"It was a fine speech, wasn’t it? I like the dry humour he introduces but thought he sounded very tired"
I have hundreds of letters between my mother and father from throughout the war.
Dad was Lieutenant (S) S F Maddison RNVR who served on HMS Nelson and HMS Royal Altherstan in Antwerp.
Mum was Sergeant G M Maddison WAAF Bomber Command (Lancasters) who served in Bomber Command Swinderby Lincoln. She was also mentioned in Despatches following a German raid on the airdrome at Swinderby when the Lancasters were followed back from a bombing raid.
Transcript:
[Letter 1]
My own Darling Husband,
Wednesday, Dearest VE + 1 day - wonder what you have been doing? Was duty for a few hours this morning, then we were stood down until tomorrow and I didn't have to go on duty tonight! but I told you that didn't it. This afternoon, Audrey and I slept in the sun and this evening we cycled to the little Norton Disney park I mentioned before, and they had hired a special room there for a Flying Control party, they didn't have any [unclear] though! Edna & Audrey had made lots of sandwiches and it was a lovely evening so we had a picnic in the garden there. We all cycled back round the peremeter track with much singing! the others have gone on to a dance at Collingham - but I wanted to talk a little with my Husband and its awfully late, I think they understood too, for me of the instructors pointed to your badge on my tie (we had jackets off) and said "Brother"? and they all laughed at the proud toss of my head as I replied "No, Husband" - I am proud to be your wife Darling ----
Well methinks I'm awfully sleepy, so I'll rest my head, and say Good Night Dearheart.
2250 Thursday
[Letter 2]
21 [in a star shape]
My own very Beloved Husband,
How are you Sweetheart? ---
Have wanted to be with you so very much today. Still one day W [with star around it] gets nearer and nearer! Oh Darling --- wont it be wonderful?
Well I was on duty from 1700 till 2300 - the Base Comdr rang, saying that I was to broadcast the Prime Minister's speech, over the 'tannoy' - so the clerk and I had great fun fixing the wireless near the mike and then testing it, just on the technical side of the camp.
It was a fine speech, wasn’t it? I like the dry humour he introduces but thought he sounded very tired especially at the beginning.
Well me thinks I'll just rest my head on your shoulder and say I love you with all my heart ---- and so Good Night my Darling.
God Bless and keep you safe, always --- [star]
2245 Tuesday 15th May
Yesterday I did add jobs and called at the farm, before going on duty at 1700 again, I did [unclear] shift on Sunday, and....
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