Operation Blau, the German advance in southern Russia, continued in July 1942 with the capture of Rostov on Don, the gateway to the Caucasus oilfields. In the Arctic Barents Sea most of the ships in PQ-17, a British supply convoy to the Soviet Union, were sunk by Luftwaffe planes and U-boats (one of the Allies worst Naval disasters of the war). However, Rommel’s advance in Egypt was held at the El Alamein line and although the Japanese landed in Papua New Guinea on 21st July they were prevented from reaching the capital at Port Moresby by Australian troops fighting over several months in appalling conditions along the Kokoda Trail.
Behind German lines in Poland the Nazis began systematic gassing of Jews in the death camps at Auschwitz and Treblinka. In Paris on 16th July 13,000 Jews, including children, were rounded up and sent to death camps in one of the most heinous acts of collaboration of the war.
At home in Britain sweets, chocolate and biscuits were now rationed. (This must have upset Chotie who had a sweet tooth). The Dorset coast was under attack with bombing raids on Swanage and West Dorset and German minelaying in the Channel. On 9th July German e-boats (Schnellbootes) sank several ships of the convoy WP183 in Lyme Bay. A special defence for Winston Churchill’s personal plane was constructed at RAF Hurn (now Bournemouth Airport).
From 1st to 3rd July Dick was taking part in a Brigade exercise with 1st Air Landing Squadron. After a free day on the 4th he was put on 24 hour guard and had to turn out for inspection by Major-General Frederick 'Boy' Browning, the Commander of the British Airborne Division. He wrote to Chotie that evening, his last letter from the Airborne. He may have taken part in the 1st Air Landing's specialist training (cadres) and demonstrations before briefly meeting up with Chotie on 11th July and leaving to join the 43rd Reconnaissance Regiment at Dover in Kent on 13th July.
The Wyvern dragon, logo of the 43rd (Wessex) Division
Letter posted Friday 17th July 1942
Tpr 5731671 Williams R
“A” Squadron, 43rd Recce Regt
Recce Corps, Home Forces
My Darling Chotie,
As you will see from above address much water has flowed under the old bridge since I last saw you on Saturday. About half the old squadron were transferred to this regiment which is in the same corps but non-airborne.
I can’t tell you where I am – but I can tell you I’m in the county of my humble origin*.
At present I’m feeling very groggy, having just had a couple of inoculations – which always set me back a bit.
I managed to get back in time on Saturday last. There was a devil of a crowd at the bus station and at least three fights with Red-caps**, but I managed to get on a bus and arrived back just before midnight.
Well, Precious I’m afraid I can’t write any more, as I feel like Death warmed-up.
I think the leave works out all right here, so I shall probably get my next 9 days on time. I can’t see any chance of getting down before then.
Goodnight, my Darling
God bless you
Dicker
*Dick was born in Orpington in Kent.
** Military police
© Chotie Darling
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