Wednesday 13 September 1939
Item in Times today notes fewer letters being sent since war began. Family not contributing to this trend. Was meant to spend day in garden helping Dad, but Mother turned her ankle getting out of bath so had to care for that. Oughtn't to admit this, but can't help wondering sometimes if she does that sort of thing deliberately.
•••••
Braithfield
Fullerton Road
Red Rice, Andover, Hampshire
13th September 1939
My dear Desmond,
Your telegram took us quite by surprise, and Michael joins me in wishing you Godspeed, dear brother! We are both immensely proud of you and will keep you in our prayers at all times, and we think that you will do marvelously well as a padre. (Now that I think of it, wouldn't it be interesting to know how many chaplains have had prior experience of soldiering, as you have had?)
While I realise that what with one thing and another you must be terribly busy at present, I wonder whether you might possibly set aside a few moments to do me a small favour before you leave to take up your posting. Michael and I have grown increasingly concerned about our dear Sam's situation in Lyminster, or perhaps more accurately about her prospects should she remain there much longer, in such isolation and to all intents and purposes in a state of servitude to Iain and Emma. The outbreak of war may offer her an opportunity to broaden her horizons, but it also strikes me as a double-edged sword, if that is the right way of putting it. You and I both know that it's likely that women will be conscripted — if not immediately, then in the near future. Should that befall Sam, neither she nor anyone else will have the slightest control over where or into what sort of situation she is sent. My idea is that she should join the Mechanised Transport Training Corps as soon as possible. I see that I am getting ahead of myself, however.
Michael and I taught Sam how to drive in 1936, when she spent most of the summer here, and last year I was able to persuade Iain and Emma to allow her to join the Women's Legion, which was just then setting up a mechanical transport section in Sussex. This has at least allowed her to get out of Lyminster for one day each week. As I'm sure that you recall, Lady Londonderry set up the W.L. in 1915 for war service purposes, and launched it anew in 1934, but all of the information that I have been able to obtain suggests that it will see no significant service of any kind in the new conflict. In response to this a Mrs Cook, O.B.E., who apparently was in charge of the W.L.'s automobiles in France just after the last war, has set up a new organisation that she calls the Mechanised Transport Training Corps. It will do more or less the same thing: provide transportation for those in reserved occupations, A.R.P. personnel and so forth, and maintain the vehicles that they drive. They will be trained as well in map-reading and first aid. I think you'll agree that this is just the thing for Sam.
There are two obstacles. The first and most obvious is that Sam is not yet twenty-one, and will therefore need Iain's permission to enroll. She will have to move to London, at least to receive her training, and although ten days have now passed with no raid there, I can't imagine that this won't weigh heavily on Iain's mind. I also strongly suspect that he won't give his consent without Emma's approval, and feel certain that her mind will have to be changed as well; but what we must hope for is that if we persuade him, then he will persuade her. To come to the point, then: could you please write to Iain, however briefly, arguing in favour of this plan?
The other fly in the ointment is that Sam will need an income, as like the W.L. the M.T.T.C. is a voluntary organisation. I would like to see each of the Stewart siblings contribute something to her support. You, of course, are giving up a fairly modest living for one that I suppose shall be even more so; but any amount that you can contribute will be gratefully received, I can assure you.
I must close this letter, so let me once again say that our prayers go with you as you embark on this new adventure. And please do let us hear from you.
As always,
Your loving sister,
Amy Braithwaite
Thursday September 14
'Making the best of a restricted diet' on wireless this morning. Presenter apparently a doctor – can't say that this made any difference. Most depressing. Times announces blackout rules revised – car headlights & hand-torches to be allowed if properly dimmed – gives instructions for doing this. Rather complicated.
Later – Hanley brothers to tea before leaving tomorrow to join Army. Wilfred only 17 years old! D tried hard to be encouraging but think he was really rather upset.
