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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.
1945
    
  
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1) (no year on this but it says 1st Jan. and the scored out address: 14
Guelder fits this time so I'll put it in here) 1st January Urgent
Sub. Lieut. (E) C. Duke 1st January 4.30 p.m. Cecil
Darling, I have never felt so lonely, miserable, sad, & so ill in all my
life, & I am really beginning to wonder if it is worth it all dear, & how I
ever came to do all the things I have done with you. I know you will be
saying that I have done nothing wrong & that I haven't broken my marriage
vows (thanks to you darling). I still feel so horribly mean about everything
& wonder when Arthur would think about me if he knew, also the disgrace and
what the neighbours will say, you coming in and out all hours of the night &
what Mrs. Murphy will say & think about me staying with you in the dining
room all night. It makes me feel so ashamed Cecil dear, I hardly dare look
anyone straight in the face, which is most unlike me, as I have never had
anything to hide before, but somehow it makes me feel so jaded & guilty
actually, dear, you really don't know me, at present I am afraid I don't
understand myself. I have decided Cecil that when I see you again (if you
still do after this letter) that I must leave you at 11 p.m. each evening,
like any other respectable person would do, so darling if you want to change
your plans for this week-end, & go away sooner here it is quite o.k. with
me. I will still be at the station at 1 p.m. as arranged & if you are not
there at 1.15 p.m. I will know you have decided otherwise, & don't want to
see me any more. Don't for one minutes Cecil, think that I have changed my
opinion about you, because I still think the same about you, who would help
but love you dear, your so sweet, gentle, considerate & loving, & I honestly
now do believe that you do love me an awful lot, but what is the use
darling, I am married & I do still love Arthur & Valerie, although as I told
you & you must know I love you a L ---- of a lot, which going on the way we
are, is going to make it very, very hard for both of us isn't it. I tried
all morning to get you out of my mind completely but you just won't go, & I
feel so unsettles about everything, if only I could have talked to you
tonight. I am sure you would understand why I am writing to you like this.
I went up to Margerys for lunch, but came back here to write to you, so as
it is almost time for me to go & mind the children. I will say Goodnight
Darling & sincerely hope you will be there at 1 p.m. tomorrow. Please accept
my apologies for getting tight last night, you must have thought me pretty
terrible, however, I said I would, & I did. So hoping you arrived back safe
& sound this morning, & are not feeling too tired today. Yours very tired &
dejected, Love Kathleen x
2) 27th March 1945 Postmark Sydney, N.S.W., Australia Air Mail to Sub.
Lieut. (E) C. Duke, R.N.R., H.M.S. "Activity" c/o British Pacific Fleet,
Mail Office - 70 Bridge Road, Glebe Park, Saturday 24th March 1945 - My
Dearest, I am very unhappy tonight; I wanted to see you just once more
before you left me for distant places. Perhaps if I had rang you earlier I
might have been able to speak to you. Then again, this way may be best after
all. But, at the moment, I would do anything on earth just to see you. Is
that very wrong? There is very beautiful music on the radio, to-night, but
it would be so much better and satisfying if you were here to share it with
me! I am staying at Babe's house tonight, as all transport is at a
stop. Strike, no less. Taxis are still on the road, but to get one is like
finding diamonds on George Street. Will you ever forget Thursday night? I
couldn't forget anything so perfect. But, then, it was just as it should
have been, as every thing else we did was perfect too. Do you think so?
Dear, I am missing you so much, you have spoilt me. But I like it very much.
Hurry back and spoil me some more. The time will drag, so, if today is an
example. I won't write any more, to-night, or I'll be crying all over your
letter. Or write any loving words to you. And that would only make me very
unhappy too. So, good night, my darling bearded beloved Irish man, My love,
always May. P.S. Write soon, my dearest. P.P.S. Babe's friend
just arrived from N.G.? She is wildly excited. I wish you could be here,
then you could be with me and I would not be so lonely. She sends her very
best wishes to you. So do the Kellys. M.
    
 
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1) 17th April 1945 - Postmark London to Sub. Lieut. (E) C. Duke, R.N.R.,
H.M.S. Activity, c/o G.P.O., London - 3 Talgarth Mansions, Talgarth Road,
Barons Court, London 16th April 1945 My dear Cecil, I was so
glad to hear from you. I had your letter from Canada and replied to it, but
addressed it to the old address. I suppose it got lost somehow. I can
imagine how delighted your Aunt was to see you. I think she lives from one
leave to the other. Since I last saw you, Nellie had got engaged. He
is something on the Stock Exchange - a dealer I think he calls himself. He
seems very nice, but with what I call an English sense of humour. I always
have to concentrate hard on his stories in order not to miss the point. Do
you know, Cecil, I am the world's worst fool at seeing the point of a story,
so never hope to see me laugh at your funny stories. I must tell you
something that you as a Northerner will appreciate, Mother and I had a
religious time and decided to go to Church, there is one near to us so off
we trotted one evening, and to my shock and amazement, the clergy and
congregation blessed themselves and bowed, and Mother and I felt awfully
awkward because, well, you can imagine coming from the North what we felt
like. Everything was intoned, of course. We felt terrible hicks from the
country. However, after the service, the Clergyman stopped us and spoke to
us, and asked us were we "Low Church" and I said very decidedly we were.
Well, he took our address and came round to see us and was extraordinarily
nice, coming to see us was more than any other clergyman had done and I am
old fashioned enough to like a visit from a clergyman. We had a long
discussion on the question of "High" and "Low" and in the end we effected a
compromise. I said I could never bless myself, nor genuflect, nor go to
confession, and he said he wouldn't expect it from me, and so I gave a
subscription to his Church and now Mother and I go on Sunday evening. The
Vicar has been to see us three times since and each time I see him I like
him better, a thorough Christian in every sense of the word. A friend
is staying with us at the moment, Joan Eastwood. She used to live in
Cherryvalley, Belfast but now lives in Blackpool. It is her first visit to
London so I took her round St. James Park today as far as Buckingham Palace.
It is the most glorious day with a blazing sun. The Park was filled
with people lying on the grass getting the sun. The trees are at their best
now, green and feathery. So is the lilac. When we came back I brought her to
Westminster Abbey and left her to wander round it inside. I am not
particularly fond of it inside. It is full of monuments, all cheek by jowls
and they are not really beautiful, at least not to my mind. She is an
awfully striking looking girl, and I noticed various uniforms, some dark
blue in colour, if I may say so, giving her more than one glance! Alice was
just passed over. Do you give "round the corner" looks at pretty girls in
parks? I would think you an awful fool if you didn't. And as I
don't think you a fool you know what I do think. That sounds very
complicated, but you know what I mean. I am going to make an effort
this year to get over to Belfast. If I do manage it I will go to see your
Aunt. I will also go to Dublin for a few days. It is a lovable city with all
its faults. I would love at the moment to be on top of a tram going to
Howth. By the way don't write and tell me I have stamped your letter
wrongly - I know I have. But I have a 2½ stamp and I want to get this off to
the post. I am working for a man now who was for some years in Berlin
before the war. I love hearing what he has to tell me. He met Hitler
and von Papen? and all those people. His principal regret now is that he
hadn't a revolver in his pocket when he met Hitler. But I say he wouldn't
have had time to get the revolver out for I am sure Hitler's Secret service
were all around. I think I have written you enough now. Isn't the news
wonderful? Any day we may hear the bells. It has been such a long time.
Don't forget to come and see us if you are in London at all. Mother and
Patsie both send good wishes, Love Alice
2) (ripped) 3rd May 1945 - Postmark Newcastle-on-Tyne (probably to
Cecil) - 14 Guelder? Road Wed. May 2nd My Darling, It was rather
strange Jo? ...... the very day I posted ? letter .... to you,
your air mail .... I was ....
   
