Letter from Harry Massey to Barbara Massey

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Letter written by Harry Massey, at sea, to Barbara Massey.

This is a scanned version of the original image in Special Collections and Archives at Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vt.



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16. with you, & so happily conscious of our love for each other. It is a very satisfactory & calming feeling, darling. And of course, I hope & trust that you are well - & that you can now feel certain that the baby is a fact. Do see mr Hughes soon, won't you - & be very careful.

Quite a number of men on this boat have every intention of having their wives - & even children - come out here. They are waiting until they arrive & find out where they are going to be, & whether it is suitable or not. Apparently there was an Army Council Instruction, saying that under certain circumstances, wives of serving officers would be granted permits. They say there are convoys of cargo boats, which carry a limited number of passengers - the fare is £80. But this all depends on where I am

Last edit almost 3 years ago by logiebear
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17 & if the conditions are alright to enable you to get a permit - & how you feel about it. But of course, I will be letting you know everything - & just as soon as I can.

The weather is now stickily hot & rather unpleasant. It is cloudy & misty & torrid & the sun doesnt really shine. On Tuesday night I slept on deck & it was lovely & moonlit. Last night it rained & I had to return to the cabin. The hot sea water is now turned off, owing to the central heating effect of the pipes. But I find a cold sea water bath very cooling & refreshing, even if a bit sticky making. I never expected to find myself in a cold bath in mid October & enjoying it. I am still very well & seem to be able to stand the heat quite well, & still able to use my rain & remain good tempered. I have been a bit troubled with wind the last few days - but I think this is caused partly by

Last edit almost 3 years ago by logiebear
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18 food, but probably mostly by a couple of parties which suddenly happened. I tis a wonderful thing to be able to order six double gins & 50 players - & only have to pay 4/2. But during the day I mostly drink lemon squashes & limes & tonics & so on. We are now in the middle of a fierce bridge match. Mac & I are playing the two majors the best of 11 subbers, for 5/ - & 3d a 100. They thought they were rather good & so we challenged them. So far we 5 to 2 up on rubbers & 11/6 in cash - & they are getting more & more furious - & quarrel like hell & throw the cards about & so on. They think they are getting the worst of the cards, but we do not let them get away with that because it is not true. I told them last night that either they had not got card brains or else they were not clever enough to be majors - which did not help much - & then Rex sits

Last edit almost 3 years ago by logiebear
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19. there & makes little jokes & remarks calculated to upset. I enjoy it.

I have just come off boat drill parade, which took twice as long as usual, & now after 12 days on board - I am in a hell of hurry to catch the post: which seems ridiculous. So I say goodbye dearest, & hope this will reach you fairly quickly - & that you will not find it too disjointed a letter. I have not time to write my mother now - so will you let her know I am alright - & that I will post her a letter from our next stop. Look after yourself darling one - & write me everything about yourself when you write. The more you tell me the more I shall like it. And darling sweetheart I love you

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20 with all my heart & soul & every breath in my body. Kisses, kisses, kisses & all my love to you dearest darling sweetheart Barbara Always your Harry

Draft serial R.M.H.C.A G.H.Q 2nd Echelon c/o A.P.O 725

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Last edit almost 3 years ago by logiebear
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