Dog-fights and Biscuits - Wednesday 14th February 1945

‘C’ Squadron.

52^nd (L) Div Recce Regt.

BLA.

Wednesday Feb 14^th

Chotie Darling,

                                    Sorry I have to write on this stuff, but it’s all I have at the moment.  I hope to get some more writing-paper tomorrow.  I received two letters from you yesterday, dated the 2^nd and 8^th respectively – both very welcome.  Reference the photos, I think you must be losing your sense of proportion – the moustachio effect, probably being a chiaroscuro* trick, I expect.

            I’ve just rushed out to see a dog-fight that’s going on overhead.  You should bring your gun* out here – there’s plenty to shoot at.  109’s*** have been milling around here all day. 

            This regiment isn’t too bad on the whole – most of the Other Ranks being Scots, but happily most of the officers are English.  I can’t discuss how I happened to come here in writing but will give you the griff on my leave (always provided you can make it yourself.)  The date still stands at March 1^st or a little later.

            I’ve had two letters from the Sintobins since I left.  They’re a wonderful family.  Change pens!  They also sent a tin of marvellous biscuits, a speciality of theirs.  I hope to get another photo of the whole family from them shortly.

            I’ve also got a photo of all the officers of my old crowd which I’ll let you have – but it’s not worth sending from here seeing that I’ll be home in a fortnight or so.

            After some four months trying I managed to contact Bryn on my way to join this regiment.  We managed a night together at an Officers Club.  Very pleasant as you can well imagine.  He’s altered a lot and seems much quieter – though perhaps it was just my idea.

            Well, my darling there’s no news to tell you.  Please write soon to let me know whether you can make it for the 1^st or 2^nd.

                                    Auf wiedersehen, Liebling,

                                                (which means ‘So long, baby’)

                                                            All my love

                                                                        Dicker

 

*the use of strong light and dark in two-dimensional art to achieve a sense of volume and depth.

**a reference to the anti-aircraft gun Chotie was responsible for siting on targets.

***German fighting aircraft – the Messerschmidt Bf 109.

© Chotie Darling

61st Recce officers - Dick is in the back row on the end.

"Once again I find myself holding the Right-flank!"

Front row from right (left of photo):

"Captain (Quartermaster)    Joe Meredith, Technical Adjutant    Gordon Chapman, 2nd in Command A Squadron    HQ Squadron Commander    B Squadron Commander, 2nd in Command    Lt/Colonel Brownrigg D.S.O. Commanding Officer    Adjutant.."

61st Recce officers - left flank

 

Dick’s 1945 diary for February:

14 Wed  - Wrote home and Cho.