Chotie Darling

75 years ago - Joining 1st Air Landing

In April 1942 Malta was awarded the George Cross for "heroism and devotion". America hit back at Japan with the Doolittle raid on Tokyo but the Japanese were close to victory in the Philippines, had landed in Dutch New Guinea (West Papua) and attacked the Royal Navy base at Colombo, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka).  In Germany the last meeting of the Nazi Reichstag gave Hitler complete power as ‘Supreme Judge of the German People') and on 24^th April the Luftwaffe began the famous Baedeker raids on English historical cities, beginning with Exeter.

In Dorset Weymouth, Hamworthy, Poole and Swanage also suffered bombing attacks in April 1942.  The Telecommunications Research Establishment made an important breakthrough with the beginning of radar ground-mapping (known as "Starlight") that could be used by bombers at night or in cloud and a new master station for the direction of RAF bombers from southern Britain was erected on Bulbarrow Hill near Hilton in central Dorset.

Combined Operations HQ at Anderson Manor, near Poole, was organising commando raids such as the abandoned Myrmidon and Operation JV and planning for the Dieppe offensive.

Prime Minister Winston Churchill visited the Lulworth ranges to see the new Churchill tanks on 6^th April. On 12^th April Churchill was shown a demonstration of glider and parachute troops by the 1st Airborne Division.  Their commanding officer Major-General Frederick “Boy” Browning was assisted by Brigadier George Frederick Hopkinson, known as “Hoppy”, who had founded the General Headquarters Liaison Regiment. . 

It is tempting to weave a thread of connection between Dick’s intelligence role in Dorset, the development of radar, the secret signals GHL regiment (known as Phantom) and Combined Operations HQ – all based near Poole.  Perhaps some personal encounter had led Dick to volunteer for Air Landing, instead of the parachute troops?

Whatever the course of events on 21st April 1942 Dick was posted to 1^st Air Landing Reconnaissance:

Pte 5731671 Williams RK

1st Air Landing Coy

Recce Corps

C/o A.P.O. NOTTINGHAM.

My Darling,

            Arrived here safe and sound on Monday Evening.

            This is one hell of a crowd. Discipline isn't in it. They're trying to break the Guards peace time standard and believe me they're doing it.  Everything has to be blancoed* up to scratch nearly every day.  I shall get little or no time off.

            The only good thing about it is the leave.  Apparently they get Seven Days every nine weeks or so - which is amazing for the Army.  I start on a course on Monday next - it's just like being a rookie all over again.

            The Company here is billeted in a marvelous old house – Elizabethan* - with hundreds of rooms, banqueting halls etc.  Incidentally you must write to the address as shown, and not the one you already know - for security reasons. You might advise Diller or Mother if you write, as I've had to give them the Nottingham address of course.

            For Pete's sake, how long's the war going to last?  I only hope your mother's right, when she says it will be over this year.

            I'm afraid I can't say anything of local interest, etc as these letters are sometimes censored for security reasons.  I miss you already, Darling - how am I going to feel in a month’s time?

            I'm afraid I must close here as I have a hell of a lot to do.  Please write soon my Darling as I feel b----- lonely.

                                                                        all my love Precious,

                                                                                    your adoring

                                                                                                Dicker

*Blanco was a cleaning compound used on the cotton of army uniforms. ‘Bull, Blanco and Brasso’ meant getting uniforms immaculate.

** Shaw House, Newbury, Berkshire - the base for 1st Air Landing Reconnaissance Squadron mentioned in their wartime diary in the National Archives, Kew. This grade 1 listed Elizabethan Building is now owned by West Berkshire Council and open to the public.

© Chotie Darling

75 years ago - Japan threatens Australia

In March 1942 the 1^st Air Landing Reconnaissance Squadron (that Dick was to join in April) was training on Salisbury Plain from their base at Shaw House near Newbury.  Dick was presumably still in Dorset where there was yet more privation on the home front as gas and electricity were rationed.

The county was still receiving occasional air attacks and there was intense activity off the coast to enforce the Royal Navy’s blockade of the Channel, although five German destroyers and a raider slipped through to the Atlantic.  Some of Poole's flying boats were commandeered to relieve the siege of Malta.  The island was critical to the interception of Rommel’s supplies in North Africa but was remorselessly bombed by the Luftwaffe.  In March 1942 all five ships in a convoy were sunk and the troops and civilian population faced starvation (from ‘The Second World War’ by Antony Beevor, published by Weidenfield and Nicolson 2012).

Lord Louis Mountbatten was promoted as Chief of Combined Operations and his commandos carried out a successful raid to destroy the dock at St Nazaire, the only eastern Atlantic dock large enough to accommodate Hitler’s super battleship the Tirpitz.

Japan achieved victory in the Java Sea at the beginning of March and by the end of the month held the Dutch East Indies (Indonesia) and Rangoon, the capital of Burma.  They bombed Port Moresby, the capital of New Guinea, and Darwin, again.  Faced by the threat of Japanese invasion Australia had begun evacuation of the north in December 1941, just as the first US troops arrived to help defend the country.  However, after March 1942 the direct threat of Japanese invasion diminished. 

75 years ago - Singapore surrenders

There are no letters from Dick to Chotie in February 1942  - he was certainly close enough to meet up with her on the 11^th and 23^rd February when he visited the dentist in Bournemouth.  Dick, who had volunteered to join the paras, may by now have known that he was heading for the new airlanding forces.  Eric Postles, meanwhile, had joined the regiment Dick would fight with in Europe, the 61^st Reconnaissance Regiment.

Dorset was a centre for secret operations in February 1942, not only David Niven's 'A' force, located near Poole and the Telecommunications Research Centre in Purbeck.  The Small Scale Raiding Force (No 62 Commando) were active in raids across the Channel and perhaps the most famous small raid, known as Operation Biting (on the German’s secret transmitter at Bruneval near Cherbourg) was  organised from Louis Mountbatten’s Combined Operations HQ at Anderson Manor, inland from Poole.

The code breakers at Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire, received a bitter blow in February 1942 when Germany changed its settings on their Navy’s Enigma encryption machines.  It took them 10 months to crack the code – during 1942 the Allies lost 3 times more shipping than they had in 1941.   The German battleships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau managed to escape the Allies blockade in Brest, and attacks in the Channel, to reach safe harbour in Germany on the 13^th February.

 On 15^th February the island of Singapore, which Churchill had considered impregnable impregnable, fell to the Japanese.  Japan was very much on the offensive, advancing in Burma and bombing Darwin in Australia. (Australian troops were ordered to return home from Europe to fight the Japanese.)  The Battle of the Java Sea for Indonesia began on 27^th February. 

 

Singapore in February 1942.  The black smoke in the background is from the British Naval base’s oil dump bombed by the Japanese on 6^th February. (Source Australian War Memorial on 'To those who served' website.)

75 years ago - Introducing Eric Postles

The stories of those who survived fighting with 61^st Reconnaissance have brought to life Dick’s wartime experience.

Eric Postles was born on 8^th September 1922 and lived in the village of Burscough in Lancashire.  His parents, Mr and Mrs H. Postles lived at 7 Moss Nook, Burscough bridge, Nr. Ormskirk, Lancashire. His war years began 75 years ago:

 “When men and women reached 19 years of age they were conscripted and, unless you were in a reserved occupation, you were called up for the forces or munitions work etc.

I had a medical for the forces at Wigan an on 15^th January 1942 I, along with Harry Parr* from the village and Dennis Crumbleholme from Ormskirk, reported to the Castle at Carlisle as part of a big intake of men from north-west England for the Reconnaissance Corps, a newly formed corps to provide regiments to recce for Infantry Divisions.  I became 10602580 Trooper J.E.Postles.  The role of the Reconnaissance Corps was to gather vital tactical information in battle.  Our badge was a spear with flashes of lightning on either side and the words 'Reconnaissance' on a scroll beneath.  The Corps lanyards were green and yellow and on top of our sleeves we wore the word ‘Reconnaissance’ in yellow on a green background, the Divisional sign and beneath that a bar of green and yellow.  Similarly our vehicles were recognised by the number ‘41’ on a green and yellow square and the divisional sign on the front and rear.  We wore forage caps, later changed to khaki berets and then black berets when we became part of the Royal Armoured Corps.  We also changed our steel helmets to ones similar to those worn by the airborne troops, which gave more protection. 

Our pay was 1 shilling and 9 pence a day but shortly after joining it rose to 2 shillings and 6d and 6d was paid in towards a gratuity given at demobilisation.  After an IQ test I was allocated to 61st Division Recce Regiment.  The Divisional sign was a blue square with inset red diamond.  Harry and Denis went to 59^th Division Recce Regiment in Ireland.

My regiment, also in Ireland, was moving to a new location so instead of joining them at the outset we went by train on 18^th January to No 10 I.T.C. (Kings Own Scottish Borderers) to do our basic training at Berwick-on-Tweed.  The camp was on the cliffs next to the sea.  It was bitterly cold and snowed heavily.  There was a lot of visible enemy air activity off the coast although the camp was never attacked. 

(Extracts from ‘My War Years’ by John Eric Postles ISO used by kind permission of the author.)

*Harry Parr joined the 59 Division Recce regiment.  In July 1943 he “was killed on an exercise in Kent when his heavy armoured car turned over and he was crushed by the gun.”

75 Years ago - Unity and Genocide

The 'Declaration by United Nations', a plan for a new world organisation (which led to the UN Charter) was signed by 26 governments including the US, UK, China and the Soviet Union at the beginning of January 1942.

Later that month, on 20^th January, Germany formally adopted a policy to exterminate all Jews codenamed 'the Final Solution'. This horrendous genocide is remembered every year on Holocaust Memorial Day, the 27^th January. 

In Russia there were new Soviet offensives in the bitter winter along the eastern front, leading to massive casualties and huge civilian suffering.

On 21^st January Rommel’s German forces in North Africa pushed the British back to the Gazala line, west of Tobruk in Libya.

Japanese forces advanced in the Philippines, Malaysia and North Borneo, entered Burma and attacked New Guinea.  Australia mobilised for defence and American troops began to arrive in Britain.

In Dorset, Combined Operations HQ was masterminding the Bruneval Raid and the Small Scale Raiding Force was established following the success of Operation Postmaster.

Dick was working in Intelligence, presumably in Dorset because there are no letters from him to Chotie in January 1942.  However, a new companion is about to join us....

75 years ago – The World at War

All we know of Dick in December 1941 is that he visited the dentist in Bournemouth on Friday 19th.  Perhaps he even spent Christmas at home with Chotie?

In Dorset the early radar mapping discoveries (called ‘Blind Navigation’) were encouraged to enable bombers to find targets in poor weather at night. 

Dick’s future unit, the secret 1^st Air Landing, became established in Shaw House, near Newbury in Berkshire,under the leadership of Major ‘Freddie’ Gough (later of Arnhem fame).

On 2^nd December the new National Service Bill introduces compulsory war service for single women aged between 20 and 30.

 

Hitler’s armies were in striking distance of Moscow at the end of November but a surprise counter-attack by Soviet forces on 5^th December halted their advance. 

In Libya Operation Typhoon successfully led to the withdrawal of Rommel’s troops and the lifting if the siege of Tobruk. 

In Norway Combined Operations’ newly formed commandos successfully destroyed 16,000 tons of German shipping in a raid.

However…..

On 8^th December 1941 (7th December in Hawaiii) Japanese forces successfully sprung a surprise air attack on the American Fleet in Pearl Harbour, Hawaii and the USA and UK declared war on Japan.  On 9^th December China, already at war with Japan, declared war on Germany and Italy and two days later the USA was also at war with Germany and Italy.

World War 2 was now truly global.

Japan also attacked US bases in the Philippines, destroying half the US Far East Airforce, Guam (in the Mariana Islands) and Wake Island (between Hawaii and the Marianas).  In China they moved into Shanghai.

Japanese forces landed in Malaya, launching air raids on Singapore, and sinking the great British battleship HMS Prince of Wales and the battle cruiser HMS Repulse, sent to defend the colony.  Their troops landed in Borneo and Burma and on the British held Hong Kong Island.  Hong Kong surrendered to the Japanese on 25^th December, Christmas Day.

Churchill was, by then, in America, in urgent conference with the US President and essential ally Franklin D. Roosevelt, relieved that at last the USA was entering the war.

(From ‘The Second World War’ by Antony Beevor, published by Weidenfield and Nicolson 2012)

75 years ago - Chotie's 'second best'

“After my fiasco with the Land Army I went to work at Plummers, Boscombe, where I learnt a lot about displaying fashions.  Then, as it was quite a way from home, I transferred to Plummers, Bournemouth and did a spell in the Knitwear Department.  I got friendly with a Jewish girl and was spending the weekend at her home in Mudeford when I met George.  He was sitting in the back of a car smoking a Petersham pipe, just like Dicker did.  That was the attraction.  He was motorcycle officer at Blandford Camp, very posh - in fact an old Etonian, which I found out much later on.  He used to say he was second best, as he knew that Dicker was first.  George never gave me a clue as to his swanky background and he came to our humble abode for Sunday lunch and thoroughly enjoyed my Mum’s apple pie.” (From ‘Chotie’s Story’) 

After the war Mum was with George Bainbridge for seven years (she lived on his boat off Poole Quay in the summer) but he married someone else and went to live on the Isle of Wight.

Where Dick was in November 1941 is uncertain since there are no letters to my mother during this time.

Dorset’s Telecommunications Research Establishment were just beginning to produce radar ‘maps’ using their ‘Special Duty Flights’ from Christchurch Aerodrome and RAF Hurn (guarded by Dick’s Dorset Regiment).

In November 1941 a critical reconnaissance photo was taken revealing to TRE the presence of a Würzburg transmitter (Germany’s secret radar) near Cherbourg.  This became the subject of the successful Bruneval Raid in February 1942, organised from Mountbatten’s Combined Operations HQ near Poole.

Dorset was still subject to bombing raids with three people killed in Weymouth on 2^nd November.  On 11th November a British fighter plane crash landed at RAF Warmwell hitting the station’s ammunition dump and killing two of the Dorset Regiment troops on guard there.

Paper was in short supply so Christmas cards were banned and buses were stopped from 9.30pm because of the fuel shortage.

In Poland work began on the Nazis first extermination camp at Belżec.  Stalin celebrated the Anniversary of the Revolution in Moscow, although the city was in a state of siege and, as hard frosts firmed the sodden ground, German troops were advancing on the capital.

In China the Japanese had achieved a devastating victory over the Chinese Nationalists in southern Shensai and on 14^th November the British aircraft carrier Ark Royal sank following a German U-boat attack.

However, the Allies had cracked Italian naval codes and, on 9^th November, succeeded in destroying a huge convoy carrying vital supplied for Axis forces in Tripoli. On 18^th November Allied forces advanced into Libya, ending Rommel’s 241 day siege of the key supply port at Tobruk on 27^th November.

On 26^th November Japanese aircraft carriers in the north Pacific had set sail from the Kurile Islands heading for Hawaii and the American Naval base at Pearl Harbour.

75 years ago - Invalided out of the Land Army

“I left Beales to become a Land Army girl, age seventeen, after a tiff at home.  A lovely farm at Church Knowle in the Purbecks.  Miss Grace, the farm owner, let me live in her beautiful cottage under Creech, the highest point in the Purbecks.  Walking across fields in early morning, the mist fell in between the hills like small lakes, quite awesome.  Also awesome was my cycle ride from Corfe Castle station to Church Knowle, on a moonlit and part cloudy evening.  How ghostly Corfe Castle looked.

The Land Army was not for me.  After too much rich food I suffered a bilious attack and hours of mangold pulling, milking cows and trekking across fields took its toll.  Dad took great pleasure in saying I had been invalided out of the Land Army much to my annoyance.  Beryl* joined at a later date and made quite a success of it.” (From ‘Chotie’s Story’) 

*Beryl was Mum’s younger sister, ‘a success’ in the Land Army. 

Winnie Lawes and Beryl Chalkley, Chotie's sister, in the Land Army.

 

Reputedly my mother lasted three weeks in the Land Army before she was ‘invalided out’, always a source of much amusement in our family.  Dick’s posting to a location so near to her home may have had some influence on her desire to leave the rural idyll of Purbeck.

 

There are no letters from Dick between 7th October 1941 and 20th April 1942, (the Missing Winter) when records show he was transferred from the Dorsets to 1st Air Landing in the Reconnaissance Corps.   

The British 1st Air Landing Brigade was formed on 10th October 1941.  On 27^th October Lord Louis Mountbatten became Head of Combined Operations and appointed Frederick Browning as commander of the Paratroops and Airborne Troops, which on 31^st October became the first Airborne Division.

