Out to lunch - Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th June 2011

MT Section, HQ Company

Fort Brockhurst, Gosport, Hants

My Darling Chotie,

                                                                        I'm sorry I haven't written before but have been very busy for the last few days, working nights as well. There's so little news to tell you, as usual.          

              It's been very hot today (and yesterday) - scorching in fact.  Unfortunately, I haven't been able to sunbathe, the only thing to do in this weather... I always was pretty lazy! Beachcombing in Tahiti is my true métier!  What about it, after I get out...? You'd have to wear a sarong... You won't have much to lose, then...

            Wouldn't it be marvellous, though!  Just think of it - live on bananas & things.  Wear pyjamas and a bandit's hat, roll your own cheroots, and sink a drop of Bourbon or Rye...

           To change this too-good-to-be-true subject - there's going to be a Regimental Sports on Monday, and feeling bold I've entered for the Mile.  I expect to withdraw in about the 2nd lap. However, I'm doing a bit of training so may last to the 3rd. Time will show… There's a Lance Corporal here who comes from the 5^th Battalion where he broke their 100 yds record.  I did a bit of training with him tonight.  He's pretty mustard.

            The Colour Sergeant took my name for the leave roster today, so I shall get another Seven Days in about six weeks or so. Maybe.…  I hope to get home for a weekend soon but things are very difficult at the moment.  This week is out of the question I'm afraid.                                                               

                                                        Bye, bye My Darling,

                                                                                    All yours

                                                                                                Dicker.

PS.      Love you.

Thursday

            As I expected to see you today, I didn't post this letter - and so I'm writing a bit more.

            I had to go to Bournemouth with the Second-in-Command Major Miles.  We went on to Poole and he gave me half an hour or so for dinner, so of course I went home.  Coming through Bournemouth on the way back he went home (he lives at Southbourne) which gave me some ten minutes or so.  I tried to phone you, as you know by now, but unfortunately you were out somewhere.  It was dinnertime...  Just our luck.          

            Still, I'll manage to see you soon - never fear. I shall certainly get my Seven Days on time.  Probably in about six or seven weeks.           

            I did my best mileage to date today – 12.8.  It surprised me what a strain it is - especially when you're not used to it.                

            I must close here as I have no more paper.

                                                           All of my love Chotie Darling,

                                                                                    Dicker

PS.      Love you, Love you, Love you.

© Chotie Darling

 

22nd June 1941 – start of Operation Barbarossa, Germany’s (surprise) invasion of Russia.