up the pieces, so to speak, and
start again - lots of work and new interests, perhaps. Men are lucky, for
they can find consolation in drink or women, but I couldn't find any
consolation in drink or men! I seem to have been lonely for so long. There
are so few people for whom I can care deeply. Since I met you I have cared
for no-one else in the same way. I want love and companionship, besides my
work, which I will always have. I know I can write stories and will go on
writing, I hope, better and bigger stories and make more money as I grow
older. But money isn't everything. As always Rona. P.S. I know
you will understand when I ask you to reply as soon as possible and end this
suspense. And will you send it to the Fleetway House, because when your
first letter came mother picked it up and I found it in her room an hour
later. I don't want that to happen again, or I mightn't get it at all!
2) 9th September 1938 - Postmark Londonderry to Mr. Cecil Duke, 7 Irwin
Avenue, Belfast, Ireland - 251 Prospect Road, Woodford Green, Essex
9th Sept. 1938 Cecil dear, I hasten to answer your letters at once and
to explain why I did not 'phone you, as you asked me to, last night.
Yesterday afternoon I went down to the country with a photographer to "write
up" a country house, and as we didn't get back to London until late evening,
I went straight home. Your letter was at the office this morning.
Quite frankly, I had contemplated taking a day's excursion to Liverpool for
two reasons. One, finance, and, two, I am questioned and advised and
commented upon to such an extent at home that I avoid anything which will
provide further cause for interference and comment. I'm afraid that if
I came and visited your home the outcome of it would be a presumption by my
people that (forgive me) there was a likelihood of my marrying you or some
such tripe. It's ridiculous, in this age, but there you are - many
people do still think that if a girl goes all the way to Ireland, from
London, to visit a man's people, it has a certain significance. Again,
I am quite frankly hesitant, myself. I would much rather meet you
alone before I went through the agony of being presented to your aunt.
It is charming and considerate of her to invite me, and, believe me, I
appreciate it, but try and understand. I feel so much depends upon our
first meeting. My own feelings, since your last letter, are in such a
turmoil that I doubt the advisability of staying at your home. You
see, I can tell a great deal from your letters, Cecil. Quite apart
from your assurances of affection, I am honestly doubtful. In your
last letter you raised as many barriers between us as you could. You
would not do that if you loved me. And I rather feel that you would
prefer to go all through all those months of - well, having a love affair
all over again. And then it might fizzle out. And I have gone
through so much these last months that I am too tired for words. I
have got to the stage where I almost don't know how I feel myself. I
feel I shall only know when I see you. And I can tell that you are so
comfy and happy at home with your Aunt and her car that the prospect of work
does not particularly appeal to you. You see, no girl who loves a man
will ever be content to be just a love affair to him. She'll never be
happy loving a man who loves the comfort of his home and laziness more.
This is the impression your letters give me. If I am wrong, forgive
me. I might be able to manage to come to Liverpool next
weekend. Is it very far to Belfast from there? I quite agree that the
sooner we meet the better, but weekends are rather difficult for me. I
have promised to go and stay with my sister in Hertfordshire for the next
three weeks, while her husband is away. I shall come up to London
every day to work, but the weekends I will be with her down there. Her
husband is going into hospital and she will be going through a rather trying
time. When do you think you will be coming across to England? I
do hope it will be during the week and not at the weekends, when I shall be
with Muriel. It is easy for me to get time off from the office.
No, please do not ring me at my home. Not at present, anyway.
I'm just getting my life straightened out after much disapproval that I do
not wish to add to it until it has all blown over. I know you will
understand. Again, please than your aunt for me. It was very
charming of her to invite me. In other circumstances, I should be
delighted to come. I do hope that I shall be able to see you next
weekend, or soon after. Today is your birthday, I -- it?
