Mrs. G.M. Francis WRNS
c/o 19 Wycliffe Street
Rockferry
Birkenhead
Cheshire
Dear Georgia,
I was most happily surprised today when I received your letter enclosing the snap of Ray. Thank you very much it was sweet of you to send it.
Mail hasn’t been awfully frequent from him, but yesterday I had a letter. He is in Italy, very well, and quite cheerful. He has been ill you know twice he took malaria, while in Sicily. My brother reassured me very much, he wrote that in these days malaria under proper treatment isn’t much worse than an everyday cold. Jimmy himself isn’t with the 8th now. He is at an O.C.T.U. in North Africa. It’s quite a rare thing, for anyone other than a fully qualified doctor to have a commission in the R.A.M.C. We didn’t understand it very much but I hope it doesn’t interfere with his homecoming, which we have all been hoping for soon.
I have two Uncles, both known to Ray, who have gone to Italy. They write that are looking for him. It would be grand if they could meet.
Poor Ray must be quite tired with all the people I have told him to look for and I seem constantly telling people to look for him. It’s very surprising the number of people I know out there. I believe there are Wrens somewhere out that way. I should very much like to go can you imagine his face if I met him in Italy, but truly I don’t know that he would be awfully pleased.
I have heard Ray speak of Frank Grant and although its very hard not knowing I think he stands an excellent chance. I most sincerely hope so. I’ve heard so many wonderful stories that I think its more than possible he is a prisoner, the boy next door to me at home is a pilot, a prisoner of war in Germany. It was about three to four months before they knew, but I could carry on with stories like that all night.
I know the Dorothy you mean, or at least heard of her. I can’t just remember her name myself. I believe Ray knows her, she did write to me and after I replied, I heard no more.
Joan, my sister is still at home though snot very pleased about it. The forces are closed to further recruitment now. I know Mums is glad, although she wouldn’t stop her she would miss her terribly. Mum has to do part time work herself, really she isn’t strong enough but will only give it up when the bad weather comes. Dad writes to me that he is retiring on Mother’s Day and what they are doing with it. She is teased to death about myself I think she is brighter. I …. was horrified but after all she is only 48.
I think maybe it’s only fair to tell you about my service life. You tell me about the farm, I wish too that I could send you some snaps of myself, but film is just as rare as bananas. I have a picture being done just now in my uniform. Personally I think it’s a horror. I have been waiting almost two months for the proof, which I received in time to enclose in Ray’s parcel. It’s just the limit trying to send a parcel can’t send this, can’t send that, but maybe I’m just jealous, knowing the good parcels Canada sends to their boys.
Oranges have reappeared here but only for the children which is as it should be, and lemons for air and submarine crews. I wonder if ever we will just accept these things again.
I am due to go home for Xmas, if I get there is something I can’t say, but as you say I’ll just be one of millions it’s mother I’m thinking of, but it isn’t Xmas yet, or is it.
I noticed you say sub Lt, in the WRNS that would be third officer. I didn’t know if Canadian Wrens are dressed as we are, but our officers are the smartest I’ve ever seen. I love their uniform and usually the wearers are worth loving too, those I have had contact with anyway.
I myself am a Q.O. Wren Qualified Ordinance. I work on the guns on Coastal force craft, the Navy trained me, the course is the same as the mens’ and is taken at the best gunnery school in the world (have you gathered how much I love the navy) Whale Island, the disciple there was terrific and the same for Wrens as for sailors consequently where ever we go, if a gunnery Wren does anything not very Naval, there isn’t any excuse.
I learned on my course the name and artian of every part and screw of fourteen guns, since, I have learned more. I love it, I get foully dirty and amount in all weathers, but when I get a trip out to sea on trials, it’s worth everything.
Last week I a was put into another shop for experience with power mounted turrets, it’s quite interesting and different. Usually we go aboard and remove all armament, take it all to pieces clean and put it back but we are usually on the boats best part of the day, and that I’m afraid is all I can say about my work. Maybe you would like to hear how we live. Very rarely you will hear of Wrens living on the job, generally in large or small houses, depending on how many Wrens there are. Everything is done to make us as comfortable as possible and generally the Quarters Officer succeeds in making things homelike.
At present I am living in a lovely old house about three miles into the country away from the base cycles are provided for us. Food is better than civilians I think judging by friends in the AIS and WAAF, this is the best service, but wouldn’t I just think so, even though today they gave me my second inoculation and my arm is swelling rapidly. I really must go to bed and get up at 6 am So am never late out of my bunk.
You will know by the promptness of my answer how welcome your letters are.
I’ve very sorry about Kate. I do hope she will soon be better. I know how much Ray thinks of her.
I hope Johnny and the children are well, give them my love. If it is almost Xmas time, I hope you all have a jolly time and that the New Year brings peace.
Goodbye now.
Lots of love
Muriel xxxxx
P.S. Ray’s address is the same, just add Central med Faree