Victor Reginald Paulin letter home, nd

Fancy me writing a letter like this. I am afraid I will get brain storm.

Letter 2 [nd]

While in Waterloo Station on my way back the other day, a Canadian officer came up and asked me where he could buy a paper. I did not know as it was Sunday, and we got talking. He asked me where I came from, and I told him, so he asked me my name as he also came from Victoria. I told him, and instantly we were old friends, as it was young Gonnason, he was on leave from France and was through the same show

that Ben and George got at with Passchendale. I told him all about Ben and we had quite a nice little talk. So nice that I nearly missed my train.

As regards to my insurance, it is a safe investment if you pay it because I will be in a position to pay it soon. From the first of this month I get 25 bob a day, but my allowances which make up the large portion of this sum were paid about ~~~~~ in arrears, so when they come through and my account gets “properly started” I will send you a draft.

The last night I went to Zigg Zagg, a musical revue in London and enjoyed it very much. Cousin Hilda, sings very nicely if she had someone to play for her. Gracie plays a little, but not much. Gracie is married to a returned soldier with one arm, and lives across the street from her Mother. She is not nearly as nice as Hilda, she has picked up the same way of speaking as the people they been living amongst in Perry Bar (some place) and reminds me very much of Aunty Polly, always acting the goat and making faces. But there is all the differences in the world between

the two. Well Ma, this is about the longest letter I have ever written, and as all things must have an ending, I must break off right here, simply from lack of news and brains fag.

With all kinds of love to Dad and yourself

Your affectionate son

Vic

October 21, 2019 0

Emma Jennings Paulin to Charles Wilfrid Paulin, 1941

Perry Barr

Sunday Dec. 14^th [1941]

My Dear Wilf

I was a great surprise and a very nice one to receive your parcel- No need to tell you, the contents are appreciated and will be enjoyed- also thank you for the kind thought.

I mentioned your letter sent months ago by return post, often wondered if it reached you. Read in the paper you had the Syrens [sic] in Victoria.

Please God it will end at that. Hilda’s hubbie expected to get his leave and be home in Jan., but do not know what will happen now, after this fresh uprising- Fred is in Africa and has been very ill with Malaria. So could do with a rest.

[second page]

Rene’s son is on board HMS Worcestershire, destination unknown.

Hilda and Grace are still hard at it, doing my little bit, by collecting paper, cardboard, rags and bones, they are greatly needed for munitions.

Love to your wife and boy, and also to George and wife, not forgetting ~~~~~

Remember me to Uncle Fred when you see him, we are not sending any Xmas cards this year- Always thinking of you

Love Auntie Emmie

October 15, 2019 0

Emma Jennings Paulin to Charles Wilfrid Paulin, 1941

2/510 Birchfield Rd

Perry Barr

B’ham 30^th Dec. [1941]

Dear Wilf

Many thanks for your newsy letter, before I received it, had written to thank you for the grand parcel you sent, hope you get it, but one cannot be certain of anything these days- The snaps of you all were lovely your girlie is so much like Hilda, as she was at that age, especially the one taken with your boy, he looks a jolly little darling, your wife is very sweet. I know good looking family, not forgetting yourself of course- a slight change from the last time I saw you.

Sent your letter to Hilda, so expect you will get a letter. Jerry was over England last night, we had the syrens [sic] prepared to go into my table indoor shelter, but the all clear soon came. Last winter I went down the cellar next door. Thank goodness for my table, it takes up nearly half of my room, don’t mind that. We brought down 3 Jerrys last night.-

[second page]

You had asked in your letter about Japan coming in, well the Wily Devils have made a good show so far, but it will be a different tale when our allies your side are ready—

You must excuse, I’m still a bit shaky- the syrens [sic] always upset me- can’t explain it. I am not afraid, but the morning sound upsets my tummy. Old age I guess.

