9 March 1919 South Woodfords Essex
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Sth Woodfords
Essex
9th March 1919
My dearest mother
I don't know what to say to you dear for not writing by last mail so as to be in time for your birthday, but that just shows you once more what an awful son you have. I am really really sorry mother dear but I do wish you many many happy returns of 24th April.
You're surprised to see I'm in England again. Sent over for an Investiture. Yes mum I was at Buckingham Palace yesterday and the King pinned the Cross on my breast and shook my hand, He said as well "I am very pleased to give you this Military Cross". (He looked it!!) There were lots of officers decorated and we had to bow before we went up to him and
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again before we left him. Talk about 'wind up'. I almost felt sorry I had the M.C. It is a beautiful Cross dear and my friends are looking after it here for me until I sail for home.
When that is I am sorry to say I can't say now. Everything I have told you before has been cancelled, but it won't be for long. I was a fool to tell you 9th March in my last letter, I simply hate to raise false hopes in your dear hearts out there. But how I do long to see you all as one knows.
Yesterday afternoon I saw dear old Rob again and he is well and just as funny as ever. He came out here to see our friends Mrs Barnes and family. What dear kind people they are to us Mother, they take me in here like a son and it is just fine being in such a home.
Well no more Mother dearest. I don't intend this to be a long letter - just a thought from your forgetful son. (mad!!) (mad!!!) Many many happy returns once more dear and with love to Sis and Dad. I am going to write to Ron now.
Best love dear
From your loving Son
Billy
XXXXX
Sth Woodfords
Essex
9th March 1919
My dearest mother
I don't know what to say to you dear for not writing by last mail so as to be in time for your birthday, but that just shows you once more what an awful son you have. I am really really sorry mother dear but I do wish you many many happy returns of 24th April.
You're surprised to see I'm in England again. Sent over for an Investiture. Yes mum I was at Buckingham Palace yesterday and the King pinned the Cross on my breast and shook my hand, He said as well "I am very pleased to give you this Military Cross". (He looked it!!) There were lots of officers decorated and we had to bow before we went up to him and
[Page 2]
again before we left him. Talk about 'wind up'. I almost felt sorry I had the M.C. It is a beautiful Cross dear and my friends are looking after it here for me until I sail for home.
When that is I am sorry to say I can't say now. Everything I have told you before has been cancelled, but it won't be for long. I was a fool to tell you 9th March in my last letter, I simply hate to raise false hopes in your dear hearts out there. But how I do long to see you all as one knows.
Yesterday afternoon I saw dear old Rob again and he is well and just as funny as ever. He came out here to see our friends Mrs Barnes and family. What dear kind people they are to us Mother, they take me in here like a son and it is just fine being in such a home.
Well no more Mother dearest. I don't intend this to be a long letter - just a thought from your forgetful son. (mad!!) (mad!!!) Many many happy returns once more dear and with love to Sis and Dad. I am going to write to Ron now.
Best love dear
From your loving Son
Billy
XXXXX