Confessions to Gertie Grimmer

Confessions of Betty Benfield

Monday 4th January 1915

Gertie Grimmer, currently nursing at the 1st Eastern General Hospital in Cambridge, received a “Confessions” Album for Christmas from her friend Ethel.[1] Here are some "confessions” from three of her friends: Betty Benfield, Isabel Campbell, and Ruby Whytock.

Of what country are you a native?

Betty:  England

Isabel:  India

Ruby:  Bonnybridge, Scotland

Who is the greatest state man living?

Betty:  Sir John Jellicoe

Isabel:  Earl Kitchener

Ruby:  Sir John Jellicoe

Should bachelors be taxed?

Betty:  Good heavens yes!!

Isabel:  No

Ruby:  Certainly not

Who is your favourite hero in history?

Betty:  Nelson

Isabel:  General Gordon

Ruby:  General Gordon

Who is your favourite heroine in history?

Betty:  Bloody Mary

Isabel:  Grace Darling

Ruby:  Grace Darling

Do you prefer the Town to the Country?

Betty:  Town rather

Isabel:  Town

Ruby:  Yes

At what age should a man marry?

Betty:  It depends on his stability

Isabel:  28-35

Ruby:  28-30

At what age should a woman marry?

Betty:  When she feels inclined and gets the chance

Isabel:  25-30

Ruby:  When she is asked and feels like it

Are you in favour of “Votes for Women”?

Betty:  No

Isabel:  No

Ruby:  No. No. No.

What is your life’s ambition?

Betty:  To travel

Isabel:  Ain’t got any

Ruby:  To get married and have children

Do you object to women smoking?

Betty:  Certainly not

Isabel:  Certainly not

Ruby:  No

Where would you like to live?

Betty:  On the top of the car

Isabel:  Glasgow, Scotland

Ruby:  Capital of Scotland, Edinburgh

What is your favourite Outdoor Pastime?

Betty:  Boating and ….

Isabel:  Golfing

Ruby:  Tennis

What is your favourite Indoor Pastime?

Betty:  Music and ….

Isabel:  Sleeping

Ruby:  Cuddling

Do you consider yourself to be useful or ornamental?

Betty:  Both. Am absolutely necessary.

Isabel:  Neither

Ruby:  ?

What are your favourite Christian Names?

Betty:  Ebenezer and Sophia

Isabel:  Lionel and Eileen

Ruby:  Ormond and Jean

Source Confessions Album of Gertie Grimmer[X291/498]

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[1] Gertie Grimmer was the aunt of well-known Ampthill local historian, Andrew Underwood.