You see, I have not forgotten. May I wish you many, many happy returns
and lots of happiness? As ever, Rona
 
   
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1) 29th September 1938 - Postmark London to Mr. Cecil Duke, Engineer
Officer, "Warwick Castle" c/o Harlandic, Belfast, Ireland - Telegram Belfast
Cecil Duke Darling May I see you Southampton Love Rona
2) 29th September 1938 - 251 Prospect Road, Woodford Green, Essex - Dearest
Cecil, I rang up Union Castle just now to find out what time you sail from
Belfast. They tell me 2.30 tomorrow. I am desperately anxious to see you
again & if you come to Southampton & cannot come to London to see me, may I
please come down to see you there? I will willingly rush down to see you if
only for a couple of minutes, really I will, if you'll only let me. I
wrote you Monday evening and posted it Tuesday morning. I do hope you've
received it today. I will send a Telegram to you at the ship when I go to
lunch. Union Castle gave me the address. Please let me see you even if
there's only the remotest chance - I'll come. Always Yours Rona
3) 28th November 1938 - Postmark London to C. Duke, Esq., (Engineer Officer)
R.M.M.V. "Warwick Castle," Southampton Docks, Southampton - 251 Prospect
Road, Woodford Green, Essex 27th November 1938 My dear Cecil,
I'm afraid I was rather incoherent on the 'phone. The reason was that you
caught me at an unfortunate moment. I was, I'm afraid, being very foolish. I
was in the midst of heart relieving weep which I have needed for weeks &
been unable to indulge in. Then suddenly, without warning, I broke down & in
the middle you rang. I have known more sorrow these past weeks than I
have ever known. I felt stunned & sick at heart when I left you that Sunday.
I felt as if I had been kicked between the eyes - for I had offered you
everything I could & you threw it back in my face. I felt shamed &
humiliated. When your flowers came & your note testifying your love
for me, I felt that no flowers in the world could heal the hurt you had
dealt me that Sunday. Then I lost my father very suddenly & very
tragically & for days I felt numb. The day after the funeral I came home to
find the house on fire (some wiring had fused) & anything I had of value had
gone. The loss was very heavy & my mother was overcome with fumes &
has been very ill. I have been living a nightmare these past months.
In the midst of it all one person came to me & helped me. I had not
heard from you. You had scorned me & rejected me, bidding me wait until you
were ready for me. At Christmas I am going to marry him & all I hope
is that I can make him happy, he deserves someone better than I. I told you
that Sunday how I felt about you - you turned me down. It will always
hurt. I should like to keep the lovely handbag you sent me as a wedding
gift, if I may. If you feel you do not wish me to have it in the
circumstances, I will ? ? it. There is little else I can say. I have
been so kicked about by everyone & everything this past year that I look
forward to a life of peace with someone who cares for me, although he is by
no means rich. I hope I have your good wishes for my happiness, as I
want yours. Yours Rona
1939
    
   
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1) 9th April 1939 - Postmark Wallasey, Cheshire to Mr. C. Duke, Engineer
Officer, Union Castle Line, M.V. Pretoria Castle, c/o Harland & Wolff,
Belfast - 8 Arnold Street, Liscard March 24th Dear Cecil, Sorry
I haven't written to you very often this voyage, but will make up for it
next time if I may. How are you keeping, well I hope. I wonder if you could
do me a favour. Its the first time I have ever asked a gentleman to do such
a thing for me, as you are the only one I could ask, & humble myself too. I
hope you won't be vexed with me, if you could lend me 10/- to £1 for
something urgent, I will be much obliged Cecil. Hoping you will forgive me
for asking you. I thought Cecil Dear, you could put me out of my difficulty
by worrying. Its something very important. I have to have it by Monday to
Tuesday morning. So I hope I haven't offended you in any way by writing to
ask you. Hoping to hear from you soon, to let me know. Once again hoping you
don't think I'm cheeky by asking you, will you Cecil, as you are the only
one friend & sweetheart I have got. With Love & Kisses Minnie (kisses)
P.S. I will repay you back as soon as possible, May
2) letter written 8th April 1939 - 8 Arnold Street, Liscard My Dear
Cecil, Received your welcome letter yesterday morning, & was very surprised
to know that you had written before & sent me the money, I have only just
arrived home from Liverpool, & have had no letter or money from you. It
seems very strange, as I wanted the £1 very important. Cecil if you had sent
it by registered envelope or P.O. we could have traced it. I would have only
been too glad to pay you extra for the loan of the £1. I have made
enquiries this morning at the Post Office & General about it, but they said
they can't trace no such letter. I am very sorry Cecil Dear to cause you all
this trouble but the people have allowed me up to Tuesday April 11th to get
the £1. If I had been working I would have had the money, instead of asking
you dear, but I had to put my pride into my pocket & ask you sweetheart,
above all, I hope I haven't offended you in any way by asking you for it, as
I feel very ashamed of myself. I will tell you later on what I really want
the £1 for. Have you gone on another ship which sails from Belfast. I wish I
could see you as I miss you very much. Hope to hear from you soon to let me
know. Love & kisses Minnie P.S. Cecil you were the only friend I
could ask for the £1, Hoping I haven't offended you again.