On 15th October the Nazis initiated Operation Reinhard, the plan to systematically murder all Jews in land under German control.  In France there were large-scale ‘punishment killings’ of civilians in retaliation for the assassination of German military commanders by the Resistance.

Churchill was still hoping that the USA would enter the war in support of the Allies – on 31^st October an American warship was destroyed by a German U-boat while escorting a British convoy.

75 years ago – Somewhere in England

The siege of Leningrad, which was to last until January 1944 began on 8^th September 1941.  The Germans also captured Kiev in Russia on 19^th September, carrying out the notorious massacre of Babi Yar there.  More than 33,000 Jews were killed – the largest single mass killing of the Holocaust.  At the beginning of October Hitler began his attack on Moscow.

Meanwhile Dorset and the Hampshire border were used for the filming of 'The First of the Few', the story of the Spitfire, starring Leslie Howard and David Niven and featuring pilots from RAF Command.  Niven had left Hollywood to rejoin the  Army at the start of the war and, although he did some work for the Army Film Unit, he also commanded ‘A’ Squadron of the secret GHQ Liaison known as ’Phantom’, which specialised in front-line communications.  ‘A’ Squadron were based on the south coast behind Poole Harbour in Dorset working with ‘V’ Corps (part of Southern Command) for the defence of Hampshire and Dorset. 

Also in September Dick’s unit, the 70th Battalion of the Dorset Regiment moved to Bournemouth while its companies guarded RAF Ibsley (the main location for the film above), RAF Hurn, RAF Warmwell and the cliffs at Canford (where Chotie was later to live). 

 

Chotie, now aged eighteen, had joined the Women's Land Army.  Dick, who’s enjoying the Autumn countryside in Hampshire, writes to congratulate her but then, in his next letter, reveals that his HQ Company is moving to the Branksome Chine area in Poole on the weekend of 20^th/21^st September.  Although this must have been frustrating, with Chotie now moving out from Poole to a farm somewhere in Dorset, Dick also seems intent to “go elsewhere”.  He writes to Chotie at Church Knowle (where she’s working on the farm near Corfe Castle in Purbeck and living in Miss Grace’s little cottage at Cocknowle) saying he “should be out off this punk crowd in a month or two”.  His family also has plans to move from Poole back to Herne Bay in Kent, where they lived when Dick was a child.

On 7^th October Dick had a medical, prior to his transfer, passed in A1 condition and wrote Chotie his last letter for some time:

Intelligence Section

HQ Company

70th Dorsets

Branksome

Hants.

Tuesday

My Darling Chotie,

                                                            Just a few lines to let you know that all is well, and that I still love you, EVERYTHING.

            I'm now feeling much better and though still on the sick list, hope to be OK again in a few days time.

            I had a letter from Brinner (NO not Monica*, Darling...) who appears to be enjoying himself.

            I do little or nothing all day with Eric, which gets pretty boring after a while.  He had a parcel today and is, consequently, feeling quite cheerful, and sends his love (brotherly).

            I was medically examined this morning re transferring, and was categorised A1. - not that it makes any difference.  I'm afraid there's no news, of course, as nothing seems to happen.

            Marjory, as I hear from Diller, who still corresponds, has now found her true love (etc), and may now cease to cause me sleepless nights.  It's about time she had a change of front and policy.  That's the only snag of going back to Herne Bay**.  But at any rate we hope she's married by then and in safe hands.

            This pen’s horrible to write with.  Needless to say, it’s Eric's!  He has everything on the thin side.

            I've managed to find Cocknowle on a large-scale map - so I now know whereabouts it lies.

            As regards next Sunday, I'll borrow a bike from Somewhere in England and be around sometime about 3 pm to 5-30.  At any rate, I'll write again before then.

            Well, Darling I must close here as it's time for tea, and I must rush to post this.

            I managed to get a Dorset Brooch, which will do, I hope, until I get into a Genuine Regiment when I'll send you another.

                                                                        Bye, bye Darling

                                                                                    All my love

                                                                                                Dicker

                                                                                                Xxxxxxxx

 

* Dick’s former girlfriend – see letters of 12^th November 1940 and 31^st March 1941

** Dick’s family were planning to move back to Herne Bay from Poole

 

© Chotie Darling

75 years ago – Not much of a Birthday

The Atlantic Charter, a joint statement of mutual goals for the post WW2 world, was signed by Britain and the USA on 14^th August but America had still not joined the war.  On 25^th 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 17^th 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 6^th 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 18^th birthday

** Dick’s younger brother Brian

*** A name for Portsmouth

© Chotie Darling

75 years ago - German class

On 13^th July 1941 Britain and the USSR pledged to assist one another against Hitler.

In Dorset a new Aerodrome was completed at Hurn (now Bournemouth Airport) and the Small Scale Raiding Force set forth from Poole on a mission to West Africa – Operation Postmaster.

Dick was still at Fort Brockhurst in Gosport, training for Intelligence work. Diversions included the cinema, heavy drinking with his pals in Pompey (Portsmouth) and a painful attempt at horse-riding.  He was giving lectures, practising the laying and disconnection of minefields and studying Spanish, German and French (Dick was fluent in French and found Spanish easy but thought German ‘a swinish language’).

The 11^th August 1941 found him writing to Chotie during a German class  :

Monday 11^th August 1941

Fort Brockhurst

Gosport

Hants

Monday Morning

My Darling,

                                                                                    It's not often that I begin an epistle to you at this hour in the morning - it's now only 8.30 - but as I have some time to spare, I thought I'd start anyway.

            It's been raining hard since réveillé and looks like going on all day.  I suppose it will stop by about eleven or so.  I'm meant to demonstrate sniping to the Company Commanders at nine o'clock but with this rain I suppose it will be postponed - at any rate I hope so.

            Thanks for your last letter.  I've passed on best wishes to Eric (I'm too jealous to give him your love...) who returns same.  I haven't seen Pete lately and JP is on leave.

            Incidentally my leave is down for the 22^nd of this month but we have been warned that all leave will probably be a month late, so it's not a bit of good to back on it.  It would be marvellous if I could get it, as it's only about ten days time.

            Eric and I went to the flicks yesterday and saw ‘Typhoon’ (Lamour & Preston).  It's a bit ancient but very good.  I don't know whether you saw it or not.  Don't miss it if you get the chance.  Eric & I also joined the Gosport Library - which is an excellent one in every way.

 

            We have just started a German class, but I hope to carry on with my letter.  The Education Sergeant is very ancient and could easily overlook this writing.  At the moment he’s chalking up lines and lines of German on the blackboard - I've no idea what - I never do.

 

Well, I just had a break for lunch so am once again at it.

            Hell!  I wish I could get my Seven Days... and don't you start talking about going Russian either*, or I'll start…

            We are now having a lecture on mopping-up paratroops - a lot of bloody rubbish…  They are under the impression that a section (one Lance Corporal & nine men) could easily finish off 18 paratroops, which is ridiculous as a British Army section has only one Bren Gun, possibly a Tommy gun and seven or eight rifles, whereas paratroops have each a light machine-gun, and bristle with Mills bombs**, grenades etc.  That's the Army all over - mass slaughter.

            I'm just going to dinner, so I'll probably feel better after that.

 

Well, Darling I've had dinner and do feel considerably better for it.  Excuse the ink (unusual for me) but as there appears to be a pen here I thought I may as well use it, perhaps it helps to make my writing legible.

            It has cleared up and the sun is shining once again - think of the time when it will always be shining, Sweetheart, when there shall be ‘no wars nor rumours of wars***’ ...  That little cottage with the thatched roof and glorious roses...And a Queen Anne bed... (?)

            This nightmare of separation will soon be over Darling, and then we'll start to live again.  That's if you'll still love me then.  All I ever do is hope & pray that you will. Please tell me you will, Darling, and I'll get some sleep at night...

            Well, Precious I must close here as I have to go on parade at 2 o'clock.

                                                            All my love, Darling,

                                                                        Your loving,

                                                                                    Dicker.

* Dick and Chotie appear to have used ‘Russian’ as a euphemism for intimate matters.

** kinds of hand grenade

*** Mark Chapter 13 Verse 7 “And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet…” from Authorized King James version of the Holy Bible (Matthew Chapter 24 Verse 7 is very similar).

© Chotie Darling

75 years ago - 'They came for me'*

The evil of Nazi fascism was spreading across Europe. 

By August 1941 the German ‘euthanasia’ programme to annihilate the disabled had led to the murder of approximately 70,000 adults and children.

In Operation Barbarossa German mobile killing units, the Einsatzgruppen, followed their front-line troops into the Soviet Union to identify, confine and kill Jews and Roma (gypsies) – near to one quarter of European Roma were murdered during World War 2.  Nazi racial policy also discriminated against Slavs so Soviet Prisoners of War were often treated brutally or killed – 57% of those taken prisoner were dead by the end of the war. 

Male homosexuality was criminalised in Germany and men were castrated, imprisoned or sent to concentration camps where they were among the most abused groups in the camps, suffering a disproportionately high death rate.

In German occupied countries many of the Jews were now confined in crowded ghettos including Warsaw and Kracow in Poland and Kovno in Lithuania.  Murderous attacks on Jews were common –more than 13,000 Jews were killed in the Iaşi pogrom in Romania on 29^th June. From the beginning of September 1941 all Jews had to wear a yellow Star of David badge in public, facilitating their segregation, control and eventual deportation to concentration camps.  By 1945 genocide in the camps had led to the systematic mass murder of six million Jews by the Nazi regime and its collaborators.

Those who spoke out could face a similar fate – communists, Trade Unionists and any political opponents were persecuted.

 

During the second half of 1941 unconfirmed reports of the mass murder perpetrated by the Nazis were filtering to the west but immigration restrictions on refugees trying to escape to Britain, British controlled Palestine or the US remained strict.

*poem by Martin Niemoller

75 years ago - The Intelligence crew

By June 1941 the Allies were on the attack again – bombers from Dorset Warmwell aerodrome raided German held Cherbourg in France.  America (still not yet in the war) froze all German, Italian and Japanese assets in the US and evicted all the Axis consulates.  Hitler, however, was looking in another direction. On 22^nd June 1941 he launched Germany’s surprise attack on Russia, Operation Barbarossa.

Meanwhile Dick, now a Private once more, was in the Mechanical Transport Section of HQ Company at Fort Brockhurst, Gosport.  On 19th June he narrowly missed seeing Chotie during a brief visit to Bournemouth and Poole. He was restless and keen to volunteer for a new elite corps - the parachutists (the Special Air Service was founded on 1^st July 1941 and the Parachute Regiment on 1st August 1942).

Dick seems to have been granted his seven days leave at the end of June and, thanks to Operation Barbarossa, which had removed some fear of an imminent German invasion, may have been able to go bathing with Chotie again on the re-opened section of beach at Sandbanks. The West Dorset coast, though, was far from peaceful with air attacks on Chideock and West Bay and, on 9^th July, the Battle of Lyme Bay.  German schnellboots attacked an Allied convoy sinking a tanker, four freighters and an armed trawler that was acting as escort in the Bay.

Dick didn’t join the SAS or the Paras - at least there is not record of this.  By 7^th July he had moved to the Intelligence section:

Saturday 12^th July

FAREHAM SERVICES INSTITUTE

Intelligence Section

HQ Company

70th Dorsets

Gosport

Hants.

My Darling Chotie,

                                                                                    Having just been to the flicks and finding myself at the above address, I thought I’d write you to let you know what news there is and that I arrived back safely but very late.  The trains were all over the show at So-ton and I had to go all the way to Romsey, from Totton, and then back on the same train to So-ton.  When I got to Fareham the last bus had just gone, and consequently in the company of several others I had to walk (!) to Brockhurst - about six miles!

            And not one car passed me all the way.

            In the interests of National Economy I am using both sides of this note paper.   

This Intelligence game is proving to be a cinch, ---- all to do and plenty of time to do it in.  It is in fact, just my vocation.

            We've just been to see ‘ Honeymoon for Three’ - quite amusing.  I was going to see ‘Rebecca’ again but it was on in some vague suburb of Pompey*, and consequently I changed my mind.

            I went to the Coliseum again last night.  Annette was there again – strip-tease.  I regret to say I got hopelessly tight afterwards.  There were four of us, and I've no idea how we got back again and believe it or not, I was by far the most sober of us all.  After an hour's steady drinking, it developed into a competition, and we started on Brandy and Chablis.  Gertie (Kirkwood) was crawling about under the table before long, and Welsh, a bloke from Plymouth Grammar, looked decidedly ill. Billy Ede has lived most of his life in France & Germany and is consequently rather hardened. After that we got split up and Bill and I later found the others in Gosport trying to climb a pile of sandbags.  I managed to get to bed, but got up again about midnight and had a cold shower which sobered me up considerably. 

            I'll never forget that night.  We're all on Intelligence.  What a crew. I had the devil of a hangover this morning, but luckily it's Saturday so there's ---- all to do.        

            Well, Darling, there's no news as usual.  I hope you managed to get back all right.        

            I've written with some pens in my time, but I've never seen the likes of this one.  The ---- nib keeps getting crossed.        

                                I must say bye bye now Darling as I have to get a bus back to Brockhurst.                                                                                   

                                                                                    All my love,

                                                                                                Darling,

                                                                                                            Dicker

Je t’aime encore de tout mon coeur**.

*Portsmouth

**French - "I love you always with all of my heart"

© Chotie Darling

 

75 years ago – Reverting to Private

On 24^th May the popular Picture Post magazine predicted that Poole, where Chotie lived, would be one of the main landing areas for the still anticipated German invasion. Dick sent a telegram to Chotie on 24^th May and they managed to meet up in Southampton the next day. 

On Tuesday 27^th May Dick wrote to Chotie while guarding prisoners on Southampton Common.  Rumours that he’d heard about moving proved true and, as Allied troops were evacuated from Crete (following the German paratrooper  invasion), Dick was preparing for a move to Fort Brockhurst at Gosport near Portsmouth.

In June rationing was extended to clothes – Chotie found this increasingly miserable.  She was an avid fashion fan and trained as a window dresser at the Beales fashion store in Bournemouth (later bombed).

The move to Gosport on 3^rd June found a very disgruntled Dick comparing the place to a chicken coop and fed up with his duties as a Corporal.  On 7^th June he reverted to Private at his own request:

Letter posted Monday 9th June 1941

 ‘D’ Company

Fort Brockhurst

Gosport.

My Darling Chotie,

                                                                        Thanks a million for the letter.  I've only just got it as I suppose it was held up at Soton.

Well, Honey, I've got some news this week!  I'm now a private again.

            I got so utterly fed up with this Battalion, that I sent in an application to the Old Man to revert to the ranks.  He refused, saying he considered me better as an NCO, than as a private.  He then asked me why I wished to revert, so I let him have it!

I told him I'd sooner serve as a Mess Orderly in a fighting unit than a Sergeant-Major in this. That shook ‘ee!

            He asked me whether I'd like to go on MT*, driving, probably on a motor-bike, should there be a vacancy.  I told him I would, so may start there soon.  At any rate I'll get a transfer.

I told the Old Man that all the NCOs did here was to wet-nurse a lot of kids who should be in the Boy Scouts.

            So here I am.  Being a Private will give me a wonderful chance to swot up, which I intend to do.  Besides, driving is more fun than fooling about in barracks, etc.  I shall probably break my neck, but that's how it goes.

            (Don't forget to address all correspondence to Private name & number)

Will you still love me as a private, Darling?  That's all I'm worried about.

            George was going to chuck his in, but he's got some sick leave, so I don't know much about it.

            I went to the Coliseum at Portsmouth, yesterday, and saw a Strip-Tease Act.  The compere said “The more you applaud, the more she takes off.”! Did the boys give her a hand!  I went with John and Ted Rendall, - we nearly killed ourselves laughing.

Later   The only good thing at this place is the showers.  They're hot almost always.  I've just had one, after dinner, and do I feel ‘in the pink’!  I could kill an ox.

            Well, Darling I must close here, with all my love.  Please write and tell me you still think of me now & then.

                                                                        Bye, bye, Darling

                                                                                    Your own loving hubby,

                                                                                                Dicker.

*M.T. = Mechanical Transport

© Chotie Darling

75 years ago - the Intelligence Course

In May 1941 rationing was beginning to bite in Dorset as both Viscount Cranborne (the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset) and the Earl of Shaftesbury (Member of Parliament for South Dorset) were taken to court for buying black market butter.  Chotie’s family were relatively comfortable since they ran the Creekmoor Farm Dairy in Parkstone.

