61st Recce Regt
RAC BLA.
Thursday October 26th
Chotie Darling,
Sorry I haven’t been able to write you for a couple of days or so, but I’ve been very busy doing 2nd in command to the Squadron Leader – a pretty exacting job.
Can’t tell you what I’m doing at present – though it’s nothing very thrilling – just a lot of painstaking work. It falls to my lot to issue all rations, clothing, rum, etc and entertain visiting Colonels, etc when the Squadron Leader is out (very often)
Had a long letter from home yesterday. Dad’s been up to Town several times lately to try to negotiate the sale of ‘Clevedon Lodge*’ our old town-house. Not very successful as it’s been damaged to the extent of £150 by flying-bombs. Also town-houses aren’t much in demand at present. He’s letting it go for £1500 but no one’s angling yet. He’s promised us kids £50 each if he manages a sale – though I can’t see much prospect of that, at present anyhow.
I had a good night at pontoon three days ago when I won another 60 guilders (£6 approx.). I’ve also acquired a 4 guinea ink pencil at this pleasant game.
Is it still possible to buy those fleece lined gloves in England without coupons? They’re usually marked ‘industrial’. Would you let me know – and if the answer’s ‘Yes’ I’ll send you a postal order or cheque to send me some, if you would. I have no gloves at all at present – which can be rather inconvenient in the cold spaces out here.
Yes, Eric** did smoke ‘Baby’s Bottom’*** – but only, I think, to shock the girl behind the counter. I smoked it myself for some time, when we first got to Bournemouth. Quite a pleasant smoke.
Whether Brinner will ever fire a shot in anger seems a moot point, as he’s still at the Regimental Holding Unit.
I hope you’re not serious about going abroad as you’ll probably end up in some awful place and certainly won’t get home for years. People seem to think the war’s all over, by the way everyone’s reacting. The biggest and most bitter battles are yet to come.
It’s not many weeks to the next Xmas, is it? And I’ll be eating my Xmas dinner in a slit-trench.
Must close here.
All my love, Darling
Dicker
PS Contents from the Paris paper printed in Dutch & French as well, I see.
*There’s a Clevedon Lodge near Wimbledon at SW19 6AS in London but it appears to be modern flats.
**Eric Kessler http://www.chotiedarling.co.uk/my-blog/2013/03/best-battle-dress-monday-8th-march-1943.html , Dick’s best friend from the Dorsets and before.
***a smooth blend of tobacco.
© Chotie Darling
Note enclosed:
Thursday October 26th
Chotie Darling,
Have just got hold of this magazine – so thought I’d send it to you straight away.
Apparently it’s “Beyer’s Fashion-Leader” – a German publication*
Much love, Precious
Dicker
P.S. You might send it on to Diller to get her views!
*See art history blog for images of Beyer dress patterns.
WAR DIARY of 61 Recce Regt RAC October 1944
– Lt Col P.H.A. Brownrigg
Date 26th Place DRIEL
“C” Squadron relieved “A” in the left hand sector.
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