Post #510 - November 15, 1944 Sometimes I Find It Difficult to Believe That We Have a Daughter Two Years Old! and I Was “Propositioned” by a “Piccadilly Commando”

 

Nov. 15. 1944

My sweet,

There was no mail again this morning and I'm very disappointed. I thought sure there'd be a few letters to start the mails coming through more regularly. I'm typing this at the office, just before going home. I brought the form with me, just in case I found the time to write.

My brother Eddie also sent telegrams to my cousin Ruth and a girlfriend of his. We were wondering whether we would have to visit him or whether he would be shipped nearer home. His telegram to the folks gave us no clue as to that, but the other telegrams informed us that we were not to write, as he would see us soon.

There was a girl here today that was interviewed for the job of bookkeeper. Jessie isn't at all interested in bookkeeping and wants to join her husband first opportunity she gets. She was teaching me all the bookkeeping, but it would be impossible for me to do all the work around here and since I'm very familiar with my type of work, it's best that I stick to it especially since I can't work full time.

You know, sweet, it's just two weeks to Adele's second birthday. Sometimes I find it difficult to believe that we have a daughter two years old! That may sound funny to you, since I am with her, but I feel that way anyway. It's funny the way a person's life changes in war time. First I was solely a wife. Now I'm only a wife in name (I trust you won't misunderstand this statement for I'm sure you know what I mean) and a mother and working girl. I'm looking forward to the day when I can be "wife and mother only". Darling, I love you so very much!

Last night I devoted the whole of the evening to my person. I showered, set my hair, arched my eyebrows, gave myself a facial, etc. I gave Adele the “works" too. I also washed our personal clothes, sewed and did a few minor things. It was after ten when I got to bed, hoping that I would have a good night's rest. However, Adele had other ideas, for she was very restless the entire night. In fact, she wet her bed twice, in spite of the fact that I had picked her up out of her sleep before going to bed to prevent it. By the way, Adele hasn't worn a dress for two months now. I keep her in overalls, jersey or blouse. I'm not taking any chances with her health, even when it comes to appearance. I let her wear a dress today, as all her overalls were at my mother's and she looked so different to me. You can really see how she's grown when I put a dress on her. I'm afraid most of the present contents of her dress wardrobe will be useless by spring. You asked in a recent letter if a 7-1/2 D shoe was small, medium or large for a child of her age. Well, it Isn't small. I'm not sure of whether it's medium or large, but I'm fairly sure it's average. Time to close, honey, for I'm short of space. Mind if I tell you once more that I love you so much I could eat you?

Your Eve



15 Nov. 1944

My Darling, 

Well, here I am - as good as my word, but the news I have is far from being what I expected to be writing to you tonight! Since I wrote last, I have traveled about 270 miles, spent about eight hours on various trains, stopped in five different towns and have still to catch up with either Limey or Eddie!! I did manage to get to that replacement center where Limey was, after traveling about 180 miles, but it only took me five minutes, once I got there, to learn that he had been shipped out after only two days there, to a place a hundred miles away. Can you imagine how I felt then, Chippie? Well, I was lucky. to get a ride with a Rad Cross worker (a Miss Wolf) to the nearest town, four miles away. There, at the Red Cross Club, I ate, shaved, cleaned up generally, and caught a train for this place a hundred miles away. But I had to change trains at Gloucester, and because I am very reluctant to arrive there (where Limey is) in the dead of night, I decided it would be a much happier idea to spend the night here in Gloucester and catch an early train out in the morning. Right now I am only two hours away from the elusive Limey, but I'm beginning to wonder if I'll ever catch up with him! Incidentally, I think I know where Eddie S. is stationed, and if time and finances allow, I may get to see him, too, although it means another 300-mile round trip. I'm determined to see them both if it is at all possible, even if I am compelled to spend my whole furlough traveling in order to do so.