Creekmoor Farm Dairy, on the corner of Chapel Road and Commercial Road, Parkstone c.1932. The children are Chotie's younger sister and brother, Beryl and Jack.

 

The first ‘Bailey Bridge’, later to play an invaluable role in the Normandy landings and liberation of North-West Europe, was tested on the River Stour in Christchurch.  Bombing went on in Dorset with significant attacks in Weymouth and the loss of the famous Maia flying-boat in Poole Harbour. 

A number of Poole men lost their lives when the battlecruiser HMS Hood was sunk in the Battle of the Denmark Strait on 24^th May.  Revenge was swift with the county’s cruiser, HMS Dorsetshire, finally sinking Hitler’s prize battleship the Bismark and ending the battle on 27^th May.

Southampton’s Blitz produced its last casualties at Hedge End in the air-raid of May 1941. 

Dick was able to take his seven days leave at the beginning of May so was home in Poole for a while with his family and Chotie.

Corporal Richard Williams of the Dorsetshire Regiment with his father, Dudley Williams, in home guard uniform and his younger brother Brin, a cadet.

On 13^th May Dick was back in Southampton on sick leave, writing to Chotie from a hut on Southampton Common on Church Army paper.  The week’s Intelligence course he’d heard about on 25th April was in Winchester (where Ordinary Ranks were recruited for the Corps) from 18^th to 24^th May.  Dick was confirmed as a full Corporal while he was on the course.

 

Wednesday 21^st May 1941  

Winchester

Wednesday Morning

Darling,

                                                                        Sorry I haven't been able to write before. I've been on the course for 2 days now and so far haven't had a spare moment.

            I don't mind that so much, but unfortunately I won't be able to receive any mail whilst I'm here. This means I won't hear from you until Saturday night at the earliest.  Rather a blow, but these things can't be helped.

            The course is very interesting to a bloke who knows sweet ---- all about Intelligence.  I don’t suppose I’ll know much more about it when I’ve finished but still....

            Incidentally, I get back on Saturday night, which means the CSM will try to jump on me for guard on Sunday.  If, however, I can evade this, I’ll send a telegram on Saturday night to let you know whether I can get the day off.  I’ll probably have to go on Church but still, we get back about 11.30. I believe.

            I’m afraid I can’t write any more, Darling as it’s now nearly 0900 hrs.  We have to be in the Lecture Room by 0930 and it’s a fair way to walk.  (I’ve just had a marvellous breakfast!)                   

                                            Bye bye Darling,

                                                                Your adoring

                                                                                    Dicker

© Chotie Darling

75 years ago - the Quartermaster

The worst bombing in Poole was on 27^th March 1941 when two bombs blew up the stores and canteen at Branksome Gas Works.  34 were killed and another 23 injured.  A few days earlier a bomb hitting the railway embankment blew out all the windows on the Poole 'Glamour Puffer' transporting women working in the Royal Navy Cordite factory at Holton Heath.  Poole had a special role to play in combined operations – in April the secret Small Scale Raiding Force, a forerunner of the Royal Marine Commandos, began life with a HQ set up in the Antelope, Poole. 

Fighting continued in the skies above Dorset with further attacks on the Spitfire fighters at Warmwell who intercepted bombers heading for the northern cities.  Southampton, where Dick was stationed, was also receiving considerable attention from the Luftwaffe. On 21^st March he wrote of his frustration at all the hours spent in shelters as the bombs rained down every night. Returning from home on 23^rd March he got lost at the docks. After three days instructing on the rifle range he was complaining of losing his student skills and on 31st March of his ghastly THB inoculation, which put him under the weather for a week or so.  He was cheered by the chance of a commission, although it meant delaying his seven days leave, but was unsuccessful because his time in PT meant he didn’t have enough military knowledge.  On 24^th April we find him unhappily covering the Quartermaster’s duties for a week:

Thursday 24^th and Friday 25^th April 1941

IMMEDIATE

Southampton

Thursday.

24 APRIL 1941

Darling Tootsie,

                                                                                    Well, Sweetheart to get it over quickly, I can't get my seven days this week at any rate.  Lieutenant Thomas, the Company Commander, came to me this morning and casually said, “Oh, Corporal Williams, do you think you could take over the Quartermaster’s job for a week?  I literally shuddered (!), and said “not b----y likely!” but unfortunately he wouldn't take no for an answer, and consequently here I am for 9 days altogether.

            I've been at it all day and have just finished.  It's now after eleven!  What a game!  As far as I can see I shall be at it every night like this.  The C.Q.M.S.* never finished before eight or nine, and I know nothing about the job.  However, it may be the chance of a lifetime.  We shall see.

            I seem to be getting all the rotten luck lately - but if you still love me a little I don't give a damn. That's all I care about anyway.  I can't write any more darling as I'm nearly asleep.

            Bye bye, Darling

                                                                        Don't lose hope,

                                                                                    Your loving

                                                                                                Dicker

                                                                                                XXX

                                                                                                XXX

PS Thanks for letter received this morning.

 

“D” COMPANY

No....................

25 APR 1941

70^th BN. THE DORSET

 

                            RKWilliams   Capt.    Commanding D Coy

                             70^th Bn. The Dorsetshire Regt. 

 

 

                   URGENT!

Southampton

          CONFIDENTIAL!                                                         

Friday

25 APR 1941

My Darling,

                                                                        I wasn't able to post your letter yesterday, so I'm writing a few more wads whilst I've got a chance.

            I've just seen some good news in Battalion Part II Orders.  I've been selected to attend the 4th Division Intelligence Course at HQ 4^th Div. wherever that may be.  There are two of us going – 2^nd Lieutenant Wallers (that hot bloke who we saw going into the flicks at Soton).

            It's a marvellous chance.  It's only a week's course, but should be very good.  It's on the 18th of May, and lasts until the 24th.  The only thing is, I don't know where it is. However, I shall be able to get my Seven Days before going.

                        Well Darling once again bye bye for the moment.

                                        Lots of love

 

                                                    Dicker

 

* C.Q.M.S – Company Quartermaster Sergeant, the non commissioned officer in charge of supplies for a company. (Hence the stamps on the letter….)

© Chotie Darling

 

75 years ago - bombing raids in Southampton

In March Dick moved back to south Hampshire from Southbourne and was stationed in Southampton. The city was subject to regular air-raids, the Luftwaffe having resumed their bombing campaign (which had been hampered by the winter weather following the terrible attacks of November and December).

Poole, where Chotie lived, suffered 88 air raid alerts in March and April as incendiaries, high explosive bombs and UXBs were dropped on the area (from  ‘Poole and World War II’ written by Derek Beamish, Harold Bennett and John Hillierand published by Poole Historical Trust in 1980.)

 

Dick wrote this letter while on guard in Southampton:

‘D’ Company

70th Dorsets

Southampton

Hants.

My Darling Chotie,

                                                                        As I’m on guard once again I thought I’d write as I have a few moments all to myself!

        I have to go on guard every three days or so – far too often - a 24 hrs guard, mounting at 6 pm and dismounting at 6 pm the next day. 

        It’s a regimental guard over the main entrance to the Battalion Headquarters.  Needless to say everything is just so-so or the RSM* wants to know why.  However, there’s a stove in the guardroom which helps matters not a little.  There’s also an orderly attached to the guard who gets the meals and anything from the NAAFI.

        The guard consists of one Corporal and three men, each man doing two hrs on duty and then four hrs in the guardroom.  The main snag is that we have to wear full equipment and are not allowed to take it off during the 24 hrs, except for reasons too obvious to mention!

        That’s enough of guards – they’re pretty depressing things anyway. To turn to a more cheerful subject, I hope to get home next weekend for a few hours – either on Saturday or Sunday.  It all depends on when I have to go on guard again.  If it falls on Saturday evening it ruins me, as there wouldn’t be time to get home and I would be on guard all the Sunday.  I believe, however, that I go on again on Friday, which means I come off Saturday night and could get home on the Sunday.  We must trust to luck as usual.  I think I can make it all right.

        I’ve been to the flicks twice lately – saw ‘The Great Dictator’ and ‘Black Fury’ (Paul Muni).  How anyone could see anything in the ‘Great Dictator’ I don’t know.  I thought it was chronic.  ‘Black Fury’ was quite good but nothing up to the usual Muni standard.  The place we go to (the only place we are allowed without a pass) is Shirley.  I’ve no idea where it lies on the map but it’s inland from Southampton.  It’s a pretty dull place; reminds me of the East End on Sunday – all 50 shilling tailors and patent leather.

        There’s nothing to go out for anyway, as we have a first rate NAAFI and a good Corporals’ Room.  The boys say there are plenty of women here but I haven’t seen any – except a couple of old bags, doubtless engaged in plying the oldest of professions. I’m afraid that’s rather crude. Almost Russian**…

        Incidentally, I don’t know whether I told you I had an interview with the ‘Old Man’ and he’s recommended me.  It will mean some months, as I have to wait for the recommendation to go through to the interview board.  They’re the b----rs to get past and even if I get past them (which I very much doubt) I’d still have to wait to get posted to an O.C.T.U.***  Still it’s a start, I suppose.

        I’ve just paused to make out the Guard reports – a wretched job as everything has to be reported – even the minutest detail.

 

            Later

                                    Well, Precious, it’s now just after midnight and still the sirens haven’t gone.  It’s really rather odd as we seem lost without them here.  I expect Jerry’s stocktaking this evening…  the raids lately have been almost continuous and pretty vicious. About six houses in a row, 200 yards from here came down on Saturday night.

        When there’s a night raid on the shrapnel comes down like rain, from the Anti-Aircraft Barrage.  There’s not a house in the whole place that hasn’t got some windows out or half the roof gone.  It’s certainly more interesting from that point of view, as there’s seldom a dull moment at night.  It makes the guards a lot more fun when you can hear the shrapnel on the roof.

        I’ve done very little reading lately as I don’t get very much time.  I read, or rather re-read, Hitchins’ ‘The Garden of Allah’, and quite an interesting little book called ‘I’ll tell you Everything’, written by Priestley in collaboration with some one else****, which, although very light & sometimes puerile, was really rather good.

(Every now and then I light my pipe and march up and down outside in an effort to keep awake.  The stove in here makes me wish for my dear little bed…).

        There’s a piano here in the Assembly Hall, on which I manage to amuse myself occasionally if no one else.  If I can find a piano anywhere where I can play without fear of being interrupted I’m really happy for hours – which only goes to prove what a simple minded soul I must be.

Well, my precious baby, I must close here as I don’t want to put an undue strain on your eyes (?) reading all this rubbish, so I will say ‘Good Morning’, Darling,

                                                            Your ever loving,

                                                                                    Dicker

P.S.  Please look after yourself, Darling, as you mean just everything now.

 

* RSM – Regimental Sergeant Major

** ‘Russian’ was a romantic code between Dick and Chotie.

“Dicker and I, so young, played wonderful games. We pretended to be ‘Russian’ and he taught me to love the ballet as he did.  Having always wanted to be a dancer we pretended I was.  I wore my long blonde hair in the style of a ballerina. He was a brilliant pianist and played Chopin by ear. He had a very good physique having exercised with weights and things – very muscular.  How I adored him.  Our lovemaking was very pure by today’s standards.  Just to kiss and hold each other close was very thrilling.”  From ‘Chotie’s Story’.

*** O.C.T.U. – Officer Cadet Training Unit

****Robert Smythe Hichens’ ‘The Garden of Allah’, a tale of adventure in the Sahara Desert written in 1904, was made famous by the Marlene Dietrich film of 1936.  ‘I’ll Tell You Everything’ written by J.B.Priestley in collaboration with Gerald Bullett is a light-hearted crime thriller.

© Chotie Darling

75 years ago - moved to Southbourne

After long lonely nights on guard at Lee-on-Solent Dick did get home on 18^th January and met Chotie again for the first time since October. He got caught up in a blitz in Southampton while returning to his unit. Towards the end of January he writes to Chotie about peace as 'something to be fought for' but also seems determined to marry her when the fighting is over.

Compulsory fire-watching was introduced in January 1941 and as an employee of Beales, the Bournemouth department store, Chotie took her turn as ‘Roof Warden’.

On 1^st February the BOAC flying-boat service in Poole Harbour expanded with a route to Portugal – the only safe staging post in Europe to reach the African front. On the same day Project Fougasse or ‘Sea Flame’ successfully set fire to the sea off Studland, lighting up the East Dorset night sky so brightly you could read a newspaper in Bournemouth.  (From ‘Poole and World War II’ written by Derek Beamish, Harold Bennett and John Hillier and published by Poole Historical Trust in 1980 and ‘Dorset’s War Diary - Battle of Britain to D Day’ by Rodney Legg, Dorset Publishing Company 2004.)

 

On the first weekend in February Dick wrote:

Rye Cottage

Marine Parade W

Lee-on-Solent

Hants.

Darling Chotie,                                                                              

                                    Thanks for the letter. As I'm on Guard again I thought I'd write. It's about the only time I get. I'm on the Beach Hut Guard with no stove and only a candle for light and heat, and is it cold!

            It's now just eight o'clock Saturday evening, and I'm faced with the pleasant prospect of staying in this wretched hut, awake, ‘till ten o'clock tomorrow morning. It's so damn cold now that I can hardly write - Heaven knows what it will be like by about midnight.

            There was an inspection of these guards by a General a few days ago. From what I can gather from various sources, he condemned the conditions and I believe there is the chance of moving again. I don't know where it will be, of course.

            Everyone's fed up with this place as, apart from the food, there's nothing to be said for it. It's one long Guard - up to our necks in mud and only one wretched cinema, when we get any time off.       

            Anyhow, Darling, I still love you so much that even Guards become a pleasure when I think, of the glorious time we're going to have when I get back. And I don't mean maybe...        

            About every ten minutes someone, some clumsy ---, knocks over my candle, and if it were not for my lighter, Darling, I don't know what I'd do. I'd certainly have used a good few matches tonight.

            I'm afraid as usual there's very little news - if any. Nothing of any real interest ever seems to happen.         

            I hope to meet Eric again soon. He's at Gosport (about 5 miles from here) and I'm trying to arrange a reunion. The snag is that it's difficult for us to both get the same night off duty. I expect we'll manage it soon - Eric's a born wangler.

 

Sunday Evening

            I came off Guard and after a bath and some din-din, felt a lot better.

            I'm afraid I can't write any more, Darling as it's just on Supper Time, and I must post this in the NAAFI as it's the only chance I’ll get.     

                                        Bye, bye Darling,

                                                            All my love

                                                                        Dicker

 © Chotie Darling

 

Soon after this letter Dick’s unit was moved to Southbourne in Bournemouth – near enough to see Chotie regularly so there are no letters until 12^th March.

He may have seen some action from the coastal battery at Hengistbury Head firing on German Schnellboots close to the shore on 12^th February.

On 20^th February Dick was again promoted to full Corporal.

75 years ago - birth of the Reconnaissance Corps

The Reconnaissance Corps was established 75 years ago on 14th January 1941.

Following Dunkirk the Bartholomew Committee was set up to review and learn from the defeat of the British Expeditionary Force. It recommended a new organisation for infantry divisions that included a reconnaissance unit. The light ‘cavalry’ regiments that had carried out reconnaissance for the infantry were now in the Royal Armoured Corps, so the new specialised Reconnaissance Corps would provide one unit per army corps, with specialised training at Lochmaben and Annan in Dumfries & Galloway and at Scarborough, North Yorkshire (from ‘Only the Enemy in Front’ by Richard Doherty).

 

Dick was to serve with the Reconnaissance Corps for three years including fighting in France, the Low Countries and Germany.

 

In memory and celebration of all who served their country in the Reconnaissance Corps.

 

 

75 years ago - Changes

January 1941 brought changes for Dick. On 1^st January he was demoted to Lance Corporal for “not having control over the men”. He was also transferred to ‘C’ company at Battalion Headquarters in Corsham, 10 miles from the aerodrome.

Soon after this the 70^th Dorsets were moved to Lee-on-Solent on the Hampshire Coast, presumably as part of Lieutenant-General Montgomery’s V Corps in Southern Command. Monty was responsible for the defence of Hampshire and Dorset from July 1940 to April 1941.

And then Dick ran into a lorry:

January 1941

“Rye Cottage”

Marine Parade West

Lee-on-Solent.

Hants.

My Darling,

            Just a few lines to let you know how I'm getting on and to give you the new address. Did you get my P.S.?

            I wrote about a week ago, telling you of my demotion etc - I also wrote home but they don't appear to have got it. I don't know whether you did.