Well dear, Hilda will tell you all the news- have not seen her for weeks- I like to be in my own little place and she does not get home, until past black out-

Love to your wife and family

Same to your dear self

From Aunt Emmie

October 13, 2019 0

Emma Jennings Paulin to Charles Wilfrid Paulin, 1940

2/510 Birchfield Rd

Monday 30^th Dec. 1940

Dear Wilf [Charles Wilfrid Paulin]

Received your Most Welcome letter, it had been examined, OK, yes dear we have been through the mill. Very near to us, 3 lots of fronts and windows blown out. Have been staying with Hilda the last two weeks. She is out of danger area. Got worn out staying in the cellar for 7 to 8 hours nightly. 11 hours one night, then a land mine dropped a short distance from PB Station. So I packed up in the morning. Have to come back for rations and to see my sister, who is in the Infirmary (89 Years of Age). Time flies. Would like to see you, as family man, also George, perhaps some day, you will let us have a family group, also of George and his wife. Have sent your letter to Hilda. She will be so pleased. Do you remember helping me with the under garments- it was a great pity I had to sacrifice the shop, after working so hard. Almost gave the stock away. Never mind, I have my pension of 22/6 weekly and the best children in the world.

I am living in a 3 room cottage, up the passage in front of the old shop- we are having a lull now- so staying home.

We hear planes going over at Hilda’s and get heavy gunfire, shakes the windows, but they go to bed

[second page]

or could not carry over Hilda working over her certificate, Grace Public Assistance, Norman and his daughter are at Dunlop’s.

I thank you very much and George for the kind offer to help. We are OK, many things rationed, but can find something to take their place, can assure you we are far from starving, as Hilda would have you believe. Have only been to town once since the Raids- promised to meet Hilda in lunch hour- but the sights upset me, cause straight back- Poor Brum- this is no secret- published in the papers and I guess you have seen it in News pictures, my sister had- You little know how brave everybody is- bombed shops open next morning without windows and some have their goods outside. Still carry on and will do so until Hitler is wiped off the map. May it be soon- Give my love to your wife and children, also George and wife, the same to Uncle Fred and family when you see them. Lyn does predictions have all come true so far thought it might interest you- writing over to save bulk. Wishing you all a very happy New Year. Thank you for remembering us

Hugs and love from

Aunt Emmie

[Emma Jane Paulin nee Jennings]

October 11, 2019 0

Emma Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 19 June 1918

Emma Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 19 June 1918 [Year derived from envelope postmark]

363 Birchfield Road, Perry Barr

June 19^th

Dear Fred,

Received your cable on Monday 17^th very sorry to get the news. I went at once to the Dudley Road Hospital to see Fred – he had another operation the Thursday previous & is doing well – really looks fine, it is wonderful what these grand boys go through + still keep smiling. Grace and Hilda have gone to see Fred this afternoon. He sent two passes by post. Tell Cissie there is I am sure no reason to worry, he seems so well -was writing to you to here. I got there + enjoying a cigarette.

WE saw the account of Victor’s

[2]

Death in the paper. Could not believe it, there has been many mistakes made – so waited until I heard something sure before writing to BC. Fred shewed me the Victoria notices – the dear boy spent his last leave with us + we got very fond of him. He + Hilda were like two happy children together & I had a real good time, it has upset us very much, feel so sorry for his Dad and Mother, it will be a great blow. Next time I go to see your boy will ask the sister all particulars & write again.

[3]

My dear Norman was sent back from France with a poisoned thumb, the hospitals there being too full, with serious cases. He has now rejoined his regiment near Liverpool (1^st Kings Liverpool) his thumb is still very weak, do pray they will keep him in England a little longer – it is all so terrible. Kindest love to Cissie your loving sister

Emmie

PS Girls just returned, all OK. Fred expects to be up + out in about 3 days. So I hope it won’t be too long before he will be able

[4]

To stay with us. He has only 2 inches of tube in his head now & that will be out in 2 days time. His head is not affected at all – is very pleased at the idea of coming out. So don’t worry at all

Emmie

September 30, 2019 0

Emma Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 1913

Emma Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 14 Feb 1913

Dear Fred,

I wrote to my sister a few days ago, asking her to ask your advice about Ernest’s loan from J Smith. I thought she would be able to explain it better to you, than I could be writing. Twice that a fresh trouble has cropped up. I [illegible] I cannot get the insurance money without Ernests will. Harold being over 21. Ernest told me he made over before coming to England. I am more than sorry to trouble you but cannot avoid it. I am most anxious

[2]

It as soon as possible.