     
    
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1) 21st June 1939 - Postmarks Durban, Capetown to Mr. C. A. Duke, Engineer
Officer, M.V. "Pretoria Castle" c/o Union Castle Line, Docks, Cape Town
'Stamped Southampton' - Durban 17.6.39 My Cecil, To-night mon cher, I
feel like talking to you, you are not here, so, instead, I will write to
you, si? I hope you do not mind it, the time now is 7.30 p.m. it is Saturday
evening and I am not going out, this afternoon we went to the "playhouse" we
saw Errol Flynn in the "Dawn Patrol" it is really very interesting, and I
think it shows very cleverly, yes, what a destructive thing war is, so if it
is possible for you to see it, do not miss the chance. Cecil, m? cara, do
you sometimes think of me, si! I always long for you dearest, I can hear you
say, "I'm not worth it" am I not right? my funny Cecil, I wish I can write
the English language properly, then I can tell you what you are worth to me.
I have your picture here in front of me, and I cannot help thinking how
clever and pretty you look, darling, you do not like me to say "pretty" yes,
I can only say to you what I mean in my heart, or at most, in the little
piece of heart you left behind, most of it you have mon cher, so please be
kind to it, sometimes you think me very silly, I'm sure, anyway Cecil, it is
a silliness I really cannot help, so please bear with me dearest. Are
you still very fatigued? I trust not mon cher, I phoned the "Union Castle
Co.," they say you are returning on the 22nd August 1939, ? you think
I can wait that long, eh mio cara? I will send you my portrait when I
receive it from my home in Johannesburg, you'll not mine to wait a while,
yes? You will write to me after please my Cecil, send me the addresses
of the places I am to write to you to. Once more I wish you a "Bon
Voyage" darling, remember me sometimes si? Yours always, Rosalie
(kisses) May I collect them to-night?
2) 21st June 1939 - Postmark Port Elizabeth/Capetown to Cecil Duke Esq.,
Engineer Officer, M.V. Pretoria Castle, Union Castle Line, Cape Town
(Stamped Southampton) - Union-Castle Line, R.M.M.V. "Warwick Castle"
Sunday 9.45 a.m. Precious Sweetheart, I want to write to you but
somehow can't find anything appropriate to say, now that I've got down to
the job my mind just wanders off to a few dream hours of can it possibly be
only last night. I went on deck & watched the Pretoria until it was
just a mere speck in the distance by which time my eyes I found, were very
moist & there were little tears dropping now & again down my cheeks, what a
sight I must have looked!! Still who cares? there was no one about except
the other Stewardesses who came out on deck with me in case I needed a
little moral or perhaps physical support. All this about myself & no
word yet about you Darling, I do hope you got back O.K. & in good time to
the Pretoria, for you know my last wish would be to get you in any kind of a
row, you are so utterly dear to me. I have been informed that Burrows
was haunting the back over here with a face like nothing by blood & thunder,
what a pity I thought to myself, he did not have a pair of some special
(very special I should imagine they would need to be) glasses & happened to
look over that time we both studied the outlines of the Warwick from your
window. Still why bother, what he would see or say, there were only
two people that mattered in the world last night & those two you can put
names to yourself & for one of them I can answer & say that you made her
very happy. We have not too long of an absence to look forward to
either. The end of July, what date do you get back from the Continent?
Please darling, don't leave my letter lying about or just mixed up casually
with circulars & such like, just keep a special little corner for me who
will always remain yours devotedly Harriet (kisses) P.S. Did you get your
leg pulled at all or did Morgan forget to connect you any longer with the
Warwick. I don't think anyone could have seen me come or go. All my
love & kisses for ever Your H. (more kisses)
      
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1) 7th July 1939 - Postmarks Durban/Southampton to C. Duke, Esq., Engineer,
M.V. Pretoria Castle, Union Castle Line, Southampton Docks, England
3 Fenchurch Street, London E.C.2 - The Crossing, Dover Road, Seapoint, Cape
30th June 1939 Dear Mr. Duke, No doubt you shall be rather surprised
to receive this letter from me, but I felt that I should like to thank you
very much for entertaining Joyce & me the evening you sailed from Cape Town.
