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 Paulin to Edith Nickells Paulin, 1918

Lt VR Pauline

C/o Ave David

Strand, AVC

London

Feby 15/18

Dear Mother

Your letter dated 8 Jany received, thank you very much for it. I think the letters you mention from Dad, Aunties and Bill have gone astray. I received letter and parcel from Aunty Nell, the helmet is absolutely posh, so are the writstlets, in the summer I shall wear the helmet as it is, but just now will wear my leather one over it, as it is mighty cold at 16000 ft.

As regards Birks and Mrs Mcallister, I received a New Year’s card from Macallisters, but Birks doesn’t

know enough, I expect. I had a letter from Jennie Redford (the young lady who is working in the bank) saying that Birks had shown her my picture, and telling me how nice it was, etc. He might write me a letter. I don’t know. I am not worrying much, however, I only sent him in the first place, in case he might think I was working in some munition works or something.

I haven’t heard from Ben, but had a letter from Hilda, saying that Ben spent the day with them and was going to Epsom the following Sunday. I haven’t the faintest idea where Epsom is so can’t give any

Particulars. About Toby. I would suggest having him where he is Milligan is perfectly willing as he should be, his own horse was about petered out when last I saw it. Would not write Parrie any more, heard Birks are pretty good friends, he might think you were bothering him unnecessarily.

I am at Queensbury still and as there is no flying today, owing to the weather, I am writing letters. It is only a matter of a day or so before I leave either for France, Ayr, or back to my squadron in Stockbridge. If Ayr I get a waks course in aerial fighting

If overseas I get 2 days leave and then go to a pool in France and wait for an opening in some squadron. And if Stockbridge I go with 91, as it is an overseas squadron. I would much prefer the latter, as I knoq all the staff, etc., and it would be much nicer than going amongst strangers. But I have got so now that “nothing makes me sick” so don’t worry in the least.

It certainly must have been some sensation when Robin Grays people got that cable that he was a prisoner in Germany.

I have got it all figured out if I get taken prisoner,

I will give a cheque to some German Red Cross Hospital, and immediately Cox & bo receive the cheque they will notify you- get me!

This may seem far fetched but it can be done. When one of the RDC are taken prisoner they never let it out if they can help it. I expect they think it has a bad affect on his pals. But they’re wrong.

I think I will cable my address when I get it, so don’t be alarmed if you receive one. The trouble is you might receive it before this letter,

but if I go to Stockbridge I might not go to France for another month. So don’t worry whether you receive a cable or not.

I received a letter from Nancy thanking me for photos, I expect some of the others will take a jump to themselves soon. Aunty Nell, and Nancy are the only apparent recipients at present. I think Ruby is sore with me because I never went to see her, but spent all my time in B’ham. Hilda mentioned having met her, and told me how nice she was etc., but she hasn’t mentioned my letter as yet, hence my conclusion that she must be “~~~~” in plain English “angry”. She has asked me for a photo of myself every time she writes, but I haven’t one, will have to try and get a snap of some sort taken. I gave that one you sent me for George to Hilda, who just as much as asked for it, so what could I do, nothing!! Si likes the weak hearted creature I am I gave it to her. I figured it out this way, I would see George soon, and it would be much better him not

knowing what I look like until I see him. Then he will have a greater surprise than he would have if he had the pictures. I don’t want you to think I am conceited, but I have changed considerably since I had it taken, having grown some more and very much fatter.

Better looking?? I couldn’t tell you. About the only change I can see in Wilf (in looks) is his nose, which has quite a hump on it. He has a nose exactly the same as Grandpa, I noticed it as soon as I saw him. Well Ma, I recken as how I have written a pretty good letter (for siys anyway) all kinds of love to Dad and yourself, and remember me to everyone

Your loving son

Victor

October 25, 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

Victor Reginald Paulin to Edith Nickells Paulin, 1918

Letter to Mrs George Paulin from son Victor Paulin, France 22 April 1918

Dear mother,

How are things in old Victoria? Received a letter from Victoria yesterday giving all the latest events, from Nancy Riddell, they are now living at 793 Stillside Ave, wants a snap of me, so I told her to call on you, and you would be sure to give her one. I hope you received the postcards taken at Ayr and the 2 films taken in France while I was in the pool.

I have just returned from Baron von Richtofffen’s funeral, he was the German “star” aviator, and was brought down yesterday by one of the chaps in this wing. He flew a red tryplane. I also went and had a look at that this morning. It was quite a funeral for France, a firing party of Australians, and the pall bearers were officers of the Australian Flying Corps. During the ceremony a formation of our machines flew around the cemetery, everyone was wishing that he had been brought down alive, as he was a brave fellow. I have had him dive on me on one occasion, and am not at all sorry he is out of it, at the same time I have every respect in the world for him, if Idid not happen to be able to dive faster than he on the occasion I mention, he would have “got me” -as the him tryplane is a very frail machine and is liable to break up at a great speed. He couldn’t follow me, believe me, I had “gust up” when I knew that the “star”

“him” was on my tail.

I received a letter from Aunty Nellie, also one from Ben, Ruby and Hilda, everything in the garden is rosy so far as Ruby and Ben are concerned. It appears they have both written me, but I have not received the letters.

Say Mother, did Aunty Floss ever write me? I have never heard from any of our relatives in Victoria, except that one letter from Aunty Doll Aunty Polly. I must have lost a whole batch of mail. I have written about a hundred letters for every one I receive. Expected one from you today, it seems funny that I should receive a letter from Nancy from Victoria, and no other mail with it. Perhaps some more is coming !!!(This letter was dated 11 March)

In case you haven’t received my other letters my address is 23 Squadron, RAF, BED France. I received a letter from Wilf recently, he was in London for a few days. I will get leave in about a month, and will send some more music for Dad, tell him to write a few lines once in a while. I haven’t had a letter from him since I landed in England. I received a Christmas card from him that is all, Well Ma must close now, hope Toby won’t be a nuisance to you, the best way would be to raffle him for the Red Cross!! deducting your expenses.

Love to Dad and yourself, your loving son Vic

October 17, 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

Hilda Curtis to Oliver & Helen Pauline, 1984

Letter Hilda Paulin Curtis to Oliver & Helen Pauline, 16 Jan 1984

16 Jan 1984

Dear Oliver & Helen

Just a few lines to let you know that Jack passed away on Dec 19^th, he caught a very bad chest cold which was all over the ward even the staff got it, & that was when it took him. He died very peacefully. I was thankful for that, lately he had not been able to talk or hear, it was due to hardening of the arteries so he had really nothing to live for. He was 93 so had had a long

[2]

Life & I feel a happy one, although we had to work hard but we enjoyed life. It is always a blow no matter how much one expects it, but I am happy for him to be at peace.

Hope you are both keeping well

Love HIlda

October 3, 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

22 Britannia Road, Ilford – 1908

And the moves for the family continued – I have a letter addressed 22 Britannia Road, Ilford. I knew that they lived here from at least 1906, because I had read the files for my great-aunt Hilda [Hilda Louise Paulin Curtis], who attended Cleveland Road School nearby. I did research at the Ilford public library in 2008 and the school records that they had. Grandad [Norman Frederick Paulin] also attended that school.

The house is really like all their other houses – I swear they are all cookie-cutter!!!

September 16, 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