            I'm afraid I've been laid up for some time as I had a bit of an accident and nearly managed to lose my left eye. I was blind in it for three days - but the MO says it's OK now – I only hope he's right. I was running pretty fast (Olympic Games Standard!) in the Black-Out early one morning, when I collided with a lorry. I thought I was tough, but I rather think the lorry had it all the way. I got a slight concussion and a deep cut under my eye - but it's all right now.

            In case you didn't get my last letter, I'm now a L/Cpl having been busted by the Colonel (bless him). Pete is now a full Corporal in ‘D’ Coy my original Company. Eric has also been made up again. The fortunes of war....

            However who cares? I've still got my Tootsie (I hope..) and that's all I have to worry about.

            Well Darling I'm afraid I'll have to close here as this wretched NAAFI is closing.

                            Still loving you every bit Cho Dear,

                                                                        your devoted

                                                                                    Dicker

 

© Chotie Darling, 2010

*The Blackout ensured that there were no outdoor lights, or lights that could be seen from outside. This was to prevent enemy aircraft from identifying targets at night.

There were still plenty of air attacks on the south coast – Poole suffered from incendiary bombs on 6 of the first 12 days in January 1941 with c.250 houses damaged on 9^th January and two men killed by high explosive bombs.

Portsmouth, near Lee-on-Solent, sustained an enormous Blitz on 10^th January 1941.

At Lee-on-Solent the Royal Naval Air Station Dick may have been guarding (HMS Daedalus of the Fleet Air Arm) was packed with underground pipe bombs to make the site unusable in the case of enemy invasion. Rediscovered in 2006 this led to probably the largest peace time evacuation in Britain while they were removed.

 

75 years ago – Christmas Deserters from Corsham

Air warfare continued over southern England and in Dorset German planes and spitfires came down on land and at sea. By December the Warmwell Dorset airbase had lost 26 pilots.  On 13^th December Poole’s heathlands were set ablaze by incendiary bombs on Hamworthy but when Montgomery came to view ‘Project Fougasse’ on 20^th December, 'Operation Sea Flame' was less successful at setting the sea alight at Studland.

Fights among the Young Soldiers in Wiltshire also continued, although discipline was apparently tightened up.  Dick, continuing to ‘try for a Commission’, was the youngest Corporal in the battalion. He was badly lovesick but there was to be no leave to see Chotie in December. The company (he was now in 'A' company of the 70^th Dorsets) left Chippenham to guard Corsham aerodrome – a miserable place. While changing the guard,after a raid on the aerodrome, Dick walked into a spitfire in the pitch black but at least he wasn’t shot by one of the guards – a recent "morbid" accident! By Christmas many of the Young Soldiers had made a bid for freedom:

 

Wednesday 25^th December 1940

Corsham, Wilts

Christmas Day

My Precious Darling,

            I had to write straightaway, to try to thank you for the lovely lighter you sent for the 25th. Darling, it lights! Nothing can stop it lighting - not even a young hurricane. I've used it on guard - and believe me the wind howls round here - and it lights first time every go!

            Darling, it's just what I've wanted for years. You know how many matches I use! Thank you ever so much Cho, Dear. Remind me to give you a big kiss when I get home. When.………..But I'm still hoping.

            I thought about you all over Christmas Darling. It made me so mad to think that I couldn't send you anything, not even a Christmas card. Poor Eric's in the same boat and Pete. We haven't seen a shop of any sort for nearly three weeks. I've been to Bath twice since we've been here but each time the only thing open were the pubs.

            The latest is that all passes to Bath have been stopped as the Chief-of-Police has banned us from the town! The same applied to Chippenham. The Boys beat up every town we get near!

            I've been on guard all day (Christmas) and come off tomorrow morning. It's now about 9.30 pm., and as usual I'm writing this by the lamp in the Guard Hut. I managed to wangle Eric on this guard so I've had his company all day, which is a relief. We had quite a good dinner, which included Beer & Cigarettes.

            Pete has been in bed for 2 days with a so-called gastric stomach! He's really no more ill than I am, but you know what he is! Needless to say however, he made a rapid recovery on Christmas Eve.

            Owing to present conditions I can't say just what's going to happen to me. Let me explain. Out of the whole battalion (A,B,C,D & E Companies.) which is approx 850 men, there have been over 250 deserters in the last fortnight! Which only goes to show what the conditions are like!

            Now, everyone over 20 can get a transfer to another Regiment - and believe me, there are plenty over 20 who have put their age down to 18.

            Lieutenant White our Officer in Charge is being replaced as from tonight by a Captain. This means I have to start all over again as regards a commission! What a life!

            The Orderly Officer has just come up with Beer & fags (!) so I have altered my opinion of the Army since writing the last sentence.

                        Well, my precious, I must close soon as the Ord has to be accompanied around.

                                                            Darling, I must see you soon as I love you so madly that I just can't go on without you.

                                                                            Goodnight, Cho Darling

                                                                                Your adoring

                                                                                                Dicker

© Chotie Darling, 2010

75 years ago – The Young Soldiers

In November 1940 a new Chapter began for Dick as he was posted to the 70th Battalion of the Bath & Dorsets.  The 70^th or Young Soldiers’ Battalion was formed at about this time to take volunteers too young to be conscripted – the 18 and 19 year olds. Dick had joined up in the summer, shortly before his eighteenth birthday.

Dick’s unit had also moved to ‘marvelous’ Chippenham, he’d collected a prisoner from Birmingham during a raid on the city and managed to drop the role of PT Instructor to return to normal duties and try to get recommended for a commission.

He’d last seen Chotie on 27^th October but leave was becoming more difficult. There was still plenty of ‘action’ over Poole with a German fighter plane crashing not far from Chotie’s home in Parkstone on 14^th November and several people killed by parachute mines. German bombers raiding inland tried to jettison any remaining bombs on coastal settlements or defences, before returning over the Channel. These included a UXB (a high explosive bomb carrying a delaying fuse) successfully dismantled in Poole on the 17th.

Wiltshire seems to have been quieter - except for fights among the young soldiers, which Dick and his new friend Corporal McCracken occasionally sorted out:

Sunday 17^th November 1940

Chippenham

Wilts

My Darlingest Chotie,

            I'm writing again as I promised to do yesterday.

            We had quite a merry little time last night, with the Sergeant Major*. He's turned out a lot better since I got my second stripe. I later learnt that he got it for me! What a life. I don't know whether I'm coming or going lately.

            Pete has settled down here and is doing very well, thank you.

            Everyone here has taken a sudden dislike to the NCOs. L/Corp. Shingles who is my second-in-command was bashed on the head with a rifle last night when he was asleep. He was laid out flat. I was going to put the platoon on charge but this would stop me going out tonight so I let it go, as I don't think much of Shingles anyway.

            I'm writing this stretched out full-length on my kit. Pete is scrounging my cleaning stuff to do his buttons with.

            You'd like Clp. McCracken. Blond hair, blue eyes, everything in fact. He's rather hot on Rugger. He was made up a full corp, soon after me.

            We had a pretty good church parade this morning. The O.C. was missing but everyone else was there. The preacher (bless his little heart) got quite mad and said “ And the next time we pray, you get down and kneel properly.” Mac & I had slept on our slacks all night to get a crease for the parade, and we didn't see kneeling on them. Having no soul, I don't see what difference it makes anyway.

            If only I was nearer home, I could see you every Sunday as we now get off from 12 noon until 10:30 p.m. That is of course unless I was on duty of some sort.

            There's been scores of fights this weekend as usual as everyone who can get out gets completely and hopelessly tight. They come in looking for trouble and we have to get them to bed somehow even if it means knocking them out, which is often done. They always seem to get up in the morning as right as rain.

            Well, Darling, there's no more to tell you, except of course I still adore you and always will,

                                Your devoted

                                                    Dicker

                                                     qui t’aime pour la vie.**

* Can this be Sergeant Major Gurd?

** “who loves you for life.”

© Chotie Darling, 2010

75 years ago - Choosing Friends

At the beginning of October Dick had his 7 days leave at home in Parkstone (Poole, Dorset) and met up with Chotie.  On the 3^rd October he’d been appointed a Full Corporal and he was already angling for a commission.

Parkstone was seeing plenty of action - enemy planes would have been frequent by day and by night, heading inland over the Dorset coast or occasionally bombing Dorset ports and towns. The Battle of Britain was also frequently fought in Dorset skies and many German and British planes crashed into Dorset’s land and sea in autumn 1940. (See David R. Privett’s account of a wartime childhood in Poole on the BBC People's War website .)

 

Back in Bemerton Dick was still with his Dorset friends, Eric Kessler and Pete (despite rumours of a move to Basingstoke and even joining up with the Hampshire Regiment!) but since they were privates and Dick was an NCO (non-commissioned officer) this friendship was not encouraged:

 

Tuesday 22nd October 1940

Bemerton

Tuesday evening

My Darling Cho,

                                                            Thanks for the letter which I got this morning.

            Well Darling to get down to business, I find that with reasonable luck I’ll be able to get home on Sunday.  The point is Honey, that if I can get a pass all day in Salisbury I may just as well come home, and it will save you a look of trouble & expense.  Also I don’t like the idea of your travelling back all that way in the dark.

            There is some truth in what Mummy warns you about, even if you don’t believe it… Mind you, I’m not saying you can’ take care of yourself, but after all you’re only a lickle baby although you’re the most adorable chubby baby that ever lived.  I tremble to think what could happen to you, Sweetheart, and I hate taking those kind of risks.

            I was doing Battalion Orderly Sergeant all day last Sunday which is some job, & I don’t mean maybe.  It means being on all day from réveillé until about 11pm, with one worry after another – but for all that, it’s good experience.

            Incidentally, I was choked off the other day, pretty severely.  I bet you wouldn’t guess what for? (No, Precious, it wasn’t women!)  It was for associating with private soldiers vis. Eric & Pete.  I’m no longer able to go out with them, and should I meet them in the N.A.A.F.I. or anywhere, they have to address me as Corporal and not the now familiar ‘Dicker’. What a life!

            The latest news as regards moving is back to Dinton which suits me admirably – that is, it’s b…..y awful but much preferable to Basingstoke.

            We had a dance here last Monday.  I’d had nine pints at the Conservative Club before I got there, so had a pretty good time on the whole.  The women were a little better than usual but have no fears, Darling, as there isn’t a woman living who could take me away from you, (and that includes Bergman*…)

            Well, Chubby, I must close now, loving you more than ever.

                                     Je suis à toi pour la Vie,**

                                                                Your adoring,

                                                                                Dicker

P.S. I terrible sorry about you’re cold. It’s just like me to forget all about it until the end.  I hope you’ll forgive me Darling and get better soon.

            all yours

                    Dicker

                    xxxxxxxxxxx

                    xxxxxxxxxxx

                    xxxxxxxxxx

                    xxxxxxxxxx

                    All for you! (when I come home)

 

* Ingrid Bergman, the Swedish film star.

** “I am yours for life.”

© Chotie Darling, 2010

75 years ago – “Birmingham Urchins”

At the beginning of September 1940 Dick was back at Bemerton, a Lance Corporal and a PT Instructor but without friends.  Toni, who was in ‘D’ Company with Dick, had moved to Dinton when Dick went on the PT Instructor course at Tidworth and by the end of August George and ‘Hughes’, who were in ‘G’ Company, had also gone to Dinton.  On the night of 4th/5th September Dick was woken by ‘a veritable rain of bombs descending around’ on Salisbury Plain – the London Blitz started two nights later on 7^th September.   Later that month Dick was hearing of 'a lot of action around Parkstone' where Chotie lived.

Having made two new friends, Lance Corporals du Rose and Gammage, he also made an enemy – Company Sergeant Major Gurd – and they narrowly escaped trouble on a few occasions.  Dick was already fed up with PT and pinning his hopes on a commission.  In these September letters Dick begins to mention his close friend Eric Kessler.  There were also some interesting acquaintances from Brum…

Posted on Wednesday 18th September 1940

Bemerton

Wiltshire

My Darling,

                                                                                                       What’s happened to you!  Haven’t heard from you for ages.  I thought you must at least be pushing up the daisies by now.

     Well Darling, I’m still fed up (as usual) and trying hard to get a transfer.  Du Rose, Gammage and myself are still being chased by the RSM.  My God, what a life we get.  It’s just an existence.

            He managed to get du Rose on two charges in the same day last week, but Eric, who is almost a BA put up a lawyer’s defence and the cases were dismissed.  It was a narrow shave, though.

            I’d rather hoped that we would have been stripped, in which case I should have reverted and gone back to the ranks.  At the moment none of us care either way.  If du Rose would, I know I should.

            I’ve been reading rather a lot, having enjoyed immensely Adrian Bell’s ‘Corduroy’ and having fought, I think rather unsuccessfully, with James Cabell’s ‘Jurgen’.  I also read a Penguin (these are all penguins) entitled ‘Murder at the ‘Varsity’ ’* in which the murderer, an elderly scholastic University Lecturer, has a passion for Rabelais! – which I suppose only goes to show what Rabbi can do for you.              

        I hope you will excuse this scrawl but as I write less, so my écriture** depreciates.  I’m afraid I get duller and duller in my present company.  My former touch with ‘Les Belles Lettres’ now seems to elude me.  I often misquote Shakespeare.  An unpardonable sin.  However, I rival University Dons on the ‘Immortal Bard’ when half tight; so perhaps it’s not as bad as I make it appear.              

            At present I’m sleeping in du Rose’s tent with six Birmingham urchins – and what amazing blokes they are.  Nothing seems to get them down.  They grumble about everything one moment, and are exceptionally cheerful the next.  Their language is amazing.  They all appear to live for “tabs” (cigarettes) and kypher (skirt) and come back to the tent late at night and recount all their luck and experiences until the early hours.  Needless to say it’s all very interesting.

        Du Rose is something of a swimmer.  He is the present Midland Champ and has swum against Wainwright*** a score of times. 

 

        It’s now Tuesday afternoon & I still haven’t heard from you.  Mother wrote on Tuesday last but I only received the letter on Monday.  It had gone all the way to Warmwell although it had the Bemerton address. 

        Well Darling I must close now, still loving you more than ever    

                                                    Your devoted

                                                                        Dicker

PS Write soon.

PPS. I’ve just received your letter.

                        All is forgiven!

                                                            Dicker

* Adrian Bell was an English rural journalist and farmer – ‘Corduroy’ recounts his early experience of farming.  James Cabell was an American author of fantasy fiction.  His best known book ‘Jurgen’ was the subject of an obscenity trial soon after publication.  ‘Murder at the ‘Varsity’ ‘ is by Richard Wilson Webb, and English detective writer.

**French for handwriting.

***Norman Wainwright was a British Olympic swimmer.  At the 1938 Empire Games in Sydney he was in the gold medal winning freestyle 4 x 220 yards relay team.

© Chotie Darling, 2010

 

19^th September 1940 – the German Fleet assembled to bring their troops to Britain for the invasion was dispersed.

75 year ago – Sleepy Sunday at Tidworth

Dick spent most of August 1940 on a PT Instructor course at Tidworth on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire.  The course was reputedly three weeks of living Hell.  Although he managed to get home for a couple of weekends, by 24^th August he was ready for a day of rest....

 

Saturday 24th August 1940

Tidworth

Saturday evening

My darling,

 

            Thanks for the letter. I got it on Friday, and also one from home at the same time.

            I’m writing this in bed, which is rather a job, but nevertheless a labour of love as usual.  I was on duty today scrubbing out the gym etc, but will have a glorious day of rest tomorrow I hope.  What everyone does on Sundays here is sleep.  Blessed Sleep.

            Apparently they get up for breakfast, go back to bed - get up for dinner – go back to bed, get up for tea (that’s if they’re feeling energetic) and then thankfully off to sleep – having had a tiring day.  That’s my idea of the perfect life.  Life as it really should be lived.

             What about going back to nature after this show?  Living in a cave or tree-tops or quelque chose comme ça?  Just lead me to it, baby.  Incidentally, should you be thinking that I’m tight, I assure you that I haven’t so much as smelt beer all day.  It must be the soothing effect of bed, I suppose.

                I wish I could have got away this weekend, but it was quite impossible.  I may get a pass next Sat with reasonable luck.  I certainly won’t waste any time in getting home.

                I was very surprised to hear about the bombing at Poole*.  I knew nothing about it but it just goes to prove that anything may happen- and at any time.  Please look after yourself Cho.  It may seem trivial to you, but it means everything to me, (and I’m not tight…).

