16 January 1962
To - E.David Esq., Principal, Berkshire Institute of Agriculture, Hall Place, Burchett's Green. Nr. Maidenhead.
From - Children's Officer.
Re - William Slack.
Dear Mr David,
Thank you for your letter of the 8th January asking whether Bill is still interested in applying for a place. I am still in somewhat of a dilemma over Bills future, but considering all the circumstances, I would be most grateful if you would consider him forthcoming session.
Until recently Bill was employed at a farm just north of Aylesbury where he did quite well and the farmer spoke highly of him but his temperamental difficulties have continued. A few weeks ago he transferred to Mr Wallis of Boxford largely because his previous farmer did not feel he was quite up to being in charge of the herd which was really what he was hoping for, and also because it was felt advisable for Bill to obtain experience of a different type of farm.
I think Mr Wallis has serious misgivings about Bell but perhaps it would be possible for you to interview him this time and in which case my officer Mr G Shirley would be pleased to come along and talk to you if you thought this would help.
Yours sincerely,
Children's Officer.
18 January 1962
Record of Visit - Mr Shirley.
Telephone Mr Wallis. Bill has been a little better and on the whole he is willing to carry on for the time being. I said I would not go down before next Tuesday but with telephone him again.
22nd January 1962
Mr Wallis telephoned. He has the form from Hurley about Bill. He says that if he answered the questions honestly Bill would definitely not be accepted. I said he could not really go against his conscience and it would rather seem as though it is useless for Bill to carry on with him or with farming. He said Bbill was three quarters of an hour late for work one morning since our last telephone call and he does not act very responsibly or work very hard. I therefore arranged to go down on Wednesday for a full discussion with Bill about his future.
24 January 1962
Saw Bill in the afternoon. Unfortunately Mr Wallis had been taken to hospital that morning following pains in the stomach and had been detained so I did not see him. Bill was very amicable in view of the situation. Appreciates that he will have to leave and that it would not be in his interest for Mr Wallis to give him a false reference for Hurley. Bill is beginning to think that he may not be able to make a go of farming after all but he does not really know what he wants to do instead. I offered him the Boys Hostel and Slough or to try to find other digs in Aylesbury but he has been thinking about the army. After our discussion he said he thought that would definitely be the place. I did not talk him into this. In fact I am I endeavoured to put various disadvantages to him. However, in view of his certainty arranged to go over on Friday week and take him for interview myself as he said he would like me to go with him.
15th January 962
Telephoned recruiting office at Reading and arranged to take Bill over on Friday, 2nd February
25 January 1962
To - Bill Slack
From - Mr Shirley, 18 Walton Street, Aylesbury.
Dear Bill,
I am returning herewith your Hire Purchase Agreement and Insurance Agreement. I have had a word with Mr Malcolm this morning and he agrees with me that you should give notice to the Union Transport Finance Company, 23/25 George Street, Oxford that you wish to terminate the agreement on your motorcycle. I suggest you write to them on these lines quoting their reference 0/2219/15. also pointing out that your change of address and asking their instructions about the disposal of the cycle.
I have not yet got all the army literature but I am sending what I have under separate cover and hope I may be able to get another booklet in a day or so. I will write to you again next week about our visit to the Recruiting Office which I think will be in Reading.
Your sincerely
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2 February 1962
Collected Bill from his lodgings and took him to the Recruiting Office in Reading where we had a lengthy discussion was Sgt Major Biddle. He also gave Bill and education test and informed him that he seemed to be above average ability therefore certain technical trades were open to him. Bill was a little uncertain in his mind afterwards but he seemed to think that he would go back on Tuesday for the medical and enlist as a Motor Engineer in the R.E.'s.
Bill very worried about his motorcycle. he has given a notice of termination of the agreement and the Firm has agreed subject to his paying just over £6.0.0. Told him I would think of ways of helping and asked him to let me know what he had decided on Tuesday.
5 February 1962
To - Sergeant Major Biddle, Army Information Office, 19 St Mary's Butts, Reading
From - Child Care Officer
Re - William Slack (1.6.44)
Dear Sergeant Biddle,
Thank you for spending so much time with us on Friday when I brought the lad along to discuss openings in the army. I understand he is coming along to have a medical and I am enclosing a reference as promised. I trust this will be satisfactory and should you wish for any further information do not hesitate to write to me again.
