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September 23rd 1915 - Letter from Mela Brown Constable to her fiancé, Lieutenant Cyril E Sladden

Date
23rd September 1915
Correspondence From
Mela Brown Constable, Sisters' Quarters, University House, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham
Correspondence To
Lieutenant Cyril E Sladden, 9th Worcesters, 39th Brigade, 13th Division, c/o Cox & Co Agengts, British Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, Alexandria (redirected to Base Camp, Mudros West, Lemnos)
Relationship to Letter Addressee
Fiancée
Text of Letter

Sisters’ Quarters, University House

Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham

 

Sept 23rd 1915

 

My own dear Cyril

 

Word has just reached me that later on in the small hours of the morning I am to go to the Typhoid Ward to help there as they are so busy.

 

My men sleep most of the night and are not very ill so that Sister of B5. is taking them over with her ward. I don’t know anything about the nursing of typhoids so that I cannot see myself being of much use! But I suppose I shall learn as I go along.

 

Ethel wrote to me today giving me news of Muriel Holmes approaching marriage. An old admirer of hers has come home from Africa to go to the front. He has a fortnights leave and wrote and asked Muriel if he might come and see her, having previously proposed to her by letter from S. Africa. They have not seen each other for thirteen years!

 

Muriel took Mrs Preston into her confidence and arranged that she and Mr Thelwall should meet at her house. So last Thursday afternoon he turned up. They had the drawing room to themselves for the afternoon and by tea time had fixed things up!

 

They are to be married by special license this week at Badsey.

 

It has just occurred to me that this may be stale news to you as Mr Thelwall has been staying with your people and they will have told you about it.

 

Isn’t it a romantic wooing and wedding after 13 years?

 

I’ve just written to Muriel giving her my best wishes.

 

I cannot write much tonight because I shall be called away any minute to the Typhoid Ward.

 

With much love, dear love, how I long to see you again – this separation becomes unbearable sometimes.

 

God bless you and have you in His keeping.

 

Best Beloved

Ever your own devoted

Mela

Letter Images
Type of Correspondence
Envelope containing 1 sheet of notepaper
Location of Document
Imperial War Museum
Record Office Reference
60/98/1