Chotie Darling

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).

 

Friendless at Bemerton - 29th August 1940

On 28^th August Dick qualified as an Instructor in Physical & Recreational Training.

 

 

 

Letter posted on Thursday 29th August 1940

‘K’ Company

6^th Bath. (HD)

Dorset Regt.

Bemerton

Wilts

My darling Chotie,

                                                    Thanks for the letter.  As you will see from above, I am now at Bemerton again, and don’t I know it.  I arrived here this afternoon to find that ‘G’ company, to which I was attached, has now moved to Dinton, to take the place of ‘D’ who are at Dorchester.  I’m just about fed up as I haven’t a friend in the place now, in fact, apart from the C.S.M.I.*, I don’t know a soul.

 

    Yet another calamity, even greater.  There’s a certain Major here, who is doing his best to stop all week-end leave.  I asked the C.S.M.I. if there was any chance of a pass this week, and his reply was not encouraging.  He said he’d do what he could, but could promise nothing.

 

    I am however putting in for seven days leave, in a few weeks time, ie. after my three months is up.  This should be successful, unless of course all army leave is cancelled, which action seems rather imminent.  Not a very cheerful outlook I’m afraid.

 

    But still, darling, even this ---- army can’t stop me loving you, and after all, that’s all that matters.

   

I heard to-day that Tom was buried when bombs fell close to him at Warmwell.  Apparently he’s OK, but I have heard nothing definite.

 

    Incidentally, it’s a good thing I didn’t try to come on home last week-end, as everyone who went was caught, and put on a charge.  I think they were all reduced to the ranks.  Rather a close shave.

 

   

                                 Well, bye bye for now darling,

                                                        Your devoted

                                                                        Dicker

 

 

*C.S.M.I. = Company Sergeant Major Instructor

 

 

 

 

From the end of August to October 1940

Dick was in ‘K’ company of the 6^th Bath & Dorset Regiment

based at Bemerton, near Salisbury, in Wiltshire.

 

© Chotie Darling, 2010

Tom's death - 3rd August 1940

Saturday 3^rd August 1940

Bemerton

Salisbury

Wilts

Saturday afternoon

My Darling Chotie,

 

 

    I’m terribly sorry to hear such sad news about Tom*.  I was only enquiring about him a few moments before I got your letter.  Quite a number of N.C.O.s** here were transferred from the 5^th Batt., and all knew Tom well.

 

    Margaret must feel terrible about it.  I know how I should feel if anything happened to you.  She has at least one consolation, in that he was serving in the Forces, - although that doesn’t bring him back.  I hope you will convey my every sympathy to her.  I’m going to Tidworth on Monday next and will send a card as soon as I get the address there.

 

    I was made Lance Corporal a few days ago.  I was rather annoyed at only getting one stripe but will probably get another after my course.

 

    ‘D’ Company, that is, with the sole exception of myself, is going back to Dinton this afternoon.  I rather think I may be transferred to ‘G’ Company (George’s crowd) after the course.  Unfortunately, Toni & co. are all with ‘D’ Coy and consequently I must say goodbye to them in a few minutes time.  That’s the trouble.  You no sooner make friends, than you lose them.

 

    Ben and I (he’s going for a commission in the Tanks) went on the beer on Thursday evening.  We drank Salisbury quite dry, and had the helluva job to get past the guards.

The sentry with fixed bayonet said “Halt, who goes there!” etc. and Ben, quite tight, shouted “Deutschland über Allez”!, and tried to blow out the light in the guard Tent.  We staggered into the tent, fell over and woke up the next morning still attired in Service dress, gas mask etc.  What a life!

   

It’s now Saturday Evening.  I’m just waiting for six o’clock when I’m allowed out to Salisbury.  I’ve said goodbye to everyone, Toni, Ben & co. who went back to Dinton this afternoon.  They had to march in full kit! and it’s just about a heat wave today.

 

    The showers are now working here, what luxury!  I’ve just had my 6^th today.  Showers & Choties are just two things that make life worth living.

 

    Bye, bye Chubby, Darling 

        Your adoring

        Dicker

 

*Tom was engaged to Chotie’s elder sister Margaret. He was killed in a motorbike accident on manoeuvres.   

 

** N.C.O. = Non-commissioned Officer

  

© Chotie Darling, 2010. 

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, a PT Instructor - 11th July 1940

 Dinton

Wilts

Thursday

My Darling Chotie,

    Have just received you letter, for which many thanks.  I am replying immediately, as usual ….

   

I started P.T. instructing this morning and hope to get a stripe soon.  Toni got one this morning, but as he’s had a lot of previous military training this is to be expected.  I went for an interview with the C.O. - quite satisfactory, apparently.  I get every afternoon off, and have been excused all parades, etc. 

The P.T. instructor is quite a decent sort of bloke.  He’s getting married in a few weeks time, poor chap.  I hope she can cook … He says he will sign a pass (week-end) for me almost anytime I like, so I think I can manage to get home on my birthday (ie about two weeks time). 

    I’m just going to have some tea now.  More later.

Having had 2 pieces of bread & jam comprising tea, I feel a little more contented.

It’s the helluva job to get anywhere to write in this camp.  I’m writing with the pad supported on my lap.  (That’s where you ought to be …)  All the camp had the afternoon off.  There was a crowd of W.A.T.S* at the gate for some time.  Most of the boys trooped down but I wrote to my little Cho-Cho instead.  I think I deserve a big kiss.  How about it?

    Hughes' fiancée has recovered quite a bit according to the doctor, but has no memory yet.  Hughes is going to see her next weekend after his brother’s wedding – hope he bungs back a bottle or two. 

I forgot to tell you that George turned up on Monday night – just after I posted your letter.  He’s getting on very well in ‘G’ Company with Hughes.  George and I won our first game of darts together on Tuesday night.  We hope this will be the first of many victories.

Give my love to Pete’s Barbara the next time you see her and tell her, I already have one Barbara, and as she’s rather a handful, I have all my work cut out to keep her under control without any more. 

 

I hope you will give my wishes to Betty** & Leslie for perfect marital bliss in the future and all possible happiness.

There’s a bloke with a wonderful voice in this tent singing “At the Balalaika***”.

        Je t’aime encore****

Bye, bye, darling,

     Dicker

PS Write soon (or needn’t I say that!)

 

* Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service

** Chotie’s eldest sister who married Leslie Hall in 1940

 

*** Song from the popular 1939 film based on Posford and Grün’s operetta ‘Balalaika’.

**** "I love you always"

 

      
 

© Chotie Darling, 2010. 

 

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’.

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.