I hope you didn't mind my boldness in approaching you, but having seen you
so many times on the "Warwick" & then unexpectedly bumping into you again,
we felt that we really knew you. We enjoyed very much the time we spent in
your company & hope that we shall be able to return your hospitality. At
present I am holidaying in Durban & having a grand time. Two friends & I
motored up here, leaving last Saturday & arriving here on Wednesday evening.
We leave here again on the 10th July & go back slowly via the Congo/Cargo?
Caves. We had a topping trip & revelled in every minute & every mile of it.
The weather was perfect, the scenery is very varied most beautiful & the
car, which is only a Standard 12 came up to scratch the whole way. We
travelled throughout the day & camped out at night. This being the eve of
the great July Handicap, Durban is agog with excitement & everyone is
banking on being a little richer tomorrow. A friend of mine from Uryhad? in
Northern Natal? is motoring down here & shall arrive tonight to spend a few
days here. We're going to the Races tomorrow nest week, we intend having a
couple of days at one of the South Coast resorts. I hope you had a pleasant
& interesting return trip & that there were no more mishaps to the tub., But
I suppose the usual efficiency of the engineers would prevent that? Do you
still think that yours is a hard lot? Good sailing back to Cape Town & we
hope to see you if you have any time to spare. Yours sincerely, Etheline
Orton
      
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1) 14th July 1939 Postmark Durban to Mr. C. A. Duke, Engineer Officer, M/V
Pretoria Castle, c/o Union Castle Line, 3 Fenchurch Street, London - Durban
13.7.39 Mio amador? Cecil, To-day I receive from you two letters for
which I thank you. I am very happy to know that you arrive in Southampton
all o.k. I am still keeping well, and I guess that I will be, how
should I say, perfectly happy and contented, if you were here too, si,
darling, I cannot understand you, my Cecil, you are so hard to make, believe
me when I say to you always I love you darling, si, I have not what you term
the "infatuation" as the dictionary explains it, "fill with foolish
thoughts, or emotion," no, no Cecil, if that is what you think of me and the
letters I write to you, saying I care and love you with all my heart,
si, then I think, for myself, at least, it is better so, we not correspond
together at all or any more, si? I am not what the English term, the
flirt or is it flapper? If I not care, then I'll not say it, because it will
be a useless lie, not so? You wanted to know what I feel in my heart for
you, si, I tell you the truth, because it is the first time I feel so, it
makes me frightened, I did not think to tell a lie about it, please, if by I
feeling the way I do, it embarrasses you, si, please darling, tell me so, I
not want you to pretend with me, please darling, you think me silly by
writing as I am, and because I see you only few times, I would feel the
same, if I see you twice or hundred times, si, I mean it. Cecil,
please my Cecil, tell me truly, you care for me, how do you mean when you
sign yourself, "All my love," is it true? Darling I think you are so
different to me, worldly, sophisticated and cleaver, you are all that I am
not, therefore, darling, when I'm with you, I feel happy, and frightened at
the same time, I am told that I always speak a lot, but with you, I cannot
speak at all, si, that is not sensible, I'm not just writing the nonsense,
si, I know well what I write, so, I should be the disbelieving one, darling,
not you, si? My Cecil, comprendi? Now I write too much, si, maybe you are
bored, alright, I will quit writing now, thank you for the handsome picture
of yourself, I'm inclosing snaps of "Winsor" he being very naughty at the
present time, please have a nice time, I will always think of you, write to
me some time darling, I'll be waiting, I love you, affectueusemente vótre,
Rosalie xxxxx
      
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1) 24th September 1939 - Postmark Stockwell to Cecil Duke, Esq., Engineer
Officer, M.V. Pretoria Castle, Union Castle Line, Southampton Docks - 2-15
Cranworth Gardens, Brixton 24th-9-39 My dearest Sweetheart, As
it was after 10 pm when I got to Brixton last night, it was impossible for
me to send you a wire and then today being Sunday & the post office shut it
is again out of the question, still I'm in hopes that you will get this
