Chotie Darling

Brian and Chunky - Tuesday 1st? June

 

5731671 Officer Cadet Williams RK

77 Troop ‘B’ Sqdn

100 (Sandhurst) Octu RAC

R.M.C. Camberley

Surrey

Tuesday

Thanks very much for your letter and photo*.  It’s quite good don’t you think?  I’ve got a God awful photo of my troop taken the first day we had here.  (Actually I haven’t yet got one – it’s on the way).  We had one taken at Blackdown and that was so horrible that everyone refused to buy one.  I paid for mine and am still hoping to get my money back…. 

            I’ll send you one of the Sandhurst ones when they arrive.

            I’m writing this during a Gas lecture under pretence of writing notes so I have to keep stopping and pretending to look interested.  I don’t think I’m kidding this bloke, though.

            Well, how do you like Plymouth**?  You appear to have struck it lucky in getting such frequent changes of location.  I always seemed to stick for months in really horrible places.  Brinner had ten mths at Basingstoke and I can’t think of much worse than that.  Mind you move Eastwards next time.  Somewhere about Lilliput*** would be rather handy or even Chi or somewhere like that.

            (It’s a murderous job trying to write on one knee watching the lecturer with one eye and trying to appear reasonably attentive.)

            I get quite a nice time here on Sundays as all O/D’s**** draw cycles to go to church in Camberley.  Needless to say no one goes to church.  For my part, I repair to a certain YOCH I wot of and there drink gallons of tea (no sugar ….), smoke a pipe or two, and read ‘Country Life’ ‘Tatler’ and ‘Field’ until about noon when I lazily mount the crate and trundle back to my present abode at approx... 2mph.  However, we make up for it during the week, especially in PT which consists of pretty bloody runs of about 3-4 miles over obstacle courses in battle order.  Quite fun when you get used to it.  I shall have to use pencil from here as I’ve run out of ink.

            Life here, however, is quite pleasant on the whole though I hope to get transferred to an Infantry OCTU before I finish here.  Recce’s all right but I prefer the old infantry.

            Diller as you know I expect went to Leicester for initial training.  I bet it’s shaking her.  I went to Leicester once from Branksome***** if you remember but wasn’t impressed.  Good huntin’ country.

            Read Rose Macaulay’s ‘And no man’s wit’, also Noel Langley’s 'There’s a porpoise close behind us’ (re-read).

            Plenty of swimming here, nearly every day in fact – I’ve got quite brown (-ed off…)

            I’m supposed to be going home this wk-end for a few hrs.  Only wish I could get to Plymouth but it’s really too much.  I could have made Bristol I think.  However you may move this way soon. 

            I was slung on a charge last week!  Late on parade – but spun the Sqdn Cmdr a yarn and got admonishment – cushy.  I’ll never make it again though, at any rate not with the same bloke – a Grenadier Gds major.  All the officers here are either Grenadier Irish or Welsh Gds.  No Scots or Coldstreams. 

            It’s now Tuesday evening and as I have a few minutes before dinner I’ll round this letter off.  We're on parade again at 9 o’clock for a night march….

            It’s been alternate sun and rain here all today, which is a good thing, for this place gets pretty dusty, also the rain helps to fill the swimming-pool.

            The library here contains the Encyclopedia Britannica and Oxford so I’m quite happy to spend a few weeks there every now and then.

            Our troop officer goes by the name of Brixey – Battle-mad Brixey – who’s really very decent and very cushy.  The Guards Officers here nearly all wear long puttees, the old style, that is with service dress slacks.  Very comic appearance until you get used to it.

            I’m afraid this letter’s rambling on in my usual inimitable style (?) ….

            (I’ve put your photo on my chest, furniture not anatomical – looks very good).

            I’m very lucky in having Brian & Chunky as room-mates as we never seem to fight although we argue incessantly of course.  Chunky being a Londoner hates the country period houses, beer, smoking, in fact all the luxuries of life.  Brian being Irish and a pianist in the bargain is often moody and sometimes says hardly a word all day.  He’s over six feet, about fourteen stone and will make a brilliant soldier.  Plans to stay in the army after this show.

            Chunky’s married but being ultra-modern has no children.  Brian says he’s going to get married on his next leave.  I believe I told you he was a ham before joining-up, and was a Captain in the IRA for two years.  Nice people…..

            Warrant Officers here call us Sir and we call them Sir so everyone’s happy.  Occasionally the Sqdn Cmdr or someone dines with the troop which means about an hour and a half in the mess making conversation over really horrible coffee.  Happily I smoke and get rid of the coffee to Brian who eats like a horse.

            Well, Darling I’ll close here as I’ll have to post this before Dinner and the stunt tonight.

            Hope to see you soon, Chotie Darling

                                                            All my love

                                                                        Dicker

PS. Sorry half is in pencil but no-one has any ink at the moment I want it.

 

*See group photo of ATS from Bristol .

**This letter was addressed to:

 W/242328

Pte Chalkley B.E.

ATS OFC ‘B’ Tp,

462 Hy (M) AA Bty RA

c/o GPO.

Millbrook

NR Plymouth

          so Chotie’s unit must have moved to the Plymouth area. Millbrook is actually in Cornwall, on the western side of the Tamar estuary but defences here would have guarded the entrance to the Plymouth docks. Unfortunately there is no date visible on the envelope for this letter so the date is only guessed at in the context of the other letters. If I am right about 1^st June the move seems remarkably prescient since on 14th June Plymouth citizens had  ‘one of their liveliest half-hour’s’ of the war in a heavy raid, which dropped between 70 and 80 high explosive bombs of between 250 and 1,000 kg.  (From Plymouth Data. See also the National Archives.)

According to Phyllis M Rowe and Ivan Rabey on June 14^th “Hundreds of incendiary bombs fell on Saltash” (just north of Millbrook).  “Torpoint suffered the effects of a blast from a direct hit on the Devonport Dockyard and phosphorous bombs fell on Mount Edgcumbe Park” (located on Rame Head near Millbrook).

(From “When Bombs Fell” "When Bombs Fell" contributed by Cornwall Action Community Service on the BBC People’s War website.

'WW2 People's War’ is an online archive of wartime memories contributed by members of the public and gathered by the BBC. The archive can be found at bbc.co.uk/ww2peopleswar.)

***a little village by the Harbour in Poole.

****Officers of the Day or Officer Developers?

*****Dick was stationed in Branksome from September 1941.  See To Branksome.

 © Chotie Darling

 

3^rd June 1943 – de Gaulle establishes the Comité Français de Libération National as a ‘government in waiting’ (for the liberation of France).

4^th June 1943 – death of General Sikorski, head of the Polish government in exile and several other Polish leaders in a plane crash after take-off from Gibraltar.  Sabotage has been suspected and there are various conspiracy theories. (From WW2-net Timelines.)

 

10^th June 1943 – the Pointblank Directive sets out a co-ordinated approach to Allied bombing in Europe with the Americans flying precision bombing missions by day and the RAF undertaking saturation bombing by night, mainly against German cities. (From Chronology of World War II and WW2-net Timelines.)

At last the Admiralty replace Naval Cipher 3 , which had been decrypted by the Germans in March 1942. Although the Germans were able to read 80% of the messages in Naval Cipher 3 only 10% were decrypted in time to take action.  Still this had had a devastating effect on Atlantic shipping.

Officers and Gentlemen - letter posted Saturday 22nd May 1943

ROYAL MILITARY COLLEGE

CAMBERLEY, SURREY

 

My Darling Chotie,

                                                It seems ages since I heard from you and as I expect it’s the same with you – here goes.

            As you will see from above I’m now at Sandhurst, which is quite a place.

            I’ve been so busy the last few days, what with passing out (in more ways than one) at Blackdown and getting settled here, I haven’t had a moment to myself.

            I was very disappointed with your inability to make Pagham, but realise what the hell of a journey Bristol is.  But why didn’t you send a wire or something?  Then I could have come down.  Brinner and Diller were home as you probably know.  We could have got really stewed – actually we did, but that’s another story.  However, we must try again soon.  I shall be able to get a week-end here and there, though I expect to be up to my eyes in work.  I’ve been very lucky here in getting a room with Chunky* and Brian (my mates …. ) and an excellent servant who knows all the tricks of the trade – and then some.

            (Don’t smile at this paper.  It’s all they’ve got here, and needless to say they robbed me …  Never again).  I had a letter from Eric last week!  No kidding.  He “didn’t want our correspondence to collapse” or some rot or other.  The rat.  Doesn’t appear over happy, but then he never does.

            Is Rosemary** still with you?  Lucky Rosemary….  However, all good things come to an end – we’ll be kicked out of this Army before long – I hope.

            I haven’t seen a flick for nearly a month, which cuts out that topic of conversation.

            We’re allowed to wear civvies in the evenings here, also dine in them, but as I’m couponless it doesn’t really interest me.

            So much for Sandhurst.  I expect you know all about Bristol by now - all the pubs anyhow.

            Diller and I found quite a good one in Chichester.  It’s so old it doesn’t have a licence.  It’s got some ancient charter from James I or some other bloke which dates back before shame even.

            You’re lucky in having some relatives in the neighbourhood – I’ve never been near anyone.

            Nothing new at home.  Mother’s been offered Gentians (that little Tea Rooms by the Kings Beach) for £100 and is toying with the idea.  Mike*** presents the only snag.  I’m all for it as we would be able to get buckshee teas on leave.  She always has these vague obsessions as well you know.  She also wants to make out a thousand in our names (Diller, Bryn & myself) to avoid death duties should she be killed by a stray bomb….  Crazy’s right.

            It must be over five months since I saw you last.  Have you changed at all Darling?  Don’t tell me you’re any slimmer ‘cos I’d never believe anything but my own eyes.  I’ve had so many 771’s in the last few days I reckon it would be easier to turn nudist and have done with it.  The old British public would raise horrified eyebrows, though you, I should imagine would remain entirely unruffled.  (We’ve got a wonderful old oak outside our window.  I have to keep stopping to gaze in rapt appreciation …. Must be the artist in me crying out like a voice in the wilderness against some aesthetic repression ….)

            Brinner bought another Gigli**** when he was home.  I won’t comment on it, as he and Solomon are the only two men in this poor world I would never attempt to criticize. 

            Have you read ‘Clochemerle’***** yet?  Don’t ask for it in a bookshop as they would only give you a pretty old fashioned look anyway.

            I spent a day up in town on my way back to Blackdown.  Piccadilly was, as usual, full of the usual who keep stopping you which is all very embarrassing, especially for an innocent little boy like myself, in London Town to see the bright lights.  I told one of them that she should be paying me, if only she knew me, which annoyed her not a little.  I didn’t tell her I existed for Chotie alone.

            Well Darling I must close here.  Hope to see you soon.  I’ll advise you when I can get a weekend.

                        All my love, Precious

                                                Dicker

 

5731671 Officer Cadet Williams R.K.

77 Tp. ‘B’ Sqdn.

100 (Sandhurst) O.C.T.U. R.A.C.

Royal Military College

Camberley

Surrey.

 

*see letter of 18th April 1943.

**Rosemary was Chotie’s young cousin I think

***Mike was the family dog

*** Beniamino Gigli was an Italian tenor singer and Solomon was possibly the pianist Solomon Cutner. See letter of 7th February.

****see letter of 11th April.

 © Chotie Darling

“The eighteenth and nineteenth century British army was never that concerned about training its officers believing that character was the important thing and that the officer being a gentleman already knew how to use weapons and ride a horse. What was important was character.

During World War II the UK was faced with the major problem of having to train many thousands of lower middle class and working class, young men as officers. These young men had the military skills, they were veterans of campaigns in the desert and the jungle. They knew about war but they weren’t gentlemen as defined by the existing Army hierarchy.

The British Army developed a course based to a large part on the competencies related to being a gentleman. They realised of course that attitude and character are almost impossible to assess in terms of competencies so they had to identify the competencies that a gentleman would require and that could be assessed within a Competency Based Training Assessment (CBTA) model.

The competencies identified involved such things as accent, the way one walks, what one reads, and most important, how one eats.”  (From the blog LowCloudCover.)

 

23^rd May 1942 - Beales, the Department store where Chotie worked through 1942, is bombed and burnt out in Bournemouth's worst bombing raid.

24th May 1943 – German ‘U’ boats are withdrawn from the North Atlantic effectively ending the battle of the Atlantic with an Allied victory. The campaign had come close to starving Britain into submission. Now America could build up forces in Britain ready for the invasion of Europe.

 

27^th May 1943 – The first meeting of the Conseil de la Résistance, led by Jean Moulin (de Gaulle’s appointed head of the French Resistance) succeeds in linking up the networks in northern France.