Last night, I arrived in London about 7:30. It would have been foolish to set out for the 10th Repl. at that time, even if I could have caught a train (which I could not), so I decided to spend the night at the Turkish Bath. First, however, I tried to get information as to Eddie's whereabouts at Rainbow Corner. I was referred to the Field Director, who was able to tell me the name of the town in Wales where Eddie is stationed - I hope! I must not forget to mention that I was propositioned by a "Piccadilly Commando”. I was walking to the Underground Station at Piccadilly when I stopped briefly to light a cigarette. Suddenly, I heard a slightly foreign feminine voice beside me. I didn't quite get the sense of her murmured voice, so instinctively turned the beam of my flashlight on her and said "beg pardon?” I was profoundly shocked when she said "would you like to have a good time tonight? - not because of her words, but because they were so out of place coming from such a one. The ordinary, run-of-the-mill “commando” is a painted, sloppy specimen, usually either very young, or very old (well, very old for that, anyway), but this one was downright beautiful, refined looking, about 30, and very smartly dressed. I don't think I made a very good job of hiding my surprise, ’cause I stammered pretty badly when I muttered “no - I don't think - not tonight - no, sorry" - or words to that effect. I must have sounded to her like an abashed kid. (I must admit I gave a damned good imitation of one.) However, she didn't make any reply, but melted into the darkness from which she had come. I went on to Russell Square and the ever-lovin' Bath. It was pretty early when I got there, so I wallowed in the heat for a couple hours, and still managed to gel to bed by 11:00.

This morning, I rose unusually early (for me) - 7:30, went to the Eagle Club for breakfast, and thence to Euston Station where I caught the first of the three trains I have traveled on today. The rest of the story you know.

I hope, sweet, that by this time tomorrow I will be able to tell you that I finally met the Limey,

Good-night, my darling. A kiss for Adele - my love to all.

Sleepily,
Your Phil

Post #509 - November 14, 1944 It’s a Real Pity that Sy had to Ship Out Before Ed Got Here

 

Nov. 14, 1944

My dearest,

This morning, bright and early, came the good news: Eddie is back in the States and at the present time is at Charleston, South Carolina. The telegram came from him. I suppose we'll get to see him in the very near future. I’m very excited about the whole thing, cause I feel reasonably sure that he will be discharged. If only I knew you'd be stationed in the States if you did get a furlough - then I'd get excited. Otherwise, I just can't feel anything about your getting a furlough. Of course I want to see you more than anything in this great wide world, but I'd rather wait til I'm sure you'd be mine again. However, I'm not one to dictate to you in that respect and you'd do what you want to anyhow, but I'm just giving you my opinion. If'n I'm not mistaken, I spoke about a furlough in an earlier letter and expressed my opinions at that time.

It's a real pity that Sy had to ship out before Ed got here. Sy's whereabouts must remain a dead secret and I'm reluctant to even say he shipped out. If it isn't one thing, it's another to worry you.

My mother was so excited when she called me that I could scarcely get the gist of what she was saying. When I did, I got all goose pimply. If Eddie is okay, perhaps I'll have a small party for his younger friends.

You mentioned in your letter that I received yesterday that a fellow by the name of Gene Forman looked you up. If I'm not mistaken that particular fellow is the brother-in-law of Sam Soskin and I went out on a date with him a long time ago. Another member of that crowd for that particular evening was Rita Wolpe, whose father made Adele's pictures. If he is the right fellow, you might mention me to him, just to see if he has any recollection of me.

You know, Phil, those vitamin pills I've been taking are really wonderful. To begin with, I don't feel "fatigued" as I did before. I feel that I have more spunk and energy and vigor. I must weigh myself, for I feel sure I've gained some weight. My appetite would surprise you, cause I'm always hungry, no matter how much I eat.

Philadelphia is going to town on her subway and el stations and each and every one has acquired a new coat of paint, that is most attractive, All I can say is, "It's about time!"

I got to bed fairly late, in spite of myself and tonight come what may, I'm going to get a good night's sleep. At least I got up early and kept Adele from wetting her crib. But it's time to say I LOVE you, sweet.

Your Eve

Post #508 - November 13, 1944 I Agree With You on the Matter of Business Instead of a Home and I Don’t Have to Tell You How Eager I am to See Both Limey and Eddie [Strongin]—!

 

Nov. 13, 1944 

Dearest Darling,

I'm unusually happy today. Reason: Three letters from you dated Oct. 21, 24 and 26. After waiting eight days, it was a sheer joy to have mail. I'm a little disappointed with you for having missed so many days during the entire month of October and hope that it won't happen again. Nothing in your letters Inspires any comment on my part, except that it was good to be reassured about Eddie and where the devil do you get that stuff "50-50 chance of your coming home"?? First of all, I wouldn't even let myself think about it, regardless of how sound the foundation may be for the simple reason that I shall believe nothing until I see it, or, more specifically, you, I agree with you on the matter of business instead of a home and someday I will give you all my views on the subject.

