Eileen Dowling to her husband Charles

The letter was among memorabilia in my father’s mess tin which he carried with him throughout his time serving in Burma . The letter is a reminder of not all people could celebrate completely on VE Day. As their loved ones were still fighting. I have many wonderful telegrams sent  to my mother from my father also.

VE +1 Day Wednesday 9th May

My Own Darling Husband,

It gives me great pleasure to write you this letter. I do hope that you are quite safe and well my sweetheart as it leaves myself in the pink.

Well Darling, I have put Wednesday at the top of this letter but it is one-o-clock in the morning so I guess it should be Thursday. As I am writing this letter Charl there is a terrific din going on outside – all the people dancing and singing and have a great big bonfire burning. I have just come in myself after joining in the ceremony – it was just the same last night too. There are flood lights all along the streets, gosh Darling I do wish you had been here to help me celebrate this great victory. The people have just gone absolutely mad with joy. I have done my best to join in this great victory Darling, but all the time there has been an awful ache in my heart with the thought of my own husband still fighting. May God send you back to me soon my Dearest as I am so very much in love with you and am also very proud indeed for what you are doing. They were all cheering last night at the “Wonder Fun” for Churchill, Monty etc, so I reminded them of our wonderful 14th Army and they nearly raised the roof off the place cheering you boys out there. Believe me Darling, the people back here do appreciate all that you boys are doing out there and we are all very very proud of you.

But my one wish Sweetheart is that you will be back with the next 6 months. I am sure they can’t keep you any longer than that can they Charl I do hope you can understand this writing Darling but my mind seems a bit blurred (drunk again) so I will say goodnight and God bless you, my own precious Darling.

With all my love,

Your Own,

Eileen xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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