I must close now darling as it will soon be lights-out.                                                                                  

                                                                            All my love

                                                                                         Your adoring

                                                                                                        Dicker

P.S. Ayez soin et soyez bonne**

 

* Chotie talked about the horror of watching Poole being bombed from Pamphill, Wimborne where she was visiting her friend, Mary Dakin, the daughter of the gamekeeper.

Her terrified mother refused to go to the shelter when the air raid warnings sounded, instead sheltering with her family under the heavy wooden table in the kitchen. Mrs Chalkley also refused to wear her gas mask but kept vinegar and cotton wool always to hand (why, I don’t know).  Chotie’s father was a ‘Special Constable’ or volunteer policeman during the war

** “Take care and be good”

© Chotie Darling, 2010

 

75 year ago – Lance Corporal Williams at Bemerton

 

75 years ago Dick was a soldier at Bemerton on Salisbury Plain and had started training to be a PT Instructor.After a month in the Army he’d gained his first stripe, becoming a Lance Corporal, which must have been testing since there were already 'a large number of deserters'. ‘

 

 Dick had 48 hours leave on weekend of 27^th and 28^th July 1940 and met Chotie.

Sunday 28^th July 1940 was his nineteenth birthday.

 

6^th Dorset’s

South Wilts

Cricket Ground

Bemerton

NR Salisbury, Wilts.

My Darling Chotie,

                                            I’m writing this on Monday evening, my first opportunity to write since regaining Camp, which I’m trying to do in almost total darkness in the NAAFI*, in the company of Hughes and George. There’s really nothing to write as there is of course no news. I feel terribly flat. We must get really moving on our next meeting. We seem to waste so much time…

            I was told tonight that I am going on a fortnight’s P.T. course at Tidworth, which I believe is somewhere near Salisbury. Could you let me know where this is, (ie look it up on a map or something?)

            I’m afraid I have to turn in now, but will continue tomorrow.

 

            It’s now Tuesday dinner time. There’s still no more news. I have been on P.T. all the morning and I’m rather fed up. I’m certainly going back to the ranks after I become proficient.

            I had a yarn with the Instructor who appears to be rather pleased with my going on this course.  He imagines I’m going to come back and teach him something. He must be nuts. Still there’s no harm in thinking.

            I have another two squads to take this afternoon, what a life! I’m not missing much however, as all the boys are trench-digging.

 

             It’s now Tuesday evening. I write a little every time I get a moment to spare.I really must thank you again for this super writing case. It certainly gives me inspiration.

             I must close now darling, as I have to slip this down to the Post Office without delay.

                                         Bye, bye darling

                                                        Your devoted

                                                                            Dicker

P.S. Je t’aime encore de tout mon coeur même plusque la vie.**

 

*NAAFI – Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes – official trading organisation of HM Forces i.e. the canteen.

** “I love you always, with all of my heart, and more than life itself.”

 

Dick was appointed Lance Corporal on Monday 29^th July 1940.

 

 

On 31^st July 1940 Dick’s medical form stated he was in A.1. condition.

 

 

© Chotie Darling, 2010.

75 Years ago - Joining Up

Chotie Darling

Dedicated to the memory of my mother

and all those who hold the forever young of war in their hearts.

 

Part 1        The Blue Cockade  

 

Chapter 1     A Soldier on Salisbury Plain

 

Dunkirk, the famous rescue of the defeated Allied Forces trapped on the northern shores of France, took place over ten days leading up to Tuesday 4^th June 1940.

On that day Winston Churchill addressed Parliament and the nation with these words:

“We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender”

(Reproduced with permission of Curtis Brown Ltd, London on behalf of the Estate of Sir Winston Churchill. Copyright © Winston S. Churchill )

 

On 18th June 1940 his speech to the House of Commons ended:

“the Battle of France is over, I expect that the Battle of Britain is about to begin… The whole fury and might of the enemy must very soon be turned on us. Hitler knows that he will have to break us in this island or lose the war. If we can stand up to him, all Europe may be free and the life of the world may move forward into broad, sunlit uplands. But if we fail, then the whole world, including the United States, including all that we have known and cared for, will sink into the abyss of a new Dark Age …. Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties and so bear ourselves that, if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will say,

“This was their Finest Hour”.

 

(Reproduced with permission of Curtis Brown Ltd, London on behalf of the Estate of Sir Winston Churchill. Copyright © Winston S. Churchill )

 

 

On 21st June 1940 Richard Kelner Williams, age 18, occupation ‘student’, was enrolled in the British Territorial Army at Weymouth in Dorset and assigned to the 6^th Dorset Infantry Regt, to assemble in the Drill Hall, Wilton Rd, Salisbury.

 

They were ‘the Bath & Dorsets’ then but for June and July Dick was based in Wiltshire at Salisbury, Quidhampton and Dinton.

 

Saturday 22^nd June 1940

 

Miss Barbara Chalkley

The Hollies

Commercial Rd

Parkstone, Poole,

Dorset

Salisbury

Saturday 

Darling Chotie*,

                                                                                    I’m terribly sorry I haven’t been able to write before but have not had a moment to spare.  I’m trying to write on a window-sill at the Drill Hall at Salisbury, as the Sergeant has gone out.  Had a rather stiff medical, with eight doctors.  I could have kidded one, but eight was too much.  Unfortunately I passed A.1.

 

            I left Weymouth at 2pm Friday afternoon for Salisbury.  Arrived here at 4.30 approx. and was given tea by Sergeant of the guard.  We are at present under canvas in the heart of the country about 2 miles from Salisbury.  It is only a temporary camp of about 30.  We are moving to a larger camp sometime next week.  At the moment I have no number nor address, but will let you know immediately I get one.

           

            I must close now as the Sergeant is coming and try to get some stamps.

                                                                                               

                                                                  Bye bye darling

                                                                                  Your devoted quack-quack

                                                                                                      Dicker

 

* Hindustani for ‘Little One’

 

© Chotie Darling, 2010

 

What happened to Tony Rampling?

Anthony Rampling joined the 61st Reconnaissance Regiment early in 1943. He was a trained to use a Bren gun and in April 1944 transferred from the assault troop to Dick's armoured car troop.  Arriving with Dick in Normandy soon after D Day they were ‘brothers in arms’ through the Normandy campaign (including the hell of Briquesssard), the 'swan through France', battles in Belgium and the ill-fated advance of XXX Corps to relieve the 1^st Airborne in Market Garden.  After a very soggy time holding the line for three months in the Netherlands the Regiment was due to be disbanded but the 'Battle of the Bulge' called for a hasty reprieve and desperate fighting in the freezing Ardennes winter.

By the end of January 61^st Recce had lost three-quarters of the men that landed in Normandy (although all of Dick’s troop had survived). Men from the unit were sent to re-inforce other regiments and on 5th February 1945 61^st Reconnaissance was consigned to memory and history. 

Tony has been a key source of my information on 61^st Recce and accompanied this blog from October 2013/1943 to February 2015/1945:

    

    “When I left the Recce after our second visit to Iseghem (Belgium) – after the Ardennes – I went to the 44^th Royal Tank Regiment 4 Armoured Brigade. My brother was a Major in the 4^th A.B. and her got me in there, saying it was safer than the Recce (I didn’t see much difference).

    When I arrived at the 44^th in Holland a Sergeant said: “What are you?” I said I was a Driver, although I was a Gunner/Wirless Operator. My driving consisted of 4 hrs training in England. He said “Drive that DINGO”. I was put in the Assault Troop.

    After spending most of the time up front in several actions up to the River Rhine I was sent over on a DUKW the night before the main attack the following morning.

    Then I was among the first troops in to Bremen, Hamburg and Lübeck. We were near Belsen and asked if we wanted to see it. I didn’t go. War was ending.

 

        After a few moves we settled at Rantzau Castle. The Baron left and the Tanks were parked in his drive. There were stables and some nice horses; my friend and I started a riding school . There were plenty of horses left by the German Army and we had prisoners to help with the work.

    This was an enjoyable time until August when I was taken ill with pneumonia, massive plural effusion and a collapsed lung. I was taken to Lübeck hospital then Bremen hospital and flown back to Aldershot hospital. Then from Woking hospital, although I was confined to bed I was given a rail pass and put on a train to make my way to Papworth hospital, Cambridgeshire. After some months I was transferred to Broomfield hospital near Chelmsford – they thought I had T.B., like a lot of other soldiers. After bed rest and fresh air I was finally discharged, taking about 18 months in total.

 

    When I recovered I started a wholesale fruit, vegetable and potato business together with a Bomber pilot friend and my brother. From small beginnings this developed into quite a big business. At 65 I sold my shares in the Company and worked from Rome on potatoes, buying seed from Scotland and Ireland and dealing in Ware Potatoes (ready for eating) to the London markets.

    At this time we lived in a nice 400 year old farmhouse with 6 acres of land, and had several horses and ponies. My wife and daughter rode and we all hunted. I did some Point to Pointing, Show Jumping and Hunter Trails. During most of this time I was a member of the 61^st Recce Comrades Association and went to re-unions. It was nice to keep in touch and we did three trips to Iseghem.

 

    I retired from business at 80 years old and brought a smaller property in a village. I was doing well until I broke my hip and had a pacemaker in summer 2014.”

 

Luckily Tony recovered and is still following this blog. In September 2015 he was awarded the medal of the Legion of Honour,  becoming a Chevalier (Knight) in the 'Ordre nationale de la Legion d'honneur' in recognition of his 'military engagement and steadfast involvement in the Liberation of France'.

 

 

Thank you so much Tony for helping me through your war years.

What happened to Don Aiken?

Don Aiken told the story of 61st Recce (and 52nd Recce) on the BBC People's War website for their Millenium Project.  He has very kindly allowed me to use his writing on the Chotie Darling blog and now this Epilogue:

“After the huge gamble by the Germans to break through the Ardennes, which came to a disastrous failure, the 61st Reconnaissance Regiment was broken up during January 1945.

I was then posted to C Squadron of the 52nd (Lowland) Scots Recce Regt.. They had trained in Scotland for most of the war and bore a 'MOUNTAIN' flash on their tunics.

Strangely they had only seen warfare in mountainless Holland before I joined them on my birthday 6/2/45. I was then employed as Driver/Operator in a 'Dingo' armoured car - which was great fun.

In March 1945 the Allies made a massive attack over the Rhine, in which we took part, and successfully entered Germany on a broad front.

The 52nd Division progressed through the Ruhr until we reached and over-ran Bremen. Our Squadron was then quickly re-directed to Stalag XB, which was a prison camp that had been converted into a concentration camp. I won't describe the terrible conditions in that place. Whilst we were there the unconditional surrender of the Germans took place and the war in Europe was at last ended.

We spent the next 11 months or so in doing duty as an occupation army with most of it spent in keeping the peace between rampant ex-POWs and the largely unprotected population.

Then in April 1946 we were merged with the Lothian & Border Horse until July when they were disbanded and we were used to reinforce the 14th/20th Kings Hussars - part of the Regular Army, and now housed in an ex-German barracks in the town of Wuppertal.  Now, instead of armoured cars, we were equipped with light tanks which were also great fun.

Then, in June 1947, after another long year of waiting, it became my turn to be demobilised.

After I got home I spent a couple of months in getting acclimatised to civvy street before finding that I had been fortunate in being accepted back into the Blackpool Fire Service.

I spent the next 30 years in the Service, rising through the ranks to finally achieve the position of Divisional Officer.”

Thanks very much for this Don.

Chotie's Daughter

Chotie Darling featured in BBC VE Day 70 Concert - A Party to Remember

    At the centre of the BBC's VE Day 70 Concert last night Chris Evans introduces the concept of letter writing to the 14,000 audience and viewers at home.

    The spotlight moves along the enormous stage in Horseguards Parade to where Honeysuckle Weeks as Chotie, her long blonde hair fastened in 'forties working style, sits writing to her sweetheart Dicker.  He (Lawrence Fox) is at the front line, a pile of sandbags depicting the 'brewed up' house he has sheltering in to write to Chotie.

    Reading their last letters to each other (Dick was killed in March 1945), they are newlyweds separated by the war.  Behind them the huge screen features photos and letters from the blog of Dick's letters, posted on this website Chotie Darling.

   

      I'm sitting in the heart of London.  Union Jacks fly all round among the flags of other Allied nations.  Robert Lindsay is reading Churchill's speeches from a Whitehall balcony and a host of brilliant actors, dancers, musicians, glorious singers and modest veterans have taken us back to World War 2, deftly weaving a tale of tragedy, grit and joy to bring us to VE Day 70.  As searchlights sweep once more from Westminster and St. Paul's I've never been so proud and grateful for the generation who sacrificed so much for our freedom today.

 

 

Many thanks to Clare Hore of the BBC for finding the website (and me) and producing such a fantastic commemorative event and to Honeysuckle Weeks and Lawrence Fox for bringing Chotie and Dicker to life again.

Victory

Victory in Europe or VE Day on 8^th May 1945 was a huge public celebration to mark Germany’s surrender and the end of World War 2 in Europe.

 

“The mission of the Allied Forces was fulfilled at 02.041, local time May 7^th 1945.” 

This message was sent by ATS Sergeant Susan Hibbert from a schoolhouse in Rheims, France; the temporary HQ for the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force, General Dwight Eisenhower.  The German General Alfred Jodl had signed the Act of Military Surrender, with representatives of all the Allies present.

Later, on 8^th May, there was a formal ceremony in Berlin with Marshal Zhukov of the USSR also receiving a signed Act of Military Surrender from the Germans.

The Act contained the clause:    

“All forces under German control to cease active operations at 2301 hours Central European Time on May 8^th 1945.”

The war in Europe was now over - on 8^th May in the US and Western Europe (VE Day) and on 9^th May (Victory Day) according to Moscow time.

 

Facing inevitable defeat by the Allies, Adolph Hitler had committed suicide in his bunker below Berlin on 30^th April.

German forces in northern Italy began to surrender on 2^nd May (Mussolini had been captured and killed by Italian partisans on 27^th April) and on 4^th May Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery (‘Monty’) received the unconditional surrender of all German forces in Holland, north-west Germany and Denmark.

52^nd Recce had been involved in the successful assault on the city of Bremen on 27^th April. Their war was at last now over.

 

VE Day must have been very bitter sweet for Chotie.  She was ill and she had to stay on in the Army (which she hated by now) while wives, whose husbands had survived, were released to welcome them home.

 

Nothing ever is ‘the last post’, of course.  Life goes on with the memory of those we’ve lost and it is up to us to

"keep alive the memory of the age that is gone, so that people will remember the Great Danger and so love their beloved land all the more” (Tolkien).

 

A reading from Chotie and Dick’s last letters is to be included in the VE Day 70 Concert at Horseguard’s Parade, London on the evening of 9^th May.

The Last Post

WAR DIARY of 52^nd (Lowland) Recce Regt RAC March 1945

– Lt Col J.B.A. Hankey OBE

Date 30^th        Place WOOD:             1 casualty                             Weather – Dull

Strength - 904 men, 188 tanks/armoured cars/guns

‘Regiment moved over RHINE to concentrate area at MEHR 1348 and at 5 hours’ notice to move less ‘C’ Squadron who are earmarked for Prisoner of War duties.  One subaltern of ‘C’ Squadron killed in traffic accident.’

(From the War Diary of the 52nd Reconnaissance Regiment held by the Archive and Reference Library, the Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset.)

 

Sandy Handley tells the story:

“Now over the Rhine into German countryside.  We didn’t know then but it wasn’t ‘til the beginning of May that it would be over. 

Soon after the Rhine crossing, towards the end of March, we halted at a farmstead (we were in reserve that day).  Our Troop Officer learned his brother, also an Officer, was in the vicinity so he set out to visit him.  We had made ourselves as comfortable in a barn as we could under the circumstances, brewing up and heating tins of stew etc (I did smoke then), generally lounging about, being in reserve that day.  Sometime in the afternoon Mr Williams’ brother came towards us and introduced himself and said “Mr Williams, your Troop Officer, is dead”.  Naturally we were stunned.

Apparently Mr Williams and his brother were in a small Daimler (Dingo) and had gone over a pot hole or small crater made by a shell or bomb.” 

 

Sergeant J.F.Rose’s diary entry for the end of March:

‘There was a tragic accident last night.  One of the officers from ‘C’ Squadron (Lt. Williams), who had not been with the regiment long, had met his brother in the neighbourhood quite by chance.  He was taking him back along the road in a scout car and apparently lost control of it, the car overturning.  He was killed instantly… His brother was fortunate in escaping with cuts and bruises.’

(From ‘Shankey’s Ponies’, the wartime diary of Sergeant J.F.Rose held by the Archive and Reference Library, the Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset.)