My dad got a topcoat, not an overcoat. He has an overcoat to knock around this winter and we felt the topcoat would serve best. And I'd like very much to have us own a car just like George's. He has a coupe that will accommodate six people comfortably, (and not in a rumble seat either). and seven, if necessary. Such a car is easy on gas, too. We shall see - - -

And, of course, I must not overlook your so-called effort at poetry. It's okay with me, even though it doesn't rhyme. Considering your mental status at the time, I think it's pretty good, sweet. And where in h--- did you get the idea that I didn't comment on your last bit of poetry? You should know me better than that! Is there anything I don't comment on??? Silly boy - 

The doctor came to examine Diana yesterday, while Goldie's father was here. He gave her an injection to try to rid her of the rash. However, it is still the same and Diana cries pretty steadily, as it seems to itch her. If the rash doesn't clear up soon, Goldie will have to take her to a skin specialist.

I'm "due" again and feel pretty lousy this evening. Rae was here for dinner and is sleeping over. Adele didn't want to go to sleep this evening and by the time I got her upstairs it was too late to bother bathing her. I put her in the crib and left the room. After a few minutes I went in to look at her, She had picked on her gum and made it bleed. Back to the bathroom we went and I put some cotton (soaked in cold water) on the sore spot. Then she had to make a sissy. Finally, when I was just about running out of patience, I threw her into bed and she decided it was time to go to sleep.

And I think it's time I hit the hay, if'n you don't mind, sweet. It's just about 11 and I have a few pieces to wash. I'm hoping my mail will come through more regularly this week. Do you know that Anne had mall from Tony dated Nov. 2nd last week? Just shows you how poorly your mail has been coming through.

Good night, my darling, I love you ever so much and always will be

Your Eve

13 November /44

Darling Eve,

Tonight, on the eve of my furlough, I am CQ. I have a nice, hot coke fire burning, my bunk is ready, I’ve told the operator when to call me, and, generally speaking, I don't have a thing to do but write.

I wish, Sweet, that there had been a letter from you today, so that I could make this a decent length by the useful expedient of answering it, but there wasn't. The solitary letter t received, was from Harry W. telling me what I already knew - that he was shipping out to a “replacement center.” But he would be surprised to know that I knew exactly which replacement center, just two days after he shipped! But I think he'll be even more surprised when I drop in on him day after tomorrow! The only thing now, barring accidents, that might prevent me is the possibility that he may have shipped out before I get there. In that case, I will have had a long train ride (about 170 miles) for no good purpose, However, there is little chance that he will ship out again so soon, so I don't consider that risking too much.

I’ve made a few attempts to find out where Eddie S., is stationed, but so far, without success. I have his address, and you have told me that he is in Wales, but Wales is a big place, and so far, I haven't been able to narrow it down any finer. I'll keep trying, though, 'cause it's “now or never". 

Last night, after I wrote to you, I went to the movies with Sgt. Murphy and Klein. The picture was "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves." Everything about it was childish (especially the dialogue), but it was colorful and "eye-xciting” (if I may coin word) enough to be worth-while. I almost blush to admit that I liked it!  

Today, I worked steadily on the Service Records, and managed to get quite a bit done. I'm afraid, though, that there is still plenty to be done - both  on the Service Records and several other items. But I have told Stahle just what is to be done, and he has promised to see to it. So all in all, I am leaving with a clear conscience. 

Well, Chippie, wish me luck! I don't have to tell you how eager I am to see both Limey and Eddie—!

And now—a fond good-night, my darling. Here's a kiss for you—and one for the punkin. My love to all.

Your adoring Phil

P.S. May not get to write tomorrow, but I will the next day—promise!

Post #507 - November 12, 1944 Nat Told Us of Some Prank They Planned to Pull on Lena and Bob and “Cpl. Edw. J. Paller Shipped Out to the U.S. on the 28 Oct.”

 

Nov, 12, 1944

Dearest Phil,

The party last night was the typical Lleberman type and there was quite a large crowd. The only people who were missing were those who are in the service and Etta. Everybody was there! Immediately upon finishing my v-mail to you, Nat rang the bell and off we went. Lena drove. We had to pick up Mr. & Mrs. SauII (Emma's folks) and consequently I had to sit on Nat’s lap, if’n of course you don't have any objections. My comment was: “What would my husband say??" While Lena went up to get Emma's folks Nat told us of some prank they planned to pull on Lena and Bob, who became Aunt & Uncle for the first time. They painted a large sign and one by one each person was to go upstairs and write something on the card and sign their name to it. Nat bought a rose and a carnation to pin on them, as the finale. I couldn't think of a thing write and wound up writing "from a ‘Star is Born’ comes Vioki to make a new Aunt & Uncle."

