Chotie Darling

Failing the OCTU Board - Tuesday 22nd April 1941

10th April 1941– severe incendiary bombing of Poole suburbs including Broadstone, Upper Parkstone and Canford Cliffs. Water supplies were used up by fire fighting in the lower part of the town so there was no mains water to dowse the blaze at the Canford Cliffs Hotel which burnt to the ground. (The converted remains of the stable block behind the hotel accommodate The Cliff pub and the flat where Chotie was to live for 44 years).

Bournemouth was also bombed that night and several people were killed by the bombing .

11th April 1941 – Incendiary bombing and machine gun attacks in the Poole suburbs of Broadstone and Corfe Mullen. 

13th April 1941– bombing of Upton, near Poole. A Heinkel crash landed at Lydlinch in North Dorset.

(Extracts from  ‘Poole and World War II’ written by Derek Beamish, Harold Bennett and John Hillier and published by Poole Historical Trust in 1980 and ‘Dorset’s War Diary - Battle of Britain to D Day’ by Rodney Legg, Dorset Publishing Company 2004).

 

13th April 1941 – Russia signs a neutrality pact with the Japanese.

 

14th April 1941 – Rommel besieges Tobruk, a key port in Libya.

 

17th April 1941 – Yugoslavia fell to Germany.

 

18th April 1941 – Britain warns Italy they will attack Rome if Cairo is bombed.

 

19^th April 1941 – British forces land in southern Iraq.

 

 

Southampton

Tuesday

My Darling Little Chotie,

                                                          As promised I'm writing as soon as possible.  To cut a long story short, the Board failed me because I'd done too much service on P.T. and couldn’t therefore have enough military knowledge! 

                I was that mad when I heard, I could have rushed from here to there but now having cooled off somewhat I don't care twopence.

            Last night I went to the Bellemoor* to drown my sorrows with John and a few others.  On getting back to get to bed, however, I found I hadn't got my petrol lighter.  Half crazed with grief, I rushed back to the Bellemoor to see if it was left there, despite the fact that it was after Roll-call.  It wasn't there.  I almost cried. Some time later John comes in and casually gives it to me saying that he had pinched it from my pocket.  I was so relieved; it left me a physical wreck.

            I realised then, Darling, that every thing connected with you means far more than anything this world has to offer, least of all commissions.  If only I could tell you how much you really do mean to me, Tootsie. It makes the Army seem so insignificant.          

            At the present rate things are going, it should be all over in six months to a year.  Just wait ‘till then...

            I mustn't write any more Darling, as I have to make out a pass for my Seven Days.  I doubt if I'll get it now as things appear to be bad in that direction. But, here's hoping.                                                                    

            Bye, bye Darling,

                            Take care,

                                            Your loving Dicker.

P.S.     Vous êtes le lait dans mon thé,

            Ce n’est pas possible de vivre sans toi!**

                        (all my own work!)

S.W.A.L.K.** etc!

 

* the Bellemoor Tavern in Shirley, Southampton

** “You’re the milk in my tea, it’s not possible to live without you!”

*** acronym for “Sealed with a loving kiss”.

 

© Chotie Darling

 

24^th April 1941 – German forces advance into Egypt.

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

Oh, for my Student days! - Thursday 27th March 1941

                                                                   ‘D’ Company, 70th Dorsets (No Girls School now)

Southampton

27th March 1941

My Darling Chotie,

                                        Thanks for the letter, and Birth Certificate, it’s very good of you to go to the trouble of getting it.

           Did I make my journey back sound so terrible?  It was quite fun really.  Everything connected with the Army is grumbled at – at the time, but doesn’t seem half so bad afterwards.

           I hope you’re managing to bear up all right.  Things are quite good here – all things considered – but it wouldn’t be much of a life if I hadn’t my Chubby Baby to dream about, in fact it wouldn’t be a life at all.

            I had a letter from Eric to-day.  He’s a queer bloke.  He thanked me most profusely for ‘what I did on the beach’!  I think he thought I’d have walked off and left him!  He always says nothing for months after anything, and then suddenly holds forth.  He also enclosed 3 shillings, which was very welcome. He owes me about £3, the rat!

           I’m afraid I don’t get much time to write here, if any.  I always seem to be on duty – they have a nasty habit of grabbing me when there’s any work to be done!  However, who am I to grumble?  I’ve got the most wonderful wife in the world, which is more than any General has.

           I write so seldom now that I can hardly hold a pen!  Oh, for my Student days!  By the time I get out of the Army I'll be so dull I shall have to keep pigs or something.  I haven’t had time to read anything lately, besides I can never get settled on any one thing for long.

            I’ve been up on the range for the last three days, instructing.  The best part of it is that I’m no good myself

            Well, Darling, I’m on duty till lights out so I must say night night, Honey

                                                           your adoring sweetheart

                                                                                                Dicker

                                                                                                x x x x x x x

                                                                                                I.T.A.L.Y.*

* acronym for “I trust and love you”

 © Chotie Darling

 

27th March 1941 – a ‘sneak raider’ bomber attacked the gas works at Branksome, Poole.  34  were killed and 23 injured when the works Mess Hall was hit at lunchtime. (From  ‘Poole and World War II’ written by Derek Beamish, Harold Bennett and John Hillier and published by Poole Historical Trust in 1980.) 

 

30^th March 1941 – the German Afrika Korps began their offensive in N. Africa.

Lost at the docks - 24th March 1941

 Dick and Chotie do seem to have met up on Sunday 23^rd March 1941

 

Southampton

Monday Eve

My Darling Chotie,

                             Just a brief, brief note to let you know that I did arrive back safely, at about 2.30 this morning.

      I went to sleep and failed to get out at the central, and had to get out at the Docks!  I had no idea of the way back and there was of course no one about.  I wandered for hours around the most terrible dockside areas but eventually made it.

         Well, Honey, I haven’t a minute to spare, so I’m afraid I must close here.

            Incidentally can you get hold of anyone of the family and get them to send my birth certificate per return.  It’s rather important.

                                                                   Bye bye Darling

                                                                             yours for ever

                                                                                      Dicker

PS.  Hope you got back OK.  I thought about you all the time.

© Chotie Darling, 2010

 

24th March 1941 – British Somaliland now restored to the Allies.

25^th March 1941 - Yugoslavia signed the Tripartite Pact to join the Axis powers but two days later their government was overthrown and left the Pact.

Bombs every night - Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd March 1941

 ‘D’ Company, 70th Dorsets

Southampton, Hants.

My Darling little Chotie,

                                               Many thanks for the letter, Darling, which I’ve just received.

        It’s now Friday afternoon and I’m on guard.  I went on at seven o’clock yesterday and come off at seven this evening. Unfortunately I haven’t been paid yet and probably won’t get paid until tomorrow. What abject misery!

Saturday morning.

                                                Well, Darling I’m off guard and waiting to go on morning parade.  We keep getting sirens here, about six a day. There’s always one about 6-30, (reveille)!

           There are rumours about of going back to Southbourne.  I only hope they’re true.  In any case it won’t be for another fortnight or so.  I’m pretty fed up with this place.  The bombs rain down every night.  I don’t mind bombs but I can’t tolerate shelters.  Spending hours in shelters in the early hours of the morning is enough to make anyone fed up.

 

Saturday Afternoon

                                                                                    I’ve just come from a meeting of the Corporals’ Club.  It’s not too bad as we get papers etc. in the Corporals’ Room.

            Well Darling, I’m afraid there’s nothing else to tell you, except I think of you all the while and dream of that wonderful time which is bound to come after the end of the war when we can really start to live.

            I’d hoped & prayed that I could have got home this weekend but, as Corporal Holloway is still at Southbourne, I’m on guard again on Sunday.                                          

                            Bye bye for now Darling,

                                                Your ever loving,

                                                                        Dicker

 

© Chotie Darling

 

21st March 1941 – the 'Glamour Puffer’, which brought young Poole women to work at the Royal Navy’s Cordite factory at Holton Heath, was bombed but everyone survived. (From  ‘Poole and World War II’ written by Derek Beamish, Harold Bennett and John Hillier and published by Poole Historical Trust in 1980.) 

 

Southampton - Wednesday 12th March 1941

Chotie Darling

 

Part 1 The Blue Cockade

 

Chapter 3 Guarding England – spring

 

Dedicated to the memory of my mother

and all those who hold the forever young of war in their hearts.