There is £3 interest due on Ernests loan. Shall I pay it + if so, shall I be expected to keep on paying the interest or does it cease with Ernests death. I am so ignorant in affairs of this kind. It would be impossible Fred to express my thoughts – I thank you for myself + children from our hearts, for all your care + loving kindness to dear Ernest. God bless you. Love to Cissie + family

Yourse very sincerely

Emmie

PS Please do not delay in sending will.

September 28, 2019 0

14 Oakleigh Park Drive, Leigh-on-Sea, c1911

And we come to a letter, undated, written by Ernest Paulin, with the return address of 14 Oakleigh Park Drive, Leigh-on-Sea. The house is probably the fanciest of the homes of Ernest and Emma Paulin. It still however conforms to the other homes, row housing, late 19th century, narrow. The difference lies in the windows on the first floor, and the slight portico.

September 26, 2019 0

Ernest Paulin to Frederick Pauline, c1911

Ernest Paulin to Frederick Pauline, no date – approx. 1911

[Note at the top of the first page]

You will have to excuse my penmanship. I over write myself when I get hold of a pen. I cannot make it travel fast enough to convey my thoughts.

14 Oakleigh Park Drive, Leigh on Sea E

Dear Fred,

You will be pleased to know that your letter + handsome enclosure came as an absolute God-send. I was just about on my beam ends – I did not lose my position with the Oliver Coy and there were no contributory reasons for me not being there now as far as hard work and a very hard man who came into the coy 5 years ago + took up the position of Treasurer (His Mother having put £1,000 into the business) are concerned. He is a Welsh socialist + has spent most of his time in Indian + knew nothing whatever about the business. The first thing he did was to try + learn + his (after a time) objective victim next was Mr Harding our then General Manager who was drawing too much salary – sic- I was at this time responsible for the Railways + Gov’t offices + Depts + of course felt uncomfortable too. At any rate he managed to get rid of Mr Harding. But he lost his head + no doubt there were contributory reasons for his going. The next blow I had was about two years ago when another £1000 of Davies’ money went into the concern + a buying agent from India came home bankrupt + (the man) Davies put him on my beautiful Railway a/cs so that he could deduct £1 a week from his retainer towards the liquidation of his debt.

[2]

Now, of course, there was nothing left for me but the Gov’t Depts which I pursued with a finish that even surprised myself + disgusted the swine Davies as he couldn’t quite feel the ropes. Soon I went until the first quarter of this year+ when he saw what business I had done, said that the Govt’ business didn’t pay. This is after taking all my lovely Railway contracts + handing them over to a protégé that didn’t have to go over the 11 years of hard work to keep going. I had my gov’t business in such perfect order. St M Staty Offices – Military = Naval + Civil Services that the Gov’t authorities asked the Coy to reduce the price of the machine with a view to a permanent contract. This Davies did + I had already one of the finest years business in front of me that I have ever had made solid. That meant that Davies discovered that he could save £250 in giving me 3 months notice with the privilege of taking up a minor position or rather losing my comm-n on the gov’t business as it was so splendidly tied up for them. That the cold blooded socialist comes in and said well we can do without a gov’t man for a year at least. So I did the hardest 3 months + the most successful ever I did since I have been pushing Oliver’s. Of course that absolutely killed his avaricious prig + meant me walking out with almost a broken hear. Consider working 11 years selling Typewriters + keeping

[3]

A growing home together + then to find that the only mistake you made was that you did your work too conscientiously + thoroughly. But if I had have had £1000 Davies would never have been in a position that he chuckles in to day.

