G Branch

HQ I Brit Corps

B.L.A..

Thursday 24 May 45

My dearest Maz,

            Since my letter to you last Wednesday I’ve had 2 most interesting ones from you, dated 15^th and 18^th, a consignment of DF baccy and a whole host of VE maps.  I was very disappointed not to see your photo in the ECS,I had hoped there might have been an insert of Mrs GCB, ex-Mayoress ‘giving a snappy eyes left in front of the saluting base’!  Many thanks for the Thanksgiving Service Pamphlet, a good souvenir.  What very tough luck on Louisa catching the scarlet fever, I hope, as Elli would say, it doesn’t leave any ill effects.

I don’t know whether your weather has been like ours this last week – cold and very Aprilified – some terrific thunderstorms, long periods of sun and terrific rains.  Without  any exaggeration I haven’t been further than 200 yds of my mess or office this passed week and have had little or no time in which to relax, read or write.  Another G3 arrived yesterday which will be a help, he is the first of the 3 who we are short of (if you see what I mean!) – all work and no exercise make Pete a dull boy and that’s just how I feel now – still it can’t go on at this pitch for much longer – I hope.

I had a very nice letter from Bill the other day but in it he imparted the news that Eileen and I had got to be out of the flat by 24^th June.  My first reaction was one of absolute fury at old man Pawsey but there is obviously nothing one can do about it and there is no doubt that now the danger is past it won’t matter a tuppeny damn whether one was away from home and all that means during the war or whether one was a ‘conchie’ – but it did strike me as being a bit early for that sort of thing – but on second thoughts I rather agree with Eileen that it was a bit too small, not much because wherever we live of necessity it must be small, still it was small and there were those absolutely frightful specimens of humanity (?) overhead, real shockers.  For so long my dreams of the future had rather centred round the flat and it was always somewhere where we would make a start and I must admit that I’m still a bit peeved about it, more on principle than anything else – wouldn’t you feel the same?

My only diversion from work of any sort has been a trip last night to a special cinema show at 9.30 for the officers, the film room is only 150 yards away so Charles and I decided to go not having the slightest idea what the film was.  It turned out to be some Spanish dame named Carmen Miranda and the title of the film I can’t even remember – any film however bad would have been enjoyable and we had a few good laughs, the news was good and so was the cartoon.  Most of the laughter during the big film came in places where we weren’t meant to laugh and vice versa.  Maz dear, I must slip back to the office just to see if there is anything needing attention and then I’m aiming at an early night.  So very many thanks for the baccy, those excellent mags and your letters – I’m longing to see you again and hope it may be soon.  My love Pari and Elli – much love

            Yours as ever

very affectionately

                        Peter

P.S.  My writing paper getting very low and I should be most grateful if you could send me a ‘tablet’!  P

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

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 734 dated 25 MY 45.  Passed by censor No 15487 and signed P.C. Benham.          

On front of envelope Written May 24^th 1945 rec May 28^th  1945.        (20)

BRIGADE ORDERS.

BY BRIGADIER-GENERAL TREVOR TERNAN, C.M.G., D.S.O.,

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

23^rd MAY, 1915.

354 – District Court-Martial –

            With reference to Brigade Order No. 350 of 22^nd May, 1915, the person named will also be tried by this Court.

In the margin.  No. 1024 Pte. G. Tones 22^nd (S.) Bn, Northumberland Fusiliers (3^rd Tyneside Scottish)

355 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

COURSE – MACHINE GUN –

            Results of 7th Machine Gun Course held at the School of Musketry, Strensall, from 22^nd April to the 12^th May, 1915.

The following qualified as Brigade Machine Gun Officers:-

Lieutenant Murray, J.W.E., 21^st Northumberland Fusiliers.

The above Officer is also capable of using the Barr and Stroud Range Finder.

C.R.N.C. No. 59896 (G.M.).  Northern Command Order 852.

BLANK AMMUNITION –

            Approval had been given for the following allowance of small arm blank ammunition to be issued for training purposes:-

1. Infantry of Divisions of IV. New Army.      ]
2. 2^nd Reserve Infantry Brigades.                  ] 40 rounds per man.
3. 3^rd Line Units of the Territorial Force.       ]

Authority, War Office letter 54/General Number/1902, A.  (M.T 2), dated 18^th May, 1915.

With reference to the above order, indents are to be submitted to the O.O., Selby, forthwith.