 

 

Dick was still a Corporal in ‘D’ company

of the 70^th ('Young Soldiers') Battalion of the Dorset Regiment

 

March 1941 – jam, syrup and treacle also now rationed.

1^st March 1941 – Bulgaria joins the Tripartite Pact with Germany, Italy and Japan.

 

10^th March 1941

Dick, still a Corporal in ‘D’ company

70^th Battalion of the Dorset Regiment,

appears to have moved to Southampton around this time.

 

11^th March 1941 - The Lend-Lease Act was approved in the US. Through this programme the USA supplied the Allies with more than 40 billion dollars of war materials. Less than one quarter of this ‘loan’ was ever repaid.

 

‘D’ Company 70th Dorsets

Girls Grammar School

Southampton, Hants.

Chotie,

                                                                        Well, here I am Darling, writing at my first opportunity just to let you know I arrived here safely and to let you know the address. 

           I don’t know whether it’s official or not but as no one ever knows the address for days after we move, I always invent my own, which is generally more or less correct & which always seems to reach me anyhow.

            I’m in the N.A.F.F.I. in our billets, which is pretty good – plenty of everything including chocolate(!) and beer!

            There was a lecture this evening for NCO’s by the Colonel.  He kept us waiting for 1½ hours and then spoke for 10 mins.  I suppose it’s a C.O.’s privilege rather like a woman’s….

            This is the first ‘breather’ I’ve had for 2 days.  We’ve been hard at it solidly.  At the first rest I go for a beer and writing pad.

            I miss you an awful lot, Darling.  Much more than I can hope to tell you.  It’s hell going away again.  It’s hard to say how long we’ll be here.  I think we’ll be going back to Salisbury soon. 

            There was a terrific raid here last night. It lasted from 7pm to 3 this morning.  Since then we’ve had six alerts.

 

            Leave from here will be out of the question, I think.  We also have a Guard, which means more work, and greater difficulty in getting in at night.  However, we must look on the bright side.  I may be able to get a 48 hr or even a seven days in the next few weeks.

           I’m afraid I must close here, Darling as there’s more work to do.  It’s now 8 o’clock!

                                                            all my love, Precious

                                                                                    Dicker

PS I’ll write again tomorrow.  I’ll get more time then.

© Chotie Darling

Related articles

"Just relax Lulubell" - Sunday 3rd January 1943

On Guard again - Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd February 1941

1st February 1941– a flying-boat service to neutral Portugal was established from Poole Harbour. Lisbon was the only safe staging post in Europe and became vital in supplying air support to Africa as well as Egypt and the Middle and far East via the Free French colonies in West Africa – the famous ‘Horseshoe Route’. This was a vital artery for the Western Desert campaigns.

The BOAC flying-boats had been moved to Poole from Hythe, near Southampton, in August 1939. Water runways known as ‘the Trots’ were marked out in the Main and Wareham Channels and operated from Salterns Pier (Poole Harbour Yacht Club, now Salterns Marina Hotel). Poole Harbour became the main UK civil airport during the WW2.

(From ‘Poole and World War II’ written by Derek Beamish, Harold Bennett and John Hillier and published by Poole Historical Trust in 1980 and ‘Dorset’s War Diary - Battle of Britain to D Day’ by Rodney Legg, Dorset Publishing Company 2004 Tel. 01963 32583).

 

Rye Cottage, Marine Parade W

Lee-on-Solent, Hants.

 Darling Chotie,                                                                               

                                    Thanks for the letter.  As I'm on Guard again I thought I'd write.  It's about the only time I get.  I'm on the Beach Hut Guard with no stove and only a candle for light and heat, and is it cold! 

                It's now just eight o'clock Saturday evening, and I'm faced with the pleasant prospect of staying in this wretched hut, awake, ‘till ten o'clock tomorrow morning.  It's so damn cold now that I can hardly write - heaven knows what it will be like by about midnight. 

                There was an inspection of these guards by a General a few days ago.  From what I can gather from various sources, he condemned the conditions and I believe there is the chance of moving again.  I don't know where it will be, of course.

                Everyone's fed up with this place as, apart from the food, there's nothing to be said for it.  It's one long Guard - up to our necks in mud and only one wretched cinema, when we get any time off.            

                Anyhow, Darling, I still love you so much that even Guards become a pleasure when I think, of the glorious time we're going to have when I get back.  And I don't mean maybe...

                About every ten minutes someone, some clumsy ---, knocks over my candle, and if it were not for my lighter, Darling, I don't know what I'd do.  I'd certainly have used a good few matches tonight.

                I'm afraid as usual there's very little news - if any.  Nothing of any real interest ever seems to happen.

                I hope to meet Eric again soon. He's at Gosport (about 5 miles from here) and I'm trying to arrange a reunion.  The snag is that it's difficult for us to both get the same night off duty.  I expect we'll manage it soon - Eric's a born wangler.

 

Sunday Evening

                I came off Guard and after a bath and some din-din, felt a lot better.

                I'm afraid I can't write any more, Darling as it's just on Supper Time, and I must post this in the NAAFI as it's the only chance I’ll get.                                              

                                        Bye, bye Darling,

                                                            All my love

                                                                        Dicker

© Chotie Darling

 

Dick appears to have been stationed at Southbourne (in Bournemouth)

for the rest of February and into early March. 

 

There are no letters between 2^nd February and 12^th March 1941

so he presumably met up regularly with Chotie.

 

9th February 1941 – Churchill’s broadcast to the nation ended:

“We shall not fail or falter; we shall not weaken or tire. Neither the sudden shock of battle, nor the long-drawn trials of vigilance and exertion will wear us down. Give us the tools, and we will finish the job.”

The Churchill Centre and Museum

 

11th February 1941 – German forces arrived in Africa for ‘Operation Sunflower’, reinforcing the remaining Italian forces in Libya after the destruction of the Italian Tenth Army in the Allies' 'Operation Compass'.

 

Dick was promoted to full Corporal again

on 20th February 1941.

He also appears to have been moved to ‘D’ company of the 70^th Dorsets

Copy of Record

Statement of Service Army No. 5731671 Richard Kelner WILLIAMS

THE DORSETSHIRE REGIMENT

Order 55/41 70^th Y.S. Bn Appointed Paid Army Rank A/Cpl 20-2-41

 

25th February 1941 – British forces captured Mogadishu, the capital of Italian Somaliland.

26th February 1941 - following Hitler’s appeal for Spain to enter the war General Franco declares “I stand today already at your side, entirely and decidedly at your disposal”, but Spain remains neutral.

Blitz in Southampton - Monday January 1941

20^th January 1941 – compulsory fire watching duty introduced in Great Britain. All shops and office buildings had at all times to be attended and, at night or in any ‘red alert’ there had to be a ‘Roof Warden’ on duty.

As an employee of Beales, in Bournemouth, Chotie had to take her turn at night-time fire watching on the roof. Beales was later destroyed by bombing on 23rd May 1943, in the worst attack on Bournemouth during the war.

 

Rye Cottage, Marine Parade West

Lee-on-Solent, Hants. 

My Darling,

                                                                                    I'm writing as I promised as soon as possible to let you know that I arrived safely - but only just.  I got to Southampton at 8 o'clock and then the trouble started.  I didn't get back to camp until 3 o'clock this morning.  There was a terrific Blitz on* and we had to wait on the station from 8.15 until 12.30!  However the train eventually came and we reached Fareham, at about 2.30.   Here I met with some luck as there was a naval lorry going back to the camp.  It dropped me about a hundred yards from my billet.

             I had to go on Guard at 7 o'clock this morning so I didn't get much sleep - and if anyone catches me asleep to-night I'm for a court-martial. What a life! 

             Still I mustn't grumble as my little wife is all that really matters in this heartless world.  (Another proposal!)  I must really get down to this proposal business when I get back in civvies...You're not going to get out of it as easily as you think...

             I felt terrible this morning, Darling.  It's pretty chronic when you get back from leave and haven't anyone you can call a friend in the whole company. Apart from Clive there isn't one man whom I could ever get to know or like.

 

            Well, Sweetheart, I've just had supper, (2 zeppelins in a cloud**) and feel at ease once again. 

             I hope you got back from Bmth all right - and please Darling, do look after yourself, whatever you do. You'll never know how really precious you are to me.  I just can't help thinking of you the whole time here.

             I don't think I've ever felt so terribly depressed and lonely as I did this morning.  Cho Darling, I don't know what you must be thinking about me after coming home and being so terribly cold.  I suppose it's not my fault really, but I can't adapt myself to home life in a few hours.  I worry too much I suppose.