My sickness you refer to was an absolute break down which lasted me several weeks. The disappointment + the brutal treatment I have recd gradually grew on me after the last six months terrific work that I had to keep very low. I was examined by two specialists in Nerves + Neither would prescribe for me, other than complete rest, fresh air + cheerfull coy. You use the word sick Fred I do not like it – everybody can work themselves to a standstill + not be sick.

With your great kindness in the monetary way I cannot thank you too much for what has been a rarity for a long time a letter from you; but what a surprise and a blessing the contents. My family are all well in health thank goodness + Emmie sends her kind love and as far me I can only subscribe myself. Your loving + very thankfull brother

Ernest A. Paulin

Hope your family are all well

I want you to understand that it was no personal fault of mine that I took the 3 months notice. I had done too much + tempted Davies to steal.

September 24, 2019 0

129 Ilford Lane, Ilford

Next home in the google mapping of the family of Ernest and Emma Paulin is 129 Ilford Lane, Ilford. From the letter written in February, where I got this address, the family had moved here from their home in Leigh on Sea. The neighbourhood has changed a bit since they lived there, and now has a bunch of shops attached to the fronts of all the buildings. Were they there when Ernest lived there? Not sure, probably not. If you take away the shops on the front of the buildings, you have the same kind of housing that they had lived in before. Row houses, narrow one window on each floor.

September 20, 2019 0

Ernest Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 1912

Letter from Ernest Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 12 Feb 1912

129 Ilford Lane, Ilford

12/2/12

My Dear Fred

I received your very nice letter with contents that arrived just a I was absolutely stumped. I have not been able to go out for several weeks now. I get chill upon chill until I am reduced to a skeleton + a very bad chest. Since moving to Ilford from Leigh I have not had one single week’s comfort, my usually usefull muscles seem to cry out that I have given them their share and give way to the colds. We had a ten days very severe frost as perhaps you may have read the cough I generally suffer from burst out with such ferocity that I have not dared to go out since except for a little while yesterday + I m making up arrears of correspondence

[2]

Severely indoors to day. I did hope to make a start somewhere this week but shall have to stew for another few days I suppose.

You know it isn’t nice when they seem to come for the rent the weekly bugbear + you do not happen to have it handy.

Just fancy you having care of Mr Mesher all these years it was a surprise to me. You must feel relieved now that you have done all you could for him + he now at rest.

Your oldest son is in the motor line Eh” and doing well too, I do hope he will follow in his Father’s footsteps. I need wish him no surer road to success.

I heard that you were about to retire some time ago and as you say I am the first to shout congratulations. Hat it all you have worked hard enough for a rest and it is a blessing

[3]

You lost no precious time in taking it. I was always afraid that you would stick at it too long.

The first day up in the City I shall give Mr Sutherland of the Ocean I Co a call + I am very much obliged for your kindness in sending me his card.

I had a short note from Harold yesterday to inform me that MY SON as he calls it was safely born to them on the 18/1/12 and everything satisfactory.

“Weight at birth 9 ½ lbs. Got a chest like a bull and 1’9” long (not 21” mind you) face like its mother (just fancing only a few hours old) Harold must have become an expert) but it has a Paulin head + limbs ah” ah”

You can just imagine the way he was in when sending the glorious news. I suppose George Ernest (that’s his name) marks

[4]

The 1^st step in the 4^th gen of a little known but illustrious family.

Dad + Mother, whom I hope continue well in health will be a little bit proud of the “Great Grand”: Eh” I can just imagine dear old Mother’s flush of pride. God bless her and her prayer of thanksgiving to be alive to assume the new jewel to her coronet.

It is pouring with rain from the NE + bitter again today.

If I could keep warm enough a sufficient time to get rid of this wicked cough, I do not think I should take long getting into my old form again in the meantime I am doing my best.

Haven’t heard of George or Bert for years suppose no news etc.

Kindest Love Fred + best wishes, Emmie sends love to Cissie

Your affectionate Brother

Ernest

[Note that Ernest died in November 1912 of Tuberculosis]

September 18, 2019 0