QMAAC Quarters
Bulford Camp
February 13th 1919
My own dear Cyril
Your letter of January 12th reached me yesterday in which you state you still have no mail letters. How rotten it is for you in that out of the way place when you do not hear from any of us. It would take ages to tell you the happenings of all those months last year but one thing I’ll mention in support of my letter last week in which I told you I was going to apply for my discharge and my next letter in which I enclosed a copy of my letter to the Command.
Last November I was ordered away on a month’s sick leave after an official visit from Dr Soltan, Medical Controller, Southern Command, during which visit my looks alarmed her. I was sent to Checkendon Court, Reading, a Convalescent Home for officers of the Women’s War Services. I was rather bad the first week I was there and was told afterwards I had been on the verge of brain fever. As I told you last week the strain of responsibility has told on me and I hate many of the things with which I have to deal. I have kept pretty well since I have been back from Checkendon but it is an effort to speak, if I gave way I should easily be ill again. Don’t you know what I mean, it is just a matter of will power. I had an awful struggle with the situation here when I came, the women were on the point of striking and there was no order or discipline anywhere. Things are properly organized now but it is only superficial, underneath there are social problems which worry me – to death.
Oh, dearest, do come home as soon as ever you can.
I am so sorry to hear about your poor old arm – after being wounded so often it is hard to fall down and break your arm – there is not the same honour and glory attached to it! I hope ere this it has mended and that it was not painful for long.
Mother wrote this morning to say she had had to return to Marlow, the congestion of traffic being so great during the strikes. She was trying to get to France to settle up business there in connection with her flat.
I have had letters from all sorts of people about your DSO. Your Father says it is the highest distinction won in the Evesham neighbourhood.
I must close now – will write again in a day or two.
All my love as ever.
From your devoted
Mela