early tomorrow and so know that I have arrived here O.K. But oh how
miserably lonely & darling how I as miss you I could only keep on thinking
of our happy times together as I was speeding my weary way up here last
night, every minute taking me farther away from you. I was strongly tempted
to remain in Southampton last night but realised you might not be able to
get away & I sent you a telegram & the train was leaving at 7.20 prompt so
there would not have been time for an answer to come back. So far for
the present I am remaining here as my Aunt is not at all up to the mark ,
the long worry she had with my Uncle (who is quite fit & at home again) is
taking its toll, besides my cousin has been recalled to France & is expected
to be one of the early ones in the front line. He is now as far as they know
somewhere near the West front, my brother is still in England & is
understood to be somewhere near London, he belongs to the London Fusiliers,
but we have no chance of getting in touch with him. He paid them a flying
visit some time ago & he told them then that he had not been able to take
his clothes off t go to bed for a fortnight. He is in charge of a big
machine gun. Poor dear he is only 22 & did not know what one looked like
before & now he just wishes that he could get Hitler in front of his gun for
a second. Of one thing I'm thankful as soon as war started my sister
cleared off over to Ireland with the baby & she is getting happily settled
over there, my sister returned again after spending 4 hours in Tipperary.
She has ? ? been spending most of her time down here as the Dr. has ordered
my Aunt to remain in bed so today I did not have to turn ? to as? any
housework, but could have a quite rest & a chance of writing a long letter
to you. Tomorrow I appear at the office & find out what they intend to do
with me there & I do hope they let me go back to sea as really it is all
very boring here - uninteresting blackouts & etc. Still I do not suppose we
shall sail together again for a long time if ever unless the fates are extra
kind and so far we really cannot grumble. Sweetheart don't get despondent or
allow anything to put you in low spirits (you know that nasty way I found
you one night) just think of all our lovely times together in the past &
look forward to better ones in the future. For to me you will be always the
dearest darlingest sweetheart in the whole world, my one & only for all
time. I shall see about getting a decent photo taken as soon as I can, just
a PC size so that you can take it to sea with you, should you care to of
course - Sweetheart don't be cross, I don't really mean that. I'm going to
write to Ireland now & let them know I am safely back in London, they have
been worrying about me I hear. Hoping to hear from you very soon. I shall
drop you a note tomorrow when I hear what the office have to say & of course
looking forward to the Pretoria Castles safe arrival in London, the sooner
the better for me. All my love to you darling Cecil from Harriet (kisses)
Millions & millions from yours ? P.S. Many thanks for note ? ?
1941
    
   
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1) letter written 18th November, Received January 1942 - Postmark Air Depot
S.A.A.P.? to Sub-Lieut (E) Cecil Duke, "H.M.S. Pretoria Castle" c/o
Senior Naval Officer, Simonstown, Cape 18 Kingsway Park, Belfast -
New Add. No 263175 A/Cpl Maude/Naude E.S. WAAF Institute Camp, Roberts
Heights, Pretoria 18.11.41 Dearest Cecil, Gee it's about time I
heard from you, but I suppose you haven't received my letters yet. I
am still in the good old Air Force, sometimes I get home-sick, but other
days I like it a lot. Have you received any snaps from me yet, I think I
sent you one ages ago, I only hope you got it, anyway I will send you
another one. I don't know when you will get it, but I only hope soon.
I wonder where you will be for Xmas, I will be here in the "Heights" but I
leave for E.L. & P.E. on the 29th Dec. for 110 days. Gee I wish I
could see you, so as we could have a good old chat. Don't talk about all the
news I could tell you, but I can't, anyway some day when we see each other
again which I hope will be soon. I wish this damn war was over now,
gee it gets me down at times. Did I tell you that Don is up North & he
sent me a parcel for my birthday, a bangle & a little pencil, they are very
pretty. I wish I could see him again but what's the use, I'll just
have to wait like everyone is doing. Dear what about your girl friends.
