Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife

Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife

He writes of arriving safely at RAF Cark.

1943-07-06

Four handwritten pages, one cover sheet

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EGortonHGortonLCM430706

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F/O H. Gorton
OFFICERS’ MESS,
ROYAL AIR FORCE,
CARK,
NORTH LANCASHIRE.
TELEPHONE GRANGE 390
6/7/43
Dearest,
It’s 9.45, & I can now consider myself more or less settled in. I’m still conscious of a feeling that only half of me is here; the other half, trust, is safely at Newhouse. As time goes on, I shall begin to accept as normal the fact that I am only half alive, & shall only notice the change when I become whole again, that is, next time I go on leave. I’m not putting it very well, I’m afraid, but I expect you know what I mean.
I hope you had a
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pleasant journey, & that Grace was there to meet you. What we should do without her, I can’t imagine.
My day wasn’t too good. I started by combing the shops for a box of matches (after sending a p.c. to Dad), & was successful at, I think, my 7th attempt.
I spent a long time over my coffee, & then went to the library till 12.0 o’clock. I read “Postmarked Berlin” while I was there. It’s Harry W. Flannery & William Shirer all over again, but not so well done. Much duller, & more prosily written.
After a quick lunch at the Odeon, I went to the Gaumont to see a murder story
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which was average, & an Abbot & Costello film which was rather better. I wasn’t very much in the mood for it, however, & was glad to go out & catch my train, arriving here without incident.
At the moment I am in Percy’s room, as he is on a course – accommodation is pretty tight here, & it’s just as well I sent that card.
That’s all for the moment except that I’ve been told the C.O. is to be posted. It will be just like getting a new Head at school, & wondering what changes the new one will introduce.
All my love, Harold. Pto
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P.S. I love you.