Thursday
Skegness
Dearest,
This may be the last letter I’ll write from here. Whether it is or not depends largely on what the morrow brings forth. There seem to be a good many odd little things to be done. We have to see the doctor in the morning, finish packing our gear, get it labelled and over to the baggage store. Not big jobs but remember here they seem to take a terrible time. I suppose that is through waiting until everyone is ready.
You have asked about several things, offhand I cannot remember them all. Don’t worry about the cigarette machines. If we need them in Aberdeen I’ll write to George Evans at the office and see if he can get one for me. At the moment I’m alright for papers. I don’t know what the position is going to be about tobacco. The odds are very much against us getting an issue at Aberdeen which will be a sore blow. I have smoked all my last issue and a lot more besides. When I get my address I might get you to send the bit there is somewhere at home.
Today has been one of those funny days. I had to go to the dentist for a final examination and he seemed quite pleased with the way they had healed up. I will get further treatment at Aberdeen and should have my teeth in three or four months. Because I was missing when the work was given out, there was nothing for me to do but walk about the camp looking very busy and rather worried, saluting an occasional officer in a rather absent-minded manner, but not sloppily enough to be pulled up. It’s a definite technique. That lasted until first stand-easy – 10.15 when we get our cocoa – and then, as it was Divisional Officer’s rounds, we could not be found anywhere near the chalets so went for a haircut, which just took until second stand-easy – 11.30. From then until dinner we just scrounged about. After dinner we were paid, I get 30/- a fortnight by the way, and were left hanging about quite a long time. Then we solemnly stood in a line to take off our gaiters and hand them in. Finally we came down to the chalets to begin packing up. People were in and out so much that it was impossible to write at all. Actually it is not much better now for there have been ten people in about the last half hour. It complicates life considerably.
Well, darling, I’m afraid this is just about as much as I can manage tonight. There is no peace anywhere for all the lads are wound up. I do hope Wendy is going to be alright. Do tell me if she seems really bad, won’t you?
Night night, precious. Last night here and a stage nearer that elusive leave. Look after yourself until then my love.
All my love. Ever your
Arthur X
Mar 261942