 

29^th May 1943 – in the Aleutian Islands, part of the Alaska territory between the North Pacific and the Bering Sea, the occupation of Attu Island by the Japanese ends with a banzai charge (a form of honourable suicide), killing over 2,300 Japanese with only 28 taken prisoner.  taken prisoner.  The Japanese withdrew from Kiska on 28^th July 1943 but this was only discovered on 15^th August when a large Allied invasion force landed on the island.  (From Chronology of World War II and Wikipedia.)   

29^th May 1943 – major RAF bombing raid on Wuppertal in Germany’s industrial Ruhr area creates a firestorm for the first time causing mass destruction and killing 3,400 people.

30th May 1943 – General de Gaulle lands in Algiers and is welcomed by Giraud, the French Vichy leader and now the Commander-in-Chief of French forces in North Africa.  Suspicions remained between the former Vichy Army (the ‘moustachis’) of 230,000 troops and the 15,000 Free French (or ‘hadjis’) of the French Armée Afrique. (From ‘The Second World War’ by Antony Beevor, published by Weidenfield and Nicolson 2012) 

1^st June 1943 – the British Actor Leslie Howard is killed when his plane is shot down returning from Portugal.  The Luftwaffe may have been targeting the actor for his work supporting the Allies in Spain and Portugal or thought that Churchill on the plane. (P.S. Name-dropping! My father, Commander Victor Stephens, was also scheduled to fly with Howard but he had been drinking too heavily with him the night before, having just joined the Admiralty, and missed the plane. He was left with Leslie Howard’s tie as a sad memento. Dad made no mention of Howard's death or being in Portugal in his diaries but he presumably knew Howard through Laurence Olivier, whose wife Vivien Leigh was Howard's co-star in 'Gone with the Wind'.  In the Fleet Air-Arm Dad was stationed with Olivier and his friend Ralph Richardson, who he later shared a flat with in London.) 

Out Driving - Sunday 11th April

Same address 

Sunday

 

My Darling Chotie,

                                                Many thanks for your letter and the news of your change of address.  Hope you prefer it to Oswestry, - at least you’re a little nearer home ….

            I shall be here for the next seven months or so – at least in this neighbourhood I suppose.

            ‘Fraid I don’t know Bristol – all the blokes in my room at Dover came from this most antique of ports, and, needless to say, consider it the model town of the whole country.  The Clifton Suspension bridge is considered one of the chef d’oeuvres* in the structural engineering world.  I also know a BA who lives at Clifton, hails from the varsity.  That about finishes my knowledge of the town.  Glad to hear you’ve made a friend there.  Always seems to help matters.

            I’ve dropped for Guard Commander for Tuesday next so I’m spending the weekend blancoing etc.

            I start on wireless tomorrow – for a fortnight then a fortnight gunnery – then leave and Sandhurst, maybe…

            I believe I told you there’s an RA** crowd here (ATS).  Always seem to be doing predictor stuff.

            (Have stopped writing to have chat with bloke who’s hobby was mountaineering – very interesting.  Another bloke here – the medico - says his greatest ambition in life is to become a member of the Royal Yacht Squadron!  Nothing like aiming high, is there?  He’ll probably make it.)

            We’ll have to arrange something about my next leave.  You may be able to get a 72hr or something.  I’ll let you know all details when they arrive.

            Had two days out driving last week.  Went to Brighton on Thursday and Oxford on Friday.  Saw Gloucester*** arriving through Oxford in his Rolls.  (One of his Rolls).  Also went through Bicester, Aylesbury, Windsor Great Park, etc.  Made quite a change as I don’t really know this area.

            The country round here is pretty marvellous but the Army of course have got their hands on most of it.  There are literally hundreds of period houses, mostly Tudor cottages which have been used as weekend hide-outs, I should imagine.  It makes me wince every time I see the military in them.

            I’m reading (in brief snatches) Gabriel Chevallier’s ‘Clochemerle’, which is a rather licentious tale of life in a French village.  Very amusing.

            I’m boring you again I suppose so will close here.  Will let you know of any developments as regards leave, etc

                                                All my love

                                                            Darling

                                                            Dicker

P.S.  Excuse envelope – it’s all I have.

 

* ‘chef d’oeuvre’ – French for masterpiece

** RA – Royal Artillery

***Presumably Prince Henry, the Duke of Gloucester and third son of King George V. He was appointed potential regent by his brother George VI should he die while his daughter, the future Elizabeth II was a minor.

© Chotie Darling

 

Meanwhile Eric Postles , our friend from the 61^st Recce, was in the Chilterns of Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire:

“We moved to Ashridge Park near Berkhamsted.  While there we had a local exercise with the Dutch Princess Irene Brigade and got an almighty rocket for setting fire to a haystack.  We lived rough for about a month at Cheddington and Chalfont, range firing at Orford Ness on the Suffolk coast, anti-aircraft firing at Clacton (many streets were evacuated and we slept in one of the empty houses).  We regularly went to Thetford Battle Range for live firing and had an exercise with the Polish Army in the same area.  We caused mayhem in Ely on our way back to camp when someone fired a smoke bomb from their armoured car, which resulted in the fire brigade being called out.”

 Anthony Rampling joined the 61st Reconnaissance Regiment while it was camping in a field between Chalfont St Giles and Chalfont St Peter, not far from Tring.

 

12^th April 1943 – German radio announces they have found the mass graves of thousands of Polish officers, deported and killed by the Soviet Union, in Katyn Forest near Smolensk in Russia. Almost 15,000 Polish army and police officers and intelligentsia had been killed by the Soviets in April 1940. This threatened a diplomatic crisis among the Allies and was denied by the Soviet Union, who blamed the massacre on the Germans, until 1990. (From WW2-net Timelines,  Chronology of World War II and Wikipedia.)

 

17^th April 1943 – in a US daylight bombing of aircraft factories in Bremen with 115 B-17 bombers 15 Allied planes were lost. Allied air losses over Germany were very high in spring 1943.

Japan mounted its largest air strike since Pearl Harbour attacking Guadalcanal, Tulagi, Port Moresby and Milne Bay in New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. (From ‘The Second World War’ by Antony Beevor, published by Weidenfield and Nicolson 2012)

Alex Johnston - Tuesday 16th February 1943

5731671 Tpr Williams R

Mortar Tp HQ Sqn

43^rd Recce Regt

Home Forces

 

Tuesday 16^th

My Darling,

                        Many thanks for letter received this afternoon.  I haven’t been able to write you owing to pressure of work of late.  However here goes.

            I’m in a canteen at the moment which boasts a piano (NAAFI style), and am now hoping to get my friend† to murder the ‘Warsaw’.  He’s very nervous & won’t play if there’re too many people about – hallmark of a great artist….

            Sorry to hear you’ve been so busy lately, but the first 3 months are always the worst.  After nearly three years I do practically nothing.

            Had four letters today – Bryn, Diller, Mother & yours.

            Bryn had ‘marvelous time’ on leave, ending up by meeting a woman in London.  Apparently he met her in Bridport. Name of Pamela Gluning – redhead. Diller gave me all the ‘dope’ – Bryn never even mentioned her.  I’ve told him he’d better come clean.

            Went for a walk on Sunday afternoon by myself (my mate was on 48) and had tea at country pub.  Quite a change.

            Haven’t been to flicks for simply ages – lost all interest.  Seems little chance of getting any leave, but still soldier on.

            Bryn bought a couple of discs when on leave – the ‘Warsaw’ and Gigli’s* ‘La donna è mobile’ (Rigoletto)** so will probably wear these out when I get home.

            Found time to read Eleanor Peters’ ‘Tare Harvest’***, little else.

            Diller will have to leave bank shortly, as Quayle goes.  She’s been offered a chance abroad with V.A.D.****  Doesn’t  think she’ll take it.  She’ll end up in munitions if she’s not careful.  Probably do her good anyhow.

            Weather’s lovely here.  How’s it with you?

            Should like to see N Wales, but don’t like the people, I’m afraid.  Biased again….

            What’s the crowd like you’re with?  Hope they’re better than my lot.  If ever there was a dull mob it’s the Recce.

            I’ll close here, Darling and write again shortly

                                                                        toutà toi Chérie*****

                                                                                        Dicker

* Famous Italian tenor Beniamino Gigli

** ‘The Woman is Fickle’ - a song from Giuseppe Verdi’s opera Rigoletto.

***A novel about an English family farming in the Chilean Andes.

****Voluntary Aid Detachment – unpaid nursing assistants on the front line.  Diller was presumably affected by the new call up for women (see 13th January 1943).

***** “tout à toi Chérie” – French for “All yours darling”.

 © Chotie Darling

† Trooper DONALD ALEXANDER JOHNSTON

10600882

Who died age 21 on 24 June 1944 at sea when MV Derrycunihy hit a mine

Son of John and Amelia Johnston;

husband of Betty Johnston, of Sholing, Southampton.

BAYEUX MEMORIAL Panel 6.

MV Derrycunihy was a cargo ship transporting HQ, A and C squadrons of the 43^rd Recce to Sword Beach to fight in Normandy. On 24^th June 1944 she was sunk by an acoustic mine. 214 men lost their lives and 150 were injured.

(From the 43rd (2/5th Bn. Gloucestershire Regt.) Regt Reconnaissance Corps Roll of Honour courtesy of Recce Mitch and 43rd Recce on WW2TALK.)

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

 

16th February 1943 – the Service du Travail Obligatoire forces all French men born between 1920 and 1922 to labour in Germany.  Thousands escape to join resistance forces in the mountains and forests of France or the Free French in Africa.

 

43^rd Recce re-commenced Troop & Squadron Training on Wednesday 17^th February continuing to the 19^th. On Saturday 20^th there was Maintenance, the Commanding Officer’s Vehicle Inspection and the Final of the Inter-Troop Soccer Competition and on Sunday a Regimental Convoy Harbour Exercise. Troop & Squadron Training, again, every day from Monday 22^nd February.

(From the War Diary of the 43^rd Reconnaissance Regiment held by the Archive and Reference Library, the Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset.) 

 

18^th February 1943 – Joseph Goebbels, Gauleiter (Nazi leader) for Berlin and Hitler’s Minister of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda, calls the German people to ‘Total War – Short War’ at a rapturous rally in the city.

21^st February 1943 – the 25^th Anniversary of the creation of the Soviet Red Army is celebrated in all Allied countries. (From WW2-net Timelines)

In Operation Cleanslate on 21^st February US forces occupy the Russell Islands in the central Solomon Islands. The Solomon’s archipelago is now controlled by the Allies.

Writing Letters - Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th January 1943

My Darling Chotie,

                        I’m writing this now as I won’t be able to write for the next week or so owing to a scheme.

                        Hope you have got used to your new life by now.  I expect you’re feeling quite an old soldier after three weeks service.  Seems ages since I heard from you, though I suppose that you’ve discovered that writing letters is just about the last thing you feel like in the services.

                        I’ve just come back from the Hippodrome. Went with this newly acquired friend of mine* – quite an exotic thing there this week – from Cuba.  I suspect it’s more like Whitechapel though we must be rational over these matters.

                        Haven’t had any beer for over a week and feel rather poorly for that reason.

                        Found time to read LAG Strong’s “Dewer Rides”**, WS Maugham’s “The Moon and Sixpence”*** and re-read “The Colonel’s Daughter”****.

                        I shall only send you some shekels if you agree to buy something definite – ie not repeat NOT beer….If it goes on beer you’ll get spanked, so take your choice.

                        I’m dying to see you in uniform… How’s the skirt?

                        I must close here to catch up on my kip so will finish this tomorrow.

 

                        Well, it’s now Sunday, our famous typically English day of mourning.  There’s no church parade for me so I have a little time to relax. We’re on parade this afternoon for loading the vehicles ready for the scheme.

                        Rather chilly this morning – hope it warms up a bit for the next few days.  Don’t mind sleeping under the stars on occasions but not in inches of snow or mud.

                        Had a letter from Monica a couple of days back.  Full of her offspring.  I’m pleased she had a daughter – it was really what she needed, I think.

                        I haven’t got my truck for this stunt so will have to travel in a carrier – lovely and warm and plenty of kip.

                        Well Darling I must close here – as there’s nothing I can tell you in writing.

                        Hope I can see you before very long – seems ages since I last saw you already.

                                                All my love Precious

                                                            Dicker

PS  No news from that Rat DuRose…

*Trooper Don Johnston

**a novel of old Dartmoor featuring Dewer, the evil spirit of the earth.

***the story of an artist in Paris and Tahiti, inspired by the life of Paul Gauguin

****possibly John Strange Winter’s “The Strange Story of My Life (The Colonel’s Daughter)” although there are a number of books with this title.

