Well I have had a surprise this past week. I received three letters from you, dated May 14, 28 sent to Norfolk, & one air letter (June 10 or 18,)?? So all in all I am fairly up-to-date. Glad to hear Lena passed her exams, you don’t know how glad. You mention her writing a letter from her new job, but where is she working and what is her address? Also Percy‘s address if he is still around. It was good to get news of the Bomfards, I’m glad they are doing so well. Percy may be putting on weight but I’m afraid I’m sweating a lot off.
I’ve been spending quite a bit of time with Les lately, talking over old times and new. It has given me a new lease on life so to speak to meet up with him. He seems pretty content but is thinking rather seriously of the Foreign Service which we are due. He’s going to apply, and may get it after awhile, but it’s doubtful. At least he has a much better chance than I have at the moment. He hasn’t changed a bit, but he says I have. I suppose he is right, certainly the responsibility hasn’t done me any harm, if it has bent my shoulders a little more.
I got one letter from Bid today, giving me — for not writing, but it’s not my fault entirely they take several months, and probably will be longer now. Your last air letter came in double quick time but I suppose soon winter weather will stop most of the mail flights. Since mine is just beginning to catch up that will probably make another three months gap, so don’t forget to get a few away before the bad weather. Parcels are pretty hopeless out here so to send letters instead.
You didn’t say anything about the kid’s exams how did they do and what grade are they in now anyway.
I close now & answer some more of your letters later
I’m afraid I have neglected my letter writing for the past few weeks, but I felt I musn’t miss your birthday, and so, late as they are, Many Happy Returns.
I am in the in the Indian Ocean now, so mail is pretty poor. I have received one air letter from Wynne since I arrived, which took just under five weeks in transit, which isn’t too bad. I’ve got quite a stock of air letter forms, so I’ll use them and hope you will do the same. My mail hasn’t really caught up with me for three months but maybe it will settle down soon. Writing letters with nothing to talk about is a wee bit difficult.
But I have had a very interesting time lately. This is certainly the “other half of the world”. I’ve bought a few trinkets of various kinds including a nice leather briefcase for myself but I don’t know yet whether to risk sending them or not. I think shopping and bargaining is about our greatest relaxation. If I don’t do a fair amount I’ll always be sorry.
What are you doing for holidays this year. After working all spring you ought to take a good one. It doesn’t seem possible, but I suppose the kids are finished another year of school. Don’t I wish I was. As the war drags on & on my years of schooling ahead seem very formidable.
How did Lena’s exams go. I wrote to her some time ago but haven’t had any reply yet. She seemed to be having a good time down east but then she always did.
It can get pretty hot sometimes at home but nothing like this. I have stood the heat fairly well to date, and hope it hangs on the same. It may be a bad climate for heat rash etc. but ah the fruit. Fresh pineapple and oranges etc., really hit the spot. But I won’t make you jealous.
Well, that about exhausts me and my news so I’ll close now and hope to hear from you soon.
It’s quite a while since I’ve written or heard from you. I forget who owes who but it’s probably my turn.
All is OK down here and busy as ever. I’ve got an assistant now or did I tell you. It will make things better after while but hasn’t had much effect yet.
I got the papers OK and figure I owe them about $120 income tax. I’m going to write and see if I can pay it in English or American. If not, they will have to wait a couple of years more. It’s only for the first six months of 42. Lucky I’m with the RN or I’d be paying about 600 a year. Living with the English has its compensations.
I hope uncle Harry is well on the way to recovery by now. I’d like to be home to hear the old organ going again. Have you been able to get it fixed up any?
Gyp and Sandy must be getting tired of being noncombatants. Sandy must be getting old. It’s time you got another kitten. He’s probably paying Gyp back for sitting on him when they were small.
Don’t think from my previous crack that things aren’t going smoothly. We’ve got some swell officers on board, one of them about the most remarkable man I’ve met. But I hope Helen knows what she was doing. Still I guess if they can stand it she can.
I expect to cover some of the country down here soon. Duty of course, but may see some of the bright lights I missed at Christmas.
