11th October, 1939
Maycot,
12 Commonside,
Keston,
Kent.
Oct. 11th. 10 pm.
Darling,
I received your letter post marked Southhampton this evening and wad very pleased to have word from you. It must have been extremely uncomfortable travelling with such a heavy load, but you were all the same and I expect managed to make light of it.
It’s best not to think of places like Jersey now, but who knows, we may soon be taking Jill and introducing her to the many delightful spots we know so well.
Will you tell Vic that Tris is coming to tea tomorrow and I will certainly convey the news to her.
I’ve given Jill your kiss and taken lots of love for myself.
I intend to leave this letter open until I hear from you again or perhaps until after Tris has been.
Jim and Glady’s little son was christened on Sunday – Jim having twenty four hours…
…leave. Edie and Pat went to Ferring for the occasion, the latter was a godmother.
I’ve not done anything exciting since I saw you. Tomorrow morning I am leaving Jill with Kathleen and Bryan whilst I go to Bromley. More later.
14.10.39
Tris came to tea on Thursday and I gave her Vic’s message. She also spent the rest of the evening with me, watched Jill have her bath etc.
I am longing to hear that you have arrived safely at your destination. Please don’t try to give me any details which might inadvertently result in your letters being stopped – it isn’t worth it and all I want to know is how you are etc.
I made the experiment of going to the pictures with Gillian this afternoon. It was not unsuccessful. I managed to see the whole program, then she got restless towards the end – it was a very good show “Alexander’s Ragtime Band” and “The Hardy Family Ride High”. I’m so sorry if this makes you feel homesick but it was my first jaunt since returning…
…here and I really felt I needed some diversion. More later darling.
Sunday. Wyn was home till after lunch today, otherwise nothing special has happened today. It’s been pouring with rain for the last three days, I do hope you have fared better. I am longing to hear from you and I think you may like to have a letter as soon as possible. I will close this so that I can post it tomorrow morning.
Wyn sends her love. Gillian sends you a hug and a big kiss, also the enclosed letter (saying “Please come home to see me soon”) also I believe she has one or two jokes for you!
With all my love and the very best wishes,
Your very affectionate wife,
Terry.
11th October, 1939
Today President Roosevelt received a letter, signed by Albert Einstein, urging the US to start a program to develop a nuclear weapon in light of the fact that Nazi Germany may beat them to it.
A lifelong pacifist Einstein later described the letter with regret:
“I made one great mistake in my life—when I signed the letter to President Roosevelt recommending that atom bombs be made; but there was some justification—the danger that the Germans would make them …”
- Jill/Gillian was 3 when this letter was written. I don’t have her letter unfortunately. Aged 3 the handwriting can’t have been fantastic and of course Kenneth had to carry them all back from the front. Three seems young to have written anything but my mother was an artist from a young age (and as an adult) and very bright so I can believe she put something on paper for him.
- “Alexander’s Ragtime Band was 20th Century Fox’s highest-grossing film of the 1930s and was nominated for six Academy Awards, winning the award for Best Music, Scoring.” – Wikipedia