We had two planes here in the hanger that were captured up North, Italian
ones & were they big, we just got the one in the hanger with a few inches to
spare. Do you know what, I have still got the handkies you gave me &
also compact. I don't use the compact as its too pretty, so I left it in
good old E.L., please excuse dirty paper but the carbon keeps on coming off
on everything. I am writing this at work, I haven't got anything to do
at the moment, only now & then one of the boys brings an indent? in & then
the carbon gets all over. I have been doing a lot of swimming & you
should see how burnt I am & I do get cooked. The heat up here is
terrific. I haven't been on parades for 5 weeks now, as I have got a
rash on my nose that I got 9 months ago & never worried about it, so now I
am excused parades for another 2 weeks & then I will get that reviewed.
Mom is also a corporal now & now I am happy, she is also at our camp & when
she went on leave she brought my wireless back with her & now I get a lot of
music & it bucks me up a lot, as now I can listen to all the news & know
what's going on. Isn't it awful about the "Ark Royal" gee she was such a
nice ship too, anyway I hope that she will be avenged. Give Hitler
what's coming to him, he should have been strangled at birth. Good old
Britain will never let us down, long live the British Empire. Well
dear, I must close now, hoping that you get his letter soon. If I
don't get another chance let me wish you a very Happy Xmas & a much brighter
& prosperous New Year & give Hitler what's coming to him. Fox? glove?
& kisses, From Toots? (kisses)
2) 29th November 1941 - Gun Hill House, Aldershot? Main Street,
Saintfield My address is now:- Sister M. E. Scott GHIMWSR?
P209286 47th General Hospital, Goodwood, Chichester, Sussex. - Dear
Cecil, When you get this letter I shall be away from Belfast, I have
arranged it so by sending this to your ship. I shall now tell you a few of
the thoughts which have made me so very miserable in the last forty eight
hours, I suppose by doing so I a ? my dignity but I have ceased to care even
about that. I was so shocked when your Aunt told me you were engaged.
Perhaps at earlier stages in our friendship I should not have wondered, but
after Aldershot & the things you told me there I very foolishly considered
you mine. Why did you not tell me of your intentions? I can understand most
things & I should have understood that you loved that other person & not me.
I need not tell you again that I loved you, knowing that perhaps it is my
fortune & not my misfortune that our paths for now will go different ways.
I do not expect to see you again but do write to me just once & tell me
about it all. I really do want to know. Now before I conclude there is just
one thing I want to ask you to do, will you please send all the photographs
of me you have to Saintfield for me. They will deal with them on my
instructions. I know you do not want them now & anyway I do not want
you to have them. I also want to know what to do with yours, shall I send it
to you & also these various things you gave me. You will easily understand
how painful it would be to have anything which reminded me of you. If you do
not want them I shall give them away. For now only. I shall. never. love.
again as I loved you. & I'm afraid you will always have it wherever you are
altho I know you do not want it. I wonder now had I stayed at home & not
gone off to help those who are winning for us the war, would things have
been different, will you tell me one day when you have a few moments to
spare these ? I shall not be hurt as I am now in the throws of that pain
which makes one wonder if life is really worth while. In my great ? after
hearing the news I thought of several drastic things I could always do but I
have now regained a balanced mind which I know will help me out. I shall for
a long time be a very unhappy woman but expect in my work I shall not always
think of it all. I shall also when I think of you not associate you with
those qualities which I though you possessed but very very different.
I have even got to the stage of referring to that brooch? & cigarette case,
you also gave me some scarfs, these I can easily dispense of . The other
things are more valuable & I really mean it when I say I cannot keep them. I
shall at a future date return that case you bought me but unfortunately it
is in England & I can't send it here? otherwise I should have delivered it
now, I do not want in my possession any single thing that would remind me of
you. I think that is the better way don't you? You will understand Cecil
dear that I cannot congratulate you, that I would not really mean, but I do
hope you will be happy & I know you will if she loves you even half as much
as I did. It is only when two people truly love each other that a
happy life will result. I have no feeling of bitterness so do not
allow that thought to trouble you but I certainly have a miserable heartache
that perhaps time will make all right. I shall expect to hear from you. Mary
(or May) P.S. I think I shall be leaving England next week but ? will
be forwarded wherever I am.
3) 31st December 1941 - Belvoir Hall P.E. School, 75 Dee Street, Belfast -
This is to state that Mr. Cecil Alexander Duke was living at home from 4th
June 1938 until 28th September 1938. F. R. MaLachlan? (Principal)
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