No 13.

S.I.F
(on Guard)

16.12.39.

My Darling,

How shall we start? Ah! The weather, how is it with you? With me it is just below freezing point, I would never advocate wintering in France, unless of course you were with me to keep my heart warm. Actually however, I’ve managed to scrounge a place as near to the fire as is humanly possible. My feet are reasonably warm but my heart is cold. Oh my sweet I miss you so. I think of you continually.

I suppose really blokes who are not blessed with an affliction of the heart are fortunate in a way, yet I wouldn’t change places with them for a single instant. Do you ever sit and dream, and try to relive some of the gloriously happy time we have had together during the last seven years? I do, and I am content in a way to live with my memories for a little while. Only for a little while I’m afraid. My heart, my sweet, is linked to yours by a chain. Very strongly, very securely, and shortly darling I’m going to ask you to hand in the anchor. Unfortunately we have got to wait until some…

…bewhiskered old ruffian at the War Office, who I’m sure knows nothing about love as we understand it, says the word. Perhaps he may have already said it.

Forgive my foolish optimism darling, it does me good.

I am going to finish now darling, somehow I feel very happy.

Yours with a very full heart.

Kenneth.