             Whatever happens, the next time I get home we must go to the Shipwrights’ or Norfolk*** or somewhere and get completely blotto.  At any rate I'll be home earlier next time, which will mean we can at least go somewhere in the evening.

 Well, Darling I must close here as the Orderly Officer is due any moment,                             

                                                                        night, night Precious

                                                                                    All yours

                                                                                                “Dicker”

* Southampton was the one of the most heavily bombed cities (7^th) in Britain during WW2. As Britain’s number one military port and the home of Spitfire production, just across the Channel from northern France, it was an obvious target.

** Army slang for canteen sausages in mash.

*** The Shipwrights Arms was a pub on Poole Quay (demolished in 1978). Dick had taken Chotie there before the war, much to her mother’s horror.  Pubs in Poole were then almost exclusively a male preserve and Chotie’s family were teetotal – even Chotie had signed ‘the Pledge’ - "We agree to abstain from all liquors of an intoxicating quality whether ale, porter, wine or ardent spirits, except as medicene.”

 

“My mother tore off down to the Williams’ house after she found out Dicker had taken me to a pub.  I had not even been in the bar but had played skittles and drunk one grapefruit juice”.  From ‘Grandma’s Story’ written for Chotie’s grandchildren. However another version of ‘Chotie’s Story’ has Dicker “sneaking me into pubs, taboo with my family in those days”!

There was little other social life besides the pubs during the war and, with war work giving many women more independence, pubs were soon frequented by both sexes.

 *** The Norfolk is still a fine Edwardian Hotel near the centre of Bournemouth.

 © Chotie Darling

 

January 22^nd 1941 - British and Australian forces capture the port of Tobruk, Libya from Italy.

 

22nd to 25th January 1941 – German minelaying off the Dorset coast.

Last week of January 1941 – the Telecommunications Research Establishment at Worth Matravers commandeered the BBC’s pre-war television transmitter, at Alexandra Palace in London, to jam the newly refined German radio beam system for night time location of English targets.

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

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.

Lorry collision - January 1941

“ Rye Cottage”, Marine Parade West, Lee-on-Solent, Hants.

My Darling,

            Just a few lines to let you know how I'm getting on and to give you the new address.  Did you get my P.S.?

            I wrote about a week ago, telling you of my demotion etc - I also wrote home but they don't appear to have got it.  I don't know whether you did.

            I'm afraid I've been laid up for some time as I had a bit of an accident and nearly managed to lose my left eye.  I was blind in it for three days - but the MO says it's OK now – I only hope he's right.  I was running pretty fast (Olympic Games Standard!) in the Black-Out early one morning, when I collided with a lorry.  I thought I was tough, but I rather think the lorry had it all the way.  I got a slight concussion and a deep cut under my eye - but it's all right now. 

            In case you didn't get my last letter, I'm now a L/Cpl having been busted by the Colonel (bless him).  Pete is now a full Corporal in ‘D’ Coy my original Company.  Eric has also been made up again.  The fortunes of war....

             However who cares?  I've still got my Tootsie (I hope..) and that's all I have to worry about.

             Well Darling I'm afraid I'll have to close here as this wretched NAAFI is closing.

                                     Still loving you every bit Cho Dear,

                                                                        your devoted

                                                                                    Dicker

© Chotie Darling

The Reconnaissance Corps was established on 14th January 1941.

Following Dunkirk the Bartholomew Committee was set up to review and learn from the defeat of the British Expeditionary Force. It recommended a new organisation for infantry divisions that included a reconnaissance unit. The light ‘cavalry’ regiments that had carried out reconnaissance for the infantry were now in the Royal Armoured Corps, so the new specialised Reconnaissance Corps would provide one unit per army corps, with specialised training at Lochmaben and Annan in Dumfries & Galloway and at Scarborough, North Yorkshire (from ‘Only the Enemy in Front’ by Richard Doherty).

 

Dick was to serve with the Reconnaissance Corps for three years including fighting in France, the Low Countries and Germany.

Demotion

 

Dick was demoted to Lance Corporal

on 1^st January 1941

and transferred to ‘C’ company of the 70^th Dorsets

 

Copy of Record

Statement of Service  Army No. 5731671 Richard Kelner WILLIAMS

THE DORSETSHIRE REGIMENT

Order 2/40 70^th Y.S. Bn Relinquishes appointment as A/Cpl Army Rank P/L/Cpl 1-1-41

 

 

‘C’ Company, Corsham, Wilts

 2/1/41

 

My Darling,

 

     Thanks for the letter. I’m afraid I’ve some not so good news in this letter. I’ve been chopped from full rank to Lance Corporal, and Pete has been made up.

  

During the last few months, discipline has been neglected and I was the only rank to charge anyone. Today I was hauled up in front of the Colonel and calmly told that I hadn’t any control over the men! I was amazed.

As usually happens, I have been transferred from ‘A’ Company to ‘C’ which is at Battalion Headquarters; actually at Corsham about 10 miles from the Aerodrome. This Company, which was the old ‘L’ Coy, is junior to ‘A’ and is consequently still training. This is a pleasure as it means no more guards, better food and generally better living conditions.

Pete, for some mysterious reason, has been transferred to ‘D’ Company which is also here. I don’t think he’ll last very long as I have just seen him and he isn’t feeling too good, being generally fed up.

 

I don’t give a damn myself. All I want to do is to get back to my little Cho-Cho. Nothing seems to really matter in the Army. All I do is live for that glorious day when this will all be over and just a nightmare best forgotten. If only you knew how much I miss you Tootsie, and how often I think of you, you’d know just how I feel.

 

 I don’t know whether you remember me telling you about J P Clarke (“JP”) who went on a 48 without permission. Well, he’s here, at the Headquarters. At the moment he’s on his first Seven Days. He is, I think, the only bloke here who I really understand. He’s so crazy about his Toots. He’s the only one I’ve got something in common with. All the rest seem so shallow and so far from genuine. He was busted from L/Cpl to private by the Colonel.

 

Corsham is a village of sorts, having a few shops, one half pint sized cinema & a small YMCA. We get very little time off and consequently I haven’t had much chance to see it yet.

 

I’ve met many of the blokes I knew six months ago in the old ‘D’ Coy. Most of them are pretty fed up with everything. There’s no chance of a Commission as the new Colonel hasn’t passed a soul since he’s been here. Toni was passed by Col. Heseltine, the previous C.O. I wish he was still here. At least he showed a little interest in the junior NCOs.

 

Well, Darling I must say Au Revoir here as its lights out.

Goodnight, Tootsie Darling,

all my love

 

Dicker.

 

P.S. Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon…

 

New Address : -

L/Cpl RK Williams, ‘C’ Company, 70^th Dorsets, Corsham, Wilts.

 

9th January 1941 – the Allies began their attack on Italian forces in Eritrea, Somaliland and Ethiopia.

 

January 1941 – Poole attacked with incendiary bombs on six of the first twelve days.

9th January – Incendiary bombs caused 37 fires in Poole. 248 houses were damaged and two men were killed by high explosive bombs at Canford Cliffs.

 

(From ‘Poole and World War II’ written by Derek Beamish, Harold Bennett and John Hillier and published by Poole Historical Trust in 1980 and ‘Dorset’s War Diary - Battle of Britain to D Day’ by Rodney Legg, Dorset Publishing Company 2004 Tel. 01963 32583).

 

A light in the darkness - Wednesday 25th December 1940

Corsham, Wilts

Christmas Day

My Precious Darling,

            I had to write straightaway, to try to thank you for the lovely lighter you sent for the 25th. Darling, it lights! Nothing can stop it lighting - not even a young hurricane. I've used it on guard - and believe me the wind howls round here - and it lights first time every go!

            Darling, it's just what I've wanted for years. You know how many matches I use! Thank you ever so much Cho, Dear. Remind me to give you a big kiss when I get home. When.………..But I'm still hoping.

            I thought about you all over Christmas Darling. It made me so mad to think that I couldn't send you anything, not even a Christmas card. Poor Eric's in the same boat and Pete. We haven't seen a shop of any sort for nearly three weeks. I've been to Bath twice since we've been here but each time the only thing open were the pubs.

            The latest is that all passes to Bath have been stopped as the Chief-of-Police has banned us from the town! The same applied to Chippenham. The Boys beat up every town we get near!

