61st Reconnaissance Regiment, who Dick was to fight with in NW Europe, were formed in September 1941 under the leadership of Lieutenant-Colonel Sir William Mount, Bt.T.D. (the former Prime Minister David Cameron's grandfather).
1stSeptember 1941 – Nazis decreed that Jewish people in Germany and occupied countries should wear the yellow star badges introduced in Poland in November 1939.
3rd September 1941 – the first gassing of prisoners at Auschwitz concentration camp. More than one million people were killed there during the war.
5th September 1941 – Estonia occupied by the German army.
Intelligence Section, HQ Company, 70th Dorsets
Fort Brockhurst, Gosport, Hants.
Darling Chotie,
Just a few lines, Precious, to wish you very many Happy Returns of your Birthday.
I'm afraid you won't get this missive until after the sixth* as I haven't had one single moment to spare since I've been back. Also of course it's the hell of a job to get anything posted out here in the wilds.
Anyway, Darling, as you put it once before, “Here's wishing you everything you wish yourself”, which is, I think, easily the best way of expressing myself.
Unfortunately I haven't yet been paid this week, as they wouldn't pay me at Brockhurst, and pay parade was over when I arrived up here.
I had to do a 24 hr Guard at Brockhurst as soon as I was back but I hope to be able to get a bracelet in Gosport or Pompey*** when I can get there. Brinner’s** still got the residue of my cash, but said he would send it on.
Poor Chotie ... I'm afraid it won't be much of a birthday for you, but doubtless better times are coming. Don't forget to tell me all the latest when you write, Honey. I'm dying to know what’s happened re the Land Army, etc.
If you see Brinner, tell him to let me know all his news, (also to send some cash!)
Well, Darling I must close here, as I have to see the Intelligence Officer.
All my love Darling
ever yours Dicker.
PS.Don't worry about anything, Precious, - we'll pull through all right.
* Chotie’s 18th birthday
** Dick’s younger brother Brian
*** A name for Portsmouth
© Chotie Darling
8th September – beginning of the German siege of Leningrad (St Petersburg) which was not lifted until 27th January 1944. Some 600,000 people died of starvation and disease in the city during the siege.
On 9th September 1941 Winston Churchill addressed the House
of Commons ending his speech with the famous lines "We are still masters of our fate. We are still captain of our souls" based on the poem ‘Invictus’ by William Ernest Henley. (See full speech on Churchill Society website http://www.churchill-society-london.org.uk/CptsSoul.html.)
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