•••••
Braithfield Farm
Fullerton Road
Red Rice, Andover, Hampshire
14th September 1939
My dear Tim,
I do know that I ought to have written to you by now, and I apologise most sincerely for not having done so; what with one thing and another I have had an unusually full plate since the nation went to war. Of course you must be busier than you usually are at this time of year as well. Have you got many evacuees up there? Red Rice House has been requisitioned to house a preparatory school from London — three hundred boys! The older ones are boarding there; the younger ones have been farmed out about the hamlet, if you will forgive the pun, although as yet the billeting officer hasn't approached us. (Perhaps we are adjudged too decrepit!) Truthfully, this strikes me as a questionable choice for a reception area. We really aren't all that far from London; if France is invaded (something that Michael believes is quite likely, and I for one cannot say that he is wrong), and if the Germans reach the coastline, we may well be in for it here. We must hope for the best, I suppose.
There is an ulterior motive to this letter, I'm afraid — I want to enlist your aid with something I have in mind. As you doubtless know, our Sam is in a bit of a rut in Lyminster, in fact a good deal more than a bit, through no fault of her own. While one hesitates to see any good coming out of a war, I do see this war as giving her a chance to get out of that rut, if Iain and Emma can be persuaded to let go of her. That is where I need your help.
My idea is that Sam should join a new voluntary organisation called the Mechanised Transport Training Corps. You know that Sam is an excellent driver and has been in the Women's Legion, which has a mechanical transport section in Sussex, for the past eighteen months or so. It seems, however, that the W.L. is on its way to obsolescence, unlikely to see any significant war service. A Mrs G.M. Cook, who was in charge of the W.L.'s M.T. section in France after the last war (and I have just learned that was awarded the O.B.E. for her service) has set up this new body. Its members will be trained in automobile maintenance, map-reading and first aid, all of which, I believe, are things that Sam could do very well indeed. This would give her a chance to do some significant service and, just as importantly, to broaden her horizons (which is a phrase that I've used rather too often recently, but I can't think of another one), as she would have to move to London for her training and presumably to begin her service. At the same time, as it is a voluntary group she would not be subject to military law, as she will be if we wait for her to be conscripted into one of the Forces' auxiliaries. (And the conscription of women seems bound to happen during this war, if not sooner, then later.)
There are two problems that must be solved. The first is that Sam is still a child in the eyes of the law, so Iain's permission must be obtained. I might point out that it is unlikely that Iain's permission will come without Emma's endorsement — but also that we're unlikely to get that without Iain's acquiescence to the idea. The London aspect is a significant obstacle to this, I fear; but we must argue that the capital has made excellent preparations for war. I have just used the first person plural pronoun, which no doubt gives away my entreaty at last: do you think, dear brother, that you could see your way clear to writing to Iain with some encouraging words concerning the importance of all hands being put to the war effort, Sam's hands in particular?
The second difficulty revolves about that word 'voluntary' that I used above: if Sam does join the M.T.T.C. she will need some material support. If we siblings were each to contribute a bit to her upkeep, on a weekly or monthly basis, that difficulty could be got around.
Michael asks to be remembered to you. Please do let us hear from you.
Best love always from your sister,
Amy Braithwaite
The Vicarage
No. 2, Church Lane
Leavenham, Hampshire
Friday 15th September 1939
Dear Aemelia,
Your letter of Tuesday has given me much food for thought, and I must confess that I am in something of a quandary as to how best to respond.
I agree with you wholeheartedly that Samantha's situation at home is unfortunate, to say the least, and that Iain's disregard for her education is deplorable. While we must not discount the lasting effects of Emma's long struggle to bring a healthy child into the world – it is a bit hard to argue with three bouts of bronchitis and two of pneumonia – I am also bound to agree that she has become one who 'enjoys poor health,' as they say. You certainly have my complete sympathy in your desire to see Samantha liberated, for lack of a better way of putting it, from her present circumstances.
The question is whether a war can ever be the best instrument of liberation. I must submit that it cannot. Even if it will be 'over by Christmas,' as some are saying (and you may count me as quite skeptical on that point), it is bound to bring carnage, the deaths of innocent civilians on both sides and the corruption that is always and everywhere the handmaiden of warfare. I would be deeply unhappy to see our niece exposed to any of this, and am equally reluctant to take part in what could quite easily become another family quarrel.