 

Tony Rampling remembers that Dick took an armoured car to go and meet Brin.  Since Dick was never an armoured car driver this probably wasn’t a good idea and could have contributed to the accident.  The Germans had deliberately blown up the roads as they retreated and any travel was hazardous.

Sandy continues:

“Later we (the No. 15 Troop) attended a small burial ceremony conducted by the 52^nd Division Padre for the burial.  I think we all wanted to pass our condolences on to Mr Williams’ brother, who sat in another staff car with his fellow officers, but sadly never got round to it.

We would miss Mr Williams.  He had been with us from Normandy June ’44 to March ’45.  From a trooper’s point of view this Officer had looked after his eleven men and never asked us to do or risk anything that he couldn’t do himself.  We liked Mr Williams and we were going to miss his coolness.  He thought his troop were a good team too. 

Back in Normandy when we’d taken over those slit trenches from the American Airborne he used to always come along and ask if everything was alright and just used to stand there, not too much in the open, but just smoking his pipe as calm as anything.”

 

‘It seemed ironic that a man could live through the many hazards and horrors of war, from the beaches of Normandy (where the 61^st had become the first Reconnaissance Regiment to come ashore) and through the terrible fighting on the Rhine, only to be killed in a traffic accident.  Perhaps most tragic of all though was that the young officer had just returned from some leave and had been married for only three weeks.’

(From and Ex Trooper S Handley’s ‘61 Recce - Memories of Normandy etc 1944 – 1945’, unpublished and ‘The Fighting Fifty-Second Recce’ by Carl Shilleto, Eskdale Publishing 2001)

 

 

Chotie was at Spurn Point in Yorkshire:“in the large mess hall, full of people, the Sergeant Major handed me the telegram to say Dicker had been killed.  The saddest moment of my life. 

We had been married in Chichester Registry Office just three weeks before.  After two days together he had to return to his unit and me to 462 battery. 

He seems to stay with me in many ways and I hope more than anything to meet him again in the ‘hereafter’.”

 

 

52^nd Recce Roll of Honour for 30th March 1945 includes:

Lieutenant Richard Kelner Williams (age 23)

who is laid to rest in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, south-west of Kleve in Germany – Plot 54, Row A, Grave 18.

We have remembered him.

Dick's grave (photo courtesy of Anthony Rampling)

‘They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.’

Across the Rhine by moonlight - Thursday 29th or Friday 30th March 1945

As usual.

Friday 29^th (sic) Mar

Chotie Darling,

                                    I’m writing this in a windowless ‘brewed-up’ house with half a gale blowing but having so much spiritual warmth I’m not unduly cold.  My cushy post has gone with the wind and I’m now back on the job again.

            Received your letter form yesterday.  Glad to see you can manage a walk on the beach on occasion – makes a change anyhow.

            Do you know what regiment Edie’s husband was in?  There’s always a chance I may know him as we get a pretty fair knowledge of Recce types.

            The cutting you enclose is of Ralph’s* school – it’s the junior school to Dulwich .

            If Nan wants to write anyone, she can write

                                    Lt. Geoffrey Winzer

                                                49 Recce Regt**

                                                            BLA.

I’m sure he’ll reply - instanta! – with pleasure.  Just mention my name!

            Thanks very much for scrounging the choc for mother.

            The ‘tache is coming along but it’s dead slow….

            Enclosed find a German fashion (?) mag.  I’ll send some more if you’re interested.  There seem to be plenty about.

            I’m still struggling through the Aunts’ letters.  The one I wrote Averil was returned as I put the wrong address!

            You might send some more tabac – I’ll send a cheque when I get some ink in my pen…

            Thanks for the tie, Darling – I’ll have to soak it in tea to tone it down a bit!

            Nothing very thrilling to write about – so I’ll close here.

                                                            Your loving husband

                                                                        Dicker.

*Dick's uncle.

**Geoff Winzer, Dick’s friend in the 61^st Recce who was injured in the Ardennes had obviously joined the 49^th (West Riding) Recce instead of the 52^nd (Lowland) Recce when the 61^st was broken up.  The 49^th were the only reconnaissance regiment in NW Europe not involved in Operation Plunder.  Instead they were river watching along the River Waal in the Netherlands for the first three months of 1945, harassing the Germans on the opposite bank.  (From ‘Only the Enemy in Front Every other beggar behind…’ The Recce Corps at War 1940-1946’ by Richard Doherty, Tom Donovan Publishing Ltd 1994)

© Chotie Darling

 

Dick may have already crossed the Rhine when he wrote this last letter.

“We crossed over about three in the morning on March 29^th by the light of a full moon and took up a position near Mehr*.”  (From ‘Time Spent or The History of the 52nd-Lowland-Divisional Reconnaissance Regiment January 1941-October 1945’ by Trevor D.W.Whitfield, published by Mountain 1946.)

 

“The ‘Recce’ moved over the Rhine under a full moon in the early hours of Good Friday, 30^th March, 1945; crossing on one of the various pontoons and bailey bridges built in record time by the Royal Engineers.  Mile after mile of vehicles queued for the limited space on the roads, therefore it was before the regiment was concentrated near the town of Mehr, just a few miles east of the Rhine, ready to take part in what was becoming a rapid advance into Germany.”

(From ‘The Fighting Fifty-Second Recce’ by Carl Shilleto, Eskdale Publishing 2001)

 *Mehr is between Rees and Xanten, on the west bank of the Rhine

 

After the Rhine crossing there was the push across Germany.  “Resistance was patchy, but it was the recce troopers who were the first to run into the occasional pockets of Nazi diehards, and nerves were tested by the thought that these final days would be a particularly cruel time to die.”

(From ‘The British Reconnaissance Corps in World War II’ by Richard Doherty, Osprey Publishing 2007)

Heading for 'The Bluebell'

Letter from Chotie written Monday 26th March 1945

W/242328  Pte. Williams B.E.

‘B’ Troop. O.F.C. A.T.S.,

462 Hy. (M). A.A. Bty. R.A.,

Fort Godwin,

c/o  G.P.O. Easington,

Nr. Hull, Yorks.

 

26th March 45.

My darling Dicker,

                                                For one evening, at last, I am not on duty, so have been writing letters. 

What do you think? – today I received a letter from Brinner.  Amazing isn’t it?  He says he will write as often as possible too.  Seems to be fairing pretty well as regards food.  Trust Brinner.  It’s marvellous that you are so near to each other.  I hope you manage to meet.

            I can imagine, darling, that you have been pretty busy of late - the news is still good.

           

Today, we had another present, darling, from Marion, the person I stopped with when I went to Glasgow for the weekend.  She sent us a Scotch £1 – wasn’t it kind of her?  I am enclosing her letter for you to read.

           

Yesterday afternoon we had a film on in the Naafi.  Rosalind Russell in ‘The Beautiful Cheat’.  I had seen it before but it was awfully good.

            I am in the Y.M.C.A.*  writing this – it’s quite a good canteen on site.  Had some Horlicks tonight – to make me a bonny, baby.  As if I need it.

           

Just think, darling, tomorrow we have been married 3 weeks.  Must hie myself to the Naafi if possible.  If Nan is ‘off duty’ I will haul her down to The Bluebell**.

            Not really very much to tell you, dearest.  I spend quite a lot of my time just dreaming of things to come.  Have built us a home and furnished it (all in my imagination) most marvellously.  I think I had better see what I can do with a Missen, probably have to.

            Take care, you are very, very precious to me darling.

                                    All my love,

                                                            Cho

 

*Young Men’s Christian Association

**The café at the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre at Spurn Point http://www.ywt.org.uk/reserves/spurn-nature-reserve  is still called The Bluebell.

 © Chotie Darling

 

 

By 27^th March the bridgehead across the Rhine was 35 miles wide and 20 miles deep.

 

WAR DIARY of 52^nd (Lowland) Recce Regt RAC March 1945

– Lt Col J.B.A. Hankey OBE

Date 27^th        Place WOOD 069332:                                                            Weather – Fine

Strength - 905 men, 188 tanks/armoured cars/guns

‘No change.  ‘A’ Squadron revert to Regimental Command having been providing Beach Control parties for No:3 Commando Brigade at the WESEL crossing.  Other Driver/Operators from Regiment were doing similar work.'

No troops detached.

(From the War Diary of the 52nd Reconnaissance Regiment held by the Archive and Reference Library, the Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset.)

 

The Royal Engineers

By midnight of 24th/25th March the first light bridge had been erected across the Rhine although 80,000 Allied troops had already crossed their 20 mile stretch of river including Winston Churchill who crossed the Rhine in a landing craft near Wesel.

8,000 Royal Engineers assisted the crossing of the Rhine. Don Aiken was with them:

“We had a request for Radio Operator volunteers to be detached to the Royal Engineers on the forthcoming crossing of the Rhine for the purpose of communications. Although soldiers didn't usually believe in volunteering, I was new in this unit and wouldn't miss the company much, so I volunteered.

I was taken (along with another Operator) in a small truck, back into Belgium; where we were attached to separate Companies of Engineers, placed in Heavy Armoured cars and moved back into Germany.  My car was moved up behind a huge earth banking, which ran all along both sides of the Rhine in this area, used to prevent flooding of this very low-lying and flat countryside.

The communications set-up was this: The Officer in Charge of the Royal Engineers Unit would radio his messages to an armoured car which was situated near to mine. This message would be relayed to me by means of a runner. I would then send this back to Divisional H.Q. Remember that these radios had a very limited range; especially the back-pack field radios used by the forward engineers.

Then the attack started. In its own way it was almost as awe inspiring as the 'D' Day landings. It was preceded by a massive airborne assault; with hundreds of gliders flying low over our heads and landing behind the enemy lines. The biggest artillery bombardment ever to be carried out followed immediately behind. Hundreds upon hundreds of heavy artillery opened up all at once, with thousands of shells whistling overhead. The noise was deafening.

Then the ground troops started to move through us and down to the river bank. The Royal Engineers began to build the pontoon bridges which would allow the rest of the Division to cross over. This was done under very heavy German fire, as most of their first line defensive positions, dug into the huge earth banking on the German side of the river, had not been affected by the artillery or by the airborne attack behind them. I don't know what the cost was to the Engineers, but it must have been high.

I was kept fully occupied sending the coded messages back to H.Q. and occasionally receiving some back.  Then there was a sudden drop in radio activity and I found time to poke my head out of the turret, only to find that the lull in getting messages had been caused by a German shell which had landed close and killed the runner.

In a few hours we knew that the bridge had been constructed across the Rhine and that the infantry were already across and being followed by tanks. The sounds of warfare became a little more distant and we moved forward to get a good view of the proceedings. The pontoon bridge was thick with movement, as it had now become a two way highway. All the paraphernalia of an attacking army was crossing into Germany. The rattle of our infantry's small-arms fire coming from the enemy positions was now resulting in long lines of German soldiers being marched out of Germany to P.O.W. camps somewhere in England.”

(Extract  republished from 'From the Rhine to Civvy Street' by kind permission of Don Aiken)

 

Anthony Rampling went over the Rhine in a D.U.K.W on 25^th March 1945.

 

On 25^th and 26^th March 1945 there were more Rhine crossings by the Americans to the south, this time around Boppard, south of Koblenz.  American 1^st Army troops broke out from the Remagen bridgehead and marched south to join up with Patton’s 3^rd Army forces.

Settled Down

Letter from Chotie written Saturday 24th March 1945

W/242328  Pte. Williams B.E.

‘B’ Troop. O.F.C. A.T.S.,

462 Hy. (M.) A.A. Bty. R.A.,

Fort Godwin,

c/o  G.P.O. Easington,

Nr. Hull, Yorks.

 

Saturday 24th March 1945.

My darling,

                                    Well, tonight I am on duty so before my turn of ‘watch’ I can write to you.

            Today, I have been really busy.  Spent the afternoon clearing sumps and things, all dressed up in denims, getting awfully mucky.  I’ll never recover.

           

We have a lot of new girls with us and some are quite smashing.  One was a nurse at St. Mary’s, London, and tonight has been relating many of her adventures there.  We all then, got stuck in telling jokes -pretty low, you know.  Bad lot, aren’t we?  Hearing some girls talk, makes me think, my dearest, that perhaps you did not marry quite the wickedest person, after all.

           

The news is good again today, darling, - it can’t be long now.  When you come back and when we can be together always, well, won’t it be wonderful?

           

Have just finished reading Doris Leslie’s ‘Folly’s End*’, which I did enjoy.  They have got a library all teed up here, which is jolly useful.  Not very many books though.

            I am feeling more settled here and feel as though I have been back for ages.  It’s not really even a week.

           

After a spot of Recce about my allowance, darling, I have discovered that it is paid into a bank or something.  If you know anything about it let me know.  Maybe it could be paid direct to National Provincial, where I put that other money.  Then I shall not go and spend it all.

           

One day next week, if we get a spot of ‘off duty’, a whole crowd of us are hoping to get cracking on a ‘binge’.  Celebrating my third week of being married or something.  Really, darling, I don’t feel awfully keen, though.  I must be getting ‘settled down’.

            Something terrible happened tonight.  I put that bottle of Coty cleansing milk in my haversack, to bring up to my manning hut, and the wretched thing smashed, the milk running over everything.  I am ‘seeing red’.  Bang goes that wonderful complexion I dreamed of having.  All the girls just laughed – the rats.

           

At the moment I am on ‘watch’ but still able to write.  Have to remain here until 10 to 3 AM.  Pretty deadly.  I wonder what I would do, if I really had to be a soldier - I’d be hopeless.

           

Sunday tomorrow, no mail - how lousy.  Role on Monday.

            I am always thinking of you, my precious and praying that you are alright.  Take care and God bless,

            I love you more than anything,

                        Your favourite wife (I hope!)

                                    Chotie .

 

*Doris Leslie was a British novelist and historical biographer. ‘Folly’s End’, published in 1944, is set on the Dorset-Devon border during the Civil War.

© Chotie Darling

Traffic - Saturday 24th March 1945

By 24^th March over a million men were waiting to attack across the Rhine.

 

Trevor Whitfield, who was with ‘C’ Squadron of 52^nd Recce wrote:

‘The rest of the Regiment was given the administrative job of getting the leading battalions and regiments from their concentration area up to the river bank.  This job was organised from a tented camp in the woods at Sonsbeck* by 12 Corps HQ.  The weather was delightful and the birds were singing in the woods and could be heard in the intervals of the barrage.'

*between Kevelaer and Xanten.

(From ‘Time Spent or The History of the 52nd-Lowland-Divisional Reconnaissance Regiment January 1941-October 1945’ by Trevor D.W.Whitfield, published by Mountain 1946.)

 

52nd (Lowland) Div Recce Rgt.

RAC BLA.

Saturday Mar. 24^th

Chotie Darling,

                                    I’ve received your parcel Precious, for which many thanks.  It must have cost a fortune!  I’ve had to work out a roster for the pills and things.

            Well, my Darling, I’m in a smashing billet away from my troop in charge of about 20 miles of road as Traffic Control Officer.  Imagine it, armband and all!  I look quite a dog….

            I’m afraid it won’t last for long though – it’s much too cushy for that.  I’m with two other subalterns who share my simple taste in living so we’re really very happy.

            The farm is situated in rolling pine forest land with about half the countryside under the plough.  Where there’s an absence of pines there’s a mass of heather, and with the really hot weather we’ve been having here for the past week the scent from them is overpowering.

            I’ve been out walking this evening with a captured shotgun having a crack at the odd rabbit.

            There’s also a swift flowing river some 300 yds from the farmhouse, so we sit and laze on the banks when we’ve nothing special to do, and talk a lot of rot of course.

            I was sorry to hear about your tooth trouble.  I hope it’s  better now.  Touch wood,  I haven’t had any for years.  I’m sorry to say however that the Doc has been checking up on my inoculations and he’s been chasing me around with a damn needle.

            What do you think of the news?  Brinner* is mixed up in it somewhere but I haven’t mentioned it in my letters home.

            Hope you’ve settled down to routine again after all this time. For myself, I’m right back in the groove – rut! 

            Nothing else to write about, so I’ll close here.

            What Branch of the National Provincial? Parkstone?       

                                                Goodnight my Darling

                                                Your ever loving husband

                                                                        Dicker.

 
*Brinner must have been in the 5^th (Hackney) Battalion of the Royal Berkshire Regiment Royal Berkshire regiment who assisted the 15th Scottish Division across the river (the same Division Sandy Handley had been assigned to for the Rhine crossing ). The 5^th Battalion of the Berkshires remained in Xanten until peace was declared and for the rest of the year carried out garrison duties. (From Unit History: Royal Berkshire Regiment.)

