Hoddom Castle

Wednesday 8 Sepr 43

My dearest Maz,

Very many thanks for sending me the parcel of just the things I wanted, and also the gift of tobacco which I found therein, and last but not least, your letter.  It was sweet of you to put the baccy in ‘for old time’s sake’.  Yes how well I remember the many times at Mistley and Uppingham when parcels used to arrive always with some chocolate and sweets inside – again many thanks, Maz dear.  The parcel arrived on Monday and I must apologise for my not having written before but quite honestly during these last few I’ve not known whether I’ve been standing on my head or my heels – Bty Captain, Bty Cmdr, PMC of the mess and then today I was acting CO as I was the senior officer in Camp and had to do a recce of a scheme we are due to do in 10 days time – it lasted solidly from 2.15 this afternoon until nearly 8 ocl!  No peace for the wicked – however Robin and the CO return tonight so things should be a bit easier from now on.  I booked a call to you this evening and it was due to come through at 9.45 but at 10 ocl I went along to investigate the delay and they said they had been through but there was no reply.  I will try again tomorrow.

What simply super new it was tonight about the Italians surrendering and also the magnificent Russian advances – things really do look bright now and I can’t believe we have much longer to wait now before everything crumbles up as it did in 1918 – I take a very optimistic view of the war situation.

Please thank Pari and Elli for their letters and give them my love – much love to you and again many thanks for sending the parcel – longing to see you again

            Ever  yours affectionately

                        Peter

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

Postmarked LOCKERBIE DUMFRIESHIRE dated 9 SP 43.    (11)