 
    
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1) 18th July 1945 - West Kensington to Sub. Lieut. (E) C. Duke, R.N.R.,
H.M.S. Activity, c/o G.P.O., London - 3 Talgarth Mansions, Talgarth Road,
Barons Court, London 18th July 1945 My dear Cecil, I was so glad
to get your two letters and to know that all goes well with you, as I hope
everything will go well with you to the end of this weary war. Mother
had a very nice letter from your Aunt asking her over for a visit but I am
afraid Mother won't leave her livestock. It would be difficult with
Patsie and myself away all day, and Noni, Jenny, Whiskey, the canaries,
budgerigar and Polly the Parrot alone all day. But Mother has asked
your Aunt to come over and see us. We would all be so glad to see her
and to have a good old crack. My visit to Ireland isn't going to come
off. There are various reasons, the principal one being that the man I work
for won't make up his mind when to go on holiday and I have to go when he
goes; I have got over being annoyed but listen, Cecil, if ever you feel like
being fed up with sea life, think of me in the Civil Service. In a thousand
years you couldn't imagine the boredom of it. So you liked my special
message. I'll think of another one for I find I can be extraordinarily
brazen, with you a long distance away. I also like hearing from, and
writing to you, Do you? I also like being called dear; it wasn't the cockles
of the heart. Am I leading you on, or are you leading me on? Sunday
was a lovely day and in the evening Mother and I took a bus down Kensington,
through Piccadilly, Trafalgar Square, up the Strand to Aldwych. Then
we boarded a No 11 which I knew would bring us out somewhere near home but I
wanted to find out how. It went down Westminster past the Abbey, down
Victoria and then by places I had never seen (heavily bombed) to the Fulham
Palace Road and so home. I love trips like that, just to see where
buses go. Mother is quite all right again. There was a slight
operation but something very small. I was very frightened beforehand,
I thought it was cancer. But thank God it wasn't. Polly the parrot is
awful. He squawks (I don't think that is the right spelling), and
makes a terrible noise. He is looking lovely now, sitting on his cage
but he doesn't like me at all. I should love to see Canterbury so when
you go, I'll go too. I am hoping you will be here in March.
Nellie is getting married then and you can help to entertain Nellie's in
laws. I have never seen them but Nellie says they are dull. I will
plant the dullest on you and you will have to tack. Keep your beard
till then - it will lend a bit of tone. I will write again soon but
you must reply. I thought I would send you a message but Cecil all I can say
is God keep you safe. There is nothing brazen about it, it is said in
all sincerity. And I know all the family join in the same message. je
t'embrasse. Love Alice
2) 13th September 1945 Postmark Blackpool to S/Lt. Cecil A. Duke, R.N.R.,
H.M.S. Activity, c/o G.P.O., London from Ministry of National Insurance,
Blackpool - With reference to your reply to this Ministry's Enquiry, to the
effect that you were a member of the Amalgamated Engineering Union Approved
Society, you are informed that according to the records of that society,
your membership terminated on 31-12-37. In order to determine your present
position in insurance will you please be so good as to state:- 1/ Whether
you were insurably employed between 31-12-37 and 12-9-40 when you signed
T124X agreement, and if so, 2/ The name and address of your employer. 3/
Capacity in which you were employed. 4/ To whom did you surrender your
stamped contribution cards. A. W.
3) 8th December 1945 - Postmark Sydney to Sub. Lieut. C. A. Duke, R.N.R.,
H.M.S. "Activity" c/o G.P.O., London, England - Linton Guest House, 51 Upper
Pitt Street, Kirribilli, 1st December, Friday night My Very Own Cecil
Darling, To-day was a wonderful day, received a letter from you Darling,
29th written where you expected to finish your leave in just a few more
days. Hope with all my heart Sweetheart you had a good rest and can now feel
the urge to come back to Australia. I guess they all shall feel sad when you
make your departure, also Darkie you haven't mentioned how Polly was and did
your Aunt receive the harrot? seed which was sent way back in August. I'm
not feeling so very well to-night have had a day & half off dear and last
night a friend of mine phone to ask me over, they were staying here but have
been lucky enough to get into a flat, I don't know what the celebration was
for, but they usually start there sounds of partys about this time for Xmas.
However they certainly had the drink laid on, Darling, and I didn't forget
to have my silent toast to us Sweetheart wishing with all my heart you had
been with me, how proud I shall be when you come back home and I can take
you around to meet them all. I'm sure all my friends must feel that you
are one of the family by now as I'm always talking about you to them. I
really had it all on last night Sweetheart all dressed up in white, everyone
seemed to like my frock and I had white flowers in my hair. But there were a
few people there asking me about my little crown that the English boys gave
me, wanting to know if its were an Australian pin? didn't I smile at that
one, no I said my boy friend happens to be in the English Navy, then Darling
questions were coming from all directions, if I expected you to come back to
Australia again. But there was one very nice person there that I had quite a
nice chin wag tho? he wanted to bring me home, but when I explained to him
there was hardly need for that as I only came over to pass the time away. He
turned to Connie and said "God what a girl how I wish I had one waiting for
me like that." But it is quite true Darling boy I'm happy to have spent such
a nice evening but when you come back home I still would like to feel that
everyone of my friends can turn to you & say well all though you may have
been many miles away Cecil you weren't ever forgotten. We have been having a
run mild weather, really pleasant at night. When you get back on board would
you be kind enough Dear to give my regards to the boys, also a big cheerio
to Tom & George and tell them to have a drink for me at Xmas, and to you
dear one I hope is a merry & bright Xmas but please don't forget me as I
shall be thinking of you all the time. Well Dearest Cecil I shall say
Good-night now God-bless & take care of you always. Darling I lovely
to-night I do won't you so, so please hurry back. All my love & kisses
forever and always, from your very own Jess (kisses) P.S. Jean sends
regards, telling you to hurry back Sweetheart
     
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1) 19th December 1945 - Mrs. I. Duke requests the pleasure of the company of
Miss F. R. MacLachlan at the marriage of her daughter Hilda Gladys Adrian
with Squadron Leader William Herbert Wright, at St. Anne's Cathedral,
Belfast on Wednesday 19th December 1945 at 12 noon, and afterwards at The
Queen's Hotel, Victoria Street. R.S.V.P. 19 Mount Charles, Belfast
2) 21st December 1945 Postmark Sydney, N.S.W. Aust. to Sub. Lieut. C. H.
Duke, R.N.R., H.M.S. Activity, c/o G.P.O. London, England - Lint9on Guest
House, 51 Upper Pitt Street, Kirribilli. Thursday night - Dearest Darling
Cecil, Received to-day a wonderful letter from you Darling, if you only knew
just how your letters can make me so happy Sweetheart. Was so pleased to
read you had received your parcels, I was just beginning to worry and wonder
if they would ever come to hand and to know you liked your gift so much. You
mentioned about taking the cocoa on board ship, well Darling, what I
enclosed in your parcel I hope shall help to & keep you a little fit till we
see you again. (Hoping it shan't be too long) before I had have my very own
Darling back home with me. I think I did mention in some of my letters I had
posted a Xmas cake to you Dear, but by now you certainly shall have to use
that Jap sword to cut it, but I am sure Darling you shall be very thrilled
when you see how very nicely it has been iced and all for you. I have the
evening off so being a very good little girl I'm now sitting writing to you
before it gets to late as the lighting at night has to be out at 9 o, and
usually someone seems to ? delight in coming around to have a chat just when
I'm settling down to write & it seems that everyone is at a loose end these
nights as you are really looking for trouble by going out at night.
Gee Darling I don't know what you mist think of me but in my last letter I
forgot to thank you so much for sending me the coupons and believe me
Sweetheart I shall have a wonderful time shopping when Xmas is over, at the
present time one can only shop by candle light or lights so dull you can
bearly see by, what one is buying. The poor Mothers are the ones I feel so
sorry for as they always seem to have a last minute rush. Darling hot
I shall keep my fingers crossed for us both in hope that you are lucky
enough to get a ship out here. Sweetheart, today when your letter arrived my
hand was shaking & Jean said what is wrong with you Jess, but I guess I was
a little bit thrilled Darling & I did so need a letter from you, I was so
lonely and missing you as days go by, and longing for the day to come that I
shall have my very own Darling to cuddle me up and kiss me Good-nigh, manys
the night Dear that I go to bed & wonder about you and what you may be doing
just when I am in bed with my light off and the moon shining through the
window, I get so lonely for you then Darling, and I ask God to send you back
to me. By now your sister shall be married Sweetheart, and hope her
life shall be overflowing in happiness. Wish you had been able to attend
Darling and to be able to see little Clive. You didn't mention if you saw
him while on leave. Gee Sweetheart in one letter you said you were
unlucky enough to have had your penants taking while away on leave, I have
been able to obtain one for you "British Navy in Australia" written on one
but shall keep my eye out for the others. How are Tom & George, still
with you Dear, if so give my regard & hope you all have a very Merry Xmas
and do Sweetheart think of me. We? my very own sweetheart I shall once more
say Good night and God bless you and take great care of you till we meet
once more. All my love & tons of kisses to my own Dear Cecil, missing
you, always waiting for you dear & longing for the time to come when you
wholed? my in your arms and kiss all out troubles away. P.S. Jean
sends her regards & all the best for Xmas. From your very own Sweetheart.
(kisses)
1946
   