I love the internet- the information available about the aircraft carriers of World War Two, and the H.M.S Indomitable in particular, is amazing, and I am so grateful to my brother for searching it out. I would urge anyone interested to have a look- certainly nothing in Cec’s letters will help you. It is amusing, in a horrifying way, to contrast his breezy allusions in the last letter to his ‘ringside seat to the Sicily invasion’ with the details of the torpedo damage to the ship, which was, by the time he was writing, sending them back to the States for repairs again. Perhaps it was on this trip that the North Sea added to the damage…
This letter shows a Cec, happy with his promotion, giving his family details of a pleasant Christmas. Although he never mentions it, apparently the US Navy ships were all dry, and so Americans were very happy to be invited aboard British ships where there was a bar and a proper party could be enjoyed!
HMS Indomitable Service:
September to December
Under repair and refit at Norfolk Navy Yard, Virginia after being torpedoed in Mediterranean American Radar Types SM1 and SG fitted. (See RADAR AT SEA).*
Did you surprise me?! I had expected to surprise you with an early promotion, the last thing I expected was that you would hear of it first. Everyone thinks it’s a great joke. If anyone asked what the date was I say “I don’t know, mother told me about it.” While you’re at it, will you find out my “seniority” or date of promotion, from the barracks. I’ll not likely hear officially till the CW lists come from England (6 weeks). I won’t put my stripes up until it does but I’d like to know. The recommendation went in two months ago, right after I came back from leave. From the date you heard I knew it’s at least four months acceleration (due 20 Apr. ’44) but how much more I don’t know. It was certainly a grand Christmas present, a Lieutenant stripe plus a mere ($150 plus) extra pay in my pocket. Boy oh boy, just wait till I get to New York. Fancy me a Captain in the army, if I was in the army, which I’m not, thank goodness. I hope this war doesn’t last long enough for me to get the next “half stripe”.
My commanding officer seemed as pleased as I was so all is well.
I spent a quiet but enjoyable Christmas. Lieutenant (RCNVR) and Mrs. Stark had Christmas dinner with us on board, and my Captain and I had dinner with them on Sunday. I also did dishes and had supper. It was really enjoyable and I still feel well filled.
I gave most of your cake to my men for Christmas and they really enjoyed it. It was good! They had two turkeys & dinner, for eleven, so I think they did alright.
It’s past midnight now so I’ll close. Write soon.
Love
Cecil
P.S. What’s the idea of waiting two whole days before writing.
5th Sailed from Algiers with HM Battleships WARSPITE, VALIANT, NELSON and RODNEY, FORMIDABLE, HM cruisers AURORA AND PENELOPE and screen of five destroyers to cover military convoys to Central Mediterranean.
10th Part of Force H deployed in Ionian Sea to prevent interference by Italian Navy during landings in Sicily (Operation HUSKY).
16th Torpedoed by aircraft which had been wrongly identified during air attacks as a naval SWORDFISH returning to carrier.
“The port boiler room and nearby wing compartments flooded rapidly causing a list of 12 degrees to port within 1 minute. Counter flooding reduced this list to 1 degree within 20 minutes…. The ship was able to proceed to harbor under her own steam …”
Repair arranged in USA.
August 1943
20th Took passage to USA via Bermuda escorted by HM destroyers OBDURATE, OBEDIENT and OPPORTUNE.
31st Arrived at Norfolk Navy Yard, Virginia.
Same son
Same address
Aug 1, 1943
Dear Mother,
I have just received the airletter that you wrote on my birthday*, so it is not surprising I haven’t yet received the parcel you mention. The news was certainly welcome the first I have received for sometime.
I was surprised to hear Les was getting married so soon, but he told me in his last letter he had become engaged to Joyce again, but he didn’t hint at an early wedding.
I’ve been having a rare time since I last wrote, thoroughly enjoying a sunny Mediterranean cruise. We had a ringside seat to the Sicily invasion. Quite a party isn’t it. I imagine the Canadians taking part are glad to get away from 3 years inactivity. It’s amazing to me that they have any spirits left at all. About the most interesting part was to see Malta. I was able to spend one afternoon traveling around the island visiting some of the towns and beaches. The swimming is grand in the Med, clear, moderate water, bright sun. And salty – wow – you gargle as you swim. Very economical, don’t you think?
