Jul 061942
 

Monday
Devonport
Darling,
We’re back to the good old Skegness days of hanging about. After getting up about 7, we have done nothing but waste an hour or two in the place where they dish out kit to new arrivals and then we went to see the Training Commander who decided that I’m God’s gift to the Coding Dept. So I’m going to be a coder in the near future. The lads here – or at least one of them who has completed the course – says we will probably go to a place near Gloucester, but that we will not be there long as the school there is to be used for another course and the coders are said to be moving – guess where? WARRINGTON! That will be OK if it’s true but, as you know, there is no sense in taking for granted the rumours one hears. For one thing it is not at all certain that we’ll go to Gloucester for the course. We may go to Bristol or even to Lowestoft. So the future is still a matter of speculation. There is no definite news of leave, but there seems little doubt we will get some. The only question is when and for how long, but it should be at least seven days according to all the precedents I can find here.
We spent a very pleasant time exploring the front at Plymouth, which is only a few minutes away from here on the bus. Put Plymouth on the list of “possible” holiday places after the war. It is the best place I have seen for making full use of the natural beauties of the place for creating swimming pools, paddling pools, sunbathing nooks, terraces where tea is served, etc. I’ll tell you about it when I come home (blessed phrase)!
Now if I’m to catch the post I’ll have to close. I’ll be seeing you soon, darling, and do miss your letters. Fancy, I’ve not had one since Thursday! And I don’t suppose I’ll get one for a day or two yet. Bye for now, angel, and take care of yourself. I love you.
All yours,
Arthur X