Frederick Charles Pauline to Oliver William Pauline, 20 July 1918

[1]

Ward B4

2/1 South Gen. Hosp

Dudley Rd

Birmingham

19.7.18

Dear Oliver/

Your welcome letter of June 20^th received.

So Desmond was out home with Amy on his birthday; he must be a very bonny little chap from the snaps I have and the ones you sent.

Rather pleased in a way that the board let you out as it will give you a chance to pick up again without the extra heavy methods used in the Army.

Am pleased to hear that Mother keeps will; Dad must be a tough nut like myself pretty hard to crack.

They had another go at me on the operation table day before yesterday, I don’t think any good has been done

[2]

This time nevertheless it is one less to come. I was getting on pretty well, went out to Aunt Emmie’s place last Wednesday week they were very nice to me indeed.

There are several girls and boy in the family; one Grace is a very pretty girl, but last Sunday I started to go down hill again fast so they oper. On Tue Wed. I had Tom Johnson to see me on Tuesday it was Tuesday it was too bad if he had come a week before I could have gone out with him; he is at Purfleet in Essex. He looks the picture of health and as brown as a berry.

You mentioned about parcel and Sat Eve Post I think I got all the parcels alright.

[3]

But none of the posts have turned up. I should like to see one too. I tried to get one in B’ham the other day, but they say they all go to France now. You asked me how I got my ‘packet’. Well to cut a long story short I was starting a high powered French scout machine in a plowed field, when those that were supposed to be holding the plane back apparently had shell-shock; anyway you can guess what a propeller would do to you if a plane came striding into you. Not its no good me telling you any more or else you will imagine I was really hurt or something

[4]

OWP

Sat 20^th

Am sitting out on the balcony today and feeling a good deal better, hoping to be able to go to out again in a few days.

We had a terrible thunder-storm last week and a lot of rain since, but today has turned out quite summerlike again.

Would like very much to be home and we could go to Shawnigan together. By the way can you swim if not you must learn at once! Its very easy enough, jump overboard with a petrol tin on piece of wood for a float. Try it!

I will probably turn out alright bye and bye but it will be a fairish time

[5]

Before I get my original strength and weight of 190^th flat back again, in the meantime we might have a chance to pull up together.

The Allies seem to be bucking up again the last few days; all luck to them I hop we make them cry their hearts sore for mercy. Fritz with his Kaunerad

Well Jim will close for today as I have a bunch of letters to write. With kind love to Mother + Dad and regards to you Uncle

Your affectionate Brother

FC Pauline

November 28, 2019 0

Victor Paulin to his Aunt, 1918

Lt VR Pauline

No 91 Squadron

Chattis Hill

Stockbridge, Hants

Jany 17/18

Dear Aunty

I would have written you before, had I received your address sooner, but Mother sent it just the other day, so now I am going to try and make up for lost time. I should have paid more attention to my address book before leaving Victoria, but I did not have an awful lot of time, and Mother came out of the hospital the day before I left, then it was that I commenced to think about these things, when my book was finished no local addresses

were such at all, ~~~~~ ~~~~~ for England,

As she already mentioned, of ~~~ having about addresses at, I must tell you something about myself.

I ~~~~~ my arrival in London, and which given ~~~ and of course, ~~~~~much to day out ~~~~~

[cannot read the page- photo too blurry]

said is now taller than I am. I don’t expect I shall see George until I go to France but I keep in touch with him by letter, and last I heard he was “still going strong.”

I was on another plane leave last week and went up to B’ham to see Ben, who has a chunk of shrapnel in his hips, and also see Aunt Emmy, to say nothing of cousin “Hilda”, who is some “bird”. Grace and Renee are both married, so are not half so interesting.