            I've been on guard all day (Christmas) and come off tomorrow morning. It's now about 9.30 pm., and as usual I'm writing this by the lamp in the Guard Hut. I managed to wangle Eric on this guard so I've had his company all day, which is a relief. We had quite a good dinner, which included Beer & Cigarettes.

            Pete has been in bed for 2 days with a so-called gastric stomach! He's really no more ill than I am, but you know what he is! Needless to say however, he made a rapid recovery on Christmas Eve.

            Owing to present conditions I can't say just what's going to happen to me. Let me explain. Out of the whole battalion (A,B,C,D & E Companies.) which is approx 850 men, there have been over 250 deserters in the last fortnight! Which only goes to show what the conditions are like!

            Now, everyone over 20 can get a transfer to another Regiment - and believe me, there are plenty over 20 who have put their age down to 18.

            Lieutenant White our Officer in Charge is being replaced as from tonight by a Captain. This means I have to start all over again as regards a commission! What a life!

            The Orderly Officer has just come up with Beer & fags (!) so I have altered my opinion of the Army since writing the last sentence.

                        Well, my precious, I must close soon as the Ord has to be accompanied around.

                                                            Darling, I must see you soon as I love you so madly that I just can't go on without you.

                                                                            Goodnight, Cho Darling

                                                                                Your adoring

                                                                                                Dicker

 

© Chotie Darling, 2010

 

The War at Sea – 567 Allied ships were sunk by U-boats in 1940 (almost 3 million gross tons of shipping) although only 24 U boats were lost -World War 2 Timeline .

Long nights on guard - 19th and 20th December 1940

Corsham, Wilts

Thursday evening

My Precious Darling,

            I must beg forgiveness for not having written before, but to tell the truth (for a change) I simply haven't had ten minutes to myself for three days, during which I've had only three hours sleep. I hope to spend my first night actually in bed for about six days.

            Well, Precious I won't bore you with my troubles, but will write you a lovely long letter to make up for not having written before.

            Darling, it makes me so wonderfully happy to know that you still love me, that I'd go through Hades quite cheerfully, knowing that you'd wait for me at the end, and that we can really begin again after all this.

            I don't know how blokes exist in this hovel without anyone to think of in the long hours of guard at night. I know I'd soon pack up if I hadn't you to think about, and worship all the time. No matter what I'm doing, Darling, I just can't forget you for one moment. You mean so much to me now that I'd forget all about Commissions or anything else just to be near you and to hold you in my arms again.

            Cho Dear, we must never let anything let anything part us - ever. Whatever happens we must do our best to face it, as I know my only happiness lies with you.

            Please don't think I'm raving or tight or anything. I'm perfectly sane (as much as usual), and, as it's Thursday, perfectly sober. It's just that I've reached the stage when I don't care what happens so long as you still love me.

            I'm afraid I've a disappointment for you, Darling. I can't get leave for at least a fortnight. There is no leave for senior NCOs all over Christmas. I hope I'll get a 48 soon after Christmas. I think everyone is going to get one then.

            I'm also afraid I won't be able to get a present to you before Christmas as, of course, there's nowhere to get anything. I managed to get to Bath for a couple of hours last Monday, but since it was about 8pm all the shops etc were shut. There’s no prospect of getting there again before Christmas.

                                Well, Darling, I must close here, as I’m wanted by the Company Sergeant Major.

                                                                    your adoring

                                                                                            Dicker.

 

            Well, Darling, it's now Friday night, and once again I find myself on guard, and again a 24 hrs one. I had to go on again this morning as my Old Friend (?) Sergeant Gurd went on a leave and has not returned as yet. He's overdue and has been marked down as absent.

            This means that he'll be busted, I fancy. He's been playing merry hell here for the last month or two since he's been busted to a Sergeant. I expect this will mean he'll be back where he started all over again. He's been made up to a Sergeant four times this year, including a CSM, and been busted again. He's a first-class soldier, but far too egoistic for my liking.

            Just try to picture me now, Darling, sitting in the Guard Hut, writing this at the Guard Table with the hurricane lamp burning away and spluttering like an old Colonel.

            There's a raid on at the moment, and Jerry’s dropping hot iron around. It's rather a job here when there’s a raid on as all the Guards have to be doubled and extra ammo dished out, etc. However, I expect to get through it is usual.

            I was almost on a Court Martial the other day because someone or other pinched five pounds of ammo. I went scrounging round the Sergeants however, and managed to replace them. But it was a close shave for all that.

            It's pitch black tonight. I've just been out to change my guards and walked bang into a Spitfire much to the general detriment of my nose.

            Gurd is scared stiff of going out to change guards as they all have their rifles loaded, and many have threatened him in the past. You only get two warnings here and then you're fired at. A bloke was shot here about three days ago. Luckily it wasn't on my guard as it's rather a gruesome business.

            What a morbid subject! My mind must run in queer channels!

                            Well, Cara Mia, I must close now as the Orderly Officer is coming (he is a -!)

                                                                        Goodnight, my Darling

                                                                                    All yours

                                                                                                Dicker

© Chotie Darling, 2010

 

20th December 1940 – Allies drive Italians out of Egypt.

In the mud - Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th December 1940

Corsham, Wilts

My Darling,

            I must apologise for not writing before, but quite a lot has happened in the last few days.

            As you will see from above, we have moved in the Bath direction, and are now doing guards at an Aerodrome in this vicinity.

            The place is really undescribable. We are now in wretched little huts, which are stone cold. The mud is feet thick. Prepare for it, there is no water! That's quite literal. All the water in the cookhouse (I don't know where it comes from) has to be boiled before use. I haven't washed or shaved for three days. It's criminal to say the least.

            There is no village or shops within 3 miles, Bath being about 5 miles away. The NAAFI here sells only Beer & Cigarettes, no chocolate or cakes. We do 24 hrs on guard (ie no sleep) & then 24 hrs off. Well, when I got off my guard, I got no dinner and in what should have been my 24 hrs I had to supervise trench digging in pouring rain! What a life!

            Darling, it's now Thursday and I'm sitting outside the Guard hut out in the wilds, in front of a log fire. I came on this morning at 9 and end at 9 on Friday morning, (24 hrs). It's a marvellous day, frost early but now in glorious sunshine.

            I was very pleased to hear about your new job*. I hope you'll like it and get on very well there, but remember eyes off the boys in the display.

            Darling, it seems such ages since I've seen you. We're supposed to be on this job for a month, which means I'm afraid no leave for that long. The South Staffs, whom we relieved when we came here hadn't had any leave for over nine months. It's a bad case but that's the Army all over now.

            Incidentally, Eric has had a shocking letter from Jean. Apparently she has been ogling someone else in his absence and has the nerve to ask Eric for permission to go out with him as she is lonely! What a woman!

            Please Cho Darling, don't ever run out on me now, as you're the only thing that makes this wretched life worthwhile.

            Eric is in the hell of the stew and hints at suicide & desertion etc. I don't blame him, I'm only too sure I would.

            Lets talk of more pleasant things. It seems now that this show won't last so very long. Wouldn't it be marvellous if it would end in a few months? It would seem too good to be true. But as Dumas says we can only wait & hope.

                                                                   Well, Darling, I must close now as I perceive the Orderly Officer on the horizon.

                                                                                            Your adoring & ever devoted

                                                                                                                                Dicker

                                                                                                                                    Dieu te garde***

P.S. Address is:-

‘A’ Company (‘A’ not ‘L’)

70^th Dorsets

CORSHAM

Wilts

 

*Chotie: “I was working at Beales in the Window Display Department (after F W Collins). Colleagues Enid Cooper, later to become very big in the fashion world, Arty (the artist) and two others – I cannot recall their names. Miss Boyle, the manageress, was a dragon (she had sued her boyfriend for breach of promise.) At night we had to do firewatch duty. Later on Beales was mostly destroyed by a bomb.”

From ‘Grandma’s Story’ written for Chotie’s grandchildren.

** “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.

***'God keep you'

 

Dick was based in Corsham, Wiltshire,

until January 1941.

© Chotie Darling, 2010

 

16th December 1940 – first RAF ‘reprisal raid’ for the Blitz on a German town (Mannheim).

18th December 1940 – Hitler confirms plans for ‘Operation Barbarossa’, German invasion of the Soviet Union.

To Corsham Aerodrome - 7th December 1940

Chippenham, Wilts

My Darling Chotie,

                                                                I must reply immediately to your letter for which many thanks.

            Cho, Darling, I'm terribly sorry about this weekend. I didn't know you missed me so much.