Some things appeared very strange, particularly vegetation – what there is. There are a few semitropical trees, most of which seem to have been planted. Wood is almost a rarity, the houses, so-called, are of sandstone blocks and even the telephone poles are a tall thin steel & cement lattice work. They look so strange after the pine poles at home.
The country and huts is very much like some old Biblical painting, even to seeing a small mule tied under a shelter against a stone fence. I went swimming in St. Paul’s Bay, where he landed on his way to Rome. I bought a little Maltese lace which caught my fancy. I don’t know yet just how I will dispose of it.
Glad to hear the hatchery is doing well in spite of the new hands you have to get every year. I hope you haven’t worked too hard at it, Mum. But I know you & Dad both have. Give Lena my congratulations, I got her announcement. I wish I could have attended.
Here is another letter, late again. It seems three a month (altogether) is all I’m able to manage. I have received two letters from you since I last wrote, one on Les’s visit and one announcing my new nephew.
Thanks very much for the clippings. By the way, I knew Bill had got DFM* when I got his address from the Air Ministry in Feb. It is really grand, he sure deserves it, and so do most of them. Also, I don’t think I told you Dr. Orgfusson, who was killed on 25th it was the man I took my Indian arrowheads to in Varsity. He was grand chap.
I haven’t heard from Les yet. I hope you enjoyed his visit. He may have told you some things which had occurred, but he would have no idea (he may now) of the variety of life on board. It is extremely interesting, and I’ll come out of it as well qualified to be a steeplejack or father confessor as a physicist. I forgotten how to spell it.
Glad to hear Merle is getting on so well. I’d certainly like to be back to see John & Lorne. John is just at a cute age.** By the time I get back he will be getting “ornery”.
My congratulations to Jack Longstaff. This ROP business seems to have considerable attraction. I’ll have to watch my step – but I’m not worried.
I don’t get this business of my keeping secrets. Explain please.
I didn’t get or else dropped your clipping on Bob Bibby. What is he doing over here?
Joan is really getting up isn’t she? if she does take a commission it will be from private to officer in a little over a year. I think she will make a good “sarge”.
It is after midnight now so this is my “first anniversary”. The time has sure flown. This year has been much better than I even hoped, and the next should be equally as good. You know, I get Foreign service leave after two yrs (over here) so until July 1944.
Radar was a new technology that made a difference to both sea and air conflict. Canada loaned newly trained radar officers to the British Navy because sadly, so many British radar officers had been lost in the Mediterranean during the early years of the war. Cec was posted to H.M.S Indomitable, an aircraft carrier, in the Mediterranean, but the ship was damaged, and had to go to the USA for repairs. Cec told us that as the wounded ship was crossing the North Atlantic, they hit a tremendous storm that rolled up the flat top of the deck like a can opener! Once the extensive repairs were done, they returned to England for new equipment and their aircraft. So the first letter we have is written from England, where Cec had met King George VI. The handshake meant Cec was close enough to see that the King wore thick pancake makeup.
H.M.S. Indomitable
G.P.O London
March 24, 1943
Dear Folks,
I haven’t heard from any of you since I last wrote, but another letter is past due. I haven’t been doing very well in my letter writing – as a matter of fact it comes more or less like prairie rainfall.
I had an air letter from Mrs. Haywood last week telling all about Les’s visit. Lucky devil! But I’m so glad he was out to visit you. It is the next best thing to getting home myself. He wouldn’t be able to give you much idea of my life on board, but he probably gave you some idea of what I’m doing. Gosh, I’ll bet he had a wonderful time.
A parcel from you arrived today – some bars and last but not least – magazines. They have no decent magazines of any type on this side of the water. If you have any Redbook etc. send them along – they make grand “packing”.
Life on board is extremely interesting. A couple of Canadian pilots are going to take me for a ride one of these days when I can take the time off – I’m still as busy as ever.
I have been mighty lucky since my arrival over here in anticipating Royal visits. The King inspected our ship, ship’s company on the flight deck – our parade ground I had charge of our division, and so came in for an introduction, a few words and handshake from the King. Something to remember in my old age isn’t it? Les is one up and visit Home, but I am one up in this direction. The moral is – you can’t expect everything.