 
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1) 5th January 1946 - Postmark Belfast to Sub./Lt. Cecil A. Duke, R.N.R.,
H.M.S. "Activity" c/o G.P.O. London - 5.1.'46 Cecil
darling, A happy new year and may your troubles in 1946 all be little ones!
(I think somebody wrote that before) Glad the gloves fitted you so well -
what's a size more or less anyway! Please refrain from cutting my cake
effort as long as you can, then you can make some tactful remark about the
ravages of time (or rats). Greta and I were over to Barnett's Road on
Tuesday evg. It was terribly old, and we expected snow. Have you had any
yet? Your aunt is looking better. We had some marvellous Xmas pudding from
Missouri - all the way. It's nice to know you miss me as much as I
miss you, but I wish it weren't necessary, don't you? However, perhaps
we'd bore each other stiff if we were to much together! you could always
sail off to Australia, but where would I go? (Don't say it - count ten!)
Your aunt gave me some sweets and a mint Patty - scrumptious! May and
Sam found a very nice place to stay in Dublin - the Clarence - nicer than
the Hibernian and not so ruinous to the Exchequer. They said the shows
were very poor, mostly old ones of the war. What's cooking in Glasgow this
bright & happy new year? Saw a very nice picture last year at the
Curzon "And now To-morrow" Alan Ladd is quite a lad. Write soon darling,
Love and kisses, Hilda xxxxxx!!!!!!
2) 23rd February 1946 Postmark Belfast to Sub.
Lieutenant C. A. M. Duke, R.N., 72 Barnetts Road, Knock, Belfast - The
Deanery, Windsor Avenue, Belfast 22 Feb. '46 - My Dear Cecil, I had
the opportunity of a chat with Mr. Warwick this afternoon after the Hospital
meeting, and he took a note of your name etc. and promised to give your
application special consideration. He said, as we know, that there are 600
in for these posts, one of which he has already allotted, but he told me
definitely that they would go to ex-servicemen, and seemed pleased with all
I told him of you. In order to keep it before him, I wrote a letter to
him just now, giving him further particulars and strong commendation of your
candidacy. I do hope you will be successful. With all good wishes. Yours
very sincerely R. C. H. ?
3) February 1946 Mess Bill H.M.S. Activity S/C (E) C. Duke, R.N.R.
4) 31st January 1946 Naval Message To: Activity Glasgow?
Lt. (E) G. C. Young R.N.R. T124? is appointed Senior 3rd Engineer VICE.
C. A. Duke ACTIVITY to date 1st February and has been instructed to
report to FOIC? Glasgow on that date (2) Sub Lt. (E) C. A. Duke R.N.R.
should be discharged to MERSEY (not to join but to await recall for return?
in Class? A. ?
   
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1) 17th March 1946 Postmark Sidmouth, Devon to Sub. Lieut. C. Duke, R.N.R.,
at 72 Barnetts Road, Knock, Belfast, N. Ireland - 50 Fitzjames Avenue,
London W.14 17th March 1946 - Dear Cecil, Very many thanks for your
very welcome present. It was very kind of you & I am extremely grateful. We
are very short of bath towels, so you can imagine how we appreciate your
present. The Clare? address will be my permanent address, but actually I am
writing this from Sidmouth where we are staying for 3 weeks. Its a beautiful
spot, quite small, but very attractive. The hotel is very comfortable & the
food excellent, & what is most important, lots of it, particularly as we go
for long walks & acquire huge appetites. When you come to London again, you
must come & see us. Will you give your aunt my kindest regards. Yours
sincerely Helen (or rather Nellie) P.T.O. my new name is Moyce, if you want
to write.
    
  
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1) 23rd April 1946 - Postmark Sydney to Sub. Lieut. C. A. Duke, R.N.R., 72?
72 Barnetts Road, Knock, Belfast, N. Ireland - Linton Guest House, 51 Upper
Pitt Street, Kirribilli 22nd April Darling Cecil, Quite a very
nice surprise Darling receiving your cable, but please don't worry about me
Dearest as I'm alright, but have to take things a little easy for a while.
Well Easter is over once more, I can't say that the holidays are so nice as
we have had to work althrough them, but the people holidaying were very
lucky, as we have had nothing but rain for about a fortnight without a let
up and it just stopped on Saturday, which made the race track O.K. for the
big race day. I have a fit of the blues well & truly to-night
Sweetheart, the other afternoon when I was taking a nap I dreamt you came
Darling and sat on my bed and I was sitting on the floor cleaning my shoes,
and you looked down at me Darling & said didn't I tell you Sweetheart you
would see me in my collors?. But Dearest like many things they just
cover for a short time and then fade away. How I would give anything
to have you with me now, I'm sure Sweetheart, with your arms wounded? me and
you too love me all my little troubles and worries would soon fly away.?
I still have your cake?? Darling that I shall keep, hoping that one day we
may meet again, but how we shall ever cut it is more than I can say. I
shall have some snaps to send you soon Darling, I hope you will like them,
and you don't see to much of a change in the little Sweetheart you have in
Australia. Nelson's boy friend left for the States a week or so ago
and it is pretty terrible to put up with her at present time, but she
forgets that other people have to say Good-bye to ones they love too, now
she may realize what I have felt like. Well Dearest one I'm going down now
to do some books? as I may be going on holiday very soon and have a fair
list of works to catch up on. Give my very kindest regards to your
dear Aunt, and to you Dearest Heart, all my love & kisses to a very Darling
person, and may God be kind that one day we shall meet again. Love & Kisses
to you Darling from your Sweetheart in Australia Jess (kisses)
2) 2nd May 1946 - 21 Shrewsbury Gardens, Belfast - My Dear Cecil, Herewith
you will find what you want in the way of a testimonial, I trust you will be
successful in obtaining the part you desire. With all good wishes & kind
regards to your Aunt & yourself. Yours sincerely F. B. Aldwell
3) Saint George's Church, High Street, Belfast - It gives me great pleasure
to testify to the good character of Mr. Cecil Duke R.N.R. I have known
him for some years, and have always found him a very pleasant and kindly
young man. I believe him to be strictly honourable and trustworthy, keen and
competent in his work, and I have no doubt he will do well in the position
he seeks to obtain. He is always present in Church when his duties
permitted. I wish him every success. 2nd May 1946 (signed) F. R. Aldwell
(Rector - St. George's - Belfast)
4) 15th June 1946 Postmark Belfast to Sub-Lieut. Cecil Duke, R.N.R., 72
Barnetts Road, Knock, Belfast - Milverton, 140 King's Road, Belfast.
June 14, 1946 Dear Cecil, While reading the Telegraph to-night I was
surprised to see that you are now in town. For some time I have been
wondering how to get in touch with you, as you will remember you paid me for
a dozen Parrot Food, which I have since returned to the wholesalers. I would
like to settle this amount with you and could send a postal order if I was
sure you will still be at the same address. I hate having to mention this,
but I would appreciate it very much if you would return my photographs,
somehow I think that it would be better for us both. If you like, either
leave them, or post them c/o 79 Duncairn gardens. Hoping you are keeping
well. With best wishes, Sheila
1947
    
