Saturday 3rd 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 5th 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 6th 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.
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