It's very peaceful here - Friday 4th August 1944

61^st Recce Regt RAC

BLA

August 4^th

Dearest Chotie,

                                    I have another days ‘rest’ so herewith a few lines.

            Firstly, Darling, I must thank you very much for the tobacco and best wishes you sent for the 28^th*.  Actually the tobacco didn’t arrive until yesterday, but it’s none the less welcome for that.

            I’m now sitting in an orchard, inhaling – a blend of the finest matured Virginian and Oriental tobaccos! – which makes the world seem a better place than it actually is.

            I’ve spent most of my days ‘rest’ collecting food, ammo, petrol, etc for my troop, which has left me some two hours to call my own.  Always moaning aren’t I?

            It’s very peaceful here, on a sunny slope of meadows, thick with fruit trees.  Unfortunately this isn’t vineyard country, or I might be munching grapes instead of sour apples, which are all of the cider variety.

            Was very glad to hear of your trip home for Margaret’s birthday.  It certainly makes a break, though I’m disgusted to read of your gluttony – hope you get a tummy-ache.

            I’m afraid there’s practically nothing to write about as I’ve seen nothing of any interest in the last few days, and security puts a damper on that.

            Heard an excellent recording of Susanna (‘Phantom of the Opera’) Foster**.  It was some Mexican song or other.  Her final top C was there alright, though her lower register is still immature.  She’ll never be a Melba,*** though she’s quite pleasant to listen to.

            I’ve almost forgotten what Mozart sounds like.

                        Must close here for a spot of supper.

                                    All my love, Chotie Darling.

            We’ll definitely spend my next birthday together….

                                                           

                                                                        Dicker

*Dick’s 23^rd birthday on 28^th July 1944.

**Susanna Foster, an American film actress best known for her leading role as Christine in the film @Phantom of the Opera’ (1943).

***Dame Nellie Melba, a famous Australian operatic soprano who died in 1931.

© Chotie Darling

Top - Barbara (Chotie) and Beryl Chalkley in August 1944

Middle - Barbara, Betty Hall (Chotie's eldest sister) and Beryl (Chotie's younger sister)

Bottom - Jack Chalkley, Chotie's younger brother