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1) 17th April 1947 - Postmark Cheddar, Somerset? to C. A. Duke, Esq., 72
Barnetts Road, Knock, Belfast, N. Ireland - Bradley Cross, Cheddar, Somt.
April 17th Darling, Very many thanks for yours this morning - it was
lovely to hear from you & sooner than I had hoped for. Thank you for
keeping your fingers crossed - it did the trick. They had little
option but to accept me as there were no other applicants. It should be a
very nice little area covering Chichester, Bognor Regis and Midhurst courts
with a case-load of about 30. I start on May 1st am now enjoying 14
days holiday & oh how I wish darling you could be here with me or else I
could be with you - the weather is doubtless as good in God's own country as
it is here. Mummies & I are alone until to-morrow afternoon and have
had our lunch in the garden these past two days. Now I am sitting in a
sheltered part of the garden blinking against the glare of the sun, & being
thoroughly lazy. I can't get down to planting potatoes or digging ground for
seeds. Much as I like a garden I trust we are never saddled with more than
an acre under cultivation. It was dreadful after I left you at Euston
and I felt so lonely - somehow I got back to Draycott Place and through my
packing, but I still can't think how I got it done and myself & belongings
to Chichester and on here again. Darling I do miss you so much and am
living for the time when we can meet again - August or September? These last
few days were heavenly but they should have gone on longer or better still
for ever - they were something to remember and believe me I think of you and
them at all odd hours of the day and night. Darling you aren't still
worrying about Sunday are you? You know I'm sure that I love you all
the more and am only so sorry that I behaved as I did and got so worked up -
I was only frightened of myself and my general ignorance because Darling I
could never be frightened of you, you are always so gentle and loving. I'm
sorry I worried you because it was unkind of me when we were having such a
happy time together. I am sure you know all this already but I have
been so high up in the clouds recently that I don't think all my answers
were very convincing always. I am glad you have a fairly good journey & I
too wish it had been two seats reserved from Euston etc., I thought of you
and those children - I trust they didn't crowd around too much. I am longing
to hear what Sadie has had to say & her greeting when you came in on Tuesday
morning. There is just a possibility that I may have half a flat when
I get to Chichester. One of the magistrates knew one to be vacant next week
& had I thought I might share it with some domestic science person they have
recently appointed & who starts on June 15th. We saw the flat but
there was some question of it having been let already & I am waiting to hear
the best (or worst). Not too bad a spot but there are several
drawbacks such as sharing with an unknown quantity, but it would be better
starting ? there than in rooms, keep your fingers crossed again. I
couldn't help smiling to myself when Mummie gave me the most recent
instructions about shutting up the hens. You have to push a large box up
against the door - to keep out the draughts (& the foxes got there is a
pica? missing?) There were so many things I wanted to tell you
Darling, but they've slipped my memory pro. tem.? Sorry this isn't
much of a letter, & is I'm afraid rather incoherent but I'm not on terra
firma. In answer to the unasked question, I love you as much as I
possibly can Darling and always shall. Your loving Leslie (kisses)
     
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1) (there is a page missing) 20th April 1947 - Postmark Cheddar to C.
A. Duke, Esq., 72 Barnett's Road, Knock, Belfast, N. Ireland - Bradley
Cross, Cheddar, Somt. Sunday April 20th 1947 Cecil Darling, Very
many thanks for yours yesterday - next to seeing you Darling I live for your
letters. I do hope mine arrived on Saturday morning - I am sorry
Darling I didn't write sooner. It was dreadful parting at Euston
wasn't it, & I felt terrible - the ticket collector looked at me so
sympathetically when I went out through the barrier Darling, I can't tell
you how much I miss you - the perpetual aching void is dreadful, but still
there is the future and we shall have a grand time when next we see each
other. I must say I wish St. George's Channel didn't exist or else I had an
appointment in the North. West. To answer your most important question
Dearest - really I am sure I shall always love you Darling and that is real
love and not just infatuation. I have "fallen for" other boys you know
in a very school girlish way but never Darling have I felt like this and
loved anyone so much. I know darling that you believe me when I say
I've never loved anyone before and that I shall always love you - you're
just teasing me, but really truly its true. I hope you manage to
concoct a good report for the K.G.? Dearest - how like Sadie to leave it all
to you. She will however have to put in her little piece about
Holloway and Aylesbury etc.!! You can of course hand them the latest
version of the Mountains of Mourne etc.! Anyway I know you'll make a good
show of it. As you say Dearest it is nice to be home but I wish you
were here or at any rate nearer. I am being thoroughly domesticated &
you know Darling the endless round of mending and making interrupted by
housework and the children. I haven't done a hand's turn in the garden which
is naughty of me, but I can't bring myself to dig a potato patch.
Yesterday I spent the day going to Exeter and back again - Ellen Norton, the
Wells P.O. to whom I should have gone had to go there and I thought it as
good a day as any to spend with her. My greatest grief was that I had
to leave home before the postman came in the morning and I spent all day
wondering whether there was a letter (page missing here) and left the
eight arm? with the ? of the French army, namely blue & gold. It isn't
very obvious but as you study the picture you can see that the head doesn't
fit and that there's blue coming through the red coat. We came back
through a fascinating little village called Newton & Ayres? - it was lovely
Darling - little thatched cottages all of red Devon ? and a little stream
running through. Then we came on through Crediton? and Tiverton - it
was a lovely drive with heavenly view but oh Darling how I missed you &
wished you were driving instead of Ellen. Dear heart Arthurs? question
of ago - surely six years (that's what it is isn't it?) isn't all that much?
I know that in some way I am rather young for 24, but that's the way in
which I shall grow up by loving you. Darling if you don't think that the
difference will matter to you I am quite sure it won't make any difference
to us. I can't make up my mind Darling whether Mummie realises how
very much I love you and am longing for you to come over again - Somehow I
don't think she does, and I didn't say anything at all when we were talking
about holidays etc. the other day. Well Darling I wonder what you are
doing now - I haven't gone to Church as I meant to, but Di & I are just
going to take the children down the village to look for cowslips. I
hear that Di has brought them in for tidying up so I'd better stop now &
continue later. I have found my photographs & I'll post them during
the week - have you found some for me dearest? Well Darling Honest,
regretfully, and ? & really I love you as much as is possible & always
shall. With all my love Darling, your loving Leslie (kisses)
  
