Letter from Jimmy Doughty to his sister Winnie

Letter from Jimmy Doughty to his sister Winnie

Apologises for not writing but says he has now news and is saving paper. Writes of his civilian work and lack of luck with local girls. Comments on doctors and getting his finger lanced. Continues with gossip and family news.

1942-12-18

Four page handwritten letter and envelope

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EDoughtyJCDoughtyW421218

[postmark Dagenham 18 Dec 1942] [postage stamp]

[underlined] W [/underlined] 206227 Pte. Doughty,
A. A. Signal Training School
Midland Area,
Chester.

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[underlined] 1 [/underlined]

49, Tavistock Gardens,
Ilford
Essex

My Rookie,

Sorry I have been so long writing to you, but I’ve had a good exscuse [sic] (spelling looks cock-eyed)

I have no news you haven’t heard, so actualy [sic] I’d be saving paper if I closed now (Patriotic reasons paper shortage)

But my unhonourable self fears your honourable wrath and temper, so i’ll [sic] try and continue.

me now has to work again, I’ve lounged about at work with my arm in a sling and finger bound up, and now know just what it is like to be manager, but they had a spare manager so now I’ve been promoted

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to a worker again.

{Having started work again, the factory is now resuming production again}

I have complained to the passion flower at work, that I have no chance with the girls while he is around, so he has told me the secrets of its success. It is its jet black hair, so it informs me.

{Its hair is cropped all over its head barring a small quiff in front, and its oomph comes from its only three front teeth}

By the way never touch a doctor unless its with a crow-bar.

When I went to have my finger lanced I had a mild looking pansified looking creature.

He spoke to nicely and kindly with

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a good looking nurse held my injured member, he then beguiled me into a false sense of security, [underlined] then [/underlined] he slashed, oh boy the room be-came [sic] filled with beatiful [sic] lights, heavenly music played in the distance, and I floated on a South East breeze, then the [sic] threw a bucket of water all over me, or at lest [sic] threw a few drops of water in my face.

After wringing out my clothes I climbed into bed and slept for about half an hour. Then the dirty dog came in and started speaking kindly again, but he has lost my faith so I left him and whent [sic] back to my own nursey who consoled me and gave me a pass to leave at five a’clock. [sic]

Having heard my sordid tale, lacking all the particulars of pain grief, and

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woe at not being able to work, you may know [sic] shed tears nightly on your pillow in sisterly sympathy.

{WARNING do not wet your pillow to [sic] much or you will catch cold}.

Your loverly [sic] sister has humberly [sic] asked me to honour her, by mentioning in my document the fact that she has half finished her pullover, what interest this is to you I cant imagine, but I have to do as I’m told.

Having exerted myself to write this letter I have [deleted] kn [/deleted] now one eye just about open (Mentally). So I’ll close now,

Best wishes for Christmas

Your Lordly Brother

[underlined] Me [/underlined]