The food was simply dilish. I had a platter of hot roast beef, little sour tomatoes, coleslaw and delicious rye bread. I also had a tall glass of rum coke, though I only drank half, as I began to feel a little dizzy. I sometimes wonder what I'd be like "drunk". Even rum coke makes me dizzy. There was plenty of candy, pretzels, potato chips, soda and the most delicious chocolate and cocoanut cakes you over tasted. (I meant “I” ever tasted). We (Mom Goldie and myself) didn't get home till about 2 A.M. Harry had to give Diana the bottle and so was elected to stay home.

I received many compliments on my appearance, in fact, I don't ever remember getting as many compliments. Since I described myself in detail yesterday, kindly refer to that letter if’n you're in doubt. Renee and Meyer were there and Renee looks positively awful. She's five months pregnant you know, but it has affected her face and she looked all puffed up. I didn't recognize her at first. Uncle Sam, Mr. Saull & Uncle Nish danced a "kasatchka (some spelling, eh, kid?) and they were really sumpin'. They sang the Victory Polka song, but we all called it "Vicki Paula" song: Someone wrote on the card that it took a "Blank" to knock out a girl and some else shouted, *Hell, that was no blank", etc.

Each one of us gifted Nat with $5. They also passed out cigars and we took our collection home for Harry, plus a Pepsi bottle half full of liquier. Ethel and Al drove us home. I had one picnic getting up Sunday (Today) morning. But "up” I had to, as Adele was hungry and wanted to go down. Diana broke out from head to foot with the rash I mentioned sometime ago and Goldie is having a bad time getting rid of it. She was very annoyed, since her father is here. Mr. Silver sends his best. More to write, but will continuo tomorrow. Need I add, my darling, that I adore you, that I love you so much that I am

Your Eve

12 November 1944

My Darling Eve,

No doubt you know by now the grand news that I received last night when I called the hospital to find out if Eddie were still there. Can you imagine how I felt when they told me that "Cpl. Edw. J. Paller shipped out to the U.S. on the 28th Oct."? It seemed too wonderful to be true! - But wait! Then I called the hospital where Harry W. was. I learned that he had also been shipped out to the 10th Replacement Center. The chances are, he'll be on his way home soon. He was sent to the 10th Repl. Center on the 7th Nov. Now, I don't know whether he is still there or not. I will try to reach him by telephone. If I succeed, t'll certainly go out to see him. Failing that, I'll  take a furlough and make the trip to Wales to see Eddie S. Gee, Chippie, I'd give a million to be there to see your face and those of your Mom and Dad when Eddie walks in—! I figure he should have arrived on or about 2 November. I received your letter of the 1st yesterday, so I'm looking forward most eagerly for your next few letters. Now you'll learn from Ed's own lips what I have been hinting at in my last few letters about him. Tell him to write, will you, Sweet? After making the calls, I went into the “Games Room" at the Aero Club to wait for Stahle, who was supposed to meet me there for a session of ping-pong. But he didn't show up, so I played a couple games against two fellows who are on the base team. Of course, I was way out of their class, and I knew I was beat before I started, but I did manage to get 10 points against the first guy - and 16 against the other one, which is no disgrace, I assure you. After that, I went in to the Snack Bar, where I had cupsa coffee and sandwiches with Bob Hubbard, one of our guys. We chewed the fat for a half-hour or so, and then headed back to barracks. I was so full of the news of Eddie's leaving for home, that I could hardly contain myself all night. I think I made a nuisance of myself telling all the fellows about it.

Today I made further inroads on the pile of work I have on hand, but there is still plenty to be done. I had hoped to clean it up before going away, but I have already held back for ten days trying to catch up with my work, and I'm very much afraid that if I wait ’til I can catch up, I'll never get away. However, I'll see if I can't get Sgt. Murphy and Pvt. Stahle to sort of carry on with what I have been doing so that I can get away.

There was no mail at all today, honey, so, since I have brought you up-to-date with my activities, I know you won't mind if I presume to kiss you good-night right here and now. Adele's gift was ruined in the making - just as it was being finished, but Red has promised a new one in plenty of time for her birthday. Give her a big hung and kiss for her dad. 

