Saturday
321/132 [??] Field Regt R.A., Dunblane, Scotland
Dear Arthur,
I have just heard about Stella and I am writing at once to say how much I hope that her condition has improved already beyond all measure and that very soon indeed she will be her usual self. Please give her my very best wishes for a really quick recovery. It is rotten luck just at this time and I suppose can be put down to another evil of the civvy war.
Many thanks for your letter, which I was able to read at least probably more than you can say about this one, but my typewriter is at home for the present as I’ll explain later on. It was good to get all the news, especially about the young and growing family. I’m looking forward so much to seeing them again. Did you learn while you were in the Club that I got myself engaged on my last leave but one, way back in July? Almost as old as you were Arthur, and if I leave the final act itself much longer I’ll be older.
Your job sounds very inviting as well as interesting, and I feel sure you can do with any spare time they dish out. The blokes you work with sound OK as well. I rang up today to ask if I could join the party and they gave me all the information they could, especially a Scot who was brought to the phone. Pity we were unable to join forces being so close together. Sunday would have been no use, however, taxis and pubs not working in this part of the world. According to the dates you gave me you will return to Glasgow only to move out again. I am expecting a move also so we may have to put off the reunion until the end of this business after all. However, if on your return north you find you are staying a time, let me know and I’ll try and ring you to fix a date if it is at all possible.
As you know I was changed over to Guards and after another OCTU course – two in a lifetime proves almost too much – returned to my old unit and spent two enjoyable months in Newcastle. Then, as with almost all the world, or so it would appear, I was warned for overseas and sent to my present location. I have been here some little time now – longer than I expected – but of course it is a question of living from day to day, so if you do write again take the usual Johnson care with words and phrases as “old man censor” may be about. In any case it would be better not to mention “overseas”, but I am sure you are an expert in camouflage now.
I had a rush 7 days embarkation leave – taking my typewriter home – but I still hope you can make all this out. I had to get down to London to see my sister – I’m a real live proud uncle now with a dashing two month old nephew – and to Shrewsbury. At the time Freda, who had not been too well, was staying with brother Jim and wife at Troon so I finished up there and just had not got the time to visit Liverpool. I’m making big efforts to get a 48 hour and rush down to say cheerio. As you say, everything remains much the same. Beacall, by the way, has since moved but I don’t know his new address.
I have had a recent letter from Elgar and he appears to be much in the same boat as myself. McWhinnie too, I gather, so things appear to be moving. About time.
Sorry to hear about Pat Kearney, but I had noticed the same thing. I think poor old George is cracking up as well. It will be a strange return but let’s hope your spring bulbs will still flourish.
I do so hope all is well your end by the time you get this note. Please let me know if there is anything at all I can do to help. Otherwise I’m hoping to see you soon for that reunion. If not, all the very best to you all and here’s to an out-of-uniform party at Morningside sooner than we expect – and I promise I’ll be a good boy and turn up this time complete with “better half”. Who knows?
Cheers for now, and all the luck.
Durham
Oct 171942