© Chotie Darling

NB. THIS LETTER WAS FIRST POSTED ON 30TH JANUARY BUT MOVED TO CORRECT DATE 

 

Church Parade was held on Sunday 24^th January and there were preparations for Exercise “Hammer II” which took place in Kent from 25^th to 28^th January 1943 with rain on 25^th, fine on 26^th, mist on 27^th and rain again on 28th. Cold throughout. On 29^th January 43^rd Recce returned to Section Training, with Vehicle Maintenance accompanied by the Commanding Officer’s vehicle inspection on Saturday 30^th. (From the War Diary of the 43^rd
Reconnaissance Regiment held by the Archive and Reference Library, the Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset.) 

 

26^th January 1943 – Rommel, the German Commander in North Africa, is told he is to be ‘relieved’ by the Italian General Messe. (From Chronology of World War II.)

27^th January 1943 – the US air force made its first raid on Germany hitting Emden and Wilhelmshaven and demonstrating their favoured strategy of precision bombing in daylight. (From WW2-net Timelines and Chronology of World War II.)

28^th January 1943 – all of the German workforce is mobilised for ‘total war’. (From WW2-net Timelines.)

British 8^th Army captures Tripoli, the capital city of Libya.

 

30^th January 1943 – Le Milice, the secret police modelled on the Nazi German Gestapo is formed in France under the command of Joseph Darnand, the Secretary General of Vichy France. (From Chronology of World War II.)

 Daylight bombing of Berlin by the Allies on the 10^th Anniversary of Nazi Germany interrupts Herman Göring’s commemoration speech.

.

 

An old soldier's ability - 18th January 1943

5731671 Tpr Williams RK

Mortar Tp HQ Sqn, 43^rd Recce Regt

Recce Corps, Home Forces

 

Monday

My Darling Chotie,

                                                                                    Sorry I haven’t been able to write before, but I’ve been on the Range for the last two days – they always pick the weekends – and didn’t receive your letter until this morning.

            You seem to be settling down after your first week in the “Army” – (notice the parenthesis…). Things are a bit strange at first, but you soon develope the scrounging ability required to become the old solider. Eric & I rapidly became past-masters in this singular art.

            Have you seen anything of the town yet? Never been there myself – only know they make shoes there among other things. I looked it up on the map and found it nearer to London than I had imagined.

            As regards 48 hrs I’m afraid it’s out of the question as far as I’m concerned. Firstly I’m not allowed them as I live outside the limit, and secondly I shall be on a scheme then. ‘Fraid I can’t give you any details.  Sorry it can’t be done Darling – I should have liked nothing better – especially on your first leave.

            Been very busy lately – haven’t had time to breathe. However, found time to read a very good book Enid Bagnolds ‘National Velvet’ – don’t miss it. It’s published in Penguin’s “Forces Book Club”.

            I scarce get time to light my pipe now – or rather your pipe….

            Had quite a lively raid this evening. No details – sorry!

            I’m now forced to wear a G.C.* tape (2 years undetected crime…). Coupled with the old beret, I rival the little pansy.

            I’m afraid Eric will have to whistle for a Best Man as far as I’m concerned.  All I’ve got out of him in the last six months is a Xmas Card, and I suspect Eve brought that.  If I know him, Eve brought them and he just signed them!

            I’m trying to economise in writing-paper – hope you can read this.

            I wrote to Monica to congratulate her for her share in overcoming the Falling Birth rate problem (you see I always tell you these things..)

            I’m going out all day tomorrow on a motorbike – haven’t ridden one for about 3 years. Hope I don’t break my neck – It’s the only one I’ve got after all.

            Must close here to catch post.

                                                                        Lots of love Precious

                                                                                    Dicker

                                                                                    Xxxx

*Good Conduct Good chevron worn on the lower sleeve of the jacket.

 © Chotie Darling

 

Section training for 43^rd Recce recommenced from 18^th to 23^rd January. On Monday 18^th January the 43^rd Recce war diary records an A.A. (anti-aircraft) barrage over Dover at 2200 hours. (From the War Diary of the 43^rd Reconnaissance Regiment held by the Archive and Reference Library, the Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset.) 

 

22^nd January 1943 – the Battle of Buna-Gona in New Guinea concludes with the victory of Australian and US Allied Forces over the Japanese. (From WW2-net Timelines.) 

23rd January 1943 – Allied troops enter Tripoli, the capital of Libya, marking the end of the Italian African Empire.

Rommel’s forces attack the French in the Fäid Pass, east of Sfax in Tunisia, and destroy more than half of the US forces that counter-attack. (From ‘The Second World War’ by Antony Beevor, published by Weidenfield and Nicolson 2012)

 

"Just relax Lulubell" - Sunday 3rd January 1943

Address as usual

Sunday Eve

My Darling

                        Having been on the range all day – and a Sunday at that – I thought I’d better write you to revive my flagging spirits.

            Well, I expect you’re getting just a bit worked up by now – just relax Lulubell…Things won’t be that bad – I hope. Is it the 7^th or 8^th you go?  When mother wrote she said the 8^th.

            I lent my pen to a colleague last night and the clumsy idiot promptly sat on it.  Some mothers have awkward children. Consequently I have to write this with my reserve.

            Hope you’ve got over Xmas by now.  It took me some little time.   

            Have just read a very good book – have meant to read it for some time now, and fate delivered the thing to me when I most needed something to read.  It’s called “The Bridge of San Luis Rey*” by an American Thornton River Wilder.  It’s really rather brilliant.  Published by Penguin.  Have had very little to read lately, having read everything in the Unit Library.

            Saw another Strip Tease last night – some woman called Arimand Banu who does her act with a 12ft python!  Pretty horrible.  Went with a bloke from this Squadron – comes from Soton – and plays the old “Warsaw”** like nobody’s business.  When I asked him his opinion of it he replied in one word – TINSEL!  Very sound bloke.

            I won a five bob bet on the Bizerte – Tunis Show*** which I placed some two months ago – which cheered me up a little – not so much for the cash as for sheer vanity…

            Well, Darling I must wish you all the best of luck on your entry into the Forces. I don’t intend to give you a sermon – I’ll spare you that – but be very careful won’t you?  I know we’re not even engaged but you’re very very dear to me Chotie and I couldn’t bear thinking of anything happening to you.

                        Must close here as I owe letters to Brinner, Diller and Home.

                                                            God bless you Darling

                                                                        Dicker

* A Pulitzer Prize winning novel set in Peru.

** The Warsaw piano concerto written by British composer Richard Addinsell for the film ‘Dangerous Moonlight’.

** refers to recent events in the North Africa campaigns Battle for Tunisia. Tunis and Bizerte are important deepwater ports. 

 © Chotie Darling

 

43^rd Recce had Section Training every day from 4^th to 9^th January 1943. On the 4^th there was also a Regimental Cross Country run (see Dick’s next letter).  The Divisional Commander visited the training on Tuesday 5^th January and from 7^th to 9^th January the Recce participated in the 43^rd Division Exercise “Wyvern II”.  On the 10^th January there was a Regimental Loading Exercise.

 

5th January 1943 - the Japanese begin planned withdrawal from Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. The successful evacuation had been completed by 9^th February when the US Commander declared the island secure for the Allies and the campaign over. (From WW2-net Timelines and Chronology of World War II.)

A rather quiet Christmas - 27th December 1942

As usual 

Sunday

My Darling,

                                                Many, many thanks for the parcel received yesterday, - and for such a happy choice of present.  I don’t suppose I’ll have a chance of getting the Token exchanged until my leave, as I so rarely see a shop open – but it’s certainly something to look forward to.

            I wish I could have got you something but it’s pretty hopeless in this place I’m afraid – but I think it would probably be wiser to wait until you get in the ATS when you may find something more practical at any rate.

            Don’t forget to let me know if you see anything for Margaret and Ted. Once again it’s hopeless here.  Even if this place had been a metropolis I’m afraid I could have achieved little as we had no time off for shopping etc -  as I rarely get out ‘till seven or so everything’s shut anyway.

            ‘Spect you’re getting excited over your imminent entry into the Armed Forces of the Realm, though you seem to have overcome the medical with ease.  Hope it wasn’t too exacting for you.

            Well, Chotie, I seem to have had a rather quiet Xmas.  We (the unit) entertained about fifty Aussies & Canadians over the holidays.  Quite good fun.  I’ve had little beer – apart from eight pints with Xmas dinner.

            Told you I saw ‘Eagle Squadron’* I suppose.  Wasn’t it LUVLY!!  I nearly cried.

(I’m in a canteen eating Spam at the moment).  More parenthesis…Having just
failed to finish Picture P.** crossword.  You’ll probably find Spam all over the envelope.

            Have just finished Deeping’s ‘Kitty’*** – quite good.  That’s the 30^th of his I’ve read. Recommend it. 

            Well, Darling must close here.  ‘Fraid I missed you rather a lot over Xmas.  Maybe it will be over next Xmas. Maybe…  All my love

                                                                                    Dicker

PS  Had a Xmas card from Eric & Eve!!!!  Put me off my beer…

 

*Pilots from the Royal Australian Air Force and members of the Canadian Reconnaissance regiment.

**a film about American pilots who volunteered for the RAF before Pearl Harbour.

***Picture Post – a popular photojournalist magazine.

**** a novel by Warwick Deeping

 

 © Chotie Darling

 

28^th December 1942 – sterilization 'experiments' begin at the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps in Nazi occupied Poland. (From WW2-net Timelines and the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.)

 

Section Training continued for 43^rd Recce and on 28^th December there was a Regimental Cross-Country run.  Training on the 29^th featured driving instruction. (From the War Diary of the 43^rd Reconnaissance Regiment held by the Archive and Reference Library, the Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset.)

 

31^st December 1942 - Battle of the Barents Sea. The British Navy successfully intercepts German warships attempting to destroy a large supply convoy, JW-51B, to Russia.  However, German U-boats now had 'milch cow' submarines enabling them to refuel and re-arm at sea and could penetrate as far as the Indian Ocean.  (From ‘The Second World War’ by Antony Beevor, published by Weidenfield and Nicolson 2012)

 

During 1942 Allied merchant shipping lost 1,323 ships, equalling 7,047,744 gross tons (almost three times the losses of 1941) to U-boats world-wide. 87 U-boats were sunk in 1942 (only 35 in 1941). (From WW2-net Timelines and History Learning Site.)

 

War in Dorset excerpts will not be continued on this blog since Chotie was no longer resident in the county from January 1943, having joined the ATS (see recent post Chotie enrolls in the ATS )

 

On 1^st January 1943 Dick filled out the form for recommendation as a
candidate for the Officer Cadet Training Unit

 

Copy of Record:

RECOMMENDATION FORM FOR CANDIDATES FOR OFFICER CADET TRAINING UNITS

PART 1.  (To be completed by the Candidate.)

1. Surname     WILLIAMS                     
2. Army Number          5731671
3. Christian Names       RICHARD KELNER
4. Rank           Trooper
5. Date of Promotion    -
6. Unit             43^rd Reconnaissance Regt. Recce. Corps
7. Date of joining present unit   10-7-42
8. Date of enlistment    21-6-40
9. Date of birth*          28-7-21
10. Place of birth*          Orpington, Kent
11. Civil Identity No.
12. Religion       Congregational
13. Nationality at birth    British
14. Name and nationality at birth of father           Dudley Kelner Beresford Williams                        British
15.  Name and nationality at birth of mother                      Alice Maude Shrubsall                            British
16. Married or single      Single
17. Nationality at birth of wife     -
18. Number of childres               -
19. Next of kin and Permanent Address of next of kin       Father  “St Margarets” Sea Lane Pagham  Sussex
20. School or other Educational Establishment (with dates)           

Sidcup County School 1931-35

Simon Langton School 1936-38

21. Educational certificates (with dates)   Matriculation (Lond.) 1938

22. Languages (state if written or spoken)     French written and spoken Small knowledge of German and Spanish

23. Civil occupation    None

24. Name of last employer          -

25. Arm or Corps in which a Commission is desired.  Three choices to be given in order of priority, one to be non-technical.

(i)           Recce Corps

(ii)          R.A.S.C.

(iii)         Dorset Regt.

26. Technical qualifications, if any, for each of above choices:-

(i)           Driver Mechanic Group D Class II

(ii)          “                 “           “           “

(iii)         –

27. Have you ever been convicted by the Civil Power or by Court Martial?†   No

If so, state date and circumstances    -

28. Have you previously been admitted to the R.M.A., R.M.C. or to an Officer Cadet Training Unit? No

If so give particulars

                   -

29. Have you at any time held a commission in any branch of H.M. Forces? 
If so, give full particulars No

30.  General remarks      -

I certify that to the best of my knowledge the above particulars are correct and complete.

Signature    RKWilliams

Date           1-1-‘43 

*This must be supported by a birth certificate.

