LONGMOOR HANTS
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AUGUST SUNDAY
1942
Dearest one,
How it rained this morning, but we church-paraded, and I marched in a raincoat at the head of the 8th. Battalion. Then I had my methodists, about two hundred of them to take to church and dismiss afterwards, and my P.A.D. picket, 80 or so, to inspect this evening, and breakfast and dinner to see to. The grub was excellent and the men very happy about it which made the job easier. I asked the end men of each table three questions, Was the food good, Was it cooked properly, Was there sufficient. All answers were in the affirmative, so that was all right. The cookhouse was spotlessly clean, though I found some cheese uncovered and fly-ish. So now, apart from sleeping in the Adjutant’s office (Everson has made my bed lovingly already) I have nowt to do. Its that silly season between tea and dinner.
Last night I worked well, I did not go to the pictures. After dinner I played three games of shuv H’apenny, the rage here in the mess, and then came here and worked out my history series for Anne, a detailed synopsis of the series, of three series, rather, and all I have to do is a sample, on Nelson I think, this evening after dinner and the job’s done, ready for her to get approved. I’ve just written to little Peter Garbet who wrote to me in June, and who invited us to his cottage for any leave, bless him, and to Nurse Parkes. Last night I wrote to Mother and to Auntie Edie and Honor, Tonight I shall telephone you. I’d better go to dinner soon to get my call down before the rush.
Don’t send any more parcels, I’m so ashamed of asking for so much, I’ve everything now, I think. I’ll be a good boy and work hard this week, in the day time at the lectures here- we’ve got the programme, and in the evenings at the next Uruguayan talks. I must write to Scottish Kathleen and get paid for the three broadcasts, August 15th. for Lambs to sell. We may be together then, no, if you do come up to Southgate I’ll be travelling and so will you, oh dear.
I’m eager for your reactions to my proposals for Welsh Wales, The choice we make is only for them to try to help. We may be sent elsewhere, but if you think Barry better to choose than Swansea, say so. The only thing is that we can get to Barry from Swansea to see them, and the hinterland is better at Swansea. But anywhere would do if we are together, even Hull or Liverpool, except at Liverpool there’s a Docks Group and I might have to live in regimentally. Swansea has not been sought after by anyone else, so its a likely place. Peter’s chosen Newport as being the nearest to his wife and child which he will have by then. He’s very calm over it but thinks of nothing else. He dreads telegrams.
I must away to dinner and put my call down to you. Bye bye sweetheart, I’ll write tomorrow. This should arrive on Tuesday.
Blessings on all the birdies and beasties. Do the hens hate the air raids? Their little house is not much protection. Bless the Candy. She’ll love mountainy rovings. So’ll I, with you.
Ever your own. . . .
David XXXX