But I do envy him his trip. His mother’s letter brought me closer to feeling homesick than I’ve been since I left. But it has worn off to some extent, and I’m awaiting your letters and Les’s is telling of his experiences. By the way, am I an uncle again yet or is it an aunt this time. I gave Merle definite instructions to the effect that I wanted a niece
I say good night for now. Don’t forget to write often – in spite of R.O.P.
Love to all
Cecil
Indomitable service:
August 1942
10th Part of Force Z covering passage of military convoy (WS21S) to Malta.
12th Under heavy air attack and hit by three AP bombs. Aircraft already airborne were diverted to land on HMS VICTORIOUS. Fires brought under control with difficulty and ship returned to Gibraltar.
September Passage to USA for repair and refit.
October to December – Under repair.
January 1943 Post refit trials.
February Passage to UK. Installation of Aircraft Warning Radar Sets Type 218B and Type 79 with new Plan Type radar displays and radio telephone equipment for fights direction.
The telegram was the last note Cyn got from Bobby Sheedy. (And if anyone knows what ‘Lilliputs’ are, I’m dying to know. He thanked her twice for them!) Things were going badly in the Malayan Peninsula, and within the next two months he was sent there, to arrive just as Singapore fell in February 1942. Watch the old film ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’ if you want to know what he went through as a POW before he died.
After I have posted all the documents I have from the war (in chronological order of course) I will sum up this period with Cynthia’s writing about it from the 1990s. I don’t suppose any of them got used to the continuing losses of their friends.
I have been owing you this letter for a long time. If I remember correctly the last letter I wrote you was after my Capetown visit. Well, a lot of water has slid under a lot of bridge since then. I hardly know where to start.
In one of your letters to me, you mentioned something about warm breezes, and gentle seas referring to the voyage out. Well that was more or less what the trip was like. We had no trouble from enemy action, and the voyage though monotonous at times is something to look back on with pleasure.
When we landed we had half a day in Bombay and I must admit that I was rather disappointed. It has the characteristics of most Indian cities i.e. dust, heat and a variety of smells.
We left for Jhansi on the 9:35 pm train and arrived at 10 pm the next night.
Although we travelled 1st class, I would point out that there is a decided difference between first class on British railways, and the same thing on their Indian counterpart. The carriages are reasonably clean at the beginning of the trip but after going a few miles they become absolutely filthy. The dust has to be seen to be believed. Anyhow we arrived at Jhansi , were met at the station, secured quarters (very good ones), bearers (mine was Habib Khan, an elegant gent with bushy moustache, orange turban and flowing white pantaloon things.). After a very happy time in Jhansi I was posted to Quetta which as you may know is in the country of earthquakes and cold (in winter). Quetta is not in India proper as you may know, but in Baluchistan. It is completely surrounded by damn great mountains one of which I endeavoured to climb last Sunday. Fortunately it lacks the variety of insect and animal life seen at Jhansi, but is extremely cold in the evening. When I first arrived I was accommodated in a tent and it was absolutely A1, b— cold. Only 18ºF you know, a nice working temperature. During the day it is quite warm but when the sun sets- look out.
I am now in quarters at the Staff College although not attached that august establishment, and I am very comfortable. My new bearer speaks no English and I endeavour to may myself understood in my pidgin Hindustani
e.g. muji-ko ek bottle of beer, aut do bara cups of tea chahie.
i.e. I want 1 bottle of beer and two large cups of tea, etc.
To my mind all the natives of this country are crooks. If a shopkeeper sees an officer approaching he immediately doubles his prices on principle.
Of course this may be due to the fact that even the humble 2/Lt gets 490 rupees or about £36 per month (less income tax).
Also before I came to India I was of the opinion that ‘India for the Indians’, and self-government should be the order of the day. I don’t think so now. Nearly everything that is run by Indians is lousy and full of graft. An example- when I was posted to Quetta I spent the best part of one whole day at the station at Jhansi endeavouring to find out the times of trains for Quetta. I worked up by degrees from, Booking Clerk to Ticket Collector, then to Asst. Station master and at last to the British Station Master before I got any satisfaction.
These wallas who blurb in the House of Commons about Indian Independence are talking rot. They are no more fit to govern that my aunt’s cat.
My bath is now ready so I’ll leave you for the moment. (I have one per day- aren’t I a nice clean boy?