†Commanding Officers will use their discretion in deciding whether a man who appears otherwise suitable should be rejected on account of conviction by the Civil Power or by a Court Martial.  For example, no serious notice need be taken of conviction on account of youthful indiscretions or minor motoring offences, but where the cause of conviction indicates a lack of the high moral qualities which are required of an officer, consideration must be given as to whether the facts disclosed point to the total unsuitability of the candidate for commissioned rank.  Due regard must however be paid to the fact that bravery and distinguished service in the field may be an overriding consideration in spite of past records.

 

On 1^st January 1943 43^rd Recce had a half day. The next day the Commanding Officer inspected vehicle maintenance. On Sunday 3^rd there was Church Parade.

 

2^nd January 1943 – Australian and US troops finally win victory in Papua New Guinea taking the Buna bridgehead.  With this, and the battles of Guadalcanal and Midway, the Allies could now believe the Japanese were not invincible. (From ‘The Second World War’ by Antony Beevor, published by Weidenfield and Nicolson 2012)

Chapter 7 - The beginning of the end

 

Chotie Darling

Dedicated to the memory of my mother and all those who hold the forever young of war in their hearts.

 

Part 2        Reconnaissance      

 

Chapter 7            43rd Reconnaissance – the beginning of the end

 

Dick continued in the 43^rd Reconnaissance Regiment, in the Mortar Troop of HQ Squadron, until March 1943.

In November 1943 43rd Recce were stationed at Dover.

 

Tuesday 10th November 1942

Same Address

Tuesday

My Darling,

                             It's not often I'm able to reply to your letters as soon as I receive them, but this is an exception - so here goes.

                             Prepare for a shock.  I went to the old place and met Monica* on Sunday last.  Quite honestly, I didn't go with the intention of seeing her - I went really to see the old school** and finding myself with more time than I expected to have, I caught the bus on.  Even then I hardly thought of going to see her, but having met several people there, I thought I'd better call in, as I feared she would have been rather hurt had I not done so.

                            However, in the end I did call, - and needless to say, her husband was there.  Monica met me with surprise rather than pleasure, I fancy - her husband with pointed displeasure.

                             I offer two reasons from Monica’s frigidness (sorry, frigidity!) (a) she is in the eighth month of pregnancy, which may have caused her some embarrassment, and (b) she may have resented my calling when her husband was there.  Well,
anyhow I left after an hour or so, and was much relieved to do so. 

                              Paul (Monica's brother) came in - he's improved vastly, but Monica has definitely taken a turn for the worse.  I'm taking into account her expected childbirth, but she looked nearer thirty than twenty to me.  She has not married well.  I had expected to find her husband a man of more intelligence than I could give him credit for, at first meeting.

                            However, this is now a closed Chapter, so I will say no more on the subject. 

                            I was rather surprised to hear of your expected "change of employment"**.   I should give the matter considerable thought before making any decisions.  I realise fully that is a rather trite phrase, nevertheless, learn mark and inwardly digest.  Whatever service you decide to go into, or what service you get thrown into (!), I advise stating definitely what 'job' you wish to do.  By this I mean, don't sign-on for 'General Duties'.  I hate to think of what you might be doing at the end.

                        Well, my Dear, and how are you these days?  I seem to ramble on and on without ever getting anywhere.   

                        I ran a five-mile cross-country yesterday and had a fifteen mile route march today.  I got a couple of bob for the cross country but nothing alas for the route march.  However I got most of the afternoon off, so can't grumble.

                        (I'm listening to the Brain's Trust at the moment which may account for this rambling...)

                        The news is brightening up it seems.  The importance of command in Libya cannot be over emphasised as it means command in the Mediterranean which will we hope lead to the elimination of Italy as an Axis Power.  Also, of course, Turkey, who is at the moment just sitting on the fence, may throw in her weight on our side when she sees which way the tide is turning.

                        I may get my next leave in Early December, but of course this is looking rather far ahead.  We shall have to see what happens.  I hope something turns up as I can't envisage the prospect of leave without you being there.

                        Well, My Darling, I can't think of anything else, so will close here.

                        Have read a few books lately:  "Ladybrook" by Eleanor Farjeon I rather enjoyed,  Robert Burke's "The Book of the Inn", a collection of what every famous writer has said about pubs.

                                         Must close here

                                                    All my love

                                                                Dicker

PS. Love you very, very much, Chotie Darling. XXXX

 

*Dick's ex-girlfriend

**Dick attended Sidcup County School (now Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School) from 1931-35 and the Simon Langton School, Canterbury 1936-38.

** *Chotie joined the Army Territorial Service in January 1943. She had intended to join the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS, known as the Wrens) because the uniform was more attractive but Army recruitment persuaded her that she’d be working on something very important and top secret (radar).

© Chotie Darling

 

11^th November 1942 – German forces advance into Vichy France “to protect France” against the Allies in Operation Anton (a breach of their 1940 Armistice Agreement).  In Vichy French North Africa Admiral Darlan orders a ceasefire with the Allies.

 At Stalingrad the German commander Frederick Paulus obeys Hitler’s disastrous order, committing all his panzer forces into a final battle to take the city and leaving the flank of the Sixth Army vulnerable.

 

12th November 1942 – the second naval battle of Guadalcanal. Over three days America lost two light cruisers but sank two Japanese bettleships, three destroyers and seven transports carrying 6,000 troops to re-inforce those on the Island.  By the beginning of December the US Navy controlled all the sea around Guadalcanal.

13th November 1942 - the Allies retake Tobruk, the strategic port on the coast of Libya

 

15th November 1942- celebration of victory at El Alamein. Church bells ring out for the first time since July 1940 (when an order was given that they must not be rung except as an air raid warning)

 

Reconnaissance Badge - Thursday 29th October 1942

Address as before

Thursday

My Darling Chotie,

                                        Many thanks for letter received yesterday.  I'm just about kicking myself at the moment, having done a very stupid thing last night. 

                I wrote you a letter before going to the library and put it in one of the books I was taking back - and left it in there!  The point is that I didn't realise it until the library had shut, and the wretched place doesn't open again till tomorrow night (it's open every other day), so I can't get it till then. 

                However, thinking as much of my Chotie as I do, I have started another at the earliest. 

                I had a letter and a very welcome half-sovereign from Brinner telling me of your meeting - of which I was very pleased to hear - and also of course, telling me he was on leave.  We seem to strike it very unlucky as regards getting our leave together.  It would be much more fun for him if he could get his leave with us - it must be pretty dull for him by himself.

                 As usual there’s no news worth mentioning.  Anything which may have been of interest I have to leave out.  It's rather a blow to the indifferent letter-writer like myself.  However as always I’m making the best of a bad job (?).

                If ever you get in touch with that Rat du Rose, shake him up, will you?  He hasn't yet raised the requisite energy to write me - and after the effort I made on his behalf!  The whole affair sickens me.

                We have had nothing but rain, rain, rain for days on end. The only thing that has kept me among the living is the glorious sunset which has become a nightly feature.  Really lovely.

                Have read little lately owing to the Army's demands on my spare time.  Just Stephen McKenna’s “While of Sound Mind” and Osbert Sitwell's first prose work "Triple Fugue".  The former I can recommend, but the latter I found only good in parts, I recommend it for those parts.  (It consists of four or five short (?) stories. 

                Saw the ‘Ghost of Frankenstein*' last week.  Rather poor I thought.  Hope to see 'Reap the Wild Winds' tonight, which I just missed while on the course.  May also see 'The Young Mr Pitt’, if I get the time.  ‘Song of the Islands' is on next week I believe.  The boys will be queuing up to see Grable** in a grass-skirt... 

                Well, I must close here, Darling and see if I can get the 2.30 post.

                                                            all my love, precious

                                                                                    Dicker

PS. Je t’adore encore au tout mon Coeur

PPS. Badge*** enclosed (keep it clean!)

*'Ghost of Frankenstein', 'Reap the Wild Winds', 'The Young Mr Pitt’ and ‘Song of the Islands' were all films on circulation in 1942.

**Betty Grable, the star of “Song of the Islands” (a musical set in a Pacific island paradise), was an American actress and musical star said to have the most beautiful legs in Hollywood.

***The Reconnaissance Corps badge featured an upwards-pointing spear flanked by two lightning bolts.

© Chotie Darling

 

31st October 1942 – the brave seizure of an Enigma machine and keys from a sinking German submarine in the Eastern Mediterranean enables code-breakers at Bletchley Park to decipher the German Naval code ‘Shark M4’ by mid-December. (From ‘The Second World War’ by Antony Beevor, published by Weidenfield and Nicolson 2012)

 

2nd November 1942 – the Allies’ break-out at El Alamein in Operation Supercharge. Forces attacking in Operation Supercharge included the 50^th (Northumbrian) Division, who Dick was to fight with in NW Europe.

 

4^th November 1942 – German Army forced to retreat at El Alamein. (From WW2-net Timelines.)

Autumn propaganda - Monday 12th October 1942

Address as before

 Monday

My Darlingest,

                                                            I have just arrived back from a four day scheme, so I'm writing you at the first opportunity.  Don't be surprised if you don't get a letter for some days, for I spend a fairish time away on these stunts, during which I can't write, as all letters have to be posted in the Regiment box.  It's rather a nuisance but I'm afraid it can't be helped.

            I’m in bed at the moment, just about dead - have only had about 6 - 8 hrs sleep in four days.

            Did quite a few miles - and saw several new places.  The countryside looks really wonderful - especially the farms here.  It's quite surprising to find so many period farmhouses - the timbered, rambling Tudor and Elizabethan and the severe, formal Georgian, Eric's pet grudge, (can't we ever make him appreciate this style?) - follow one another in rapid succession. 

            The haystacks here appear a real work of art. They are always round with a conical top and are usually finished off at the top with a spriggly, plaited bit, each a different design, apparently the “signature” of the farmer who built them.

            Everything is rapidly becoming that beautiful tone of golden - especially the horse chestnut trees, always among the first.  (Just ignore me, Darling,- I'm trying to get over some autumn propaganda...)

            Met a very decent subaltern* a few nights ago - in a pub of course.  He was in the 70th Buffs (East Kents') originally, and joined up the same day as I did.

            He said, “Don't ever take a commission - stay in the ranks!”  He's had one night off in the last month. 

            He used to live at Chislehurst next to the house (mansion...) where Napoleon III** spent his last days.  He also lived at Orpington*** (a mile or so from Chislehurst) the same time as we did. He was studying art, pre-war, at the Royal Academy.

            The Squadron-Commander was also there with his wife (?),- tall, dark very Hedy Lamarish - overcheck suit with brown velvet lapels, Paisley silk scarf wound round her hair, which was done ‘up’, and light brown pigskin bag.  That's all I can remember - not bad for me, eh!

            Managed to read Warwick Deeping’s “No hero-this,” whilst on the scheme.  Quite good.  Try it.

            Well, Chotie Dear, no news so will close here.

                                                             all my love, Precious

                                                                             Dicker

P.S.  I wrote Eric, (did I tell you?).  You might tell him I'm impatiently waiting for a reply.  I told him in the letter, but I don't suppose he took any notice of that.

 

*Possibly Ronnie Jury who became a close friend of Dick's in Belgium and went on to teach at the Slade School of Fine Art.

**Napoleon Bonaparte’s heir who was elected President of France in 1848 and quickly seized power as dictator and Emperor. He was the last monarch of France. Captured at the Battle of Sedan during the Franco-Prussian War he was exiled to England and died at Camden Place, Chislehurst in South-East London.

*** Orpington in Kent - where Dick was born.

 © Chotie Darling

 

43^rd Recce - on 14^th October Lieutenant Colonel McIntyre gave a lecture on ‘The First Battle of Burma’.(From the War Diary of the 43^rd Reconnaissance Regiment held by the Archive and Reference Library, the Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset.)

 

18^th October 1942 –Hitler’s 'Commando Order' instructs German troops to shoot all captured Allied commandos. (See War in Dorset - October 1942 and WW2-net Timelines.)

19th October 1942 – with Rommel on sick leave in Germany, Allied forces in Egypt prepare to attack from the northern sector of the El Alamein line with an elaborate but unsuccessful feint on the south and the bombing and strafing of Luftwaffe airfields. (From ‘The Second World War’ by Antony Beevor, published by Weidenfield and Nicolson 2012)

 

21st October 1942 – Eisenhower’s deputy, Lt-General Mark Clark, is landed secretly in Algiers to meet with French Vichy leaders in North Africa, trying to persuade them not to oppose the imminent American landings. (From ‘The Second World War’ by Antony Beevor, published by Weidenfield and Nicolson 2012)

22^nd October 1942 – the call-up age for British men was reduced to 18 by Royal Proclamation requiring all men to register at their local Employment Exchange at 17 years 6 months. . (From WW2-net Timelines and World War 2 Talk ).