   
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1) 22nd April 1947 - Postmark Cheddar, Somerset to C. A. Duke, Esq., 72
Barnett's Road, Knock, Belfast, Northern Ireland - Bradley Cross, Cheddar,
Somt. April 21st 1947 Darling Cecil, I wonder what sort of a
time you have had this week-end Darling & what you've been doing all day.
I've often thought of you sitting in court, interviewing etc. & wished I
could be over with you. Darling I do miss you so much & love you as much as
I know how. Must tell you my glad news - I shall have a roof over my head
when I go to Chichester next week. It sounds just what I wanted short of a
whole flat - a furnished bed-sitter with what sound like adequate cooking &
heating arrangements & the rent 25/- week plus electric cooker, wireless,
etc., which seems quite reasonable. Darling I'm so pleased because if
nothing else it gives me my independence and ? ? ? ? can come to the fore if
wanted. The house apparently belongs to some school but is too large, and
the spare rooms are let as bed sitters. The landlady, presumably the
head-mistress, seems extremely nice - she wrote me a very friendly letter
and we were most chatty when I rang her up this evening & we clinched the
matter over the phone. Now Darling I am very busy collecting up all the
necessary bits & pieces, as its a question of providing my own pots & pans &
crockery etc. I must say I like to take my own sheets anyway because they
are green & I still enjoy to think of sleeping in them (a 21st birthday
present.) Its going to be rather fun settling in there and getting hold of
all the necessary, but I do wish Dearest that it would bring me physically a
little nearer you instead of further as the crow flies. The family are
packing up around me so maybe I'd better wish you good-night Darling & sweet
dreams. I shall snuggle down with my "?" and think of you and the heavenly
time we had together. (kisses)
2) no date but fits here - Bradley Cross, Cheddar, Somt. - My Darling, Do I
remember a Belfast P.O. called Cecil? Some how I find he is continually in
my thoughts ? couldn't, even if I wanted to, forgotten anyone whom I love so
much & is always so loving & gentle. How often do I think back with longing
to the heavenly time we had together & live in anticipation of more. Darling
I am longing for the time when we can be together again. Are you having
these dreadful gales in Ireland Dearest? I imagine so from the radio. It is
terrific here and yesterday I began to wonder whether the poor little car
was going to be blown off the roads or not. She weathered the storm
????fully though its going very well at the moment, touch wood. The hot
weather seems to have deserted us in Somerset too & it either rains or
blows, or both. Darling there will be 'Welcome' (unwritten) on the doormat
of my little flatlet in Chichester and it will be there specially for you.
We shall be able to have some good fun there if you come down there in
August/September. I wish Dearest I could ask you to stay there as well, but
unfortunately there are limits! I shall spend sometime running around the
countryside finding nice little secluded spots where we can go and make love
and be alone when I am supposed to be dealing with the crime wave in Sussex.
Yesterday I was given a send-off by the Somerset P.O.s - they always regard
me as a 'Somerset trainee' which isn't quite accurate. They were having
their quarterly staff meeting at Taunton in the new home of the woman
officer who married the headmaster of Queen's College & it was largely a
social do. A most super tea was provided and I learnt a lot about making
something out of nothing! Although I have drifted fairly easily into the
"daily round, the ? task", my thoughts are not often on what I'm doing &
Dearest I think you know where they are!! Darling was it as awful
effort to stop smoking or merely the lesser of two evils? I do wish they
would increase the sweet rations as an alternative!! I am enclosing
the only photograph I have of myself, but Dearest I will also send you the
Polyphoto sheet?, if you choose one I'll get a decent print made of it - &
you would like it of course. Darling wont you have one taken? You are bound
to find at least one good one & then I can have 48? Cecil's to look at - as
if I need any reminding about my darling Cecil over in Belfast. Have you
found me a photo Darling? I wish I knew just how much Sadie told Miss Vandy?,
I meant to ask Jack when I wrote him but forgot. "Our future plans" Darling
- I wonder what she really thinks. Your caseload certainly sounds
rather heavy - I bet your colleagues were glad to have you back, if they had
to divide it up between them! Methinks my ? & Little? or us
matrimonials will be as much as I can cope with. Sweetheart I'll always love
you and miss you so very much - do come over again soon - I know you can't
really but that doesn't make being apart any easier does it Darling? With
all my love Darling, Leslie (kisses)
   
   
  
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1) 25th April 1947 Postmark Wells, Somerset to C. A. Duke, Esq., 72
Barnett's Road, Knock, Belfast, N. Ireland - Bradley Cross, Cheddar, Somt.
Friday - Hello Darling, How's life? Just a wee note started in the dentist's
waiting room of all places. I wanted to write you Darling, but somehow
hadn't time this morning so came to Wells armed with the necessary!
Darling I live for your letters so please write me ever so often ? I am in
Chichester because it's going to be awful lonely here I'm afraid & I'm
getting very windy about going. I do hope it isn't as bad as I
sometimes imagine it may be. Had a very nice letter from the magistrate who
gave me the address for my room this morning. Amongst other things she says
she must warn me that it's not very comfortable & that there are some
"absurd stipulations," ? I hope Darling they don't forbid any friends,
particularly boy friends coming in. Still if they do I have only to stay
there three months & may be able to find something different by the time you
come over again - you don't know Darling how much I am longing for that
time. Still there's no point in meeting trouble half way is there Dearest.
This morning I turned out a cupboard, seeing how many odd spoons etc. which
I had had for christening presents, and could now put to a good use. I have
also acquired one or two other odd things of Daddy's which I have covetted
for sometimes. Methinks Darling, its as well for the rest of the
family that I don't turn out too often or else Di might not get her share of
oddments! I wish Darling you were here with me in Wells, as it's a
lovely old city and there are lots of places where we could wander around
and enjoy ourselves. Do you know this part of the world at all Darling &
shall we be able to explore around Wells & Glastonbury together sometime?
Just back from ? - the dentist suspects a hole & has x-rayed so methinks I
may have to take a week-end some time for the express purpose of having it
filled. I've just had tea with Ellen Norton - the Wells P.O. & we
ended up with an ice - the first since we were together at the Tower - Do
you remember that day Darling when we wandered around arm-in-arm & oblivious
to the seething mass of humanity? I do & I go over every minute of that
glorious week very often. Well Darling I'd better stop as I'm scrawling this
in Ellen's office & it's nearly time for posting. Oh Darling I wish I
were in Belfast with you & remember I really love & always shall. With all
my love Leslie (kisses)
2) 30th April 1947 - Postmark Chichester, Sussex to C. A. Duke, Esq., 72
Barnetts Road, Knock, Belfast, N. Ireland - Jesmond, 19 Stockbridge Road,
Chichester, Sussex Wednesday afternoon My dearest Cecil, Very
many thanks Darling for your letters -it was sweet of you to air mail one &
it was awaiting me yesterday afternoon. I like the snaps - especially
the one of you alone with two kittens - when were they taken Darling because
you don't look a day older, for if you go on telling me you are so much
older than I am I shall soon begin to believe it, & to think I love someone
old enough to be my father and one of the 'types' ? was ??ciating.
When I worked it out as 30 you know you didn't deny it when we were sitting
on the sofa & I don't consider that a great difference. My parents had
a 7 years difference and that certainly worked very well for as long as it
was allowed to. Please tell me Darling 'cos I shall probably learn in
some time!! Well here we are ? in room No. 6 & beginning to look a
little more ship shape & Bristol way. Its quite a nice little room
provided with a minimum of furniture & panelled pale green which goes very
well with my bits & pieces. The poor little car was very heavily laden
yesterday as I brought a good many oddments. They were rather a nuisance,
but it does look more homelike, I wish Sweetheart, it had a little more
furniture and we were here together. Had a moderately good run
yesterday leaving home at midday & arriving about 5.45. Had a puncture
in the middle of Salisbury Plain and came the rest of the way with no spare
& was told this morning that the wheel I ran on for 70 odd miles is wholly
unsafe! A narrow squeak methinks. Away from home the little car
causes a lot of worry & I shall be more than thankful when my new one
arrives. I rather think that will be fairly soon as the old boy in the
garage at home said he would see what could be done to expedite matters -
when he says anything like that its almost as good as done. The
question of paying for it is a little worrying but I think it can be managed
without tying myself up to NAPO? or any county on the H.P. system.
Somehow I don't want to do that - what say you? Can't remember what I
said about leave when I wrote on Monday - but Darling its heavenly to think
you have three weeks to come & can we spend it all together somewhere?
Still don't know anything about mine yet but as soon as I know you shall as
well, & then we can make plans. Darling I'm beginning to get excited
already. 'Fraid a fortnight's all that I can hope for & that may not be
until I've been here six months. I guess that some of it ought to be
spent at home, but I don't think that really matters. I can't make up
my mind whether M. realises how much love and miss you or just thinks its a
passing affair instead of a permanent love for you Sweetheart. I think
she took my departure yesterday as badly as I did - 'tisn't glen? I give way
teas on leaving home but I did then? Still when I left home & was cruising
along I could think ? again & again, the happy time we had in London, & felt
much better. Darling I could never love anyone else like I love you -
altho' I do know now how to fall in love! As I said at Easter I was
waiting for you Cecil and for no one else. Couldn't imagine anyone
else loving me after you and I shouldn't like it. oh Darling I so miss
you so & wish you were over here somewhere. I'm glad to hear that you
have been to one social 'do since your return - I haven't been to any films,
but at home I just didn't have time. Walt Disneys 'Song of the South'
is on here so I shall probably go. Darling time flies when I'm writing
to you & I must go now as the Senior is coming over here afternoon & I must
go to the Office. Remember Cecil dear I love you with all my being &
always shall. With all my love Sweetheart, Leslie (kisses)
3) 5th May 1947 Postmark Belfast to Mr. Cecil Duke, 72 Barnett's Road,
Knock, Belfast - 4 Hampton Park 4-5-47 Cecil Dear, Sorry I
couldn't see you to-day as I had left Greta alone yesterday, and didn't like
to do so again to-day. Mother & Doris have just got back from Newcastle -
very cold and wet, they said. We had no luck on Saturday in the rally. We
lost 327½ marks in the driving test - a record! Could you take time off, to
come up to Stewart's on Tuesday? It would be your turn for some butter. I
think! Did I tell you it was nice to see you again after all these years?
Don't work too hard, Love Hilda
1948
   