            The trouble is, we are moving on Monday, and I'm probably going on a Vanguard which will be on Sunday. All leave of every description has been stopped. We shall be there for a month, doing guards at an aerodrome. The name of the place is Corsham. It's a few miles from Bath. Whether there will be any leave there, I can't say.

            I know it's terrible Darling, but we'll make up for it one day.

            I saw the Officer in Charge of our Company today, about a commission. He said he'd recommend me to the Colonel, at his first opportunity. Whether he will or not however, is another thing.

            Incidentally, I was told that a young officer was asking for me at the ‘On Duty Room’ a couple of days ago. Unfortunately, I was out, and missed him. I believe it must have been Toni. I was mad as I'd loved to have seen him.

            Another point of note. This company is now ‘A’ and not ‘K’ as previously. I've also got a new battledress, which I think is about time as we've had this for 6 months.

                                Well, Darling, there doesn't seem much more to tell you, except I still adore you and still pray to see you soon.

                                                                    Bye, bye, Cho, Dear,

                                                                                                your adoring

                                                                                                      Dicker

 

 

Dick was in ‘A’ company of the 70^th Dorsets

for the rest of December 1940

 

© Chotie Darling, 2010

 

8th December 1940 – General Franco declares Spain will not enter the war.

9^th December 1940 – commencement of Allied counter-attack on Italy in the Western Desert called Operation Compass.

11th December 1940 – British victory over the Italians at Sidi Barrani in Egypt.

Raid on Chippenham - 20th November 1940

Chippenham, Wilts

Wednesday

My Darlingest,

                                                Many thanks for the letter which I have just received.  I'm replying instantly as I have one stamp between me and starvation.  I drew 30/- this week, but as I was endeavouring to influence the C.S.M. and as we met Pete, it all went by Saturday evening.  The more I draw the less far it seems to go.

     Well, Honey, you don't mention anything re FWC*.  I see that your letter was written from work.  I hope everything turns out all right, as you certainly deserve it.

     You seem to be having a pretty hot time now.  I wish I could say the same for myself.  Things are very dull here.  On occasion we go out and drown our sorrows but that's all it amounts to.  We very seldom seem to get very merry.

     I hope you won't go and fall for a Guardsman.  They are a trifle smarter than the Dorsets you know.  Have a good time by all means, but don't forget your little Dicker whatever you do, as I'm afraid you're vital to me now.

     Pete and Co are on an NCOs’ Cadre at the moment.  That's a course of sorts.  I did my best and got out of it as I much prefer to go away on a pukka course.  Local courses sound alright but amount to very little.  This particular one is being taken by an old Sergeant, who fondly imagines this is 1914.  He's very smart but lives in the past as so many old soldiers do (Pa for example).

     At any rate nothing can be done, until I get back to duty.  Then the sparks will fly, and I don't mean maybe.

     There's going to be a pretty good change in about a fortnight's time.  Everyone is going to be switched around in platoons and companies.  I'd like a change from ‘K’ as I'm pretty fed up with it.  We've got a new CEO now who is rather a ----.  He stripped a Cpl in ‘D’ for coming in an hour late after he'd been to a dance.  I'm glad I'm not still in ‘D’ as I'd have been finished by now.

    Commissions are still on the horizon, but are approaching gradually. Nil desperandum.

     I'm writing this in an old theatre, in the wings.  We use it for P.T. this weather.

     Went to see ‘ Convoy’ last night as I’d missed it before.  Then we had a raid here.  I should think that half the Jerry Air Force were up.  Plenty of bombs came down, but not too near.

     Well, I must close now and do some work.  The CSMI is on a course, which leaves me in charge of PT for 300 men!

         So long, Honey

                    your devoted

                                        Dicker

P.S. Remember what I said about that Guardsman ....

 

* Chotie’s place of work, which was closing down.

© Chotie Darling, 2010

 

20^th November 1940 – Hungary joins the Tripartite Pact with Germany, Italy and Japan.

22nd November 1940 - Italian 9th Army defeated by Greeks.

23^rd November 1940 – Romania agrees to join the Tripartite Pact with Germany, Italy and Japan.

24^th November 1940 – Slovakia joins the Tripartite Pact with Germany, Italy and Japan.

Church Parade - Sunday 17th November 1940

Chippenham, Wilts

My Darlingest Chotie,

                                            I'm writing again as I promised to do yesterday.

    We had quite a merry little time last night, with the Sergeant Major*.  He's turned out a lot better since I got my second stripe.  I later learnt that he got it for me!  What a life.  I don't know whether I'm coming or going lately. 

    Pete has settled down here and is doing very well, thank you.

     Everyone here has taken a sudden dislike to the NCOs. L/Corp. Shingles who is my second-in-command was bashed on the head with a rifle last night when he was asleep.  He was laid out flat.  I was going to put the platoon on charge but this would stop me going out tonight so I let it go, as I don't think much of Shingles anyway. 

    I'm writing this stretched out full-length on my kit.  Pete is scrounging my cleaning stuff to do his buttons with. 

     You'd like Clp. McCracken.  Blond hair, blue eyes, everything in fact.  He's rather hot on Rugger.  He was made up a full corp, soon after me.

     We had a pretty good church parade this morning.  The O.C. was missing but everyone else was there.  The preacher (bless his little heart) got quite mad and said “And the next time we pray, you get down and kneel properly.”  Mac & I had slept on our slacks all night to get a crease for the parade, and we didn't see kneeling on them.  Having no soul, I don't see what difference it makes anyway.

     If only I was nearer home, I could see you every Sunday as we now get off from 12 noon until 10:30 p.m.  That is of course unless I was on duty of some sort.

     There's been scores of fights this weekend as usual as everyone who can get out gets completely and hopelessly tight.  They come in looking for trouble and we have to get them to bed somehow even if it means knocking them out, which is often done.  They always seem to get up in the morning as right as rain.

     Well, Darling, there's no more to tell you, except of course I still adore you and always will,

                         Your devoted

                                            Dicker

                                                        qui t’aime pour la vie.**

 

* Can this be Sergeant Major Gurd? (see letters from mid September 1940)

** “who loves you for life.”

 © Chotie Darling, 2010

 

19th November 1940 - Canada approved initiation of mass production of war bacteria.

Taken off PT, Chippenham - Tuesday 12th November 1940

8th November 1940 – Italian offensive in Albania.

9^th November 1940 -  death of Neville Chamberlain, formerly Prime Minister of Great Britain, who thought he had gained ‘peace for our time’ from Hitler at Munich in 1938.

 

Chippenham

Tuesday

My Darling Chotie,

                                        Thanks a lot for the letter.  It seemed I hadn't heard from you for such a time.  Even a few days seems like years now.

     I have some rather distasteful news I'm afraid.  As far as I know, all 48 hours have been stopped for the present.  Isn't it a blow?  I was expecting to get home this coming weekend.  The only leave going now is seven days, and, as there are about 200 blokes here all due for it, rather cuts me out.  Still we mustn't be too downhearted as I expect I can manage a 48 during the next few weeks, whether they’re stopped or not.

     I was hoping to see Pete by now.  I don't suppose he's too keen on coming back as he's had such a while at home.  I know I shouldn't be

     Well, Darling, I have at long last succeeded in getting returned to duty, ie. being taken off P.T.  I heard I was in for another stripe, which would have made me a Sergeant Instructor in the A.P.T.S.*, but of course I won't get that now.

     I hope to go on an NCO’s Course in a fortnight or so.  This is what I've been after for ages.  You get a chance to do Bren, Lewis** and Anti-tank, etc.  I was talking to Mr Lawson (Lt.) about a commission, and he seems to think I stand a good chance, but as far as I can see (which isn't much!) I can't do anything for some time.  Everything here is so unsettled that nothing much can be done at the moment.

     Incidentally, I learn from Diller, that she has given Monica*** my address.  She (Diller) wrote and asked me if I minded, but I wasn't keen and forgot all about it, and now she's done it without my consent.  Don't be jealous will you, Darling.

     I know just what you're thinking, Honey!  You're just thinking he can't palm me off with that slush!  Never mind, Precious, I'll give her to Brinner for Christmas.

     I'm writing this in the Y.M.C.A., which is pretty good.  (No, Sweetheart, very few ATS....)  This accounts for the ink. 

     Well Darlingest, I must close now.

                                                                   tout à toi

                                                                             Dicker

                                                                                xxxxxxxxxxxxxx etc!...

 * Army Physical Training Staff.

