9/12/17
My dear Mela
I found your letter of Nov 9th-15th awaiting me (at No 3 Mobile Lab, BEF) on my return from leave. I was very sorry to miss seeing you at Badsey on Nov 22nd. Of course until I got to London the previous evening I knew nothing of your being there. Many congratulations on being promoted. Am very glad you like the work and the people you have to work with. I suppose that in the “other ranks” of the WAAC there is considerable variation in the social levels form which the girls are drawn. How does it work out in practice for girls of good upper middle-class standing?
I had a very nice fortnight’s leave, spent most of it quietly at Porthcawl where I found Mary and Baby both quite fit. We paid short visits to Dowlais and Port Talbot, and also had one day at Swansea. Even that amount of short distance travelling costs an awful lot.
I hope you’re quite recovered from the influenza attack and able to get through your work without feeling rushed.
My general impression of folks at home, as a rule, was one of depression as compared with people out here. Probably the WAAC spirit is more that of the Army. Undoubtedly there is a tough time ahead.
I must write to Cyril soon. I hope you get letters through as regularly as possible.
With love and best wishes for Xmas.
Yours affectionately
Arthur F Sladden