Your loving husband, Phil

P.S. Love to all.

Post #506 - November 11, 1944 After Work I Went Straight to the Jewish Hospital to Visit Etta and Mickey and Over Here It is “Remembrance Day”. All the Boys are Wearing Red Poppies

 

Nov. 11, 1944

Dearest Phil,

At this very moment I am waiting for Nat to pick up Mom, Goldie and myself to take us to the party to be held at Lena's in honor of Vicki Paula Blank. I had a very full day today and I feel like going to the party just like I feel like having a hole in my head. I must compliment myself on my appearance, sweet, for I look, at the moment, just as you would want me to. My hair came out so perfect I am amazed. I have it up on both sides in a very soft pompadour and I have a large pile of fluff on my forehand (which is held in place by a net - only the fluff is in the net) and I have a large soft roll in the back, running up the sides to meet the pompadour, I have a large red flower in my hair and I'm wearing a pair of earrings I borrowed from Mom - silver rings that remind me of a native's earrings. I'm wearing my gray and white checked lumberjack dress that has the large silver buttons to compliment the earrings. I am wearing my new brown high heels, but I should be wearing black accessories to set it off right. I'll have to get some black accessories. The red trimming on the jacket compliments the red flower in my hair and it is a very attractive outfit. So much for yours very lovingly.

I went to work as usual this morning. After work I went straight to the Jewish hospital to visit Etta and Mickey. I got Etta a roly poly toy for Vicki and I bought Mickey a box of Helena Rubinstein dusting powder. Mickey was to check out of the hospital shortly after I arrived, so I got there just in time. Mickey, incidentally, had to go through the same test I went through for my kidneys while I was pregnant. Remember that day at the hospital, when I called you and told you I had fainted? Mickey didn't faint, but she, kept throwing up. The tests showed that she is perfectly okay, except for a slight inflammation near the bladder that will be cared for with medicine.

There was quite a gang to see Etta and I couldn't stay long. Etta looks well and the baby is a cutie. The baby is the image of Nat and I think it will be a "Blank" baby. The baby has small brown hairs on the top of her head, a small nose and a round face. Etta is nursing and expects to do so for a short while.

Nat's brother drove me home and I then had some lunch. My mother and Ruth agreed to keep Adele there until I finished what I had to do at home, I washed, cleaned, etc., had a bite of dinner and brought Adele home to bathe her and get her to bed. The little dear woke up this morning and said to me, “Daddy dear, come home, Mommy wants you daddy dear" (all in one breath) and she meant it too. I wish you could hear some of the things she rattles off during a day. Such things as, "Mommy, dress Adele" or "Mommy, go get washed" or "the choo-choo train is on Broad St.” and so on.

No more room, so will continue tomorrow. It's getting late and I hope Nat gets here soon. I adore you, my darling, and I wish very much that I could take you along with

Your Eve

11 November 144

Dearest Evvie,

Over here it is “Remembrance Day.” All the boys are wearing red poppies, which they acquired from the two English ladies who were distributing them in the mess-hall at dinner time. So you see, Chippie, the customs of the Americans and the British are pretty similar.

Today was clear, bright, and cold, but not nearly as windy as yesterday. I managed to take another chunk out of the pile of work I had on hand, in spite of the fact that Sgt. Overman is remodeling the Orderly Room, and things were in a bit of a mess as a consequence. Tomorrow, I hope to clear enough of it so that I can take off on pass on the 13th, Tonight I am going to try to call Eddie on the phone. If he is still at the hospital, I will visit him. I'm going to try, too, to reach Harry W. on the phone. Wish me luck, Chippie. If I am lucky enough to contact both of them, I will take a furlough and visit them. 

Your letters of 30 Oct. and 1 Nov. arrived this afternoon complete with Jack N’s letter and Jack S.’s. V-mail and those scrumptious pin-ups, and, oh yes, that announcement for Harry's new filling station. Wish him luck for me, will you honey?

Glad to note in yours of 30 Oct. that you received three of my letters all at once. That's more like it! Thanks for Jack N's new address. You know by now that I have written to him. I am currently awaiting a reply. Brother Jack's V-mail contained one item that aroused my curiosity. What was that rumor about Harry W. that he mentions?