** Bren & Lewis were light machine guns.

*** Dick’s ex-girlfriend and friend of his sister Dilys. Brinner was Dick’s younger brother.

© Chotie Darling, 2010

 

 14th/15th November 1940 – Coventry was bombed so heavily that a third of the factories were destroyed. Over 60,000 houses were damaged, the cathedral was destroyed and more than 500 people killed.

Bombs in Birmingham - early November 1940

Chotie Darling

Part 1         The Blue Cockade

Chapter 2           Guarding England – winter

Dedicated to the memory of my mother

and all those who hold the forever young of war in their hearts.

 

 

Dick was posted to the 70^th Battalion of the Bath & Dorsets

on 1^st November 1940.

He was in ‘K’ Company, based in Chippenham, until mid December.

The 70^th or Young Soldiers Battalions were formed about this time to take volunteers too young to be conscripted. They were generally over 18 and under 20.

(Dick was 19 in July 1940, soon after he joined up.)

 

from Record

Statement of Service            Army No. 5731671             Richard Kelner WILLIAMS 

THE DORSETSHIRE REGIMENT

Order 198/48            Unit 6^th H.D. Bn          Posted to 70^th Bn          Army Rank A/Cpl          1-11-40

 

 

3rd November 1940 – British troops arrive in Greece to fight the Italians.

 

 

NB Change of Batt.

70 Bath Dorset Regt.

‘ K’ Coy.

London Rd

Chippenham

 Wilts.

My Darling Cho-cho,

                                                                                                Well, at last I'm now able to write. It's been one long rush for the last week or so, I'll tell you all about it in a moment.

            I was very sorry to hear that F W* has been forced to close down.  It must have been rather a blow. I don't suppose you're very worried though!  Nothing worries us does it, Darling?  You can now join the ATS and get stationed near me.  That would be just about heaven I reckon.

    Talking about getting stationed near me, I'm now at a place called Chippenham, which is marvellous.  We’re billeted over a Burton's (tailors) right in the middle of the town.  I've just given the place the once-over, and when I say it's OK I don't mean maybe.  It's got some marvellous pubs, teashops & everything.  I don't know how long we’ll stay here but it's all right by me.

    I was going down to dinner on Friday when Gurd (CSM) pounced on me and yelled “Escort to Birmingham!” whereupon I proceed to pack up my goods and chattels and, having conscripted a private, set off for Brum.  It took us just about 8 hours to get there. 

     We got to Brum about 11 pm in pouring rain & blackout etc, with nowhere to sleep and no money (having lent all mine to Eric to go on leave with).  Bombs were falling all over the place.  Marshall and Snelgrove's (about as big as Bobby’s**) was reduced to an ash heap.  I ended up sleeping in a cellar under some barracks. 

    I had two days in Brum arriving back via Bristol with the prisoner who was doing his best to escape (bless his little heart...).  It was no joke, I can tell you.

    Well, Darling, I'm afraid there's nothing else of interest.  I may be able to get home this weekend, I don't know yet.

 

            I’ll write again anyway. 

                            Loving you more than ever

                                                            Your devoted

                                                                                Dicker

  

* FW was Chotie’s place of work: 

“At fourteen my Mum took me to Bournemouth for a successful interview in Mr F W Collins’ rather swanky dress shop, selling hats, furs and clothes ‘for every occasion’ in the arcade.  Mrs Pitman, the rather sad manageress (her husband was a rotter) took me in hand and trained me to be a Sales Assistant and Window Dresser.  Mrs Collins showed me how to make and trim hats. 

Mary, whose parents kept the Anglo-Swiss Hotel, also worked there. We used to hide in the lower floor and cold store room (where furs were kept in summer), putting the evening dresses against us, which were lovely, instilling in me a love of beautiful clothes.

The errand boy took a shine to me and bought me a handbag (Mum made me give it him back).  You could not, in those days, accept presents from ‘any old Harry’.

 I forgot to mention, at thirteen I won the ‘Atlanta Cup’ for physique out of all the Poole schools.  Must have been quite a dish!”  

From ‘Grandma’s Story’ written for Chotie’s grandchildren.

** Bobby’s was a large department store in the centre of Bournemouth (later Debenhams, then Bobby's again).

© Chotie Darling, 2010

"uxoriousness" - 29th October 1940

Bemerton

Tuesday evening

Dearest of all, Cho-Cho,

            Thanks a lot for the letter – I got it at dinner time and it was more welcome than a seven-course meal.

            I’m writing this, or rather endeavouring to do so, by the dim beams of a somewhat shaky candle, lying in bed in the tent.  I’ve certainly never attempted anything like this before. I hope it’s successful.           

            I went over to Tidworth this afternoon to pick up a Boxing Ring.  I had to collect it from the Gym at which I did that wretched course.

            I met the old crowd including the Sergeant Instructor who was in charge of my platoon.  He appeared (?) very pleased to see me again, and asked me how I was getting on, etc.  I don’t think he was feeling very well…

            Well, Darling, as usual I have some bad news.  I have unfortunately been done out of 48 hrs this week, in my absence on Sunday.  However, I have every chance of coming home the week after, so I can’t grumble.  I know it seems hard, Darling, but when we consider that most army blokes only get a 48 hrs every three months or so, we are really very lucky.

            I hope your sniffles are better now.  You must take care of yourself, you know.  You’ll never realise how much you do really mean to me, certainly, more than I can ever tell you.  I hope you’ll never desert me, Honey, because if you did, I’d pack up, and give up the ghost, and I don’t mean maybe.

            Eric you’ll be pleased to hear has got his seven days, which starts on Friday.  It will seem pretty dull without him, as I’ve become very attached to him, as we have one great thing in common viz uxoriousness*. (There’s a word for you to look up!)

            I must close now precious, as there’s some wretched Sergeant shouting “put that ---- light out”!

                                                                                    Loving you more than ever

                                                                                                your devoted hubby

                                                                                                            Dicker

                                                                                                            I.T.A.L.Y.

* uxoriousness = excessively or submissively fond of a wife.

© Chotie Darling, 2010

 

29th October 1940 - conscription begins in the U.S.,  the first military draft during peacetime in American history.

 

30th October 1940- RAF Bomber Command is directed to commence ‘area bombing’ in Germany.

 

31^st October 1940 – end of the Battle of Britain.

Dinton, b....y awful, but not Basingstoke - 22nd October 1940

22nd October 1940

Bemerton

Tuesday evening

My Darling Cho,

Thanks for the letter which I got this morning.

Well Darling to get down to business, I find that with reasonable luck I’ll be able to get home on Sunday. The point is Honey, that if I can get a pass all day in Salisbury I may just as well come home, and it will save you a look of trouble & expense. Also I don’t like the idea of your travelling back all that way in the dark.

There is some truth in what Mummy warns you about, even if you don’t believe it… Mind you, I’m not saying you can’ take care of yourself, but after all you’re only a lickle baby although you’re the most adorable chubby baby that ever lived. I tremble to think what could happen to you, Sweetheart, and I hate taking those kind of risks.

I was doing Battalion Orderly Sergeant all day last Sunday which is some job, & I don’t mean maybe. It means being on all day from réveillé until about 11pm, with one worry after another – but for all that, it’s good experience.

Incidentally, I was choked off the other day, pretty severely. I bet you wouldn’t guess what for? (No, Precious, it wasn’t women!) It was for associating with private soldiers vis. Eric & Pete.

I’m no longer able to go out with them, and should I meet them in the N.A.A.F.I. or anywhere, they have to address me as Corporal and not the now familiar ‘Dicker’. What a life!

The latest news as regards moving is back to Dinton which suits me admirably – that is, it’s b…..y awful but much preferable to Basingstoke.

We had a dance here last Monday. I’d had nine pints at the Conservative Club before I got there, so had a pretty good time on the whole. The women were a little better than usual but have no fears, Darling, as there isn’t a woman living who could take me away from you, (and that includes Bergman*…)

Well, Chubby, I must close now, loving you more than ever.

Je suis à toi pour la Vie,**

Your adoring,

Dicker

P.S. I terrible sorry about you’re cold. It’s just like me to forget all about it until the end. I hope you’ll forgive me Darling and get better soon.

all yours

Dicker

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

All for you! (when I come home)

* Ingrid Bergman, the Swedish film star

** “I am yours for life.”

© Chotie Darling, 2010

Dick and Chotie probably met up on Sunday 27^th October 1940.

On 28th October 1940 Italy attacked Greece.

The other stripe - 14th October 1940

On 3^rd October 1940 Dick was appointed a full Corporal.

