7 Field Regt R.A.

 NEW ADDRESS HODDOM CASTLE

Nr ECCLEFECHAN

DUMFRIES

Monday 12 July 43

My dearest Maz,

I know Pari and Elli will excuse my not writing for a day or two but I must find time for letter writing during the next few days – I dashed off a line to Eileen after I had phoned up on Saturday evening since when life has been one long rush – I’m pleased to say the worst, today, is now over.

Maz dearest, I can’t thank you enough for our marvellous leave and your superb contribution towards it, we did have a wizard time together, didn’t we?  We always say it I know but this last leave really was one of the best ever – each time my leave seems more enjoyable than the one before and each time I hate going back just that much more.  You were a real hero, my one regret being that I didn’t feel we did enough to help you.  I do so hope you and Pari will have a wizard time and that the weather is kind to you.  My journey back went like clockwork – Eileen and I had lunch at Euston where she saw me off at 1 ocl.  The sandwiches, cake, pork pie and cheese were magnificent and I partook of a hearty meal at about 5.30 – many thanks.   I arrived at Carlisle at 7.30 and had bags of time to catch the 8.15 to Langholm and also to get a comfortable seat.  I had a slight shock when I learned that I was to leave at 9 am the next day for a new area.

There is one consolation about this place and that is that one could go to nowhere worse in the British Isles – unless possibly a remote part of Ireland!  I can’t describe how remote it is – nearest Post Office 4 miles.  I do so hope and pray we don’t stay here for too long, though we have been told to prepare for the winter here!  That means that we shan’t be here for long I expect.  One thing though, we shall be extremely busy in the next month or two so I suppose that’s a good thing.  Carlisle, where I had dinner last night with the other 2 Bty Captains, isn’t a bad spot and I shall try and get in there as much as I can, probably once a week or once a fortnight, it’s only 23 miles from here! 

The news from Sicily seems to be very good what little there is of it – funny we should have had that conversation on Friday night, wasn’t it?  They certainly seem to be putting a lot of men into the invasion presumably they will crack straight on into Italy when Sicily has been ‘put’ in the bag! 

I have a very nice room here and am sharing with the other two Bty Cpts both very nice chaps, one being John Ploughman who was at Dumfries with me, and the adjutant – we should get the latest news!  Getting here just was a great blessing, as we were able to choose the best room etc.

Maz dear, I must close.  Again so very many thanks for your really wonderful kindness – I’ve never eaten such food, or so superbly cooked.  My love to Pari and Elli.  I have thought so much about you since I left – God bless and much love to you, am so looking forward to hearing from you.

Yours ever affectionately

Peter.

In envelope addressed to Mrs Gerald C Benham, 5 Oxford Road, Colchester Essex.

Postmarked LOCKERBIE DUMFRIES*** 13 JY 43.      (1)