Loving couples may not have had mobile phones or laptops during the Second World War but like youngsters “2day” they were not averse to using their own “snail mail” version of modern SMS Language. Whereas “ATM” (that’s “at the moment” to over 50s) youngsters may tell friends to “HAND” (have a nice day) in their text messages, WWII troops fighting overseas would receive letters from a girlfriend back home with the initialisation “SWALK” (Sealed with a Loving Kiss) written on the back of the envelope. In a trip down memory lane members of Narberth Mothers’ Union, who visited Carew Cheriton Control Tower Museum recently, recalled writing “SWALK” on envelopes to loved ones serving overseas and the “Fathers” accompanying the group immediately recalled writing “BURMA” ( Be Undressed and Ready My Angel) on their reply envelopes. Technology may have changed but, then as now, youngsters endeavour to create a language their parents can’t understand – just in case “PAW” – their “Parents Are Watching” and don’t approve!
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