 

Telegram 7th October 1940

 HOME TONIGHT SEVEN DAYS LEAVE = RICHARD +

 

Dick met up with Chotie again for the first time since the beginning of September during this 7 Days Leave, which lasted until Sunday 13^th October 1940.

 

On 12^th October 1940 the proposed German invasion of Britain, Operation Sealion, was abandoned by Hitler who turned his attention to the Russian front.

 

 

Bemerton, Salisbury

Wilts, Monday eve.

My Dearest Darling Little Cho-cho,

I'm writing, or should I say, trying to write, this in the N.A.A.F.I. rather late in the evening. As you will see from above, we are still here.

When I arrived back on Sunday I heard that Pete + Eric had gone on to Basingstoke as an advance party, which is the usual thing just before you move. Then tonight I heard that the whole show has been cancelled as far as we're concerned and that we're staying at Salisbury. I was also told that a lorry had been sent this evening to bring them back, but I've just heard that no lorry has been sent. What a show! You simply don't know what to believe. We hear one thing one moment and another the next.

I heard one thing that definitely is true however, and that’s that I've been given another stripe, and that all the time I was home, I was a full Corporal! I shall get (I hope) about five shillings and threepence a day soon. Just another stripe Darling, and we'll get married (officially...).

Well, Darling, it will be wonderful if we stay at Salisbury, but I'm afraid it's not definite yet.

I must close now, Dearest as it's nearly Lights out.

Still loving you every lickle bit,

your adoring hubby

Dicker

© Chotie Darling, 2010

Chotie's 17th birthday - Thursday 5th September 1940

 

 

 

Bemerton

Wilts

Thursday

My Darling Cho,

 

                                    Well, Darling, I must start by wishing you Many Happy Returns of the 6^th*, and in your own words to ‘wish you everything you wish yourself’.  I think, and sincerely hope that everything will come out alright in the end, in spite of this wretched war.

 

          I hope you like the present I’m sending along with this letter.  I’m afraid it’s nothing much, but in the circumstances, you know!  However, Darling, I hope you’ll think more of the wishes (and hopes) that go with it.

 

            I was only thinking last night, of when this show’s over, and we’ll be able to settle down again…. And buy a little boat to explore the whole harbour**.  What a time that will be.

 

            I went down to the river for a swim this afternoon, soon after dinner.  As usual it’s terrifically hot to-day, much too hot to take P.T.  I am forced to have a shower about ten times a day to preserve my mental equilibrium, which I may say I nearly lost last night, when I was woken up by a veritable rain of bombs descending around. So far I’ve heard no news as to where they landed.

 

They had a Salvation Army band here in camp last night.Mercifully, I was allowed out – a blessing for which I was very thankful, though I rather think it’s the best army to be in anyway.

 

Well, I must close now Darling, for tea parade.

 

Your own devoted hubby

                                                                                        Dicker

 

* Chotie’s 17^th birthday on 6^th September 1940.

**Poole Harbour, Dorset.

  

© Chotie Darling, 2010

 

 

7^th September 1940 – start of ‘the Blitz’, night bombings on London and the Luftwaffe’s intensive bombing campaign against Britain’s cities and industries which lasted until 16^th May 1941. London was attacked on 57 consecutive nights between 7^th September and 2^nd November 1940. Over 41,000 British civilians were killed during the Blitz (included by permission of the Imperial War Museum ).

 

The Dorset Blitz - Having failed to destroy the RAF and pave the way for invasion, Hitler believed that the bombing of cities and towns would break Britain's will to resist. As far as Dorset was concerned the Blitz prompted a second wave of evacuation from London and the industrial areas of the North but even 'safe in the country' evacuees found themselves subject to bombing. 

 

The German Blitz against Dorset was not on anything like the scale of that on London or, for example, Coventry, but it did bring the war, along with death and destruction, to all parts of the county. Weymouth alone suffered forty-eight air raids in which civilians, including children, were killed and wounded as well as naval and military personnel.

 

The Dorset Constabulary recorded that approximately 4,307 heavy high explosive bombs were dropped on the county during the Blitz of which 396 failed to detonate. There were 37,007 incendiary bombs recorded as being dropped on Dorset towns and villages, along with 14,550 smaller bombs, categorised as anti-personnel (The Keep Military Museum, Dorchester).

 

Sleepy Sunday at Tidworth - 24th August 1940

Saturday 24th August 1940

Tidworth

Saturday evening

My darling,

 

    Thanks for the letter. I got it on Friday, and also one from home at the same time.

 

I’m writing this in bed, which is rather a job, but nevertheless a labour of love as usual.  I was on duty today scrubbing out the gym etc, but will have a glorious day of rest tomorrow I hope.  What everyone does on Sundays here is sleep.  Blessed Sleep.

 

Apparently they get up for breakfast, go back to bed - get up for dinner – go back to bed, get up for tea (that’s if they’re feeling energetic) and then thankfully off to sleep – having had a tiring day.  That’s my idea of the perfect life.  Life as it really should be lived.

 

What about going back to nature after this show?  Living in a cave or tree-tops or quelque chose comme ça?  Just lead me to it, baby.  Incidentally, should you be thinking that I’m tight, I assure you that I haven’t so much as smelt beer all day.  It must be the soothing effect of bed, I suppose.

 

I wish I could have got away this weekend, but it was quite impossible.  I may get a pass next Sat with reasonable luck.  I certainly won’t waste any time in getting home.

 

I was very surprised to hear about the bombing at Poole*.  I knew nothing about it but it just goes to prove that anything may happen- and at any time.  Please look after yourself Cho.  It may seem trivial to you, but it means everything to me, (and I’m not tight…).

   

I must close now darling as it will soon be lights-out

   

            All my love

                                        Your adoring

                                                              Dicker

 

P.S. Ayez soin et soyez bonne**

 

* Chotie talked about the horror of watching Poole being bombed from Pamphill, Wimborne where she was visiting her friend, Mary, the daughter of the gamekeeper.

Her terrified mother refused to go to the shelter when the air raid warnings sounded, instead sheltering with her family under the heavy wooden table in the kitchen. Mrs Chalkley also refused to wear her gas mask but kept vinegar and cotton wool always to hand (why, I don’t know).  Chotie’s father was a ‘Special Constable’ or volunteer policeman during the war

** “Take care and be good”

 

© Chotie Darling, 2010

 

 

24^th August 1940 – the Luftwaffe bombed London for the first time.

 

Ready for a scrap - Tuesday 20th August

On 20th August 1940 Churchill addressed The House of Commons with these words:

 

“Almost a year has passed since the war began, and it is natural for us, I think, to pause on our journey at this milestone and survey the dark, wide field.”

 

Describing our defences he said “The whole British Army is at home. More than 2,000,000 determined men have rifles and bayonets in their hands tonight, and three-quarters of them are in regular military formations. We have never had armies like this in our Island in time of war. The whole Island bristles against invaders, from the sea or from the air”and he saluted the British airmen: "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few".

 

 

(Reproduced with permission of Curtis Brown Ltd, London on behalf of the Estate of Sir Winston Churchill.

Copyright © Winston S. Churchill )

 

Tidworth

Hants

My darling Chotie,

 

            Thanks for the letter, which I got at dinner time. I managed to get back all right on time. I’m afraid I’ve no news. I’ve just finished a hard day, and as it’s now about 8pm I don’t mean maybe!

 

            I hope to be home again in a fortnight. It seems a hell of a time but I suppose it will soon go, if we don’t worry too much. It’s still the hell of a time though!

 

            I’m having the hell of an argument at the moment, and I’m getting so mad I can scarcely write! I rather think it’s going to end in a scrap. I hope so. I’ve been doing my best to get a scrap all day.

 

I’ve been to the NAAFI for the last half-hour and had a supper fit for the Borgias.Faggot, chips, bread & butter and 1 pint of Light xxx – all for just over a shilling, which I consider is pretty cheap. I now feel OK for anything (or anyone).

 

            I’m afraid there’s nothing of any interest to write, darling, except I still love you all that is possible (if that is of any interest).

 

                    bye, bye, precious

 

                                            Dicker

 

P.S. Il ya toujours l’éspais*

 

* “There is always hope”

 

© Chotie Darling, 2010

 

Returning to Tidworth - 12th August 1940

Dick met up with Chotie over the weekend of 10^th/11^th August 1940.