© Chotie Darling

Operation Varsity

At 10.00 am on 24^th March 1945 airborne troops of the 18^th Airborne Corps – British 6^th Airborne Division and the US 17^th Airborne Division -  began dropping behind the enemy lines, north of Wesel and near Hamminkeln.  More than 3,000 planes and gliders, escorted by a thousand allied fighters, dropped over 16,000 troops in three and a half hours – the largest airborne operation in a single day.

They were landing in part of ‘Flak Alley’ (as the RAF called it) - the Ruhr’s defences and were met by an inferno of German anti-aircraft guns taking advantage of the enforced break in Allied artillery fire.

The two airborne divisions attacking in Operation Varsity received more than 2,000 casualties but captured about 3,500 German soldiers.  They also succeeded in severing communications, capturing vital routes and diverting attention from the forces crossing the Rhine.

By nightfall they had joined up with ground forces that had crossed the Rhine, establishing a firm bridgehead on the east bank.

(See the film Operation Varsity : Airborne Invasion East of the Rhine .)

 

Sandy Handley watched Operation Varsity begin from the banks of the River Rhine:

“In the early hours of the next morning the guns had ceased firing and we could actually hear birds singing.  One of the Officers in charge of our section came over to our Daimler and said “Well done men!” although I didn’t think we’d done anything except cringe under the Daimler.  It was really frightening.  I think this Officer was more pleased to think none of us had gone round the bend with the noise and we were glad we weren’t on the receiving end of the bombardment.  Although grovelling about under the vehicles was bad enough - we looked dirty and disheveled.

The officer then said at 10 o’clock this morning the Airborne paratroops and gliders will come over and land on the other side of the river near Wesel and precisely at 10 o’clock we heard a roar which grew louder and louder.  Someone said “Here they come”.  They flew low.  It was one of the greatest memorable sights I have ever seen, unforgettable.  First the paratroopers, then the gliders being towed over this great river. 

As the planes reached the other side the enemy started to fire their anti-aircraft guns, several of the gliders were caught in the flack.  My mate said “Look, the gliders are on fire. There’s men being burned alive up there.”  It was terrible to watch.

 

A day or two after we left the banks of the Rhine and later crossed the Rhine on pontoon bridges ourselves.  We could see the results of all that bombardment – whoever came out of that alive was lucky.”

 

 

(From Ex Trooper S Handley’s ‘61 Recce - Memories of Normandy etc 1944 – 1945’, unpublished)

The Rhine crossings

“Operation Plunder was a campaign involving logistics, forces and supplies only slightly less considerable than the Normandy landings.”

The Rhine was the last major natural obstacle to the Allied advances in Germany. Although the American’s had already crossed further south the mountainous country there was be difficult for a fast large scale advance. Montgomery’s 21^st Army Group was heading for the North German Plain.

 

At 6.00 pm on 23^rd March 1945 Operation Plunder, the crossing of the Rhine by Monty’s 21^st Army, went into action with a thunderous artillery barrage along the Rhine from Nijmegen to the Ruhr. This was the largest bombardment undertaken by the Royal Artillery during the war involving more than 4,000 pieces of artillery.

 Preparations for the crossing (over 250,000 tons of supplies were amassed near the front) had been obscured by the largest smoke screen ever laid and German airfields were heavily bombed from 21^st to 24^th March to prevent interference from the Luftwaffe.

 The guns of 52^nd Lowland Division, trained on the bank near Wesel, had a particularly important part to play for VII Corps, clearing the German defences for the main crossing - Operation Torchlight.  They were “in the front row of the grandstand at one of the most imposing spectacles ever staged.”  For a while General Eisenhower himself watched the operation from within the Division’s beat.

 At nightfall the RAF saturated Wesel with 1,000 tons of high explosive.

 

At 8.30 pm Operation Turnscrew commenced. 51^st Highland Division, spearheaded the northern attack across the river near Rees for General Horrocks’ XXX Corps, who held a 12 mile front between Wesel and Rees.  Turnscrew was primarily a diversion for the main attack to the south.  However, the 51^st met with fierce resistance and Rees was not taken until 36 hours after their crossing.

 

At 10.00 pm 1^st Commando Brigade, consisting of 3, 6, 45 and 46 Commando and ‘A’ Squadron of 52^nd Recce, stealthily set off across the 300 yard wide river near Wesel in Operation Widgeon.  They crossed in Buffalos (amphibious LVTs – tracked Landing Vehicles), DUKWs and small assault boats.

‘A’ Squadron’s task was to provide beach control parties for the Commandos, keeping up communications from the right bank with the left during the battle for Wesel.  They also had to paddle back and forth across the Rhine in their canvas assault boats picking up any survivors from boats hit by enemy fire.

The Commandos made their way in single file toward Wesel until they were only one kilometre outside the town.  There they waited as at 10.20 am the RAF again attacked Wesel, lighting the town with flares and following up with bombs.  The Commando sent one message “Noisy blighters aren’t they?  We have taken position so-and-so and have met no trouble” before resuming radio silence.

By late morning on 24^th March the Commandos had secured most of what remained of Wesel. Of the 1,600 men who crossed the Rhine with 1^st Commando Brigade 11 were killed, 17 missing and 68 wounded.

 

At 2.00 am on Saturday 24^th March the 15^th (Scottish) Division landed on the east bank of the Rhine, north of Wesel, commencing Operation Torchlight.  They made good progress and by nightfall had linked up with Airborne forces dropped behind the German lines – the 6^th Airborne.

 

To the south the US 30^th Division (‘Old Hickory’) of Lt-General William Simpson’s 9^th Army, crossed the Rhine between Wesel and Rheinberg.  One hour later, at 3.00 am, the US 79^th Division (‘the Cross of Lorraine’) from 9^th Army set off from south of Rheinberg for the east bank of the river.  These attacks over an 11 mile front south of Wesel (Operation Flashpoint) guarded the right flank of the main Rhine crossings.

(From ‘Time Spent or The History of the 52nd-Lowland-Divisional Reconnaissance Regiment January 1941-October 1945’ by Trevor D.W.Whitfield, published by Mountain 1946; 'Mountain and Flood: the History of the 52nd (Lowland) Division by George Blake; Jackson, Son and Company 1950;  ‘Only the Enemy in Front Every other beggar behind…’ The Recce Corps at War 1940-1946’ by Richard Doherty, Tom Donovan Publishing Ltd 1994 and ‘The Fighting Fifty-Second Recce’ by Carl Shilleto, Eskdale Publishing 2001)

 

Sandy Handley had a ringside seat for the Rhine crossing:

“On the 23^rd March ’45 our Troop Leader informed us that an artillery barrage was about to start.  Guns of the artillery were wheel to wheel, as they said, along the Rhine.  Some figure was given us of 5,000 pieces of artillery, rocket launchers, 25 pounders, 105 mm, the lot.  By now we were on the banks of the Rhine opposite the town of Wesel.  The river at this point was 400 yards across.  An Army bulldozer had scooped out a big ditch for our Daimler so we were well down with our turret just peeping over the Rhine, although through the dense smoke screen we couldn’t see much.  All the time the canon and rockets were being fired - the noise was deafening.

Our Officer came to our car and had to shout above the noise.  He told us this barrage was only the beginning; he said at 11 o’clock pm ALL THE LOT was going to open up.  At 11 o’clock we found out what he meant!  The noise was terrible, my nerves were getting a bit jaded.  There we were, in front of all these guns, yards from the actual river.  I suggested to the other chap we go under the Daimler, which we did, scooping ourselves a little dugout.  We thought the deeper we dug the more safe we were (I felt like a mole).

This barrage had begun at 6pm and went on to the early hours the next day.  Now and again we were required to send back a radio message.  It was supposed to have been in special code.  This code was pretty complicated (to me anyway).  I’d never had to use it at any time since we landed 9 months previously with the 61^st recce in June ’44.  The code arrangement consisted of a card with various words of the message, each with an alternative word.  Well, working that out with all the noise I thought “No way!”.  So I just relayed my message in general phonetic terms.  I didn’t even confirm the message with the Officer and the Officer didn’t bother to confirm with me after.  I couldn’t have been so top priority.  At times like these certain things didn’t go text book fashion.” 

At 3 or 4 o’clock in the morning I dropped off to sleep exhausted.  I had experienced these artillery barrages since we landed but this was the Daddy of them all. “

(From Ex Trooper S Handley’s ‘61 Recce - Memories of Normandy etc 1944 – 1945’, unpublished)

Spring in Yorkshire

Letter Form from Chotie written Friday23^rd March 1945

W/242328 Pte. Williams B.E.,

“B’ Troop. O.F.C. A.T.S.,

462 Hy. (M.) A.A. Bty RA.,

Fort Godwin,

C.  G.P.O Easington,

Nr. Hull, Yorks

Friday 23^rd March 1945

My darling,

                        Have just returned from a lovely walk along the beach.  It is decidedly better up here, now that Spring is here and, if we have any warm weather, well, I shall not grouse.

            Edie, came with me, the girl whose husband is in the Recce.  She has just returned from seeing him, in a hospital in Surrey, as he has come back wounded in the leg.  Rather badly too, so things are not very happy with them.  I do hope that he will soon be better.

           

I am enclosing a cutting I found in the paper today.  Surely, it’s your Uncle’s school, isn’t it?

           

Nan is insisting that she gives us a wedding present, darling.  Probably, a table lamp – won’t it be nice? She was quite thrilled about the boys who wanted to write to her.  I am hoping to get a pass next week, to go home with her.

            I have managed to scrounge some choc. so I am sending it to your Mum.  Also a ration card that I did not use.  Just to help things a bit.  Must write to her tonight.

           

This is very brief, my dearest, but I will write again tomorrow.

            How’s the ‘tache growing.  Must be, at least 4” long before you come home, - make it soon, precious.

                        All my love, darling

                                                Chotie x.

© Chotie Darling

With or Without

Letter from Chotie written Wednesday 21st March 1945

W/242328 Pte. Williams B.E.,

“B’ Troop. O.F.C. A.T.S.,

462 Hy. (M.) A.A. Bty. R.A.,

Fort Godwin,

Co.  G.P.O. Easington,

Nr. Hull, Yorks

 

Wednesday 21^st Mar 1945

My own Darling,

                                    Many thanks for letter received this morning, my dearest, it was marvellously cheering for me, as I have not got “stuck in” yet, to army life.

            Glad that you are having a pretty easy time and do sincerely hope it remains so.  Peter Evans  sounds pretty smash - good fun, I expect.  Give my regards to him, also to Ronnie when you write.

            I rather envy your horse riding – still I don’t suppose that will last long.

           

My fury rages.  You certainly would get a rolling pin, right now -shaving your ‘tache, indeed.  You had better be quick and grow another.  Of course, I did love you without it before; I might even love you a little without it now – it’s doubtful though.

           

We had a spot of excitement last night, but I was not on duty.  Tonight, I am on, in fact right now, but have managed to scrounge some time to pen this to you.

            Feel a bit washed out (“with eating plums”) but I suppose must ‘bear up’.

           

Yvonne, one of the girls and I went for a lovely walk this afternoon, along the beach.  The sun was shining, so it was really pleasant.  Just before that, we went to an ENSA in the NAAFI.  One woman, “Suzette Tarri*” type, was quite a scream, but everything else was pretty awful.

           

Have to do some work in a minute, my darling, so this, though brief, will have to finish.

            I do love you, with or without, everything. 

                        Take care, & God bless

                                    Your loving wife,

                                                Chotie           xx

 

*British comedienne

© Chotie Darling

 

 

On the night of 22nd March General Patton's 3rd US Army crossed the Rhine in the south at Oppenheim, near Mainz. The next day other elements of 3rd Army cross near Worms above Mannheim.

 

The Other Bloke -Tuesday 20th March 1945

 

Dick’s 1945 diary for March:

20th Fri – Wrote Brinner & Cho.  Letters from mother, Cho & Bryn.

 

52nd (L) Div Recce Rgt

RAC   

BLA.

 

Tuesday March 20^th

Chotie Darling,

                                    Have just received your letter per Bryn along with others from mother, etc.

            I can see my name in ‘News of the World” headlines, ‘writing to his AWOL wife’ – what a shocker you are!  Really I can’t think why I have anything to do with you….  I expect you’re back with the fold again now, which probably isn’t too pleasant. 

            I’ve settled down again, after nearly getting’ ‘done-in’ by a shell which killed the other bloke I was with.  Awful business. However I’m way out of it now with a cushy old job which I hope will last some weeks anyhow.

            I’m living in a cottage – at least 300 years old (having evicted the ‘civvies’), which is really quite pleasant as the weather has been excellent for the past few days.  I’ve spent the past 48 hours painting signs (of all things for an officer (?) to indulge in!).  Imagine me in shirt-sleeve order, smoking the old pipe and humming airs from “Rigoletto*”!

            I’ve just written Bryn, just to prove to him I am still alive, and give him what dope – I can – not much!  He seems much happier with the Berks** than at RAU’s*** which I suppose is understandable.

            The countryside around here is really lovely in the pastoral sense (nothing majestic about it) - very much like Kent.  Some very charming farms, and a very well-fed populace.  Children (girls and boys) wear long black stockings and the little girls have the inevitable plaits – and big blue eyes.

            The ceilings are so low in this place that even I have developed round-shoulders and a permanent stoop.  My bedroom is about 10ft by 6, and the bed completely fills it.

            I’ve had about fifty eggs since I came back – all presented by the locals – and pork galore.  I’ll soon be thinking about my figure….You’d love it here.

            I’ve been on to the Orderly Room ref. the allowance but of course they haven’t any of the pukka forms left so I’ll just have to wait until they turn up.  In any case we’ll get the “back-pay”.

            (Break for Supper….)

            Well, darling, I’ve had some eggs and chips, and it’s pretty late so I’m off to bed.

                                    Goodnight, my Darling

                                                            Dicker

P.S. Have you cashed other cheques yet?  I enclose Rita’s.  Where do you want allowance paid to?!?

 

*Giuseppe Verdi’s Italian opera concerning the licentious Duke of Mantua, his jester Rigoletto and Rigoletto’s daughter Gilda.

**Presumably the Royal Berkshire Regiment.

*** Regional Administrative Unit?

© Chotie Darling

An Eventful Journey

Letter from Chotie written Tuesday 20^th March 1945

W/242328 Pte. Williams B.E.,

‘B’ Troop. O.F.C. A.T.S.,

462 Hy. (M.) A.A. Bty. R.A.,

Fort Godwin,

Co.  G.P.O. Easington,

Nr. Hull, Yorks

 

Tuesday.  20.3.45.

My darling husband,

                                      This is my first opportunity of writing since I reached camp.

           

I had quite an eventful journey.  Starting at 8 in the morning, I arrived at Waterloo half past 11.  As I had 2 hours before catching the train northbound at Kings Cross, the thing to tie up was some lunch.  Went to a Spanish sort of place, just off Piccadilly, called 'Martinez'.  It was pretty expensive but I felt pretty ‘B.. so a nice lobster salad (loads of mayonnaise), and an ice afterwards, cheered me up no end.  Had some sherry, that was really good, too.  The lounge in this place was all tiled very colourfully and bags of wrought iron painted black.  Every tile had a picture on it, besides many paintings hanging on the walls.  All senoritas and flowers and fruit, - very gay.

            I had a rush to get back to Kings Cross and just managed to miss my train by 5 minutes.  Had my pass signed by R.T.O.* so I was covered.  Then I had another 2 hours to wait, so I just went for a walk and made sure of getting back in time to catch the 4 p.m.

            The train arrived in Hull about 10.30. so it was impossible to reach camp that night.  A very kind lady in my carriage asked me to go home with her for the night as she lived in Hull.  Well, I did strike lucky, - her husband was at Sandhurst and she had just been down to see him.  At present she lives with her mother and has a little girl, aged 3.  They, insisted on cooking me supper and I had bacon and egg for breakfast, a smashing comfy bed - what luck!  I can go to visit them anytime I am off, which I certainly will.

            This morning, the bus back to camp, went at 8.30 so I had to get up early.  Got into camp about 10 o’clock.

           

Everyone is so excited about us apparently, it shook ‘em.  Nan was at the other site but I should see her tomorrow.  I seem to have told my ‘tale’, about hundred & one times, today.  My tongue quite aches, so many people want to know so much.

            Well, my darling, I am here safe and sound and I hope you are too.  Take care and God bless you Precious.

            I must write home now, so must close.

