Dear Annie

Dear Annie, 1908

I am interested in old photographs and postcards, the ones that people throw away, and am curious to know their history. The writing on the back is often as interesting as the front.. This week when I was tidying up I came across six postcards addressed to Annie Spencer. Four were from George in 1908, and two from friends a decade later. George sent his while serving on HMS Irresistible. I Googled this ship and found that it was commissioned in 1902 at Chatham Dockyard by Captain George Morris Henderson for Mediterranean fleet service (probably a very small likelihood of it being the same George!). The ship went to different parts of the world until it was hit by a naval mine in 1915, with the loss of several hundred lives.

I wonder what the relationship was between George and Annie - perhaps they were siblings, what do you think? The messages are brief and to the point. I wonder what happened to Annie between 1908 and 1918, and whether George survived the war. I originally purchased these cards with the intention of reworking them, but have decided against it - there’s not enough for me to work with. The fronts of the cards have photos of well known actors, actresses or music hall stars. The cards here feature Florence Smithson, Gladys Cooper (2), one of the seaside, and two of child actors with the captions ‘Moonlight lovers’ and ‘Love’s lightest burden’.

The transcriptions are below, with some words that I can’t read in brackets.

March 5th (postmarked Lowestoft)

D.A. Many thanks for your kind letter. Glad to hear that you are keeping well. Will (?) your letter when I get back. Hope you are having a good time. It is very quiet down here. With kindest love to you (?) George

12/3/08 HMS Irresistible Chatham

D.A

Many thanks for card. Hope to see you sometime on Saturday if all go well. Hope this finds you in the best of health, as it leaves me. With love to all at home. George

16/3/08 HMS Irresistible Chatham

D.A

I got back quite safe this morning + in good time. There was plenty of time for my train at Gravesend. I did not feel at all tired. How did you & (G?) get on when it was time to get up? I expect you were late. The weather here has been cold and since four it has turned to rain. Hope you are in the best if health, yours, George

17/4/08 HMS Irresistible (?) Scotland

Dear Annie. Many thanks for your letter. Will write soon. Hope you will be enjoying yourself this Easter. Hoping this will find you in the best of health as it leaves me. With kindest love (?) George

Postmark 4 Oct 18

Dear Annie

Except my best wishes for a Happy Birthday. Better late than never, with love Ethel

Postmark 5 Oct 18

Dear Annie

Accept my heartiest wishes for a happy birthday. With love from Elsie xxx