Papers relating to war service of Alfred Charles Bluck and Howard James Hugill

Letter to 'Dear little girl' [Bluck's wife] from Charles Bluck at sea, dated 11 May 1915. (3 leaves)

Text reads as follows:

"Dear little girl,

I am at sea & can not tell you where, am quite alright & doing well as the sea is not rough this time & we are having a good passage. I am in command of the squadron which is a big responsibility to take on, especially after being away so long. I only hope that I may do my duty well, &

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do some little good while I am here. Mr Roberts is second in command in my place, so you see Jim is as far off as ever being Captain. I would rather have Mr Roberts any way. Have just got hold of the pen one of the old Padres has been using it. Have not been sick this time & have some decent feeds on this boat. I will always let you know how I am that is every time I get a show.

I sent a few pounds back to you Jaffrey did it for me, he is a good little chap – an Australian – that was on embarkation work with me.

It must be a terrible time for you sweetheart, & I wish it was over, try & be brave little

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girl won’t you?

I will come through somehow you will see, & you won’t care will you dear if I am an old wreck, as I may very well be.

Dear girl I love you so much all the time, & always have done ever since I first saw you in Raglan at the Te Akau ball.

When I get back we will be happy again dear & will look after each other for the rest of the time eh a Vette?

Must say good bye now dear so be brave sweetheart & all will be well, with love

from Charlie"