   
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1) 17th January 1948 - Postmark Chichester, Sussex to C. A. Duke,
Esq., 72 Barnett's Road, Knock, Belfast, N. Ireland - Bognor? Thursday
6.0pm Cecil Dearest, Two letters from you yesterday & today - it's
lovely Darling hearing from you. Also one from your Mother in which she says
amongst other things that you are getting very fat - not too fat I hope
Darling & with a corporation, 'cos I do want still to be able to get my arms
around you! I'm glad to hear your cold is better though. What an
unilluminating hour & a half you must have had with the 'Minister' but
perhaps it's something that you have taught him a bit about probation & the
sunday duties of a P.C. I'm sure you put up a goof show Darling & I
hope you laid it on good & proper. Does "under consideration" mean
anything except that your salaries have been labelled & put into a
pigeon-hole until the new Bill comes - presumably a Criminal Justice Bill to
bring N.I. a little more up to date. Did you all know the Senior was
retiring or did it come as a surprise? What is his salary? Over
here it's £50 above an ordinary P.O.'s, but even so that would only bring it
to about £368 & you won't get anyone from here accepting that if he's any
good. What are the chances of you getting it Darling & would you like
a more administrative job or do you prefer your naughty boys? I am
sure you need some one who is a live wire and can stir Stormont up to doing
things. How I wish I could have been waiting for you when you came in
after visiting on Monday evening. Should you really have liked to find me
there & to get you some supper & then sit down by the fire together?
There's nothing I want more Sweetheart than to be able to look after you,
and I shall always do my best - that is if I may - but then it's Leap Year
isn't it!!! Ten people in less than 6 hours is an awful lot; I find about
you knock the stuffing out of me. Darling are you still chief cook &
bottle washer or is ? just a Sunday custom for your Aunt to remain in bed?
What is beginning to worry me is how will she manage when you are not around
to wait on her hand & foot & do the house-work. Does she realise how
things stand between us? I do ? understand & appreciate the
difficulties & the position & your feelings on the whole matter a I think -
& hope - you know, but I do sometimes wonder what will happen when the time
comes, as ? it will sometime won't it Darling? What say you? I feel
quite sure your first? & last ship & the intervening ones were named H.M.S.
Pitch & Toss - a jolly good name, but surely they had a nickname too!
I asked Darling because I am annoyed with myself for forgetting as you have
told me the names of one or two - also the photo I have is of you in the
unmistakeable uniform of the Senior Service & I hate to show my ignorance
when people asked what ships you were in. Surely you 'serve in' don't
you or have I got myself wrong? ? what you say it does sound as if
Cyril is having a pretty keen? time of it at the moment - this weather must
be ghastly. Do you regret having left the sea Darling? I hope you
don't ever go back because I should hate the thought of being parted so
much; even £65 s month wouldn't make up for it. So you don't think
anyone leaving with you would have time to read much. Not when you are
around Darling, I couldn't concentrate then, but if the hours most P.C.s I
know work methinks that's a guide to the amount of time the wife of a P.C.
has on her hands. I'll elaborate this later when I take up your point
about wives working, but there's not time at the moment as I want to post
to-night, my lad? caller is over-due - bother? the girl.? Good-bye
Darling - you're always in my thoughts & I love you with all my strength,
Always ? Leslie Joan (kisses)
2) 17th January 1948 - Postmark Chichester, Sussex to C. A. Duke, Esq., 72
Barnett's Road, Knock, Belfast, N. Ireland - County of West Sussex, Miss L.
J. Greenhill, Probation Officer, Chichester City, The Court House,
Southgate, Chichester Saturday morning My Darlingest, Just a
line which I hope reaches you on Monday morning. Very many thanks for
sending me the Ulster Protestant - I haven't had time to read it yet, but it
looks as if we are in for a wet Saturday afternoon & evening, so after the
usual house cleaning is done I'll settle down to sit by the fire. How
I wish we could both be sharing the same fire - just ourselves discussing
all the usual problems & daily doings and enjoying ourselves. Darling
how I long for the time when we shall be together - for keeps - Do you too?
- really & truly? Last evening we had an informal play-reading of the
"house master" All of us being very amateurs I'm afraid rather spoilt
it, but even so it was quite an amusing evening - I wish I hadn't been so
tired because I could hardly keep sufficiently awake to make comments
towards the end. Hence no letter written last evening - also it was very
cold sitting up in bed. A 'phone call has just come through saying
that Miss Hughes of NAPO has died suddenly; and the funeral is early next
week. Napo will feel her loss immensely. Just think - it's 10 weeks
to-day until Easter Saturday & then we shall be together again - three
cheers. How long are you going to be able to come over for Darling? A
long, long time I hope. We have Quarter Sessions here on April 1st, but I
don't suppose I shall have any women to cope with. As you know already
Darling, I've told Mummie we shall be home for Easter but there are several
other days aren't there, & anyway we can always go out together and enjoy
ourselves with no one worrying I'm afraid there'll be no basic though!
Cheerio Sweetheart - I'll be thinking of you all the weekend. Loving? you as
ever, Yours Leslie Joan (kisses)
     
