Mariners
Newark Street
Greenock
Scotland
29th April, 1945
Dear Georgia,
My news this time will be a big surprise unless you have heard from Ray. If so you will know he is now in Belgium and has been home for nine days. It was three Sundays ago. I had the day off, and was lying in, one of the girls was bringing my breakfast to you. I didn’t have any breakfast when she went over to the mess, she saw there was a telegram for me, which she brought over immediately. It was from my father, all it said was Ray coming home today. It had been sent Saturday night. I hadn’t the faintest idea Ray was anywhere by Italy, even then, I knew my brother was expected and my own leave had been arranged for later in the week but although I was quite sure there had been a mistake. I couldn’t understand why they sent me a telegram, regardless, I had everything ready to leave in three quarters of an hour sent a wire home reached Liverpool about half twelve in the morning. Absolutely torn between hope and the fear of being disappointed, but he was there, we had a wonderful time, but I was quite shaken when he told me he had just left Germany.
My brother was home, his leave was cancelled then resumed as embarkation leave. I was terribly glad Jim was home as well. I had wanted Ray and him to meet so much, they got along very well.
Ray looks very fit. He’s very tanned. I think maybe he has many more serious moments than before, otherwise he is just the same. He is now a Lance Bombardier, he got his stripe just before he went on leave. He had a dreadful cough. I got him some medicine, which helped a bit. He refused my offer to send him some, he was afraid of what the fellows would say!!
My mother was like a little hen with a new brood of chicks, she and my father are very fond of Ray, my sisters too, all my relations are for that matter. My brother became engaged whilst on leave, his fiancé is a VAD very sweet and friendly. I think they are being married fairly quickly – in the Autumn. My sister Joan is to be bridesmaid everything has gone on at a terrific rate, the material for the dresses has been bought, cream velvet for the bride, copper colour for Joan. So you can imagine the excitement at home during those ten days.
I am still no further on with my plans (in view of events, rather fortunately) I can’t get my release from the Service, and until I do everything must be at a standstill. I don’t think it will be long after Vday, and I can’t believe that will be long coming. Maybe even now, as you read this, Vday will have passed.
We have had the most peculiar month regarding weather the time I had with Ray, the days were so glorious. I wore mostly summer clothing. I came back and the weather was good for a few days, then we had a week of dull, grey, cold days. The last few days the sun has been at its best but the temperature, freezing and even while the sun was shining it was snowing.
I have well neglected everyone this last month. I’m sure everyone is wondering what has become of me, so I must finish this letter and try and reduce the pile before me.
Bye now, love to Johnny and the children,
Lots of love
Murial xxxx