Bill Jackson to Gladys Jackson

This letter was from my father Bill Jackson to my mother Gladys in 1945 when he received the news of their first baby being born.

Dad was serving in the army in Kenya so didn’t meet his son until he returned home. Mum was living in Leeds, West Yorkshire.

Transcript:

4393616
Sgt: W. Jackson,
“D” Squadron,
4th E.A. Armoured Car Regt;
P.O. Box 1000,
Nanyuki,
Kenya.
10/8/45

Dear Glad,

Well darling this is the day of days for me, I received the telegram from Netta about 3 hours ago, I feel that happy that I can hardly think what to write, but I must write a few lines to you pet and if it’s possible dear please try and keep this letter, I am going to try and keep the telegram, its the greatest news a telegram has ever conveyed to me. I am now eagerly awaiting the letter which Netta mentions in the telegram to let me know all about it, is it like you or me darling? I suppose it’s an ugly little thing at present you always said they were when they are born, I only hope he grows up like his Mummy then he will be the grandest little chap in the whole world. How are you Glad darling? I do hope it was no too bad for you sweet, it was a bit earlier than expected wasn’t it Love, had you much trouble getting to hospital, I hope you do not mind me asking all these questions Glad darling, no doubt you will want to try and forget all about the past now so if you do not feel like writing about it pet its alright with me love.

At present I am out in the wilds but the chap who brought me the telegram is going into camp tomorrow and is going to try and get me a telegram off. This do is going to cost me a few shillings too darling (yes pet, I know its cost you a few pounds) but I mean that all the boys out here have demanded a drink for the occasion, David John’s health is to be drunk out here tomorrow night.

Well Glad darling what does it feel like to be a Mummy, what do you say pet, a load off your tummy and a greater load on your mind, never mind sweetheart I hope to be home before long and be able to give you a helping hand, I’ll bet you say, you’ll be a bigger nuisance than a help, but everybody has got to learn you know dear don’t be too hard with me pet if I give D.J. a [unclear] and drink the milk myself after all I’m a baby too, yes I’m spoilt as I was and you have only yourself to blame dear. I wonder what John and Joe have to say about it now darling, I’ll guess they are both as proud and excited as I am at present, they will both be trying to get home before each other, it would be grand if they could both get home together again, anyhow the way things are going now love it will not be very long before we are all home for good then I’ll bet we all have some real good times together. I must try and get a few lines off to Sgt. Gibson tonight (he is still with the 3rd Recce) and let him know the good news I wonder if he is a Daddy yet? My, I feel the happiest man in the world Darling, I do Love you Glad and David John Jackson, please look after yourself and him pet until I return to you both. All My Love & Kisses to you both.

Your Ever Loving Husband.
Bill.
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X [unclear] D.J.

Tagged:
Africa, Parenthood

Contributed by:
Maggie Jackson

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