Oh yea, I nearly forgot to tell you about Stockbridge, it is some “hole”, we are billeted in all the old houses, the one I am billeted in is called “Grosvenor House”, the name is

not too bad, but I wish I could say the same for the “residence.” We have to walk about 2 miles to the squadron over those lovely Roman roads, you know, the kind you read about. I expect it’s a good stunt to get us ready for France.

I have been to London several times now, and can manage to find my way about fairly well, also check up the taxi drivers if they short change me, like they used to.

Hoping to hear from you in the near future.

Best to Uncle and yourself,

Your affectionate nephew

Victor

October 27, 2019 0

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, 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

Ernest Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 1908

Letter from Ernest Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 6 Dec 1908

22 Britannia Road, Ilford

6/12/1908

I thought that I would send you just a word or two with the “Ole” fashion Xmas card.

Because sometimes the writing means more than the card. Nevertheless, when you have nine years “trying to sell typewriters and a pen in your hand about once a month.” Criticism is barred. I nearly danced a “Reel” when I read the official announcement and I am indeed thankfull that you are still better off.

I hope that Bert will prove trumps, George must + will. Of course, I got news sometimes from the Dad + Mother and there

[2]

Is generally something of interest.

It seems hard sometimes that I quite alone here; but I feel sure I could do better out of this Foggy City – It is hard work. But I am not grumbling Fred, am not actually starving + with Gods blessing and the health that is necessary (which I have made a serious study of, since starting a new life back in the old country) I hope to see some of my family once more.

Nothing pleases me better than to hear that your years of hard plodding, thoughtfull life, are an almost assured success. I wish with all my heart that I could shake hands with you, otherwise, than on paper.

[3]

Business generally is very bad. The present government seem to indulge in fractional party politics, or “Locking up suffragettes”

I don’t know whether you ever see the ½ Mirror I send to Dad every day. Would you like it?

Just one more look at your handwriting. It will only cost gone 2c. Please.

Every Xmas I miss awfully away from our Family circle

Ernest

[4]

You will be pleased to know that Harold (who is 21 next March) is doing very well in his 3 years engagement in Weir Scott + Co, Valparaison. He started at £150 a year, with an increase of £10 during the 3 years and good prospects of a continuance of advantage after.

It is a pleasure to send his thanks for getting with the firm, and a further pleasure to know that his employers here feel the same as myself.

Rene + Grace are working now, in a large general supplies stores in Ilford here, and are very proud that they can pay for their own clothes. Hilda + Norman are at School. Norman is learning draughts fine.

September 14, 2019 0

New to the page – VR Pauline’s diary, 1918

New on the web site – Victor Pauline’s diary, 1918

Cathy Jansen has obtained images from the diary of Victor Reginald Pauline from the BC Aviation Museum. They were donated to the Museum by Kathleen Paulin, Cathy’s aunt. The diary has not been fully transcribed yet – a job for later, but I was able to do a few pages as a start.

Notice the early part of the diary, January 1918 when he visits the family of Ernest and Emma Paulin. He talks a lot about his cousin Hilda, and also about Grace, and his aunty Emmy.

August 24, 2019 0

Emma Jennings Paulin to Charles Wilfrid Paulin, 1942

2/510 Birchfield Rd

Perry Barr

March 31^st [1942]

Dear Wilf

Received your letter dated Jan. 29^th a week ago- Grace and Hilda have flue, both in bed, at the same time- they have now started work again- so many have had it run down conditions, no doubt, cause it- Sorry your sugar is rationed, we have been short, but manage somehow. I had Golden Syrop with my month’s allowance, find a tea spoon in hot milk is fine for porridge (my breakfast dish). The good thing, especially for large families, bread is not rationed, though a little darker in colour. We can stand anything, to help win this terrible war- which of course we shall do with the help of our grand allies- God grant it may be soon. I am still collecting paper and help at home, while the young ones work- That is all I can do now- This is a time where old age is a nuisance. Hope you are all well. Love to yourself, George and all your dear ones. Your loving Aunt Emmie

August 17, 2019 0