23^rd October – beginning of the second battle of El Alamein, with Montgomery’s Allied Forces attacking the German lines in the north.  General Stumme, Rommel’s cover, became lost on the battlefield and died of a heart attack.  Rommel returned on 25^th October to find that, although the line had held, half his panzers had been destroyed and the tanker bringing vital fuel and ammunition supplies had been sunk. (From WW2-net Timelines and ‘The Second World War’ by Antony Beevor, published by Weidenfield and Nicolson 2012)

44th Recce played a critical role clearing minefields before the offensive and 51st Recce  were involved in the assault. (From ‘The British Reconnaissance Corps in World War II’ by Richard Doherty, Osprey Publishing 2007)

The RAF bombed the Italian cities of Genoa and Turin on the night of 23rd October.

The French Traitors - Friday 21st August 1942

19th August 1942 – the Combined Operations raid (see the Missing Winter) on Dieppe in northern France, which ended in disaster. This joint British and Canadian commando raid (originally code-named ‘Rutter’, but now known as ‘Jubilee’), , was intended to practice techniques for an eventual invasion of Northern Europe by the Allies. The coast was heavily defended by German guns and the invasion force lost the element of surprise by encountering an escorted German convoy in the Channel. After less than 6 hours the forces landed on the beaches around Dieppe were forced to withdraw. Of the 5,000 Canadians, 1,000 British, 50 American Rangers and 50 Free French taking part in ‘Operation Jubilee’ more than 1,380 were killed, 1,600 wounded and 2,340 captured. The RAF had given support but lost 107 planes to the German’s 48. One Royal Naval destroyer and 33 landing craft were sunk.

Dieppe convinced the Allied commanders that a successful cross-Channel invasion would need a massive force, which could not be assembled before 1944. The decision not to use airborne troops had also contributed to the raid’s failure. (From Combined Operations WW2 website, WW2-net Timelines  and ‘Phantom at War – the British Army’s Secret Intelligence & Communication Regiment of WW2’ by Andy & Sue Parlour, Cerberus 2003.)

  

21st August 1942 – Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the USA says that the perpetrators of barbarism in occupied countries ‘that the time will come when they shall have to stand in courts of law in the very countries which they are now oppressing and answer for their acts.'  (From WW2-net Timelines.)

German troops scale Mount Elbrus, the highest mountain in the Caucasus, and plant the Reich's flag on the summit but the overstretched forces never reached the valuable Caucasian oilfields.

 

5731671 Tpr Williams R

Room 28

3^rd Technical Training Group

Preston Barracks, Brighton, Sussex

 

Friday Eve.

Chotie Darling,

                                                            It’s pay-night, as you will see from above, but as it’s raining like hell I thought I’d stay in and write to my Chubby Lulubelle. Good boy, ain’t I?  Sometimes I wonder …

            Well, Precious – many thanks for your last letter and account of your adventures.  I am enclosing the polyfotos in this – have had to break them up I’m afraid, as I haven’t yet procured a large enough envelope.  I will give you the number I like best in PS., as I can’t make up my mind (?) which one I like the most, at the moment – they’re all so good.

            Hope you manage to see Michelle Morgan, she’s really very good in French films – I can’t guarantee American or English directors.  I’ve only seen her once – with Boyer, in French, with French direction of course and I was very struck then.  I believe I told you I saw Vivianne Romance, (almost as good) last week.

            Did you see the appalling list of French people who have been marked as definite traitors?  The list includes Georges Carpentier (France’s greatest boxer), Maurice Chevalier, Sacha Guitry (her greatest playwright), Corinne Luchaire (of “Prison without Bars” fame), Jean Borotra (the tennis star) and last but not least, Danielle Darrieux who needs no introduction.  Horrible isn’t it?

            Sorry you had a row with Horlock – but then you must remember that there are people without souls – who appreciate nothing, and the road of a martyr is by necessity an exacting one.  Persevere Darling … 

            However, I was glad to hear of your “Braemar”** show.  Looking forward to
seeing it soon.  I’ve been around quite a bit since last writing – making the most of it while it lasts.

            Have seen a couple of old flicks – “Suspicion” Cary Grant and Fontaine, and “Here comes Mr Jordan” – Montgomery and Claude Rains.  Not too
bad.  Also saw a play “Bedtime Story” with Mary Maguire – quite good.

            Had a letter from home – Mother says the Odeon at Bognor had a bomb, plumb centre – killed a dozen or so.  Luckily she did the shopping in the morning and the bomb was about 3 in the afternoon.  She’s been asked up to Herne Bay for a wedding – Rita’s (family friend) but sees no chance of going.

            Have you heard of Eric since your last letter?  Maybe he’s moved – but then
I suppose he’d have phoned or something. I really will write him some day, but I’m thinking of his heart when he gets the letter. 

            What did you think of the last raid***?  I saw most of the action in the Channel and was also machine-gunned in the streets – though still alive and kicking.

            Have you thought of a name for my new pipe yet?  He’s getting nicely burnt in, and has acquired a more mature appearance.

            I bought a copy of Darwin’s ‘The Descent of Man’ and have been up to my neck in it for some days.  I always do crosswords in the bus, on my way to “work”.  Quite suburban in fact – though I miss the Homburg and umbrella …

            Well, Darling, I must close here as its getting too dark to write,

                                                                        All my love, you Precious thing,

                                                                                     your adoring Dicker

PS. NUMERUS XXIV

that’s look you (No 24)

* Georges Carpentier - French boxer who was world light-heavyweight champion and a European champion at four weight classes.

Maurice Chevalier - French musical-comedy star

Corinne Luchaire – French film actress and daughter of Jean Luchaire a journalist and politician who supported the Vichy Regime.

Jean Borotra – French champion tennis player in the 20s and 30s.

Danielle Darrieux - French actress and singer, one of France's great movie stars.

** Braemar – a village in Aberdeenshire?

***possibly a reference to action following the Dieppe Raid, which had set sail from ports between Southampton and Newhaven (near Brighton)?

© Chotie Darling

 

 

22^nd August 1942 – Brazil declares war on Germany and Italy.

 

23^rd August 1942 – the Battle of Stalingrad (now Volgograd) begins in Russia. One of the bloodiest battles in the history of warfare it continued until 2^nd February 1943, claiming nearly 2 million casualties and ending in defeat for the Axis Army.  On 25th August a state of siege was declared in the heavily bombed city. (From WW2-net Timelines and ‘The Second World War’ by Antony Beevor, published by Weidenfield and Nicolson 2012.)

 

25^th August 1942 – beginning of the Battle of Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea. This Japanese attack was defeated by largely Australian forces by 7^th September 1942 – the Allies first decisive victory over the Japanese. (From WW2-net Timelines.)

 

28^th August 1942 – a massive RAF raid on Nuremberg kills 4,000 civilains.  Unlike the Americans the RAF flew at night and Air Chief Marshall 'Bomber Harris' defined their success by the number of urban acres reduced to rubble. (From WW2-net Timelines and ‘The Second World War’ by Antony Beevor, published by Weidenfield and Nicolson 2012.)

28^th August and 9^th September – the Japanese fire bomb the Oregon forests, USA. (From WW2-net Timelines.)

 

The Divisional Commander - Monday 6th July

The War in Dorset - July 1942

On 2^nd July air attacks on coastal defences in West Dorset damaged buildings and electricity supplies.

In Lyme Bay on 9^thJuly German E-boats (called Schnellboots for their speed) attacked Allied Coast Convoy WP183 sinking a tanker, four freighters and an armed escort trawler.

An air attack on Swanage on 13^th July caused injuries and damage to buildings.

From 19^th to 22^nd July German mines were being laid in the Channel off the Dorset coast. The people of Poole adopted a minesweeper on 29^th July, which became HMS Poole. At the time 35 vessels were being financed by warsavings from Dorset.

During July, a VIP air hanger, with specially built blast walls, was constructed at RAF Hurn to house Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s personal plane and other special aircraft.

(From ‘Dorset’s War Diary - Battle of Britain to D Day’ by Rodney Legg, Dorset Publishing Company 2004)

 

July 1942 - 1^stAir Landing Squadron were based at Carter Barracks on the Bulford ranges of Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire.

From 1st to 3rd July 1942 two 1^st Air Landing Squadron Troops took part in Brigade Exercise, one Troop operating on each side.  They were led by Captains G.L.Falkim and G.C. Roberts, Lieutenants D.M. Freegard and L.A.W. Hayes and 2^nd Lieutenant A.J. Waterman.  The exercises lasted 3 days and on 4^th July 1^st Air Landing Squadron had a Free Day.

On Sunday 5^th July 35 officers and men took part in a Glider Flying day. 3 sorties were made from Netheravon Aerodrome with flights of one hour each and the men practiced deplaning drill on landing.

(From the War Diary of 1^st Air Landing Reconnaissance Squadron, National Archives, Kew)

 

1^st July 1942 – As Rommel advances into Egypt British officials in Cairo begin burning official documents (so many that the day was nicknamed ‘Ash Wednesday’) and desertions rose rapidly in the British Army of the Nile. However, Rommel’s attacks on the British positions at El Alemein were unsuccessful; the line held and Rommel was put on the defensive.  (From ‘The Second World War’ by Antony Beevor, published by Weidenfield and Nicolson 2012)

 

4^th July 1942 – Sevastopol, a strategically important port on the Black Sea and capital of the Crimea, is captured by the Germans after a siege of 250 days.

German aircraft and U-boats attack PQ-17, the largest supply convoy Britain until then to be sent to the Soviet Union.  24 out of the 33 vessels were sunk in the Barents Sea east of Svalbard – one of the greatest Naval disasters of the war.

The German authorities begin systematically gassing Jews at Auschwitz near Krakow in southern Poland.

 

 

1st Air Landing Sqdn

Recce Corps, Home Forces 

Monday Eve.

My Darling Chotie,

                                                                        Thanks for letter received a few days ago.  I'm now back from this scheme, and would have written before but have only just come off a 24 hr guard.

            Just as luck would have it, the Divisional Commander* decided to pay us a call this morning so of course the Guard had to turn out for inspection.  Rumour has it that
he was once married to Daphne du M**, but I'm sure I don't know for certain. He’s a Major-General and by repute the best dressed man in the Army.

            I understand from Home that the Bryn is now a Lance–Jack - which makes him my senior, curse him!  He hasn't yet been home on leave - so it's probably all for the best that we took ours when we did.

            I met a very decent chap here - Philip by name, who is the image of Richard Dix.  He happens to be rather well-read so we have much in common... (Conceit of the man!).  He was a Glider Pilot but was thrown out in company with some fifty others and posted here.  Quite a good crowd but very R.A.F.ish.  You know - such nice little boys. 

            I went down as far as the Town where Strongs brew their xxxx*** and went all over the forest on the scheme.  We slept out in the open each night – 3hrs a night.  Pretty rough but quite good fun on the whole. 

            I've just had a letter from Mother - who appears to be much better now, after having had rather a bad time of it. Dad also wrote a few days ago - a sure sign that Mother was not up to par.  (That pun, wasn't intended, Darling!).

            I'm afraid there's no chance of my seeing you Precious, as we're working seven days a week.  If I do ever get a Sunday off though I'll come straight down. 

            I've done a bit more flying - but I'll tell you about it when next we meet.

            Well, Darling, there's nothing new, only that I love you Chotie, Darling and miss you more than ever.  All we seem to be able to look forward to is the time when we’ll never have to worry about the scourge of separation, - or having to be over careful about things...

            Goodnight my Darling,

                                                                        All my love

                                                                                    Dicker

PS       I wish you could see the sun set over the Plain*** tonight.  Turner would have revelled in it.

PPS. Brinner's had a letter from Pete! He's in Leicester.

 

* Frederick Browning, Commander of the 1^st Airborne Division consisting of the 1^st Airlanding Brigade and the British 1^st Parachute Brigade and from July 1942, the 2^nd Parachute Brigade (which brought it up to strength as a division).  He later became Deputy Commander of the 1^st Allied Airborne Division and was knighted in 1946.  He had married the novelist Daphne du Maurier - the author of Dick’s favourite novel 'Rebecca'- in 1932.

** Romsey – so presumably the New Forest in Hampshire.

*** Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire.

 

 © Chotie Darling

 

On the 6th July 1942 a party from 1^st Air Landing Squadron were fined and then grounded – they appear to have received a visit from Major-General Browning, the Commander of 1^st Airborne (see above).

From 7^th to 15th July 1942 the Squadron held Unit Cadres* – N.C.O., Fieldcraft, Weapon training and M/C (motorcycle) riding - with demonstrations by Paratroops & Air Landing Troops to High Officers and members of the Ministry of Production on 9^th and 10th July. 