Yours sincerely,
Child Care Officer
5 February 1962
To whom it may concern
William Slack (born 1.6.44)
This young man has been known to me for two and a half years and to the Children's Department here since May 1954. From my personal experience of him I consider he is a completely honest lad and as far as I know, he has never been in any trouble with the police for any form of delinquency.
In my opinion he is a boy of above average intelligence who through unfortunate circumstances has not had the incentive to make the most of his ability. His a of good character although he has been a little resentful in the past over the family circumstances which led to his being in the care of the Council. Since leaving school he has been in farming but now feels that he may not wish to make this his career. I know that he has given serious thought do the question of making his career in the army and if he does, I think he may do quite well.
Child Care Officer.
6 February 1962
To - Bill Slack.
From - 18 Walton Street, Aylesbury.
Dear Bill,
I shall be interested to hear the outcome of your call at the recruiting office this morning. I have had a word with Mr Malcolm about your bicycle. He doubts whether it would go into our shooting brake and he did say that if you would like to send it by rail all by British Road Services we will pay the cost of the transport for you. If you do this will you kindly make sure that you have some sort of receipt for the money. I will then give it to you when I next see you and claim it on my expenses.
With all good wishes,
your sincerely
From - S.P.R. Slack, Room 5 Spider, HQ Squadron, 1 Training Regiment R.E. Southwood Camp, Cove, Farnborough, Hants.
Dear Mr Shirley,
I have arrived at the camp. There seems to be quite a few Recruits here. I have had one surprise which is it is a menu for all meals.
Yours faithfully,
Bill
19 February 1962
From - 18 Walton Street, Aylesbury.
To - Bill Slack.
Dear Bill,
I have just returned from my week's leave and find your letter awaiting me.
I am sorry I was away and not in touch during the time of your joining the army but I imagine that everything has gone according to plan. I hope you are enjoying life and not finding the initial training too trying. When you have a chance do write again.
I shall be most interested to know whether you have got the trade of your choice and I should also like to know how things worked out regarding the motorbike. Not having heard anything about this I assume that you managed to get it over here somehow.
I also hope the meals are as good as a written menu suggests and I look forward to having further news on this point.
You're sincerely.
15 March 1962
To - Spr. Bill Slack, Room 5. Spider, H.Q. Squadron, 1 Training Regiment R.E., Southwood Camp, Cove, Farnborough. Hants.
From - 18 Walton Street, Aylesbury
Dear Bill,
I am wondering how you were getting on in view of the fact did I have not heard from you since your first brief note. Do write and let me know as I shall be most interested to learn how army light is suiting you.
May I remind you that you have never replied to my query about the motorcycle so I am assuming that you have cleared this all up satisfactory. If you could let me know when you are getting leave or a weekend and if you want to come to Aylesbury, I will see if Mrs Muir can put you up for a day or so. I have not seen her for some time, but hope to do so in the near future.
Yours sincerely
20 March 1962
Six Monthly Report on a Bordered Out Child
Name - Slack, William.
c/o Mrs McWilliams, 5 Council House, Boxford, Nr. Newbury, Berks.
Bill is in good health and seems very happy in his new job where he has only been for a short while. He is largely responsible for himself now and does I believe look after himself now. I have not seen his new landlady but I gather from his employer and from him that he has a very good digs.
Bill has been something of a problem. He is a very highly intelligent boy but because of a chip on his shoulder his attitude to work and lodgings has not been easy. He left his first job in Derby after a fortnight and his last employer could not keep him because although he was quite satisfied with him, he did not feel that Bill was responsible enough to take charge of the herd which was something he really wanted. Bill found his present job for himself and I think his present employer also has a very tolerant understanding of him.
Bill is absolutely set on getting into a good Agricultural College next summer but I am a little doubtful whether he will make the grade unless he is prepared to go to night school and get more certificates.
Bill's relationship with his parents in Leicester is still a somewhat difficult and tenuous one. He goes up to see them from time to time but he alleges that he is still not wanted there. Until he has adjusted to this he will not really become completely adjusted to life.
Signed G. Shirley
4 June 1962
Buckinghamshire County Council, Children's Department. to the Chief Collector and Assessment Officer and the County Treasurer. the following details of children discharged from care.
Surname - Slack. Christian names - William. Admission Notification - 2326
Date Discharged - 1.6.62
Where Discharged - Attained 18 years.
Other Information -
30 August 1962
William Slack.
Rang Recruiting Office and got the following information. Bill joined the army on 15.2.62 and was sent to the Training Regiment R.E.'s at the address in Farnborough we already have.
