G Branch

HQ I Corps

APO England

Thurs 22 June 44

My dearest Maz,

This will not be a very long letter as I shall have to go and feed myself in about a quarter of an hour’s time, do I shall miss me lunch.

Now, Maz dear, the reason for my lack of news from Eileen is apparent – poor child.  I had a letter from her on Tuesday written from some wretched RAF hospital on the 13^th – she must have been feeling pretty miserable, though in her letter she showed no trace of the bitter disappointment which I know she felt and I was more thankful than I can say that she’s recovering well and is really better – it must all have been a nightmare for her – oh how I wish I could have been there with her it’s awful to be so far away and to feel so powerless to do anything – never have I hated this war so much as I did that afternoon – there seemed no justice in the world – there are so many thousands of unwanted babies born every day, even to people who call themselves happily married – it’s so very easy to say – ah well there will be plenty of time but when one has said that for years, it gets a bit irksome – sorry to sound so childish about it all but that afternoon was the nearest thing to hell I’ve yet to know – but with the knowledge that Eileen is OK that is all that matters – I think it’s the feeling of inability to help that makes things seem worse.

I have led a very sombre existence since my last letter and now have definite hours of work each day from 4 pm – midnight so I have nothing to complain of – no mail has arrived these last two days and there’s no immediate sign of any on its way – I do so look forward to a letter from you soon.  I had such a nice birthday letter from Elli, please thank him very much for it and tell him I’ll be writing soon – I’m sorry this is such a dull gloomy affair – I don’t feel too bad and am in good health and am still as optimistic as ever that we haven’t much longer to wait now before we shall be coming home – much love to you Maz dear, I think of you so much and long to see you again – God bless, my love to Pari and Elli.

            Yours as ever

very affectionately

                        Peter

In envelope headed ‘On Active Service’ addressed to Mrs Gerald C Benham, 5 Oxford Road Colchester Essex.

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 439 dated 23 JU 44.  Passed by censor No 15487 and signed P.C. Benham Capt.

On back of envelope Written  June 22^nd 1944 rec July 14^th 1944.      (10)