The Atlantic Charter, a joint statement of mutual goals for the post WW2 world, was signed by Britain and the USA on 14th August but America had still not joined the war. On 25th August British and Russian troops invaded Iran, then known as Persia.
At the beginning of September Jews in Germany, like those in Poland, were forced to wear the yellow star. Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Nazi concentration camp in southern Poland, began the murder of prisoners using gas. By the end of World War 2 over 1.1 million men, women and children had lost their lives there.
In Dorset R.A.F. Hurn welcomed the fighter aircraft that were to become the secret Telecommunications Flying Unit (later the Radar Research Flying unit) linked to the Telecommunications Research Establishment at Worth Matravers, near Swanage. This was the top secret centre for scientists working on Britain’s radar warning system.
By 17th August Dick’s section of the Dorset Regiment based at Fort Brockhurst in Gosport seem to have been getting restless. Dick’s friend Bill Ede ‘deserted’ the Intelligence unit and there were a number of court martials. Dick appears to have been given his 7 days leave at the end of August since there are no letters until September when he sent Chotie a card for her eighteenth birthday:
Letter posted on Saturday 6th September 1941
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
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