To get up-to-date information an approach should be made to Officer I.C. R.E. records, Ditchling Road, Brighton quoting Bill's number - 23902294 and the date enlisting and asking for his present whereabouts.
4 September 1962
To - Officer I/C R.E. Records, Ditchling Road, Brighton.
Dear Sir,
23902294 - Pte William Slack.
This young man was originally in the care of this Authority and enlisted in the Royal Engineers on the 15th of February last. His last known address was at his Training Regiment at Southwood Camp, Farnborough. I am anxious to get in touch with him urgently and would be glad to know his present whereabouts.
Yours faithfully,
Children's Officer. (signed looks like Malcolm)
6 September 1962
To - children's officer, Buckinghamshire County Council, 18 Walton Street, Aylesbury, Bucks
R.E. record office, ditchling Road, Brighton.
Re - 23902294 - Spr Slack W.
Dear sir,
With reference your 8/BW dated 4th September 1962 in respect of the above named. I am to inform you that the present address is 1st Training Regiment R.E., Southwood Camp, Farnborough.
Yours faithfully,
Colonel, OIC RE Records.
12 September 1962
To - Bill Slack
From - (Mr Shirley?)
Dear Bill,
You have never replied to my last letter written in March about your motor cycle and I have been wondering what has happened about it but I have now heard from Mr Standring that he has been left with a considerable bill as the cycle was in such a poor state of repair. I think you will agree that it is very unfair that Mr Standring should be left in this difficult position and I should be extremely grateful if you would get in touch with me or with Mr Standring very urgently so that we can discuss the matter with him.
If you want to stay in Aylesbury I believe that Mrs Muir will still be willing to put you up whenever you wish to do so and she too has been somewhat disappointed that she has not heard from you. I do hope but you are enjoying life in the army and finding your trade useful.
It will save a lot of trouble Bill if you can get in touch with us otherwise we might have to get in touch with your commanding officer.
Yours sincerely
18 September 1962
To - William Slack
From - (Mr Shirley?) 18 Walton Street, Aylesbury
Dear Bill,
I do not appear to have had any reply from you to my letter which I sent last week and I understand that Mr Standring has not heard from you either. I am therefore sending this letter by registered post to make sure that you get it.
In my earlier letter I told you Mr Standring was having difficulty with the Highest Purchase Company because of the outstanding claim on your motorcycle and I asked you to get in touch with us urgently about this, as it will probably save a lot of trouble in the end.
Yours sincerely
17 October 1962 (recieved)
From - 23902294 Spr Slack, W. Depot Squadron. I.E.S.D., Long Marston, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warcs.
Dear Mr Shirley,
In reference to Higher Purchase trouble I did not receive your letter until a week ago and the other letter I have not received at all. The Officer Commanding said the company man insists upon £40 when in point of fact they only wanted £6.17.0d of which I paid at least £4 they would obtain the rest from Standring who owes me aprox. £2 in wages.
Everything I've mentioned is not provable because in each case I have not had a receipt ( including the motorcycle). All I can say is the fact that they only wanted £6.17 in the total.
I am terribly sorry I've called you this trouble.
Yours sincerely,
Bill Slack.
26 October 1962
To - Bill Slack.
From - G. Shirley, Child Care Officer, 18 Walton Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.
Dear Bill,
Your letter arrived while I was away on a few days holiday and I have not been able to reply before.
I am very glad to learn that you are now getting in touch with us about this motorcycle business. I too am sorry to trouble you about it but I did feel that Mr Standring was left holding rather more when was fair, especially as he only signed your agreement out of kindness.
I note that you say that you have only one letter of mine but I assure you that I wrote one before I sent the registered one and sent you two earlier in the year. These have not been returned to me by the Post Office.
I do not know what the outcome will be. Since I have been back, I have not been able to get hold of Mr Standring so I do not know what is happening at his end. I realised that you were under the impression that you would only have to pay £6/17/-d when you terminated the agreement, but according to Mr Standring the Firm said they were only able to sell the motorcycle for £15/-/-d at it was in such a poor condition, and the £40/-/- is the balance. However, no doubt now your Commanding Officer is helping in this matter you will get all the assistance you need. Whatever the outcome, please let us hear from you from time to time, Bill, as I shall always be anxious that you do well in view of the considerable amount of time I spent helping over your training and work when you were with us.
Your sincerely,
G. Shirley,
Child Care Officer
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