            All my love, dearest,

                                    Your loving wife,

                                                            Chotie

                                                XX

 

*Rail Transport Officer

 

On 20^th March Chotie received a letter from her friend Marion in Glasgow (255, Ashdale Drive, Glasgow, SW2) which includes the following:

‘I know you have passed your medical for overseas, so in case you are on the move at all I’m sending this to Betty and she will know best where to send it.’

Chotie seems to now have no intention of serving overseas.

© Chotie Darling

Kevelaer

Dick’s 1945 diary for March:

19th Fri – Kelvaer (Kevelaer*?) Staging Camp.

*between the Rhine and Maas rivers, north of Geldern.

 

WAR DIARY of 52^nd (Lowland) Recce Regt RAC March 1945

– Lt Col J.B.A. Hankey OBE

Date 19^th Place MENZELEN:            2 casualties                          Weather – Fine

Strength - 905 men, 188 tanks/armoured cars/guns                 

‘ ‘B’ & ‘C’ Squadrons move to new areas i.e. ‘B’ at 955335. ‘C’ at 023274.’  Still shelling in area.

 

‘From 19-23^rd ‘B’ & ‘C’ Squadron preparing staging area for incoming troops in connection with Operation Plunder.’

‘A’ Squadron meanwhile, were training for a special role with 1^st Commando Brigade under Brigadier Derek Mills-Roberts.

(From the War Diary of the 52nd Reconnaissance Regiment held by the Archive and Reference Library, the Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset and ‘The Fighting Fifty-Second Recce’ by Carl Shilleto, Eskdale Publishing 2001.)

 

Meanwhile Sandy Handley had had problems with his teeth:

"Shortly, in March ’45 we moved up to the River Rhine.  I had a bad toothache.  I reported sick and went on a small Daimler scout car, known as a Dingo, back to Corps HQ for an Army Field Dentist.  This was a journey of 20 miles.  As usual I wasn’t looking forward to seeing the Dentist (compared with facing Jerry).  However, I needn’t have worried.  I had the tooth extracted (no pain).  I was relieved to get rid of the ache.

We returned to our Unit and we were told we were moving up the Rhine’s banks.  Some of the armoured cars came under the orders of the 15^th Scottish Division."

(From Ex Trooper S Handley’s ‘61 Recce - Memories of Normandy etc 1944 – 1945’, unpublished.)

Returning to Hull

On the night of 17^th/18^th March 1945 the city of Hull was under attack for the first time since 1943. A lone Heinkel dropped fragmentation grenades (with inbuilt fuses, detonating on impact with the ground) and opened up with machine guns killing 13 people and injuring 22. (See BBC News for 17th March .)  

Chotie, however, was still in Parkstone….

Letter written Sunday18^th March 1945

Sunday March 18^th 45

My darling husband,

                                                This is going to be short, because I feel pretty ‘B…..’ as I am going back to camp tomorrow.  Have to start at 8 o’clock in the morning – unearthly hour.

         

While cleaning out, this last week I found this tie, which I have enclosed.  Is it light enough?  If it is not wearable send it back and I will dye it or something.

           

Don, Ted’s brother, has been down and we went to Church* this morning. Everyone was congratulating him thinking he was my husband.  Poor Don.

            Margaret, Beryl & Don & I went down to 'The Sloop' last evening.  Poor Marg had to have shandy because of feeding Roger.  None of the ‘old crowd’ were there, except the ‘man from Kent.’

            Don & I sneaked down after Church, this morning, for a quick one.

           

We have had another present, darling.  Three pre-war tea-cloths (what you wipe up with) from Mrs Johnson.  Jolly useful.

            I phoned up Ethel & Cyril, my cousins, today.  They wished us all the best and are going to dish out something when we get our home – when?  They both wished you all the luck in what you are doing out there.

           

I must finish now, my dearest and get on with my packing.

            Will write when I reach camp.

            Take care, darling – God bless,

            All my love & kisses,

                        Chotie.

XX

 

*Parkstone Congregational Church opposite the Hollies in Commercial Road – now Parkstone United Reformed Church.  Dick and Chotie met at the Congregational Church Youth Club. The Hollies, including the dairy, was knocked down in the 1960s and replaced with a tyre shop.

 

 

Enclosed with this letter was a small notice from a newspaper:

A ‘Special Licence’ enabled couples to get married without waiting the usual three week period for ‘calling the banns’ – giving notice of the proposed marriage for three successive Sundays in church.

Chotie and Dick had evidently decided to get married while he was on leave and could not have done so in the time without special licence.

 © Chotie Darling

 

 

WAR DIARY of 52^nd (Lowland) Recce Regt RAC March 1945

– Lt Col J.B.A. Hankey OBE

Date 18^th Place MENZELEN:            2 casualties                          Weather – Fine

Strength - 905 men, 188 tanks/armoured cars/guns             

‘Regiment less ‘A’ Sqaudron ordered to do Traffic Control for Operation PLUNDER. Two casualties in ‘C’ Squadron from shelling.’

‘A’ Squadrons detached.

(From the War Diary of the 52nd Reconnaissance Regiment held by the Archive and Reference Library, the Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset.)

 

52^nd Recce Roll of Honour includes the following who died on 18^th March 1945:

Trooper Jack Weston (age 22) of ‘C’ Squadron

who is laid to rest in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, south-west of Kleve in Germany.         

(From  ‘The Fighting Fifty-Second Recce’ by Carl Shilleto, Eskdale Publishing 2001.  See photo.)

We will remember them.

Safe and Sound and Soon

Letter from Chotie written Friday 16^th March 1945

Friday 16^th 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 6^th, 7^th or 8^th – 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 12^th 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 52^nd (Lowland) Recce Regt RAC March 1945

– Lt Col J.B.A. Hankey OBE

Date 16^th 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.

Lieutenant Peter Evans - Wednesday 14th March 1945

‘C’ Sqn 52 (L) Div Recce Regt

BLA.

Wednesday 14^th Mar.

Chotie Darling,

                                    I’m with the unit once again, Darling, and have settled down to the old routine.  Luckily, I’m in very cushy billets (no windows – but everything else is OK!) and managed to have a party last night – just four Bolshie subalterns.

            Weather is holding quite well and I’m not being overworked so life is really pleasant enough.

            There are plenty of horses around so I do a little bare-back stuff pretty regularly.  Anything for a change.

            Made friends with a subaltern in the Squadron by the name of Peter Evans*.  He’s about 6ft 3 and goes about 16 stone, and has an Orson Welles** touch about him.  He wears his hair an atrocious length – long black curls peep out from under his beret.

            He’s married and lives in Suffolk somewhere – doesn’t give a damn for anyone, from the CO downwards.  He also has an endless store of anecdotes and witticisms which endear him to me.

            Incidentally, Darling I’ve shaved my moustache right off!  Honest!  I reckon I look much better without it.  I now look eighteen instead of thirty-five….  I think I’d better grow another before I come home again, or I’ll be dodging the old rolling-pin….

            There’s not very much to write about, I’m afraid.

            I had a letter from Ronnie yesterday.  He’s quite cheerful and is now doing Liaison Officer to some Corps or other.  A pretty steady job but not much excitement.  He’s almost sure to end up in Brussels – they always do.

            Must close here Chotie, and try to write some of the aunts!

                                    All my love, Darling

                                                            Dicker

 

*Lieutenant Peter Evans received the Military Cross as ‘a fearless leader, calm and cunning in battle’.  In September 1944 ‘he led a most daring patrol’ into no-man’s land between the Maas and the Waal, capturing one SS man and two paratroopers and killing several other Germans while sustaining no casualties for his side despite heavy fire and lack of cover.  In November 1944 he led his troop of 12 to engage with 40 Germans landing in North Beveland (on the Scheldt Estuary) and all the enemy were captured or killed. (From citation in ‘The Fighting Fifty-Second Recce’ by Carl Shilleto, Eskdale Publishing 2001.)

Peter Evans was also a leader of the troops that made ‘the almost copybook advance to the River Rhine at Ginderich. (From ‘Time Spent or The History of the 52nd-Lowland-Divisional Reconnaissance Regiment January 1941-October 1945’ by Trevor D.W.Whitfield, published by Mountain 1946.)

**Orson Welles was an American actor, director, writer and producer who had made his first film, the signatory ‘Citizen Cane’ in 1941.

© Chotie Darling

 

Dick’s 1945 diary for March:

14th Wed– Supper with Peter Evans.  “Hullo!”

15th Thurs – Supper with Peter Evans.  Wrote Audrey.

 

Don Aiken’s troop had an unhappy experience with the horse riding:

“March 1945
After a few happy days at home, I bade a tearful farewell and returned to my Unit.
The whole force was now intent on pressing on into Germany. After some heavy fighting on all fronts (because the Germans were desperate to prevent us doing so) we, the leading troops at that time, eventually succeeded in reaching the Rhine.
The Infantry were then brought through to hold the line and we were pulled back about a mile from the river. We settled in the cellar of a cottage and awaited our next mission, which we knew wouldn't be long because of the intense and heavy build up of men and equipment in preparation for a crossing.

During a lull in the gunfire one of the lads in my troop spotted a horse in a paddock alongside the cottage, and decided to ride it. He mounted the horse and had a great time trotting around. Then came a single shot (probably from a German 88 mm. anti-tank gun) which blew his head off.”

(Extract  republished from 'From the Rhine to Civvy Street' by kind permission of Don Aiken)

 

Ginderich, Germany

Dick’s 1945 diary for March:

13th Tues – Gilderich (Ginderich) resting.  Letter from Ronnie.

Photo labelled Ginderich March 1945

(See The Daimler Fighting Vehicles Project for more information on the car).

 

Second Letter written Tuesday 13^th March 1945

Tuesday 13^th Mar.

My precious,

                                    I do hope you find the enclosed alright.  Margaret sent the Ovaltine tablets*, for you, with lots of love.  That T.C.P.** is awfully good for cuts or spots and anything – I always use it.

Just now, I feel pretty wretched – specially as it’s our Wedding Anniversary.  This afternoon I had a tooth out - it took two dentists about half an hour to do it.  Mr Harris & Mr Dunman – I think you know them.  You see, last night I had some of Mummy’s home-made toffee, unfortunately, and it removed half this wretched tooth & its stopping, so I had to have the rest extracted.  Cost me 6 shillings too!

            When I returned from the dentist, there was a letter from my unit.  My leave is granted providing I can send a certificate of confirmation from your Officer in Command that you will be in England for 14 days and I can be with you.  So I’ve had that.

            What I intend doing now is to make out I received the letter tomorrow afternoon and ring them up, just to see how things are.  Probably get charged or something in any case.  They have enclosed a terrific sheet of ration coupons - I think I’ll use them.

          

Ted’s brother is coming down for the week-end.  He has been moved to a factory near Southampton so it’s quite handy for here.  I was hoping to see him, maybe I will - -

            Poor old Mary & Dil, going back tomorrow.  I should by rights too.

           

I do hope, my darling, you are quite well.  Have a good time with Bryn, if possible.  Take care of yourself, & eat up all these pills & things – then I’ll send you some more.  I could not get any glucose, but those halibut things are pretty smash!

            All my love, precious, for ever & ever,

                                                Your loving wife,

                                                            Chotie

P.S.     I was going to enclose this with the parcel I hope you will soon receive, but Margaret says you must not put letters in with parcels.  She should know!

 

*made from milk, malted barley and wheat flour

**an antiseptic

***probably halibut liver oil, a fish oil product taken for vitamins A and D.

 © Chotie Darling

A.W.L. in Parkstone

Letter written Tuesday 13^th March 1945 and embossed ‘THE HOLLIES, COMMERCIAL ROAD, PARKSTONE.’

13^th March 45

My darling husband,

                                                I have been hanging on before writing you in case I heard from my unit - but I haven’t so really I am A.W.L.*  What an awful wife you have?

           

Received a letter from your mother yesterday with £1 enclosed from Hilda**.  Apparently her husband decided that £2 was not enough for us – don’t forget to thank them, darling.  I am enclosing with this  a letter and cheque from Rita, some more to add to our little store.  Would you endorse it?

            I have managed to get you some stuff to take, darling, so tonight I will pack it all up & send it.  Hope you get it alright.

           

Yesterday afternoon, Mary  & I were doing some shopping in Poole and who should we bump into but SAS & Johnny Jones.  They had just crawled out of 'the Antelope', pretty well gone, and were going to the flicks to sleep it off.

            Johnny’s moustache just covered his face – awful.  SOS looked pretty smashed up, poor chap, but quite cheery.  They thought our marriage was a terrific cause for celebration.

            Right now, Mary & I are supposed to be in 'the Sloop' – boozing with them.  But really they are shocking types and Mary can’t stick Johnny Jones – never could.  We are dreading that they might barge in here or something.  God only knows what Mum would say.

            Anyway, they both heartily wished us every happiness.

           

Daddy took Beryl****, Mary & I to the Palace Court, last night.  We saw Terence de Marney*** in “The Crime of Margaret Foley” – Quite thrilling, & very well acted.

INK SMUDGE

(The dog has been walking over this.)

           

Have just washed my hair, so Mary & I are sitting in the garden – it’s quite warm and sunny.

            Mummy is shouting about dinner being ready, so I must close.

                                    All my love, darling,

                                                            Chotie xx

 

*Absent Without Leave.

** This letter came from Aunt Hilda of ‘Cairo Cottage’ 14 Broad Oak End, Bramfield Road, Hertford.

***The British actor, theatre director and writer – he was the author, as well as the star, of ‘The Crime of Margaret Foley’.

****Chotie's younger sister

 

© Chotie Darling

A Noble Sacrifice - Monday 12th March 1945

Letter written on Monday 12^th March 1945

‘C’ Squadron

52^nd (Lowland) Recce Regt

BLA.

Monday 12^th March

Chotie Darling,

                                    I’m writing you at my first opportunity, which hasn’t presented itself up ‘til the present moment.  I’m still at the half-way stage, and may well stay here another day or two as there’s an acute shortage of transport, it seems.

            I spent a day or so with Brinner, who unfortunately got himself posted yesterday.  Strangely enough he was very profuse with his congratulations on our behalf and gave us both his blessing!  He says he’s going to write to you.  I expect that’s as far as he’ll get, however, as he’s an even poorer correspondent than I am.

            I had a much better trip over than I had at first expected, and managed to sleep most of the night.  Since then of course I’ve been bandied about all over the place.  The food here tho’ is really excellent so I can’t grumble on that score.  You would be in your element.

            Chotie Darling, at risk of sounding very trite I must thank you very much for your noble sacrifice in marrying me.  I must be an awful person to live with.  You must find me terribly moody.  I try not to be, but since the beginning of the war I find I’m completely dis-orientated at home.  I’ll try to make you happy, Darling, which is what you deserve after all this time.

            Am I writing awful rubbish?  I’ll try another tack.  There are some fourteen OR*s here, mostly from my troop also waiting for transport, but who are at least half a mile away which means that I spend most of my time running from here to there, trying to tee-up the transport question.  All very trying.

            To compensate however, they opened an Officers' Shop, the first I’ve had a chance of visiting since I came over here (D-day I mean!) so I bought a few necessary articles of kit, pyjamas etc.

            There’s also an excellent bar here, so I can sink a steady schnapps now and again.  I’ve also got a bottle of whisky to go back to….

            I must close in rather a hurry, Darling as my transport seems to have turned-up.

            I’ll try to write you again when I reach the regiment.

                                                Goodbye, my Darling

                                                            Your favourite husband….

                                                                                    Dicker.

*other ranks i.e. not officers.

 © Chotie Darling

 

Dick’s 1945 diary for March:

12th Mon – Returned to Unit

 

WAR DIARY of 52^nd (Lowland) Recce Regt RAC March 1945

– Lt Col J.B.A. Hankey OBE

Date 12^th Place MENZELEN 1636:                                       Weather – Dull

Strength - 907 men, 188 tanks/armoured cars/guns

2 Prisoners of War taken              

‘ ‘C’ Squadron took Prisoner of War who crossed RHINE.  Commanding officer went to Divisional Commanders’ Conference.  ‘A’ Squadron under command of 155 Brigade (the South Scottish).  ‘C’ Squadron under command of 157 Brigade (the Highland Light Infantry).  Rest of Regiment in Divisional reserve.’  General Officer Commanding’s notes attached.  Operations Instrument No: 3 attached.

From the 12^th March 52^nd Recce were again in formation with 52^nd Division. ‘A’ & ‘C’ Squadrons were detached.

(From the War Diary of the 52nd Reconnaissance Regiment held by the Archive and Reference Library, the Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset.)