Tuesday
Dover
Dearest,
There is very little fresh news today but I thought I’d better write, even if only to let you know that! We didn’t start watch-keeping until Monday so all four of us went over to Folkestone on the bus on Sunday and found it a pleasant change. Dover itself is a deadly place. Even “ignoring” war damage, I can’t understand why people should come here for holidays. I should say that, for its size, it has more mean, really mean, property to the acre than any other place I’ve seen. I thought Glasgow was bad for a big city; I think that for a small town this is positively disgraceful. Not even the most enthusiastic town publicity agent could describe its small streets as “narrow, old world, winding lanes”. They are, and only could be, back cracks! There is, however, some lovely country round about and Tom and I intend to get out all we can on our off days. And while I remember, is my bathing costume at home? I didn’t come across it at Dot’s when I was clearing out and I could do with it here. As you probably saw in the papers, Sunday was an absolute scorcher and Monday just as hot from the little I saw of it, and I’ve discovered that we can go swimming under official supervision. If my costume is not at home – and in any case, for it’s in a bad way, I know – there’s the solution to your birthday problem. I’d be everlastingly grateful for a pair of bathing trunks if it is possible to get hold of them at all these days. A fairly small size, please, for there is nothing more uncomfortable than slack trunks in the water. Do you think you can manage it? Even if you don’t get them for the actual date, I’d like you to leave your present over until you do because I can think of nothing I need quite so much. My costume is undoubtedly a menace to public morals!
I knew there was something I want to tell you. Almost the last words Jackie said were that he hoped to see us again soon. I’m looking forward to that. It will be nice to see his “crag-like countenance” again, as Dougie Milne always called it.
Since I have been here, by the way, I have met two fellows who were at Aberdeen. You may remember one of them by name, though I don’t think you ever met him. Don Gibson. His wife was expecting a baby while we were at Skegness. If I remember rightly, he’s a Yorkshire bank clerk. By the way, I told Dot to bring my letters which might have arrived for me, up to you. If there are any, will you enclose them with yours? I’m hoping to hear from Frank soon, for I wrote him just a few days before I left. It’s funny I’ve not heard since the Scharnhorst affair. Hope he is OK.
Well, love, that’s about all the “news” – if any! Hope you are on top of your form again and that Wendy and Michael are alright. Did Dot bring their parcel with her? That should keep you going in sweets for a time. Bye for now, and all my love to you.
Ever your own,
Arthur X
May 301944