8th November 1940 – Italian offensive in Albania.
9th 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.
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