*Cadre = A nucleus of trained personnel selected to train others or develop and build an organisation around which a larger organisation can be built and trained eg a cadre of corporals who train recruits. 

(From the War Diary of 1^st Air Landing Reconnaissance Squadron, National Archives, Kew)

 

10^th July 1942 – Rommel’s Afrika Corps again attack the El Alamein line but an Australian Division breaks through the Italian formation and captures Rommel’s signals intelligence unit.  Without this and deciphered messages from the American military attaché in Cairo (the Germans had cracked his code in December 1941 but Bonner Fellers returned to the US in July) Rommel could only guess Allied intentions.  Conversely the British were now aware of Rommel’s plans through Ultra, their Enigma decrypts of German messages.  (From ‘The Second World War’ by Antony Beevor, published by Weidenfield and Nicolson 2012)

 

 

Dick met up with Chotie,

returning late on the night of Saturday 11^th July.

 

Dick’s service record shows he was posted

to the 43^rd Reconnaissance Regiment on 11^th July 1942

(see "Transfers" - letter of 26th June 1942)

Copy of Record:

SERVICE AND CASUALTY FORM

11.7.42      Posted to 43^rd Recce Regt.   Army Rank Trooper  Place Field

 

Dick left first Air Landing on 11^th July

with “about half the old squadron”.

 

On 17^th July the 1^st Airborne Division was brought up to full divisional strength with the formation of the 2^nd Parachute brigade. Browning was determined that the Airborne would not be sacrificed in "penny packets" and had urged the formation of a third brigade (see Just Ordinary Men ).

The Lucky Horseshoe - Monday 22nd June 1942

1^st Air Landing Sqdn

Recce Corps

Home Forces

My Darling Chotie,

        Just a few lines to let you know I arrived back safely, though later than I had expected.

        Firstly, I was under the impression I was going by Salisbury whereas of course I came from Andover. This actually made no difference however, as the ticket bloke said “Change at Romsey”, and it had Andover on my ticket. However, I had to wait over an hour at Romsey and the same again at Andover.  But, as I got back in time, I can't grumble.

        I would have written last night but was on guard, of course.  (You always get stuck on guard immediately you return from leave).  Andrew, the bloke like Doug, was also on so we stuck together.

         There's no news of course - never is.

          I got quite a good book.  It's called “Hudson rejoins the Herd” and is by Claude Houghton*.

           I hope you got back all right, Darling, complete with Horseshoe...What shall we call him?  I'll leave it to you, Precious, as you seem to have a flair for naming things.

           Well, there seems nothing else, Darling, except to thank you very much for a lovely time at Pagham and to tell you, I love you very much.

                                                            Bye, bye, my Darling

                                                                                    Dicker

P.S.     Please excuse pencil, Honey but I left my pen at Pagham. 

*Said to have inspired Henry Miller’s ‘Tropic of Capricorn’.

© Chotie Darling

 

On Monday 22nd June 1942 an Airborne Section demonstration was inspected by the Deputy Brigade Commander. 1^st Air Landing Squadron trained on the Bulford Grenade Range on 23^rd June and was given a lecture on Russia on 24^th June.

(From the WarDiary of 1^st Air Landing Reconnaissance Squadron, National Archives, Kew)

 

23^rd and 24^th June 1942 – the Germans advance into Egypt as the British Eighth Army retreats although more than 6,000 prisoners from the Indian Division were taken by Rommel’s troops at Mersa Matruh on the Egyptian coast.

25th June 1942 - General Dwight D. Eisenhower is appointed to command US forces in the European Theatre. (From WW2-net Timelines )

 

25th June 1942 – 1^st Air Landing Squadron tested for night vision and then marched to the compound. D.M.* used. (From the War Diary of 1^st Air Landing Reconnaissance Squadron, National Archives, Kew)

*D.M. probably refers to Distance Measuring - a technique for night navigation.

The King and Queen - Saturday 23rd May 1942

21^st May 1942 – The Airborne Division was visited by their Majesties the King and Queen at Bulford (Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire) followed by demonstrations by various units of the Division.  1^st Air Landing Squadron was inspected and the Commanding Officer presented to the King. 

(From the War Diary of 1^st Air Landing Reconnaissance Squadron, National Archives, Kew)

 

22^nd May 1942 – Mexico declared war on Germany, Italy and Japan.

 

5731671 Tpr Williams R

1^st Air Landing Sqdn

 Recce Corps

HOME FORCES

My Darling Chotie,

            Hope you will excuse my writing in pencil but expect you are used to it by now...

            Many thanks for letter - as welcome as ever.

            Glad to see you managed to get a swim in - which is more than I've been able to - not that I've got the inclination - seem to have lost all interest in that direction, which is probably a good thing as I always tended to overdo it.  I rather think Brinner has also lost interest.  If ever I get out of this show alive I'm all for a life of ease – swimming’s far too strenuous.

            So Margaret has made it up with Ted to quote your own words.  Well, well...On ne sait jamais*..

            Had quite a thrill on Thursday - when we were inspected by the King & Queen and a score of Generals.  It was a demonstration of Paratroops & Gliders etc.

            I hope Johnny knows what he's letting himself in for.  At any rate he'll find out sooner or later.

            Did you hear the “Barber**” this afternoon (Saturday)?  Unfortunately I was working and missed it.  I cursed my ill-luck bitterly.

            Flying all the morning - cold & cloudy.

            Lucky Diller - wish I was going down, or rather we were.

            Books: “Portrait of a Village” Francis Brett Young**, “Blood & Sand” Ibanez - though rather dull gives quite a true appreciation of the life of a Torero.

            Brinner may have moved by now - probably has.  Near Winchester I believe - couldn't be worse than Oakmere Farm - I was horror struck when I saw it last Saturday. 

            Raining hard at the moment - very miserable - the weather I mean - I'm reasonably cheerful.

            Well, Precious no news as per usual. 

            Incidentally will you get in touch with Eric and get him to send me a GROUNDSHEET. MOST IMPORTANT!!! I'm about to be charged 18/- for one! Will you send it, Darling?  (please...) - and I'll give you a big kiss...(Hope that will do the trick). 

                        Well, bye, bye for now, Darling.

                                                            All yours,

                                                                        Dicker

PS.      I now drive a 15 cwt truck. It was called ‘ Evelyn’ but is now ‘Chotie’ - I painted it in Gothic’s.

                                                                xxxxxxx

                                                                        all for you!

                                                                                    Darling.

                                                                                                Xxxxx

 

*French for “You never can tell”.

**Presumably the ‘Barber of Seville’, an Italian comic opera by Rossini.

***A mystery story set in the Black Mountains of Wales.

****A famous tale about bullfighting in Spain.

Ted Lewis

© Chotie Darling

 

23^rd May 1942 – the British Commander-in-Chief of the Home Forces orders an end to ‘blood-lust inculcation’ in battle training.

( From WW2-net Timelines. )

 

26^th May 1942 – Britain and Russia sign a treaty in London pledging to fight Germany until final victory. They also agreed a 20-year alliance. (From WW2-net Timelines.)

The Battle for the Gazala Line in Libya begins with an offensive by the German Afrika Corps towards Tobruk and the line held by the Allies’ Eighth Army while Rommel’s main forces outflanked the line from the south, attacking the forces now cut off at Bir Hakeim where the 1^st Free French Brigade stood firm.   On 31^st May in the ‘Battle of the Cauldron’ the British 150^th Brigade was eventually destroyed.  50^th Recce Regiment, which was also attached to the 50^th Division, was annihilated in the Battles of the Gazala line (leading to Dick’s 61^st Recce taking its place in 1944). It was an Axis victory ending with the withdrawal of the Allies towards Egypt on 14^th June and the fall of Tobruk on 21^st June. (From WW2-net Timelines.)

50 Recce was all but destroyed during the action and its place as the ‘eyes’ of the 50^th (Northumbrian) Division was later taken by 61^st Recce – Dick’s Regiment in North-West Europe. (From ‘The British Reconnaissance Corps in World War II’ by Richard Doherty, Osprey Publishing 2007)

27^th May 1942 – 152 Berlin students were shot for displaying anti-Nazi posters.(From WW2-net Timelines.)  

On the same day Reinhard Heydrich, the German SS (Shutzstaffel – Nazi paramilitary and police) General and major architect of the Jewish Holocaust was shot in Prague by two Czech volunteers trained by the British Special Operations Executive. He died of his wounds on 4^th June. Lidice, a Czech village of 2,000 people, was raised to the ground by the Germans in reprisal. All the men over 16 were shot and the women and children sent to concentration camps. (From WW2-net Timelines.)

28^th May 1942 – beginning of Operation ‘Blau’, the German summer offensive in Russia.  Defeat of the Soviets at Kharkov. (From WW2-net Timelines.)

 

29^th May 1942 – 1^st Air Landing Squadron move from Shaw House, Newbury to take up quarters at Bulford on Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire.

(From the War Diary of 1^st Air Landing Reconnaissance Squadron, National Archives, Kew)

I have not been able to identify the soldiers on this photo but they appear to be wearing the 1st Airborne Division's Pegasus badge. If you can help please comment. They were Dick's photos.

 

30th and 31st May 1942 - the Allies’ first 1,000 bomber raid attacked Cologne in Germany, killing 486 civilians and destroying 600 acres of the city.

31^st May 1942 – a Japanese midget submarine entered Sydney Harbour in Australia. (From WW2-net Timelines.)

 

Eric Postles was now with the 61^st Reconnaissance Regiment in Northern Ireland, in 10 Troop 'B Squadron' – he would fight alongside Dick in B Squadron from June 1944 to February 1945.

“After training was completed I was sent on a 6 week course at the Divisional Driver Mechanics School at Cookstown (in the centre of Northern Ireland) where I learnt to mend and maintain vehicles.  On return I joined 10 Troop B Squadron Carriers and Armoured Cars and remained with the troop until the regiment disbanded.  I got an extra 9d a day for passing the course.  Further training included a live firing assault course with Bren guns firing above you as you went along and over obstacles and wire.  The Recreation truck went into Armagh (near the southern border of the Province) at weekends where you could get sweets off ration in the shops.  Fred Neale, one of my pals, was with me in 10 Troop and another pal Jack Reed was in 13 Assault Troop.  Before D-day some of the older soldiers (including Fred) were posted out of the regiment and he went to The Ranges at Warcop…….”

(Extracts from ‘My War Years’ by John Eric Postles ISO used by kind permission of the author.)

Detention guard on Southampton Common - Tuesday 27th May 1941

Southampton

Tuesday 27/May

My Darling Chotie, 

                I'm writing as promised, as soon as I'm on guard, which I missed yesterday.

           I'm now on the detention guard (the one with the barbed-wire round it on the common). There are nine prisoners at the moment, though things are not so bad as I thought they would be as I have a Lance Cpl with me, who does most of the work, leaving me most of the responsibility.  It’s not too bad on the whole.  I shall be quite all right, unless a prisoner escapes, in which case I shall be ruined. But I’ll bayonet the b-----, if I catch him!

           I’ve only just been paid!  They wouldn’t pay me on Sunday, as you know, and on Monday they hadn’t got any!  However, I’ve got it now and that’s all that matters.  The only thing is I’ve borrowed so much now that it scarcely leaves me any left!

           This is neither here nor there.  What I wanted to tell you was that you looked marvellous on Sunday, Darling, and made me love you a hundred times more than I ever thought I could love anyone.

            I miss you so terribly, Darling.  Even when I'm with the boys having a drink, or at the flicks or somewhere, I am always thinking how much better it would be if I could only change them for you.  I have a good time on the whole here with John & Co, but it could never be compared with being with you.  Just to be near you, Tootsie, really means such a lot to me, more than you'll ever know.

           Am I boring you?  I hope not.  You must think I write a lot of drivel - but nothing has ever happened to me like this before.  I'll change the subject before you start throwing things about. 

           It's a funny day to-day here at any rate.  It's real April weather, alternate sun & rain - really marvellous.  The common’ s lovely when the sun's out, as all the trees are wonderfully green.

            I took ‘Rebecca’ back yesterday evening.  The woman who runs the library is very decent and kept insisting that she didn't want any fine but my conscience paid her.  I got Steinbeck's ‘The Grapes of Wrath’.  I read it when first published but it's all I could get and it's worth reading again. 

(smudge)    Mucky puppy!

             There's a lot of rumours around about moving, which will probably be on Thursday, but is not definite.  It will probably be Gosport, which is no good to me.  I'd like to get back to Southbourne again....that seems too good to be true now.  However, we must always hope, as usual. 

            The buglers are practising somewhere outside, and they're raising Cain. They keep playing ‘Cookhouse*’.... blast them! 

