17 March 1943

17/3/43

Dear Angela
Your letter arrived the same day that I posted my reply to your previous letter (I hope this makes sense). However I must admit that to prevent crowding of the letters is not my only excuse for not replying sooner – I have been absolutely full of work lately and have had very little time to myself, on top of that we have had a few unwanted visitors lately, but I am glad to report that some of them never went back. Well so much for excuses!
You will be over the shock of your exams and probably the shock of the results when you receive this. I have got mine to come yet. I had one paper last week and even though I did make a mess of it I was given a good pass – so I can’t quite grumble. The others come next week and last 8 days with two papers each day, I think I will have to cram the night before as I have done very little swotting up to the present. – however these are only college exams and I have until June to work for the University Exams. I think my Physics has reached a stage similar to your Spanish, I have thought about giving it up but it is of no use because I have to pass in it, I suppose I will just have to learn it like a parrot, because I am sure the human mind was not made to understand the depths of Heat and Light.
In reply to your views on the Englishman as he appears in America I can only say that from American magazines and films the American men students seem to have a failing for ‘baggy’ looking attire as you call it. I must admit that the American college girl does seem a little neater and tidier than the English, however that may be because I have only seen a small number of each. Everyone over here is wearing ‘baggy’ clothing at present and it is more out of necessity than tradition.
As for the photo I sent you, I must emphasise that it is a very poor one and I only sent it because I promised, I am going to have one taken at Easter when I will have a few days off and will be able to catch the studios open.
You mentioned your brother being ‘called up’ as we put it, and your point of view about him is the same as mam’s about me “I think it will do him good”. I will be having another taste of army life soon as we have another fortnight with the regular army at a camp on the moors – I suppose it will be another kill or cure course like all the rest – however it will mean more sing-songs about a ‘tinny’ piano!
I received one copy of the ‘Daily Cal’ and I quite enjoyed reading it, it appears that the whole University is just a mass of movement and that there is always something happening. I am afraid that we would seem a trifle dead over here at present, because of all the war duties etc which take up most of the time during each week, I have only played about three games of football since I started college, and I have only had running shoes on about four times which is quite a drop from the sport I had before. However such is war!
I saw my pal about writing to ‘Ginny’ and he said he had written twice so it seems that my cliché can be used again ‘Such is war!’ He has written again and she should receive a letter about the same time as you receive this – if not however here is the address
Mr RD Holt
Rostherne
Park Lea Road
Roker
Sunderland
Co Durham
I don’t quite know how he should be addressed as I am not sure of his correct name – he has two in everyday use either ‘Rod’ or ‘Reggie’ however she had better use ‘Rod’.
I close hoping you will excuse mistakes and that you passed your exams.
Love
Harold