Your paragraph about the punkin's independence about being helped downstairs is very sweet, darling. I'll have some more of the same, if you don't mind.

That second letter you say you wrote on 1 Nov. (and I am flattered!) hasn’t arrived yet.

Sorry if I seem to cut this short, sweetheart, but if I'm going to make those calls tonight, I'd better be moving along to the Aero Club, where the public phones are located.

See you tomorrow, honey. À loving kiss for you. Pass one on to Adele for me, will you? My love to all.

Ever,
Your Phil

Post #505 - November 10, 1944 I Wondered if You, Perchance, Would See That Same Comet

 

10 November 1944 

My Own Darling,

Just returned from the base theater, where I saw a very entertaining film. It was "It Happened Tomorrow," with D. Powell, Linda Darnell and Jack Oakie. It's a sort of a fantasy - but interesting as well as amusing. Darnell is darkly beautiful. By a strange coincidence, you write about her in your V-mail of 31 Oct., received yesterday. You saw her in “Summer Storm,” remember? You seem to have worked up a strong dislike for George Sanders (not Saunders) in this one. Your choice of words in the paragraph describing your reactions to the picture amused me, Sweet. Some day I'm going to ask you what you meant when you described the character Sanders played as "weak sexually.” There isn't anything else in this letter that excites any comment.

I know you are wondering why I waited 'til today to answer the letter received yesterday, so I’ll hasten to explain: Last night, in company with twelve other fellows from the base, I went to the theater. The party was arranged by the Red Cross workers here on the base, and it proved entirely worth-while. One of our trucks took us into town, dropped us at the theater, and picked us up after the show and returned us to the base. The play, in three acts, was titled "Murder Without Crime;’ the players were the Colchester Repertory Company, and we all enjoyed it immensely. There were only four principals in the cast, and all three acts took place on the same set, but so wonderful were the actors, and so ingenious the plot, that the production overcame these usually fatal handicaps to prove a great success. It was truly a thrilling experience, Chippie, and I wished very much that you could have been there.

Today was another busy one for me, but unlike the last two days - no mail! 

Walking back from the movies tonight, I was thinking of you, darling (as when don't I?). It is very cold and windy out, but the sky was clear, and the stars twinkled as if buffed to brightness by the careering of the wind. Suddenly, as I looked, a comet trailed a bright tail through the sky. I wondered if you, perchance, would see that same comet. Darling, I miss you so much, that you are hardly ever out of my thoughts. I'm so hungry for the sight and feel of you—.

Good-night, my lovely; my dearest love to our precious punkin. Love to all from

Your Phil

PROGRAM:

BOROUGH OF COLCHESTER 

THE COLCHESTER REPERTORY THEATRE TRUST
(Director of Productions, ROBERT A. DIGBY)
presents the COLCHESTER REPERTORY COMPANY
(Under the patronage of His Worship the Mayor, the Aldermen and Councillors of Colchester)

Murder Without Crime
November 6th-November 11th
“Our true intent is all for your delight"

PROGRAMME - THREEPENCE
Benham and Company Limited, Printers, Colchester

THE COLCHESTER REPERTORY THEATRE TRUST
(Director of Productions, Robert A. Digby) presents The Colchester Repertory Company in "MURDER WITHOUT CRIME"
By J. LEE THOMPSON

Cast in order of appearance:

STEPHEN                                  PETER BROWNING

GRENA (his mistress)                ESMÉE GULLAN 

MATTHEW (his friend)               MICHAEL LOGAN 

JAN (Stephen's wife)                  BARBARA WOOD

The action of the play takes place in Stephen's Flat in Matthew's house in Mayfair.

ACT I. Scene 1. Evening, Scene 2. About one hour later.

ACT II. Scene 1. Next morning. Scene 2. Half-an-hour later.

ACT III. A few minutes later.

There will be an Interval of 7 minutes between the Acts.

Furniture by S. Bond. Play produced by Robert A. Digby.
Cigarettes by Abdulla. 

Sets designed and executed by Diana B. Davis in the Theatre

Secretary
JUDITH VOWLES
Stage Manager
PATIENCE BROWN 

Assistant Stage Manager
PAMELA HAWKER 

Electrician and Carpenter
HERBERT WOODHURST 

Tea and Coffee supplied by Jacklins. 

AIR RAID WARNING. - In the event of an Air Raid Warning the sign on the right of the stage will be illuminated. The performance will continue.