Issac Walton’s are crooks also. The charged me £2:10 for a pair of slacks which were lousily tailored, and I can get perfectly fitting dittos out here for 10/6, and they don’t shrink. However—- to bath.
Bath finished and Richard is himself again.
Before I forget thanks again for the Lilliputs. They are even more welcome now when I am far from home. Also for the birthday and Xmas cards. Although the former was a trifle late in arrival, that was my fault not yours.”Bahut meh bari, kbub-surat.” i.e. “Thanks a lot, good looking!”
I will think of you fire-watching on Xmas & New Year’s Eves. I am Orderly Officer on Xmas Eve, so if your ears are burning, its’ because I’m looking at the same stars and wishing you were going the rounds with me. Tut! Tut! I’m afraid that’s rather suggestive! However, it’s said now.
Your letter of 21st Sept was most lyrical about the country. Believe it brought a pang- you know “Oh to be in England, etc” “What do I think of when I think of spring?”:-
The end of dreary winter with its’ rain and sleet. The casting of heavy clothing and the advent of sports shirts, and grey flannels. The stirring of the pulse to the primitive melody of the earth and its produce; a girl’s pleasant laugh: cool drinks in hot weather: the merry ping of ball meeting racket. The sensual joy of a deck chair in a sunny spot. The trippers bound for the sea-side: light flowery frocks: white shorts and the smell of the grass: the bitter-sweet shock of a cold shower after tennis- oh! I could go on for pages and pages. I won’t mention the rest of the seasons, I’m too homesick already.
Re Zinnia Margaret. I have been to S. Africa but I don’t know it! So what!
I’m sorry to hear that Mary has left the ATS. I expect she got pretty fed up with the “How I broke in my favourite hunter” type. I do out here- officers wives are pretty lousy with all due respect to Jessie.
It’s about time I stopped this epistle. I think I’ve done you proud, don’t you? I am including an extremely handsome photo of myself to be secreted with all your other feminine treasures in the hiding place of the ages.
Please give my regards to Dr. and Mrs Ewing and thank your mother particularly for her nice letter.
We have arrived at our port of disembarkation at last. After a long and uneventful voyage we are within striking distance of the unknown. I think we must be one of the luckiest convoys that ever left our native land. There’s been no trouble at all- no subs, no raider, no ‘planes- just an easy day to day existence for two months. At times, life has been monotonous, but I must admit that there’s absolutely no cause for complaint: The food has been consistently good, & the sea calm.
Unfortunately the temperature is not as low as I would like it to be. In brief, it’s damned hot. That hasn’t worried me to any great extent while on board, as the obvious remedy- a cold bath- was available for the asking. What it will be like ashore, I can’t imagine. The hotter it is the more iced drinks one consumes, and the more liquid down the sink the greater the activity of the sweat glands- a vicious circle.
We shan’t go ashore until to-morrow. I don’t exactly know why we are hanging about the bay, but there it is- to-morrow is the great day. After that I think we will have 12 hours in the train. That’s just a guess; as yet, we have had no information as to our destination.
We (the Signals) had a party three days ago. Each unit has given a party and ours was a very hectic affair. The only drink going was gin. It’s very cheap, much more so than beer, but, by Jove, is it poison! We had it in variety of forms- Pink Gin, Gin & Lime, Gin & Orange, Gin & Lemon etc. There were about 50 officers present and we put away 750 odd drinks in 1 1/2 hours. This works out at about 15 per man. The binge started at 12 noon, and at 1:30- when we went to lunch I felt O.K., if a trifle merry. After lunch I went to my cabin for a rest. Then the potion began to take effect. I felt extremely sick, but couldn’t go further than that. When I closed my eyes the ship started to loop the loop, and an unseen orchestra played sweet music. After this spasm perspiration rolled off me like rain. Eventually I fell asleep after praying for death, and was out for three hours. No more gin in the morning for me. In fact no more gin; I know now why it’s called “Mother’s Ruin”.
I haven’t heard a word from home for two months. I hope that everything is OK- and that all the buildings that where standing when I left are retaining the status quo. Perhaps, I’ll find some correspondence waiting for me at destination- here’s hoping.
That must be all for now Cyn- I’ll write you again when we are settled in. Oh! I hope you had a good Xmas and New Year and managed to keep sober.
A Family History in Letters 