    
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1) (either the first page of this letter is missing or its a continuation
of one of the above 2 letters) 2 Tuesday morning. Have, I hope, finished
my odd chores for the moment & can settle down to enjoying myself writing to
you Darling - wish it was talking to you though but the time will come won't
it Dearest? The gramophone is on, and Mummie out at a meeting and Gran
decided I was capable of paddling around the kitchen unattended (thank
goodness!) & here we are. I hope the letter I wrote on Sunday Darling was
not too awful nonsense only I was working against time and being interrupted
at frequent intervals. Tell me Darling which night is it, if any, that us?
mail boat sails for Belfast 'cos then I shall know when mail will take
three? days. Yesterday we went up to Bristol and did some shopping - as
school started we had some real peace and moved around at the leisurely pace
which suits my family as a rule. Next time I go there - or anywhere else
with some shops - I must get a record of the Trumpet Voluntary. Somehow
Darling I shall always think of that as our time & funnily enough it was the
first thing I heard played when I put the radio up last Wednesday morning. I
have just had a "sow? selection from the Maid of the Mountains" - do you
remember Marble Arch Corner House las Thursday week? Darling that was a
lovely ten days & I'm longing for the time when we can be together again. I
had a letter from Jack Marsh yesterday - apparently he is missing some ? &
thought I might have them, I can't find then thought. He had little comment
to make on Nottingham, but said how much he was missing everyone at Draycott
Place. He suggested that I was probably missing them more being out in the
country - do you think that's what he really meant Sweetheart because I
don't! Jack was undoubtedly our best friend & I think he knew pretty
well how we felt. I wonder if he would know how much Sadie told Miss Vandy
or Vaudy. Not that I worry how much she & H.O. knew - do you Darling?
There's a reason why I hate this time of the year - it means trying to deal
with Income Tax Returns & the whole family spent Sunday evening at the game.
Darling in many ways it was very funny hearing the cross remarks but as
usual I am in a muddle & have to trail over to the Bank this afternoon -
when ? brings my car back. Dearest how do you like the Budget & the
increased tax a cigarettes? It is ruinous? and as a result I think will have
the effect of lowering revenue and consumption - may be a good thing really.
If Darling, as you once said, you smoke less when I am with you surely that
is a very good reason for us being together!! Wishful thinking on my part
I'm afraid, but Darling I do love you so very much and time will never
decrease my love - just increase it - but I think you know that already
don't you Darling. Methinks I have rambled on long enough - Darling please
tell me if this long screed bores, but I just want to go on writing to you
Sweetheart - its very rambly though and I will try to keep more to ? next
time. Just to add to my general low feeling last Tuesday my watch gave up
the ghost - I have however been very lucky and the local watch-maker has put
in a new main spring. It does however need cleaning but he says it should be
alright for a bit longer and maybe he will be a little less busy some time
in the future. Gran has turned out some "gold" clips which certainly look
better than the ones I had before. Darling were the dogs & parrot glad
to see their master back again last Tuesday & has the Kerry Blue taken up
his forever station at your bed? Somehow Darling I can't imagine you lying
there with a dog on the bed. Did you get a second new collar Darling?
What was the name & author of that book about Japan Darling? You can't
expect me to remember anything like that from last week!! Well Darling I
must stop and come to earth & lay the lunch etc. Just one more thing - the
answer to your unasked question which I think you know - I love you with all
my heart & being Darling. With all my love Dearest, Your loving Leslie
(kisses) Just in case you are interested my love my address from next
Tuesday :- Jesmond, Slackbridge Road, Chichester, Sussex. (kisses)
2) 26th July 1948 - Postmark Chichester, Sussex to C. A. Duke, Esq.,
Probation Officer, Old Town Hall, Victoria Street, Belfast, N. Ireland -
Sunday night Cecil Sweetheart, Summer again even if it may be only for
48 hours! Two whole days of sunshine & over a week-end is almost too good to
hope for! My back knows all about it anyway as you can almost boil an egg
on. I spent all the evening Sun sat ? in the garden & only wearing a bathing
costume, I haven't tried lying down yet!! If only it will be like this
next week-end. I am going home on the 8 am train? on Friday & shall have to
return on the 2.30 Tuesday afternoon - I suppose it could be worse & only ?
have the days left over for ? leave in the autumn, but that isn't quite the
same thing. Anything definite about your leave Dear? This morning I
went to Maltin's at the Cathedral ? a Quiesce bishop preach - he was most
interesting & spoke very good English too. The Cathedral was quite full but?
too cold for ? Yesterday afternoon I went all around Midhurst - out on
the Petersfield road where we stopped for a picnic tea, remember Darling?
The heather is just beginning to come out & I've several vases full here.
Wish you had been with me Cecil because it would have been lovely on the rug
and amongst the heather. Earlier this evening I chopped off hand-fulls of
my hair & I am most anxious to see how much better (or worse) it looks in
the morning. It hasn't been cut for more than 18 months so you can
imagine how much it had grown! I am glad to hear your Mother is
making good progress; I hope they can do without the operation after all.
Does her speedy recovery augur well for us Darling? I should like to
see you sometime this year, & I gather it is to some extent dependant upon
her recovery. Wonder whether you'll be working next Monday ? have an
extra days' leave or not? Judging from the papers it seems that M?
Costello is making ? bid to overcome the pa? - guess Sir Basil Brooke will ?
? a when he returns home. "Goodwood" starts this week & there's racing
on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, last year it was very quiet & we had no
interesting developments. It isn't going to be Royal Goodwood either
unless Sup? ? just wouldn't let on. As at other big race-meetings Mr.
Becker? holds a special court on the course? to deal with petty offenders,
but he doesn't appear to need a porter to carry his nag. Just too bad
as I should to have a look around up there. Hope Darling I hear from
you in the morning, I do look forward to your letters you know & it makes
such a difference when I hear from you. Do you still look forward to mine
Cecil? Goodnight now Dearest. I still think of you at night & at other
times & try to remember some of the times we've had together, but Darling
memories of the past are not at all satisfying and I do want to be able to
make some plans for the future as well. Will you make it possible
Sweetheart? Spare me a thought sometimes ? & don't forget me completely.
God bless Darling & lots & lots of love, yours? Leslie (kisses) P.S.
Do you still love me?
1949
  
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1) 1949 National Registration Identity Card Duke, Cecil A., 72
Barnetts Road, Belfast 174 Barnetts Road, Belfast
no date but probably 1940s
   
  
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1) Linton Guest House, 51 Upper Pitt Street, Kirribilli, Dec. Tuesday night
- Sweetheart Darling, To-day being much cooler I decided to give my room a
spring clean and now Darling I can at last sit back and enjoy the pleasure
of it, the flowers are everywhere, also a lovely vase near your photo which
I'm sure you would simply love. I'm waiting now for my best Sweetheart in
the world to come up the steps tale me in his arms and hug mw so much I
would want to cry for help or would I? Gee Darling it would be next door to
heaven if you were here now, it is 7.30 I wonder what you are doing and if
you are as lonely as me. Longing for you Darling so much and missing you, a
million times a day I think and wonder about you. As a matter of fact I
don't know what my life would have held for me if God hadn't been kind to me
that 12th July and granted me so many beautiful days and nights in your
company. I have some very wonderful & beautiful memories dear that I whole
(hold) so close to my heart in these lonely days when you are so far away. I
don't know Darling what is wrong with me to-day or every day, I no longer
want to go out and enjoy life as I did, I find more pleasure sitting in my
room when it has flowers to keep me company and writing a note to you.
Poor old Jean & my sister some time worry about it all as they imagine I
shall become a bore to everyone soon. I no longer want to talk a joke? on my
job but just hurry to finish & come up to my room. Of course
Sweetheart they can never realize how I love you a miss you. But one day I
shall be happy rushing down to meet the ferry when I finish my work at night
and taking your arm Darling and then we shall walk very slowly up our little
hill and then home, have a chin wag over a couple of nice beers that I shall
have stocked away for the occasion then you can love me all you want too &
believe me I shan't object. What do you say to that Sweetheart. I have
another parcel ready to send to Ireland should you care too I thought it
nice if Clive's Daddy got this one, but just please yourself Darling as you
know best who would need it most. I was able to obtain 2 1lb tins of
butter I don't know how they shall keep also tea, sugar, peanut butter,
honey and kraft cheese all being tinned so I guess they will be alright.
Darling if you haven't received your parcels when arriving back on board
please let me know as your Birthday gift were among them & I shall make some
inquiries of this end. Well my own Darling it is time for me to say
Good-night and God-bless you. With all my Love & kisses thinking of you Dear
missing you & thinking of you a million times a day. Jean sends her regards
and to tell you she is waiting for her son to come back. Love always From
Jess (kisses)
2) Sunday Dear Cecil, I am more than sorry to have to do what I am
about to do But I see quite planely that it is the only way so I am
returning your ring and I know I shall not be hard to replace as there was
to much opisitation for me. By the time you receive this I shall be on my
way to get married. The things I have been hearing hurt me very much so am
taking the only way out which I hope will prove Best for us Both. I remain
yours Truly, Noretta P.S. Aimee told me I would have to make the first
move so I am making it this way. Etta
3) no date The Season's Greetings - Dear Cecil, I mislaid your
list of addresses, but I have thought of you after, I never forget those who
do me good terms, thanks for your card, I received it O.K. This
picture was taken at Tyrella by Jon White, we were on holiday together this
year. I wish you everything of the best, I am going to spend a few days in
Ireland at the New Year. Your loving friend, Anne
    