For Two Weeks, November 13th-November 25th, "AS YOU LIKE IT," by William Shakespeare
Evenings at 6.45, Matinees Thursday & Saturday, 2.30. Box Office now open. Tel. 3948

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with our Anti-Freezing Compound
(No restrictions) Non-inflammable, Odourless, Non evaporating, Harmless to Rubber Joints and Paintwork 

Kent, Blaxill & Co. Ltd
3a. 100/104, HIGH STREET, 

COLCHESTER. "Phone 2271 (3 lines)

Go to Tel. 2157

JACKLIN'S CAFÉ

for LUNCHEONS and TEAS 

Spend your Sweet Points with us 

Also Complete Tobacconists 

147. High Street, Colchester

One of the few Restaurants giving really efficient service at pre-war prices
You must try “LASTS” 

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Post #504 - November 8, 9, 1944 No, Darling, I Don’t Think I’ll be Home for Adele’s Second Birthday and I Read the News of the New Bombs V1 and V2

8 November 1944 

My darling Chippie,

I told you so! - and what's more, I'm highly gratified at the way it all turned out. Believe me, I would have been a pretty sad customer this evening if it had been. otherwise.

It was a very windy day, today, and it was a struggle getting down to the mess-hall. (When I write about the weather it's only because i'm rather at a loss for any thing else to write about.) It was a purely routine day which, these days, is synonymous with saying a busy day.

Just finished playing about a dozen games of ping-pong with Stahle and Nicholson. Stahle is good enough to beat me once in a while, but Nicholson just didn't have any luck at all. That's about all I can tell you of myself today, Sweet. Your letter (V-mail) of 29 Oct. arrived today and I’ll see what I can find in it to talk about.

You start off by reminding me that it is just a month to the punkin's second birthday. I was well aware of it at the time, Chippie, though I saw no point in mentioning it at the time. Never fear, Sweet, her present from daddy is in the making. I'm not going to tell you what it. is (don't you just love surprises?), but I will be sending it along in a few days. No, darling, I don't think I’ll be home for Adele's second birthday. Please convey my regrets to her and tell her that daddy will certainly do his best to be with her before her next birthday rolls around.

You go on to say that you spent a wakeful night and lay a long time sleepless thinking of me and conjuring up “many sweet memories." I'm flattered, my sweet, and grateful, but I do wish you had gone a little more into detail,—y’know?

The rest of your letter describes the routine of your day, so there isn't anything more I can say, is there? Thanks. for the kiss at the end, Baby. You make it sound so real I can almost taste it. But, as you say, sweetheart, “there will come a day!” - (and what a day!!!).

And now, if you'll excuse me, t'll say good night for the nonce. Pucker up yourself, Ev, 'cause here comes 

Your Phil

November 9, 1944

Dearest Sweetheart,

No mail this morning and I was terribly disappointed, but it is possible that there was some this afternoon. Here's hopin'.

I didn't make out so well in the Gin Rummy game last night, but then my loss wasn't so bad either. Only 20¢. I don't have any luck with cards, but that remains to be seen. Two of the girls from our previous game were present and we broke up at 11:15.

I got into work at 11 again today and I'm pretty tired this evening. I'm typing this at the office, but I shall finish it at home.

Nov. 10, 1944 

I was so busy with “little things” last night that it was 11 o'clock before I knew it & I was too tired to try to write. l started to iron in the morning & finished in the evening.

On our way home George stopped at Lil's & I dropped off the belated birthday gifts. I also called Clara & ordered a bottle of 500 combevita pills - cost 7.20 or thereabouts. Lil called to thank us and I chatted with her a while. Goldie went up to the hospital to see Etta & Nat brought her home. He stopped in to invite us to a large shindig which will be held at Lena's tomorrow night. Etta wants a party, regardless of whether it was a boy or girl.

Home again, only to find there is still no mail. Since tomorrow is Armistice Day I shall have to wait till Monday for mail, and the prospect is anything but enticing.

Seymour called home last night to inform the folks that he "is sailing" and has an idea they may be headed for the Aleutians.

I'm remembering to enclose the powder sample this evening. Hope you like it. I'm very weary again this evening and so I shall say good night, shower, set my hair and hit the hay. I love you so much, my darling -

I read the news of the new bombs V1 and V2 and I can't help wondering how they effect you, if at all. I wish very much that the mail would start to come through regularly. And so baby, I say again, I am and always will be

Your Eve