 

Tidworth

Monday evening

My darling Cho-cho,

 

            Just a short note to let you know that I arrived OK, and without any trouble.I’m afraid I haven’t a moment to spare as we have ‘voluntary’ apparatus tonight, termed voluntary but actually compulsory.By the time I get back it will be dark, and there are no lights here now.

 

            George was on the bus when I got upstairs, I expect you saw him. We had time for a beer in Salisbury, before going our respective ways.

 

            We got to Salisbury at 8pm, and there wasn’t a bus to Tidworth before 9pm!  This was packed full, so they ran a relief which was also packed.  This miserable bus didn’t pull out till 9.20 and arrived in Tidworth at 10.30.  From there I had about 2 miles to walk to my barracks, which I accomplished successfully by removing my boots and gumshoeing past the guards in the shadows. Quite fun.

 

I must close now darling to get to the gym in time.

 

                                All my love

 

                                            Your devoted

                                                                

                                                            Dicker

 

P.S. You might tell Brinner that I made it O.K. but don’t mention it to the rest of the family.  I have n’t time to write them.  That is of course if you should see him.

 

© Chotie Darling, 2010.

 

 

13^th August 1940 – ‘Eagle Day’, start of the major offensive by the Luftwaffe to destroy RAF airfields.

 

 

Dick met up with Chotie over the weekend of 17^th/18^th August 1940.

 

 

17th August 1940 - Hitler ordered total blockade of Great Britain.

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, sad news - 15th July 1940

 On 14^th July Churchill broadcast to the nation:

“And now it has come to us to stand alone in the breach, and face the worst that the tyrant's might and enmity can do… We are fighting by ourselves alone; but we are not fighting for ourselves alone….”

“This is no war of chieftains or of princes, of dynasties or national ambition; it is a war of peoples and of causes. There are vast numbers, not only in this Island but in every land, who will render faithful service in this war, but whose names will never be known, whose deeds will never be recorded. This is a War of the Unknown Warriors; but let all strive without failing in faith or in duty, and the dark curse of Hitler will be lifted from our age.”. 

 (Reproduced with permission of Curtis Brown Ltd, London on behalf of the Estate of Sir Winston Churchill. Copyright © Winston S. Churchill ) 

Dinton

Wilts

Monday evening

My Darling Chotie,

        Thanks for the letter which I received at lunch.

 

    I have some rather sad news. Hughes fiancée died on Saturday morning.  He was married to her 2 hours before she died.  It was the wish of both of them, and the doctors apparently thought that it would help her to recover.  She actually recovered her memory for about ten hours.  It made me feel pretty bad and also Toni, as we are rather attached to Hughes who is one of the best.

 

    I haven’t been too good lately; suffering from what I thought must have been food poisoning.  I haven’t eaten anything for a couple of days, but stuck to my usual ration of beer, and now feel much better.  I carried on as I couldn’t very well go to the M.D. so soon after starting the P.T. stunt.

 

    However, to revert to more cheerful stuff, I have seen the photos they took of us.  What do you think of them?  As usual, you come out marvellously. 

 

    I understand that Pete is coming here, putting his age on a little … (sotto voce).  I hope Brinner* can manage to do the same.  I don’t know what Ma will say however.

   

I met some really decent chaps here, from all over the place, all writing letters home…

   

However, must close now, as there is simply nothing to say now.

 

    Bye, bye, darling

 

    Dicker

PS Je t’aime encore.

 

 

* Brinner was Dick’s brother Brian, two years younger than him

  

Chotie at Fairhaven, Parkstone, 7th July 1940

  

 

© Chotie Darling, 2010. 

 

 

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.

The Guildhall, Salisbury - 23rd June 1940

 

 

Sunday 23rd June 1940

 

ENTERTAINMENT OF MEMBERS OF H.M. FORCES

ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS

THE GUILDHALL,

SALISBURY 

 

Pte RK Williams

6^th Bath & Dorset Regt.

Quidhampton

Nr Salisbury

Wilts

Darling Chotie,

 

   

     I’m writing this in the Court Room of the Guidhall Salisbury, in the Company of about 200 members of HM Forces.  At least half of these are Australians as the place is packed with them.  I left camp this morning at 9 and do not have to return until 10, this evening.  I hope to come home one of these Sundays as I appear to get Sundays off at present.  I can get a bus to Bournemouth at 9am which gets me in about 11.  I should have to leave again at 6 in the evening, so it would be a case of hail and farewell. 

 

 

I went to the morning service at the Cathedral – the choir was wonderful. 

 

 

There are hundreds of commissions in Salisbury.  I’ve thrown about 200 salutes so far without knocking my hat off.  We wear battle dress, and I managed to get myself a hot overcoat. 

 

 

In this room there are RAF blokes, Aussies, Sailors, Merchant Seamen, and every kind of soldier, but no officers of course.  They dish out envelopes and this paper quite free which explains why I’m using it…  I miss you an awful lot, Chotie, but when I see these Australians who have come thousands of miles and won’t get home for years, I feel it would be selfish to grumble.

   

You can write to the address overleaf if you wish.  Found a Captain yet…?  It is now impossible to get a commission until one is twenty*.  As far as I know it is also impossible to get a stripe.

   

                    I must close for the moment

                                                                                         love (every bit)

 

Dicker

 

 

 

PS Please give my best wishes to all the boys if you should see them and tell them to join anything but the army!

  

 

 

* Dick was eighteen when he joined up and wrote this letter.  At the time only men aged between 20 and 35 were being conscripted.

  

© Chotie Darling, 2010

 

 

25^th June 1940 – The Times reported that the Australian troops, recently arrived in England, were training keenly in ‘a lovely stretch of English countryside’.

First Letter - 22nd June 1940

 

 

Miss Barbara Chalkley

The Hollies

Commercial Rd

Parkstone, Poole,

Dorset 

Salisbury 

Saturday  

 

Darling Chotie*,

  

 

 I’m terribly sorry I haven’t been able to write before but have not had a moment to spare.  I’m trying to write on a window-sill at the Drill Hall at Salisbury, as the Sergeant has gone out.  Had a rather stiff medical, with eight doctors.  I could have kidded one, but eight was too much.  Unfortunately I passed A.1.

 

 

I left Weymouth at 2pm Friday afternoon for Salisbury.  Arrived here at 4.30 approx. and was given tea by Sergeant of the guard.  We are at present under canvas in the heart of the country about 2 miles from Salisbury.  It is only a temporary camp of about 30.  We are moving to a larger camp sometime next week.  At the moment I have no number nor address, but will let you know immediately I get one.

   

I must close now as the Sergeant is coming and try to get some stamps.

 

 Bye bye darling

  Your devoted quack-quack

 Dicker

  

 

 

* Hindustani for ‘Little One’

  

© Chotie Darling, 2010

 

22nd June 1940 was the day France fell to Nazi Germany and signed the armistice.  Broadcasting from England, in French, General de Gaulle asked all free Frenchmen

 “to continue the fight, wherever they are and by whatever means they can.”

Joining Up

Dunkirk, the famous rescue of the defeated Allied Forces trapped on the northern shores of France, took place over ten days leading up to Tuesday 4^th June 1940.

 On that day Winston Churchill addressed Parliament and the nation with these words: 

“We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender”

(Reproduced with permission of Curtis Brown Ltd, London on behalf of the Estate of Sir Winston Churchill. Copyright © Winston S. Churchill )

 

On 18th June 1940 Winston Churchill's speech to the House of Commons ended: 

“the Battle of France is over, I expect that the Battle of Britain is about to begin…

The whole fury and might of the enemy must very soon be turned on us. Hitler knows that he will have to break us in this island or lose the war. If we can stand up to him, all Europe may be free and the life of the world may move forward into broad, sunlit uplands. But if we fail, then the whole world, including the United States, including all that we have known and cared for, will sink into the abyss of a new Dark Age ….

Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties and so bear ourselves that, if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will say,

 “This was their Finest Hour”.

(Reproduced with permission of Curtis Brown Ltd, London on behalf of the Estate of Sir Winston Churchill. Copyright © Winston S. Churchill )

 

 

On 21^st June 1940 Richard Kelner Williams, age 18, occupation ‘student’, was enrolled in the British Territorial Army at Weymouth in Dorset and assigned to the 6^th Dorset Infantry Regt, to assemble in the Drill Hall, Wilton Rd, Salisbury.

  

 

 Dick Williams as a cadet in 1939.

 

 

They were ‘the Bath & Dorsets’ then but for June and July Dick was based in Wiltshire at Salisbury, Quidhampton and Dinton.