 
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1) My Dear Beloved Darling, Just make yourself at home (as usual) & I will
try to come back as soon as possible, but guess it will be between 9-30 & 10
p.m. Make a cup of tea darling or have some orangeade. It seems a long
time since I saw you dearest but hope it won't be long now. I love you far
far far more than ever. Don't meditate too long at 9 pm, I may get jealous,
all my love dearest, Kathleen
2) 34 Guilder Road - Dear Kathleen, Sorry I can't come down this morning -
as I'm cooking a Duck for Mr. Dryden & he is ? me half. Ahem!!! - By the way
- "how long should it cook??" I'm just guessing!! Any Idea??
Happy Xmas by the way, I'm missing my kiss from you by not coming down Ha!
Ha! & hoping you have a jolly holiday. Many thanks for the Books,
Santa Clause brought them!! & Please except this small (mixed) gift from me.
I didn't know what to get you?? & the boys are giving you a bar of Choc.
I'm hoping you like the Perfume??? Love Margery
3) Private & important to Sub. Lieut. (E) C. Duke, H.M.S. Hebb? - Tuesday
8.15 pm Cecil My Sweetheart, yes its that girl again, you can't get
rid of me can you dear. I think that must be the trouble, you have been with
me too much recently, haven't you Cecil?? Believe me darling when I
tell you, that you have never been out of my thoughts for one single moment
today - I have felt so sad & worried about you dear. I sincerely hope you
are feeling better now & that your sore throat has improved. I
apologise darling for pleading with you this morning, because I myself hate
people always pestering me & thrusting themselves upon me when I don't want
to see them but somehow when you told me that definately you did not want to
see me any more (although it was my own suggestion) I felt as though my
heart was going to stand still & that I had lost for good the dearest & most
loving person in all the world. Your company, habits, manners, love,
understanding, & you yourself Cecil, have made me love you more than I can
ever tell you dear, & then suddenly they all seemed to vanish this morning,
& I felt alone & bewildered, so please forgive me darling, won't you?? as I
should hate you to see me (as much as I want to) just because you didn't to
hurt my feelings & refuse me. I think perhaps Cecil dear, it would do
you good to take some one else out, & I know they would not tease you like I
do. I am enclosing the money I owe you sweetheart, as I know you won't
accept it from me by hand, & after all darling I am not giving you any, it
is your OWN money not mine, & you have always been so kind & generous with
me, never begruding one penny you have spent on me & I know how much it must
have cost you these past few months, but I want you to know my darling, I
have appreciated it, with all my heart. I felt so miserable at lunch
time I gave you a ring, but after I got through to the ships I told the
fellow not to bother as I thought you would not want to speak to me, & when
he asked if he could give you any message I just told him I would ring you
later, & believe me Cecil, I am just itching & longing at this very moment
to go round & phone but am afraid you may think that you just can't get rid
of me, & u should hate that yes! sure I would. If you feel at any time
Cecil, like ringing me & letting me give you that night out to celebrate, I
will only be too pleased, so darling do take great care of your dear self, &
go out & enjoy yourself, but always remember Cecil, you are for ever in my
thoughts, & that I will ALWAYS LOVE YOU. Hoping to see you one day very
soon. Very unhappy Yours Kathleen
4) Wed. My Dearest Darling Sweetheart, Just a line wishing you all the
Very Best for Easter, & for ever & ever because you sure deserve it, but
somehow I don't think you are looking forward to Easter with Mother being
here. It was so marvelous last night darling, wasn't it, in fact it
gets nicer every time I am with you, & I am getting to love you more & more
& more dear every time I see you, you are such a darling Cecil, & so sweet &
kind to me, sometimes darling I wish you weren't so charming & then it
wouldn't be so hard for me when we have to part. I simply dread the
day when you have to go away & leave me for good, am afraid I shall break my
heart, but will always be thinking about you & loving you with all my heart.
Well dear, here's hoping you are feeling much better, & not too tired after
your long walk. Hoping to see you soon, & hear your sweet voice on the
phone tomorrow. Yours with all my love Kathleen (kisses)
   
   
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1) Sub. Lieut. (E) C. A. Duke, Royal Naval Hospital, Cullercoats, Whitley
Bay - back of envelope John Aitchison & Co. Limited, Newcastle - 6 pm
Thursday Sweetheart Darling, How I wish I was getting ready to meet
you, there doesn't seem any thrill in getting dressed up somehow when you my
darling are not coming tonight, but I hope you will know & understand that I
will be thinking of you more than ever, & hope you won't be too sad & lonely
tonight. Thank you dear for the lovely letter I found waiting for me
last night, your sure a darling. I am just waiting for Kathie & Anne
to come & we have the taxi ordered for 8 pm & are going to call for Margery,
then we are meeting John, & Annes partner in the Crown at 8 pm. I know
the fellow quite well, & so does Margery. In case you don't know
Beautiful I love & adore you very much indeed & hope to see you out of
hospital very soon, as by the time you go home on leave, the ship will be
almost ready for sailing, & I am afraid I won't see very much of you, & I
just dread that time coming darling. Will you miss me at all Cecil??
I wonder. Don't be too sad tonight pet, will you, because my thoughts
will be with you all the evening. Do take care of your darling self, &
get well soon. Hoping to see you tomorrow, all my love, ever your own
darling gorgeous, Kathleen (kisses) night (Thurs evening
x)
2) Sub. Lieut. (E) Duke, R.N.R. Dear John, Thank you so much for
bringing me back safely, I am sorry I forgot to thank you, hope you are
behaving yourself, Regards, Kathleen or Katie - back of envelope John
Aitchison & Co. Limited, Newcastle SWALK - 14 G????????? 9.30 pm
Cecil My Darling, How I wish you were here with mw at this very moment,
although perhaps is it just as well, as I am sure I wouldn't be responsible
for my actions, & I should hate to take advantage of a young boy like you
darling, what say you??? oh Cecil, I was loathe to leave you pet, & am just
living for tomorrow evening 7 pm. Please thank John for me darling for
seeing me to Margerys safely, am afraid I couldn't have managed by myself. I
feel terribly jealous of them now as I had just left No. 34, & they were
kissing one another so lovingly, I thought I had better make a quick exit.
I feel absolutely terrible dear & now I long to be in your arms & feel your
kisses showered upon me, you are a darling Cecil, & I now you do love me & ?
? ? ? Well darling, it is about 10 pm & I want to get to bed for then to
dream of the dearest & most charming person in all the world, all my love
dearest, Katie!!!! ? ? ? ? girl K.
   
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1) Office 1-45 pm Monday Cecil My Darling Sweetheart, Believe it
or not but I feel a new person today & all though a certain very charming
gentleman (L'?). by the name of Sub. Lieut. Cecil Duke, so you know him by
the way dear, anyhow he is a darling, & I love him more than ever. I
do hope you had a good journey darling & that you arrived home safe & sound.
I was very sorry to let you go last night, you made me feel so happy Cecil.
I just can't explain, especially after all the misery I had last week, but
today I feel as though it is a pleasure to be alive, you looked so marvelous
last night darling when I saw you, & when you put your arms round me, &
kissed me, well dear - you know the rest. I got the taxi OK dear, & it was
that couple standing beside us & she was crying in the taxi when I arrived.
He took me right up home, & knew exactly the door & when I asked him how
much, he said it was paid for, so thank you so much darling, however I gave
him 2/6 for himself. I felt so happy Cecil, I could have given
anything away. Well almost? oh Cecil darling, how on earth I am going
to live without you pet, I really don't know. I never realized until
recently just how much I do love & adore you, & what you mean to me. I
have never shed so many tears over anyone Cecil, not even Arthur?, Valerie
or Mother, as I have for you, or missed anyones love & company so much.
Really dear I feel as happy as can be & it was worth all last weeks misery,
to feel the way I do now, as soon as I saw you pet, & you held my hand in
the taxi, you have no idea the thrill I got, oh Cecil I love you so much, &
I am terribly jealous of the girl you took to the Haymarket on Saturday. I
know I have no right to be, but there you are. I just am! I knew
you must be with someone, trust my darling, he just can't keep off the
ladies, & the ladies just can't keep off him. I think we should make
that our song darling "as time goes by", as I think it is very nice & most
appropriate (my spelling isn't so hot I am afraid). Well beautiful, do
think of me sometimes & remember I am always thinking of you dear. By
the way Mrs. Murphy went to work at 6-30 am this morning, so it looks OK for
next week. So take care of your darling self, & hope you thoroughly
enjoy leave, yours with all my love & kisses Kathleen, better known as
gorgeous xxxx P.S. By the way, I got a letter from John this morning
enclosing one for Margery, Love K.
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