            I hope you got back safely and in good time, on Sunday.  I had a lift up Hill Lane, but was soaked all the same.  It rained all yesterday which peeved me not a little as I again got soaked, being too lazy to clean my overcoat buttons...That is the penalty for sheer laziness.

            Have you seen any of the old family?  I suppose they're still alive & kicking, if somewhat feebly.  I had a letter from the mater this morning, also an enclosed from Diller, as mad as ever.

             There's no news as usual, I'm afraid, so I'll close here, and scrounge some tea if possible.

                                                            Bye, bye, Darling.

                                                                        All my love

                                                                                    Dicker 

PS.  Maintenant, Chèrie, je t’aime tout ce qui est possible, avec tout mon âme, et avec toutes mes forces**.

* Buglers memorised their calls through patterned word refrains – mealtimes were announced by the call to “Come to the Cookhouse door, boys, come to the cookhouse door”, which presumably acted on Dick’s saliva glands like Pavlov’s whistle!

** “Darling, I love you as much as possible now, with all my soul and with all my strength.”

© Chotie Darling

 

 
Top photo: Corporal Richard Williams of the Dorset Regiment on guard at home at 'Fairhaven', Orchard Avenue, Parkstone, Poole.

Above: Corporal Richard Williams with his father Dudley Williams in Home Guard uniform and his younger brother Brin, a cadet.

 

 

27th May 1941 - President Roosevelt of the United States declares an unlimited national emergency and asks all Americans to resist Hitlerism.

Germany’s new battleship, the Bismarck, was sunk in the Bay of Biscay, finished off by the torpedoes of the battle-cruiser HMS Dorsetshire.

 

27th – 31st May 1941 – evacuation of defeated Allied troops from Crete.  Poole’s flying-boats assisted with the evacuation. (Extract from ‘Poole and World War II’ written by Derek Beamish, Harold Bennett and John Hillier and published by Poole Historical Trust in 1980)

 

 

The OCTU Board - Wednesday 9th April 1941

April 1941 – a secret commando unit, the Small Scale Raiding Force, was founded at Poole in response to Churchill’s proposal for “self-contained, thoroughly-equipped raiding units with specially-trained troops of the hunter-class” to “develop a reign of terror down the enemy coasts”.  Initially their HQ was the Antelope Hotel in Poole. ‘Pop’ Seymour the landlord, the Poole pilots and the Naval Officer were the only locals who knew of their existence on 'Maid Honour', a requisitioned Brixham trawler moored in a southern creek of Poole Harbour for their demanding training on the Purbeck hills and coast.

(Extract from  ‘Poole and World War II’ written by Derek Beamish, Harold Bennett and John Hillier and published by Poole Historical Trust in 1980.)

1st April 1941– 10 killed and 20 injured in a raid on Warmwell aerodrome in Dorset. (From ‘Dorset’s War Diary - Battle of Britain to D Day’ by Rodney Legg, Dorset Publishing Company 2004).

 

3rd April 1941 – beginning of pro-Axis uprisings in British Iraq.

 

6th April 1941 – Germany attacked Greece through Bulgaria in Operation Marita.

6th April 1941 - the Allies captured Addis Ababa, the capital of Abyssinia (now Ethiopia).

 

Telegram on Tuesday 8th April 1941 from Southampton

LEAVE POSTPHONED LETTER FOLLOWING = RICHARD

 

 

Southampton

Wednesday 9^th April

My Darling Chotie,

                      I'm writing as soon as possible to let you know the worst - and the best.

                     The point is this.  I should have been on leave from ‘After Duty’ on Tuesday.  However, on Tuesday afternoon (I only wanted about 2 hours to go!) the O.C.* (Capt Burgess) told me I wouldn't be able to go as I had some board or other on Thursday.  Even if I had come home, I should have had to go back again as, if I missed going before this board, it would probably mean waiting six months or so before I had another chance.

                    Looking on the brighter(!) side, the O.C. said that if I get recommended for an O.C.T.U.** I should get leave before I go, which won't be longer than a fortnight away and will probably be ten days not seven.           

                    Another thing.  If I'd been going on leave and not going to see this board, I should have been inoculated and vaccinated. Well, the way it seems to affect me, I should be in bed for at least three days.  I’ve still got the hell of a throat, and it's been over a week since the last.

               So, altogether Darling, it’s all for the better that it has been postponed.  It would have been marvellous to be home for Easter, but we can probably have as much fun afterwards.  Also leaving it until after Easter, I can get much more cash than I could at the moment.

 

            I've explained everything against taking this leave Darling, but I'm really terribly disappointed at not coming home.  I’d have chucked the whole stunt to get home for Easter, but I'm not going to back out now.  I spent about an hour trying to get through on the phone yesterday.  I reckon all the wires were down or something - in any case, the girl was completely daft.      

 

               How have you been keeping, Darling?  I feel OK now but have been under the weather for a week or so.           

                Incidentally, I've got hold of a battered copy of ‘Rebecca’ from a lending library in Shirley.  It's due back in a week, but I can easily pay the fine. I'll send it on after this letter and bring it back after my leave.

 

                Well, Darling here goes for breakfast.  I didn't tell you it was early, did I?!  I'll write some more later.

 

Afternoon

            The O.C. called me into the office this morning and told me I have to go to Winchester tomorrow.  It will only be for the day I suppose.

            George will be home tomorrow for seven days.  He's just been raising Cain owing to the fact that they only gave him £3 to go on leave with!  Poor George...

 

Well, Honey, there doesn't appear to be anything else.  I expect you think I've said enough already! I only hope I have some better news next time. 

             If they let me get away suddenly, I'll send a telegram.

                                                                                    Bye, bye, Darling,

                                                                                              Dicker

 

* O.C. = Officer Commanding

* O.C.T.U. = Officer Cadet Training Unit

© Chotie Darling

Air Raids in Southampton - March 1941

 

 

 ‘D’ Company, 70th Dorsets

Southampton, Hants.

My Darling Chotie,

As I’m on guard once again I thought I’d write as I have a few moments all to myself!

           I have to go on guard every three days or so – far too often - a 24 hrs guard, mounting at 6 pm and dismounting at 6 pm the next day. 

            It’s a regimental guard over the main entrance to the Battalion Headquarters.  Needless to say everything is just so-so or the RSM* wants to know why.  However, there’s a stove in the guardroom which helps matters not a little.  There’s also an orderly attached to the guard who gets the meals and anything from the NAAFI.

            The guard consists of one Corporal and three men, each man doing two hrs on duty and then four hrs in the guardroom.  The main snag is that we have to wear full equipment and are not allowed to take it off during the 24 hrs, except for reasons too obvious to mention!           

        

            That’s enough of guards – they’re pretty depressing things anyway. To turn to a more cheerful subject, I hope to get home next weekend for a few hours – either on Saturday or Sunday.  It all depends on when I have to go on guard again. 

             If it falls on Saturday evening it ruins me, as there wouldn’t be time to get home and I would be on guard all the Sunday.  I believe, however, that I go on again on Friday, which means I come off Saturday night and could get home on the Sunday.  We must trust to luck as usual.  I think I can make it all right.

           

               I’ve been to the flicks twice lately – saw ‘The Great Dictator’ and ‘Black Fury’ (Paul Muni).  How anyone could see anything in the ‘Great Dictator’ I don’t know.  I thought it was chronic.  ‘Black Fury’ was quite good but nothing up to the usual Muni standard.        

                The place we go to (the only place we are allowed without a pass) is Shirley.  I’ve no idea where it lies on the map but it’s inland from Southampton.  It’s a pretty dull place; reminds me of the East End on Sunday – all 50 shilling tailors and patent leather.

           There’s nothing to go out for anyway, as we have a first rate NAAFI and a good Corporals’ Room.  The boys say there are plenty of women here but I haven’t seen any – except a couple of old bags, doubtless engaged in plying the oldest of professions. I’m afraid that’s rather crude. Almost Russian**…

           

            Incidentally, I don’t know whether I told you I had an interview with the ‘Old Man’ and he’s recommended me.  It will mean some months, as I have to wait for the recommendation to go through to the interview board.  They’re the b----rs to get past and even if I get past them (which I very much doubt) I’d still have to wait to get posted to an O.C.T.U.***  Still it’s a start, I suppose.

           

I’ve just paused to make out the Guard reports – a wretched job as everything has to be reported – even the minutest detail.

 

            Later

                                    Well, Precious, it’s now just after midnight and still the sirens haven’t gone.  It's really rather odd as we seem lost without them here.  I expect Jerry’s stocktaking this evening…  the raids lately have been almost continuous and pretty vicious. About six houses in a row, 200 yards from here came down on Saturday night.

           When there’s a night raid on the shrapnel comes down like rain, from the Anti-Aircraft Barrage.  There’s not a house in the whole place that hasn’t got some windows out or half the roof gone.

           It’s certainly more interesting from that point of view, as there’s seldom a dull moment at night.  It makes the guards a lot more fun when you can hear the shrapnel on the roof.

           

            I’ve done very little reading lately as I don’t get very much time.  I read, or rather re-read, Hitchins’ ‘The Garden of Allah’, and quite an interesting little book called ‘I’ll Tell You Everything’, written by Priestley in collaboration with some one else, which, although very light & sometimes puerile, was really rather good****.

(Every now and then I light my pipe and march up and down outside in an effort to keep awake.  The stove in here makes me wish for my dear little bed…).

 

            There’s a piano here in the Assembly Hall, on which I manage to amuse myself occasionally if no one else*****.  If I can find a piano anywhere where I can play without fear of being interrupted I’m really happy for hours – which only goes to prove what a simple minded soul I must be.

           Well, my precious baby, I must close here as I don’t want to put an undue strain on your eyes (?) reading all this rubbish, so I will say ‘Good Morning’, Darling,

                                                            Your ever loving,

                                                                                    Dicker

 

P.S.  Please look after yourself, Darling, as you mean just everything now.

 

* RSM – Regimental Sergeant Major

 

** ‘Russian’ was a romantic code between Dick and Chotie:

“Dicker and I, so young, played wonderful games. We pretended to be ‘Russian’ and he taught me to love the ballet as he did.  Having always wanted to be a dancer we pretended I was.  I wore my long blonde hair in the style of a ballerina. He was a brilliant pianist and played Chopin by ear. He had a very good physique having exercised with weights and things – very muscular.  How I adored him.  Our lovemaking was very pure by today’s standards.  Just to kiss and hold each other close was very thrilling.”  From ‘Chotie’s Story’.

*** O.C.T.U. – Officer Cadet Training Unit

****Robert Smythe Hichens’ ‘The Garden of Allah’, a tale of adventure in the Sahara Desert written in 1904, was made famous by the Marlene Dietrich film of 1936.  ‘I’ll Tell You Everything’ written by J.B.Priestley in collaboration with Gerald Bullett is a light-hearted crime thriller.

*****Dick played the piano fluently by ear.

Lonely Nights - Tuesday January 1941

Rye Cottage, Marine Parade W

Lee on Solent, Hants.

My Own Darling Chotie,

                                                            Many thanks for your letter received this morning.  I was just embarking on a 24 hrs Guard and was consequently feeling rather depressed, when along came your letter like a breath of Spring.  Darling, your letters have a wonderful effect on me.  Like morphia* they soothe my somewhat jaded nerves... - and like morphia too, they raise me from the depths of despair to heights of ecstasy.

            This is a tolerably decent Guard Room.  There's no fire as the place is electrically heated.  There's also electric light, & so for about the first time on Guard I am able to write in almost what may be termed comfort.

            In King's Regulations (the Laws which govern Army Life) it says that any man may ask for a pint of tea or cocoa (free of charge) which he has during the night if on a 24 hr guard.  By reason of this most noble law, I am now enjoying some steaming hot cocoa, which even if it doesn't taste like cocoa is at any rate hot...

            A man is also allowed a pint of beer, but needless to say this luxury comes from his own pocket!

            It's now 20.30 hrs (8.30) Tuesday evening and I am faced with the dismal prospect of staying awake all night until we dismount at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning.

            I've just finished a very good book.  It is called ‘Magnus Merriman’ and it's by Eric Linklater (of ‘Juan in America’ fame).  You must certainly read it if you get the chance!  I was just reminded of it because I remembered where:

 “The girls who had been sitting on the sailor's knees, and had now returned to those warm seats began to sing: -

            ‘Morning never comes too soon, I can face the afternoon, But Oh!  Those lonely nights!’ “**

             I had to admit the truth of those lines.  It deals with the life of a poet, from when he joins the army during the last war, to when he finally ends up in a marriage of convenience.  It is brilliantly written in the usual Linklater style.

