Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife

Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife

He writes of visiting family, his night duty and the weather.

1943-08-02

Four handwritten sheets

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EGortonHGortonLCM430802

OFFICERS’ MESS,
ROYAL AIR FORCE,
CARK,
NORTH LANCASHIRE.
TELEPHONE GRANGE 390.
2/8/43
Dearest,
All yesterday & most of Saturday I had this thought at the back of my mind – there’ll be a letter on Monday. Although I had expected it, I was still very pleased to find it waiting for me at lunch time.
My night work is going on very well so far – two scrubs out of four. At this rate it will prove a rest cure. I think I shall finish my period on Thursday night & have Saturday off. Since I shall be on duty till 6.0 a.m. or later on Friday, I shan’t turn up at the flight on that day, but will catch the first convenient train to Farnworth & return on Saturday evening. If our house weren’t so full up I’d ask you to come too; in fact I could carry on my
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night flying a day longer if it would give you more time to come. On the other hand, they would have to reorganise their sleeping arrangements – although they’d do it gladly.
My original idea was to have a day there to see what I could do about a house; it was only as an afterthought that I considered the possibility of your “mucking in” with the crowd. If you do decide to come, ring me up on Wednesday night & let me know whether you’d prefer me to have Saturday or Sunday off. I shall be in the Mess all evening, in any case, so you’d be sure of finding me, but don’t put yourself to the trouble of phoning if you’re not coming.
The weather is still quite warm, but we’ve had some
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thunderstorms to break the heat wave. Incidentally, the crops have suffered quite a bit from the storms. I suppose Grace hasn’t managed all her hay yet?
I like the thought if your doing as you’re told. I must ask your Mother how she manages it!
You shouldn’t tempt me with stories of your cooking. It’s not fair on a poor husband who’s 250 miles away from your handiwork. It seems an awful waste to make things for your Mother & Grace & the Italians, when there’s a much more appreciative receptacle up here.
I’m glad to hear about the pullover. It almost makes me wish it were cold, so that I could
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wear it. I’m going to collect socks & a shirt together this week & send them to you, I’ll also send one towel.
I rather fancy that I haven’t been winding your watch up enough, as I’ve been afraid of overdoing it, & so it has run down before I expected. Owing to this fact I can’t yet say definitely that it’s all right.
I haven’t heard from Mother since she’s been back in Farnworth, but I’ve no doubt the house was O.K. She was very glad we went there last week.
Three weeks today we shall be on our 48. I wish it were today, because I’m longing to see you.
Love,
Harold.