Letter from Jack Darby to Jean

Letter from Jack Darby to Jean

He has been trying, without success, to buy elastic for Jean. They went to a resort but didn't swim because there were too many icebergs. Summer and mosquitoes are coming.

1943-05-24

Two double sided handwritten sheets and envelope

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EDarbyCAHWellandJ430524

[postage stamp] [post mark]

[inserted] 24543 [/inserted]

Miss J Welland,
7. Queens Drive
Surbiton
Surrey.

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[Canadian Y.M.C.A. Crest] ON ACTIVE SERVICE

15/

927893. L.A.C. Darby.
31. R.A.F. Depot
Moncton. N.B.
Canada.

24 . . 5.43

Dear Jean.

Well after getting three letters in a day Expect it will be a few days before some more mail arrives, realising the seriousness of the elastic question I sallied forth last Saturday afternoon, practically every shop that looked as though it might be hiding elastic I entered but no go, either they don’t use it round here or the rubber shortage is the cause, however after turning down the idea of sending you some string or safety pins I had a

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bright idea, will enlist the services of the United States, in other words, will mention it to my cousin when I write, probably when you get it, the [deleted word] war will be over but why worry.

Taking things all round have had quite a decent weekend, as the weather was fine and warm we hitch-hiked to Pont du- Blanc, a seaside summer resort for the people of this fair city, apparently every one of note here owns a summer residence by the sea. Its a very nice place, golden sands and very good swimming, we did’nt go in as there were too many icebergs. however by next week they should all have melted so I might consider it, on our way there we lunched at Sheeliac, practically a French fishing village as it is peopled almost entirely by French Canadians

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we had a wizard fresh lobster salad with tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, etc (there he goes talking about food again) and of course Canada’s national sweet – apple pie and ice-cream. The next step being to find somewhere to sleep it off, we naturally chose the beach, of course sleeping in the sand has its drawbacks, – for further information you should contact my face, boy was it ruddy. in all the senses of the word, however we had a great day. For the homeward journey we were lucky, we got a lift to within 200 yards of the camp!

The summer here has arrived suddenly and completely, today the temperature was 87⁰ in the shade and will probably rise higher tomorrow, next week we shall get our tropical kit and

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the mosquitos will be out in strength, all the windows in our billet are fitted with screens to stop this pest and I hope they are successful.

You know I thought there were dangers enough in England, but a new peril has arisen, – namely a choral society which has been let loose to prey upon the long suffering citizens, what do you inflict on them? ‘The Holy City’ or just good old swing?

Please notice I have numbered practically all my letters except the first two or three, don’t speak too soon, was just wondering if you would notice it (sounds plausible).

Well must close now, take care of yourself and write soon,

All the best

Yours

Jack