            I also re-read ‘Rebecca’ (Daphne du Maurier) - in my opinion the best novel of the last five years or so.  You should see the film if you get the chance as I know you'd love it.

(Lengthy pause whilst I fill my pipe).

            Remember in ‘Impatient Virgin’ whenever Ruth (the heroine) walks out of a room she always left behind ‘the blue tobacco smoke mingled with the scent of dried roseleaves’!  Perhaps my mind’s wandering... 

            How's the Guardsmen?  You'd better go careful you know.  I may turn up and catch you in the act – and 6ft 3 or not he's going to hit the deck mighty hard.  You can take that from me.

            Good to hear you had a good time at the ‘Haven’***.  It's not a bad place is it?  The only snag is that they can always chuck you in the sea to sober you up.

            Well Sweetheart, I must close here, as the Orderly Officer is due round.

            I'm afraid it's no good me trying to tell you how much I miss you.  It's so much more than words can convey.  I still love you with all my heart Cho Dear, as I know I always will.  I think it would kill me if I ever thought you were unfaithful - but I trust you, Darling as I hope you trust me.

                                                                        Goodnight Precious

                                                                                    Your ever loving

                                                                                                Dicker

 

* morphia – another name for morphine, a powerful narcotic painkiller.

** from ‘Happy Days and Lonely Nights’, a love song by Fred Fisher and Billy Rose.

*** the Haven Hotel, Sandbanks, Poole

© Chotie Darling

 

Telegram on Saturday 18th January 1941 from Lee on Solent 

BARBARA HOME TONIGHT = RICHARD

  

18^th January 1941

Dick and Chotie’s first meeting since October 1940

 

19^th January 1941 – Allied troops advance into Eritrea. Mussolini accepts German aid in North Africa but not in Albania.

"Birmingham urchins" - 18th September 1940

Posted on Wednesday 18th September 1940

Bemerton

Wiltshire

My Darling,

                                                                                                       What’s happened to you!  Haven’t heard from you for ages.  I thought you must at least be pushing up the daisies by now.

     Well Darling, I’m still fed up (as usual) and trying hard to get a transfer.  Du Rose, Gammage and myself are still being chased by the RSM.  My God, what a life we get.  It’s just an existence.

            He managed to get du Rose on two charges in the same day last week, but Eric, who is almost a BA put up a lawyer’s defence and the cases were dismissed.  It was a narrow shave, though.

I’d rather hoped that we would have been stripped, in which case I should have reverted and gone back to the ranks.  At the moment none of us care either way.  If du Rose would, I know I should.

            I’ve been reading rather a lot, having enjoyed immensely Adrian Bell’s ‘Corduroy’ and having fought, I think rather unsuccessfully, with James Cabell’s ‘Jurgen’.  I also read a Penguin (these are all penguins) entitled ‘Murder at the ‘Varsity’ ’* in which the murderer, an elderly scholastic University Lecturer, has a passion for Rabelais! – which I suppose only goes to show what Rabbi can do for you.              

        I hope you will excuse this scrawl but as I write less, so my écriture** depreciates.  I’m afraid I get duller and duller in my present company.  My former touch with ‘Les Belles Lettres’ now seems to elude me.  I often misquote Shakespeare.  An unpardonable sin.  However, I rival University Dons on the ‘Immortal Bard’ when half tight; so perhaps it’s not as bad as I make it appear.              

            At present I’m sleeping in du Rose’s tent with six Birmingham urchins – and what amazing blokes they are.  Nothing seems to get them down.  They grumble about everything one moment, and are exceptionally cheerful the next.  Their language is amazing.  They all appear to live for “tabs” (cigarettes) and kypher (skirt) and come back to the tent late at night and recount all their luck and experiences until the early hours.  Needless to say it’s all very interesting.

        Du Rose is something of a swimmer.  He is the present Midland Champ and has swum against Wainwright*** a score of times. 

 

        It’s now Tuesday afternoon & I still haven’t heard from you.  Mother wrote on Tuesday last but I only received the letter on Monday.  It had gone all the way to Warmwell although it had the Bemerton address. 

        Well Darling I must close now, still loving you more than ever    

                                                    Your devoted

                                                                        Dicker

PS Write soon.

PPS. I’ve just received your letter.

                        All is forgiven!

                                                            Dicker

* Adrian Bell was an English rural journalist and farmer – ‘Corduroy’ recounts his early experience of farming.  James Cabell was an American author of fantasy fiction.  His best known book ‘Jurgen’ was the subject of an obscenity trial soon after publication.  ‘Murder at the ‘Varsity’ ‘ is by Richard Wilson Webb, and English detective writer.

**French for handwriting.

***Norman Wainwright was a British Olympic swimmer.  At the 1938 Empire Games in Sydney he was in the gold medal winning freestyle 4 x 220 yards relay team.

© Chotie Darling, 2010

 

19^th September 1940 – the German Fleet assembled to bring their troops to Britain for the invasion was dispersed.

Cross Country Running - 19th July 1940

On 16th July 1940 Hitler ordered the invasion of England (Operation Sealion) 

On 19th July 1940 Hitler demanded the surrender of Great Britain. 

 

 

Friday 19^th July 1940

Dinton

Wilts

Friday evening

My Darling Cho-cho,

                                                            Thanks for the letter and photos.  I thought they were pretty hot.  Thanks also for such kind sympathy over my recent illness and confinement (heights of sarcasm!...).  I thought I was with child, as the Russians say.

        I’ve just read quite a good Penguin – Carl and Anna*, which is a translation from the German by Leonhard Frank (Karl und Anna), which cheered me up not a little.                                                           

    I feel quite fit now and ready for love as the P.T. bloke says.  He also says quite a lot of other things but not in this letter….

    I got round the C.S.M for a stripe** this morning.  He’s putting me in for one as soon as possible.

    I’m putting in for leave for next week-end (the 27^th).  I think it’s pretty definite.  It had better be… There is a corporal who has just come, who hasn’t had any leave for six months, plus he lives at Wareham!*** – so I’m really quite lucky. 

        I managed to win another cross-country on Wednesday last.  There is a chap here who is junior cross-country champ of the Channel Isles & who gave me the helluva run.  He’s got a wonderful action but is too young to do wonders yet. I’m going to try to mix running and lifting after this show, with your permission…

I’m just going to have something to eat.

 

    Having had a little shandy and some sausage rolls I feel somewhat more cheerful.

    There is little or no news.  We still haven’t moved but are hoping to go, Monday next. Toni has to see some Brigadier or other, tomorrow re his commission.

    George has just rolled up.  He sends best wishes etc.           

I must close now

                                                            bye bye darling

                                                                        Dicker

 

* “a realistic, if sentimental, account of a soldier who seduces his comrade’s wife”

** promotion to lance corporal (C.S.M. = Company Sergeant Major)

*** Wareham - a town in Dorset near Poole

Dinton, third week as a soldier - 8th July 1940

From July 1940 tea and margarine were rationed. Meat had been rationed since March, bacon, butter and sugar since January and petrol since 1939 and the start of the war.

3^rd July – Britain attacked the French Fleet to prevent it falling to Germany.

 

Dick met up with Chotie again, for the first time since joining up, at the beginning of July,

probably over the weekend of 6^th and 7^th July 1940.

 

 

 

No 5731671

Pte RK Williams

‘D’ Company

6^th Bath & Dorsetshire Regt.

Dinton

Wilts

 

Monday evening

My Darling Chotie,

 I’ve written at the first opportunity after reaching camp. We only just made it – both buses being late. I haven’t seen anything of George yet.

 

Apparently, conditions have got better since Sunday. We now get up later, and we get a little more food than before.  Perhaps things will improve now.

 

 I hope you managed to get home from Bournemouth all right. I expect you know the way by now.

 

I’ll be damn glad when this show is over and everyone can settle down to civilian life as before, sailing and drinking Solder*. Here’s hoping.

 

             I’m writing this in the canteen drinking shandy.  Pause, whilst I relight my pipe.

 

 

            I’ve got some blisters on my hands through trench digging.

 

             I wonder how George will like this life. I understand he’s going to try for the pay section of the company. The pay corps certainly have a jammy time. No parades or anything like that, though I believe they work rather long hours.

            I feel terribly sorry for poor Hughes. It turns out that the Doctor was wrong and instead of pneumonia, his fiancée contracted meningitis, which is of course, almost invariably fatal. She’s been unconscious for days.

 

**Un peu en français:

 

            je peux te vois dans mes rêves, parce que je t’aime plusque la vie.

 

C’est bon, n’est-ce pas?

                                                        bye bye darling

                                                                                Dicker

 

* Solder – perhaps a reference to pewter ale tankards?

 ** “A little French: I am able to see you in my dreams because I love you more than life. That’s good, isn’t it?”

 

© Chotie Darling, 2010.

The Battle of Britain began on the 10th July 1940. German forces attacked Britain by air.

Dorset, where Chotie lived, was in the front line during the Battle of Britain with attacks aimed at military targets such as Portland and Weymouth Harbours, the Royal Naval Torpedo Works on Portland, the Naval cordite factory near Poole and Westlands Aircraft factory just over the border near Yeovil. The ports, airfields and supply dumps in the county were targets in their own right, as well as being alternatives when bombers were unable to reach their primary targets. Luftwaffe bombers from northern France, escorted by fighter planes, flew in over the coast heading for strategic cities inland such as Bristol, Liverpool and the Midlands. On their return they would drop any remaining bombs on the county before heading back across the Channel.

Spitfires from the aerodrome at Warmwell, supported by Hurricane Hawkers from Exeter and Middle Wallop near Salisbury, took to the skies above Dorset in defence of Britain. During the battle the Dorset police recorded that fifty-four British aircraft were lost in the county, with eight of them crashing into the sea. Against this total, some ninety German aircraft were shot down here - split almost evenly between bombers and their fighter escorts - thirty five of them falling into the sea.

(Compiled from information in The Keep Military Museum, Dorchester and from ‘Dorset’s War Diary - Battle of Britain to D Day’ by Rodney

Legg, Dorset Publishing Company 2004 Tel. 01963 32583 ).

Dinton first letter - 27th & 28th June 1940

  

Quidhampton

Wilts

Thursday evening

 

My darling Chotie,

 

  

Thanks a lot for the letter.  It cheered me up no end.

I also had a letter from Mother and one from Diller*, at the same time.

   

We are having a pretty strenuous time at the moment, two route marches and two sessions of P.T. every day, as well as squad drill.

 

    We have now received details of our future training in the army - we do six weeks concentrated training, at Quidhampton, to which we are returning on Saturday or Monday next.  (We are at Dinton at the moment, a small – I should say minute - village, in the heart of rural Wiltshire, situated about 10 miles from Salisbury.  There is one shop and one pub.  It’s hopelessly dull, as we have nothing to do after about 5 o’clock pm.)  After this 6 weeks we are posted to various isolated centres on guard duty, par example – aerodromes (which are the best), bridges, petrol dumps, and key positions. 

 

Our sergeant told me that this is a cushy job, with as much as forty-eight hours leave every week in some cases!  I must get posted within thirty miles of Poole, in order to be able to get home and back within the 48 hours.  The only thing to do is wait and hope as Dumas** says.

   

Please excuse this paper etc but until I can get to Salisbury its all I have.

   

 Bye, bye darling

 Dicker

(PS The food here is putrid)

 

 

I wasn’t able to post this letter yesterday and consequently have added another sheet.

 

As I stated, the food is rotten, and there is very little of it.  We get nothing whatsoever after 4.30pm every day.  There is a canteen here and half our money goes on food.  It’s criminal.  However, we are constantly reminded that there is a war on and cannot really grumble.

 

We get up about 6 in the morning and wash & shave in the open air.  We have to be in each evening by 10 o’clock, but as there is nothing to do and we are always pretty tired, we don’t particularly mind.

 

They are mad on discipline here.  Every thing has to be just so or you’re in trouble straight away.  I’d still go through it all just to get back to civilian life.  I might mention that 15 blokes deserted a couple of days ago owing to the conditions.

 

I think about you a lot, Darling.  It’s terrible not seeing you.  Were it not for the fact that we are on the go all day, I think I’d go mad. 

 

I’m going to put in for leave in about a fortnight or three weeks time.  I hope it will be successful.  I may get off on Saturday dinner time and will be at home Saturday afternoon.  I’ll have to leave again Sunday tea time.

 

We can but hope.

 

 I must close now darling

 Bye Bye

    Dicker

 

* Diller was Dick’s sister Dilys, two years older than him

 

** “Until the day when God shall deign to reveal the future to man, all human wisdom is summed up in these two words,--'Wait and hope'.” Quotation from ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ by Alexandre Dumas.

  

© Chotie Darling, 2010.

 

On 30th June 1940 Germany began occupation of the Channel Islands.