And yet I agree with you that all hands – Samantha's included, without doubt – will be required to bring this conflict to its desired end as quickly as possible. While I consider how best to approach Iain, here is an idea for you: why not ask your stepdaughter to write to Emma? Emma is quite fond of Laura, as I recall. Laura should not mention Samantha in her letter, except to be remembered to her of course, but simply express her enthusiasm for the service she is now performing. (Please do remember me to Laura as well, and of course to Michael and the boys. You are all in my prayers at all times, needless to say.)
Regarding the matter of Samantha's support, I would be quite willing to do my bit, and actually think that you are being a bit ungenerous – 6s. 6p. per week from each of us would be a more realistic sum, I believe. And don't forget that Desmond has announced that he will be chaplaining his regiment from the last war and thus won't be in a position to be of much help with this.
I must close this letter now, but will write again if anything more occurs to me.
With every best wish as we head into the uncertain future, I am,
Your affectionate brother,
Aubrey Stewart
P.S.: Although I suppose that you would want to be Sam's bursar, it occurs to me that it might be best if I were to broach the issue of funds with both Iain and Timothy.
•••••
Friday 15 September 1939
Nearly 8.00pm – Have just heard on wireless that start of petrol rationing will be delayed 1 week, until the 23rd – seems that many people have had not had time to get coupons! Wireless somewhat improved this week. Was quite dull & useless for the most part last week. Mr Sandy MacPherson still broadcasting at least twice each day however – poor man must be about to drop from exhaustion! Littlehampton Gazette says someone spreading rumours that food rationing already begun & ought to have registered w retailers by now. Gazette says absolutely not true; also says 'if & when rationing scheme put into force' will be announced through official channels. If & when – so perhaps no food rationing after all!
Saturday 16 September 1939
News on wireless: British convoy sailing from Liverpool to North America attacked today by German submarine ship. HMS Aviemore was sunk. Wireless says this is first clear convoy contact in British waters since war began. News in Times: Welsh National Eisteddfod and various exhibitions, AGMs, etc., being postponed until further notice or simply cancelled. People have been calling this a 'phony war,' but sounds as though they are beginning to take matters seriously.
Sunday 17 September 1939
Good crowd at Matins this morning but mostly women and girls. Seventeen men from parish called up during last fortnight, nine others volunteered. Also, Hattie Powell enlisted in A.T.S. and awaiting assignment! Told this last bit to Dad and Mother, got chilly looks in return – clearly different approach needed.
Later – Forgot to write that D began Matins by having us all sing 'God Save the King.'
•
'Dad, may I ask your advice about something?'
'Of course, Samantha. At any time.'
'Well... ' Sam hesitates, takes a deep breath to steel herself and goes on. 'How do you think that I can best be of service to our nation's cause during this war?'
'By remaining where you are and being a help to your mother and father.' The Rev. Iain Stewart looks directly at his daughter for what feels to her like the first time in ages. 'I do hope, Samantha, that you don't imagine casting your lot with these one of these new organisations that allow women to pretend that they are servicemen.'
'They're not entirely new, Dad. There were lots of women in uniform during the last war – not only nurses like Aunt Amy. She's told me all about it.'
'Your mother and I did not make the wisest choice in asking your Aunt Aemelia to stand godmother to you, I fear; she's decidedly not the best influence. I do wish, for one thing, that the two of you wouldn't call each other by those vulgar diminutives that you favour. More to the point, however, she forgets and you ought to consider what Deuteronomy tells us about women captives, the way in which they are inevitably degraded and humiliated.'
'But I wouldn't be going anywhere near the actual fighting, Dad.'
'We have no way of knowing where the actual fighting will be.'
'Well... that's true, of course. But if it were here, I might be taken prisoner anyway, whether I was in the service or not.'
'We can cross that bridge when we come to it, and if we do so. In any case, by the time you attain your majority we will once again be at peace. And victorious, I might add.'
'Do you really think so, Dad?'
'I am sure of it.'
Author's note:
The Scripture that Sam's father refers to is Deuteronomy 21:10-14, which instructs victorious soldiers on the treatment of female POWs (and whose opening words, in the King James Version, give this story its title). I have always been taught that this passage, while acknowledging the realities of warfare, is intended to discourage the idea of women as chattel. Mr. Stewart, coming from a different tradition than I do, might perhaps have more literal – and less optimistic – view of these verses.