Letter from Chotie written Friday 16th March 1945
Friday 16th March 45.
My darling,
Must thank you so much for your letter*, which was really quite quick coming. I did not expect to hear from you for quite a while.
Thank Goodness! Bryn approved - I do hope he writes to me. It is a shame he got posted just when you could be with him. I was pleased that your trip over was not too deadly and I do hope, precious, that you continue to get good food. That’s an important thing.
Actually darling I think it is you, making the sacrifice so nobly, and if you come back safe and sound and soon I will be the happiest girl in the world.
We have had some more money, darling. 2 guineas from Auntie Nellie & Alice & £1 from Auntie Ethel – Mummy’s sister. We also had lots of promises. I hope you have managed to write to some of those people, darling, if not send the letters etc. to me & I’ll write them.
Well, I have been very fortunate about leave. I phoned the unit up and spoke to Mrs Wilkie, luckily. She told me to await instructions. Yesterday, I received a wire granting me 7 days, so I’ll have to go back next Monday. No C.B.** or anything – thank goodness!
Have just received a letter from your Mum with some photos enclosed – also some negatives. The photos of me are ‘chronic’ – you don’t look too bad, one is quite good. Beryl is getting some negatives developed so I’ll send you some on as soon as possible.
I have been taking the baby out quite a bit. In Poole yesterday I bumped into Sas & Johnny; they thought it was “very quick work”, until I explained, of course. They walked back through the park*** with me, getting quite 'paternal'. Sas had schemes of weaning him on beer.
This afternoon Margaret & I walked nearly to Sandbanks with him. She was in the best of spirits as she had just had a letter from Ted and he should be home April 6th, 7th or 8th – isn’t it thrilling?
Roger is a bit fretful – we think some teeth are coming, or something. Ted’s brother Don is coming tomorrow, I have not seen him for ages. He will be the first of the ‘Lewises’ to nurse Roger.
I have opened a banking account at the National Provincial – so that’s all settled. I think you have to enquire about my allowance, or something.****
Later
Beryl came rushing in from work and wanting me to go to the flicks. We went to the ‘Grand’ to see Ronald Colman & Marlene Dietrich in 'Kismet'. All Baghdad and thieves and things. Not bad. We had to walk home, so I’m pretty well on my knees.
Must close now and go to bed,
Take care, my precious,
All my love,
Chotie. XXX
*Dick’s letter of Monday 12th March 1954 – 'A Noble Sacrifice'.
**’Confined to Barracks’?
***Poole Park – not far from Chotie’s home.
****A married man in the services could get a ‘Married Women’s Allowance’ for his wife.
© Chotie Darling
WAR DIARY of 52nd (Lowland) Recce Regt RAC March 1945
– Lt Col J.B.A. Hankey OBE
Date 16th Place MENZELEN: Weather – Rain
Strength - 907 men, 188 tanks/armoured cars/guns
‘No change in situation except that ‘A’ Squadron less Assault Troop ordered to go to VENRAIJ to come under command of Commando Brigade. ‘B’ Squadron also to supply 9 19 sets to report to HQ, 15(S) Division in area HASSELT. Regiment also warned that elements may be taken for Traffic Control. Slight shelling in area.’
‘A’ & ‘C’ Squadrons were still detached. ‘B’ Squadron were at Helenhof 1225.
(From the War Diary of the 52nd Reconnaissance Regiment held by the Archive and Reference Library, the Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset.)
Dick’s 1945 diary for March:
16th Fri – Supper with Peter Evans. Wrote Poll.
17th Fri – Wrote Averil.
Recent Comments