Friday
Devonport
Darling,
Tragedy! I have lost my lighter, the one I got when I left the ‘B.T.’. Somehow or other I must have put it into the flap of my trousers without putting it into the pocket. Only now that it has gone do I realise how attached I was to it. I have made enquiries everywhere but there is no trace of it and although I have reported its loss I’m not very optimistic about getting it back.
Another disappointment is that my teeth have not come. The dental people say they only sent for me to tell me that they have written but nothing has arrived yet! Fancy getting me all that way when I call in every day to see if there’s any news. Talk about muddling. Bah! That’s the mood I’m in since I lost that lighter. Apart from those two things there’s little that’s new here.
We are still without news of this course. I had a word with our Chief about it only last night, but he says he knows nothing at all. Not even when the course starts, where or how long it will last. If barrack rumour be true then I will be sorry I didn’t stick to coding. One or two fellows with pals on the course tell us that it is at Glasgow and lasts three months. To think I’ve given up prospects of Warrington for the possibility of Glasgow, even if it does mean a permanent shore base. Again I say Bah! I’m in that frame of mind when I feel that I will never get beyond the trainee stage, and being a trainee has a psychological side. So far there have been some advantages here such as not having to do guards or fire-watching, but the continual hanging about is rather wearing, even though we have been fairly busy lately. Somehow it’s degrading not to have a permanent job – like being a casual labourer.
Don’t forget to let me have all the news of the weekend. You said something about going to a fair. Does that include the circus or is it something quite apart from it? If it is a straightforward fair, I’ll be interested to know if Michael conquers any of his prejudices about things that go round and up and down – now, now! Not that!
Last night we went ashore and managed to get in to see ‘How Green Was My Valley’. It certainly is a fine film and sticks faithfully to the book, while necessarily missing quite big parts from it. The acting is excellent and my only criticism of it is that it’s far from being a film to cheer you up if you are feeling at all down in the mouth. Still, I suppose it is one of those films you ought to see, especially having read the book. You know I’m no good at remembering the names of actors, but I was a bit disappointed to find Mr Gruffydd, the Welsh preacher, speaking with a decided American accent! After all, nowhere is there a country able to produce the fanaticism of a Welsh preacher. Remember Pastor Jeffries and all his satellites? They were all, or nearly all, Welsh. Still, if you can possibly get to see the film I should do, for I know you will enjoy it. Huw’s sister and sister-in-law are both very well played.
Well, darling, this is about all. I’m trying to get this into the 3.15 post so as to make sure it reaches Limedale in time. My love to May and the family. Hope Jennifer is OK and be sure to let me know which one of the family comes home ill!
Goodbye, angel. Take care of yourself and no eloping with common matelots at that fair. I know what sailors are!
Bye, sweet. I love you.
Ever,
Arthur X
Jul 241942