ENPages
p.
Letter no. 31 / Tuesday - / Capt. J.H. Massey / 8 Apr 41 / 6 Palestinian Coy. The Buffs / Meddle East Forces. 'My own darling - I have not written to you since last Wednesday. I started the other night, and felt all bloody minded and dull again and could not go on. And since then, the Company has had to do another move, and so, of course, I have been up to the eyes in work again. This time, it was only a short move - out of barracks and into billets, and in the same town - but even so, it has made me frantically busy again, and not a moment to spare. Last night, I was so tired, I could hardly climb into bed - but I managed it, and it was at 10.0 o'clock, and so I feel a good deal better today. I still have a bagfull of work to do, but I want to send this away now - and then I begin a decent letter again. These moves are a damn nuisance. Each time they happen, there all the organisation of the move, and then settling in - and then I have to make our new fire orders, and new air defence orders, and new standing orders, and new guard orders, and arrange all the office, and fix up a laundry, a tailor, and a barber, and a shoemaker, a new canteen. And a hundred to one different things. One of the big troubles of course, is having a second in command yet, to help me with all this work. But, I think that will be put right soon now - I will tell you more in my next letter. I got your very first letter on Friday. posted by you on 11th Oct- so it had taken one week short of 6 months to reach me. A terribly long time, but it was still good to have it. Last Sunday was Apr 6th and so 6 months since I left you. What an age it seems, my darling - and how long is it going to be until I come home to you? It is impossible to say that I am becoming used to this even becoming resigned to to it - because I am doing neither. I just miss you terribly, all the time, my dearest one, and think of you and pine for you and long for you. And I'm finding it ever more difficult to remain cheerful and take an interest in things and even worse, people, or even be naturally civil to them. This German war on Jugo-slavia
p.
has just started now - and in N. Africa again too. And I cannot imagine whether this is going to shorten or lengthen the war. I suppose it is as well that things have started to pop again - & there is now some chance that, at [least?] the end will being to come into view. But oh, my darling, the pain of being away from you, for all this time, and at this time, is so depressing and miserable that I cannot even cry or even feel very much. I just blindly and painfully ache for you - and to be with you again and speak to you, and feel your touch. I badly need some good news from you - and from the war. Look after yourself, my sweetheart and never forget will you how much I love you. All my deepest love to you and to baby - always your Harry
Mrs H. Massey c/o Mrs Nash East Lodge Winkfield Manor Near Ascot Berks
