QSL GCW-29 (GPO)

This is a typical letterhead of a format followed by UK Government departments and agencies of the period. To my eye its restraint, simplicity, and elegance is typographically very acceptable. The writer of the letter is civil yet wastes no words. The standard of written English in administrative occupations was generally very good at this time. Lamentably, that is no longer so. The typist followed the pattern taught in secretarial institutions in the 1960s and characterised by extravagant spacing and indentation. In hindsight, it was rather attractive. The left hand margin is breached by the then familiar three punctuation points indicating the need to enclose the item referred to in the text of that paragraph. In all respects it was something of a high point for written communication.