C.R.N.C. No. 59549 (G.M.).  Northern Command Order 853

SCHOOL OF COOKERY – ALDERSHOT –

            The Commandant, School of Cookery, Aldershot, notifies that the intended class for the 3^rd of June is postponed.

C.R.N.C. No. 41428 (I.Q.M. G.S.).  Northern Command Order 855.

FIELD RATIONS – REDUCTION OF –

1. With reference to Army Order No. 396 of 1914, in order to make further provision for varying the dietary of units at the discretion of their Commanding Officers, it has been decided that from the 22^nd May, 1915, inclusive, an additional cash allowance of 1½ d per diem will be issued in lieu of the following portions of the ration now drawn by troops at home, viz:-

¼ lb. Bread.

1 oz. Cheese.

1 oz. Jam.

• From the above date the modified field service scale of rations issuable at home in kind will be as follows:-

1 lb. Fresh Meat, or 1 lb. (nominal) Preserved Meat.

1 lb. Bread, or ¾ lb. Biscuit, or 1 lb. Flour.

2 ozs. Bacon.

½ oz. Tea.

2 ozs. Sugar.

½ oz Salt.

1-20 oz Mustard.

1. oz Pepper.

• When this ration is drawn, a cash allowance of 5½ d. a day will be issuable.  It will be drawn by the Officer Commanding on the basis of the number of rations drawn in kind, and will be expended by him solely on messing.  A full record of the messing will be shown in Army Book 48, and a separate cash record of the allowance will be kept regimentally.

The reduced ration will be drawn by all units in the Command from the

      29^th May, 1915, inclusive.

Authority, Special Army Order, dated 13^th May, 1915.

Northern Command Order No.860

356 – Blank Ammunition  – Indents for –

            Officers Commanding Units will indent on the Ordnance Officer, Selby, for Blank Ammunition mentioned in Brigade Order No. 355 (Northern Command Order No.853) forthwith.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

Brigade-Major, 102^nd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.

On Y.M.C.A. notepaper.

Reply to Y.M.C.A. Tent Woolsington Park Camp, Nr Newcastle Northumberland.

May 22^nd 1915

Dear Rev Walters,

            I have great pleasure in accepting the invitation mentioned in Mr Bakers’ letter viz that you would be very pleased to have a letter from me.  First of all, I must say that the mens’ service was to me a positive delight, & the memories of those services are still delightful.

The work of the Y.M.C.A. is indeed a glorious work, & involves great responsibilities.  It is remarkable how the soldiers appreciate any little kindness shown to them.  Many of them have now left for home for their holidays and how delighted they seemed to be.  The one thought of home appeals to them.

It is Whitsuntide and I pray that this festival may bring great delight to you.  May it be a festival of the outpouring of the Spirit of God upon you & your parishioners.  For I consider that the need of the age is; “To be filled with the Holy Ghost.  And dear Vicar, my sincere prayer is That the command of God may find a complete fulfilment both in your soul, & the souls of those to whom you minister.

And now, in conclusion, I retain a happy memory of the last mens’ service which it was my privilege to attend and the one thought that cheers me, is, that you are praying for me, & that the sympathy of the members of the mens’ service is extended to me.

I do pray for you, remembering the promise, that whatsoever ye shall ask in my name I will do it.  and what do I ask God for?  Just this.

“The Lord of Peace himself give you peace by all means.  The Lord bless thee; keep thee; the Lord make his face to shine upon thee; & the Lord lift his countenance upon thee, & give thee peace.

I am Rev Sir,

Your very respectful

J.W. Brotherhood

There is no envelope with this letter.

Germany.

21.5.45.

Darling,

            Just a few lines to say that I am quire O.K. and I am hoping to be home in a few days.

            We were handed over to the Americans by the Russians yesterday, and we are now just waiting for aircraft, to bring us to England.  It was good to see those Yankee trucks waiting for us at the Elbe, and to know that at last we were on the way home.

We were liberated by the Russians just a month ago yesterday and they did the best that they could for us under the circumstances.  They treated us very well.

Well Dear, I hope that every thing is alright with you, that you are keeping in good health.  I also hope that Mam is keeping well too.  Give her my love.

Lloyd and Nobby are here, and they are both well.  Nobby was at Stalag III A when we arrived there in February.  By the way Lloyd has got his commission he is now a Pilot Officer, Mac also got his.  So I am left the only N.C.O., in what is left of the crew.

I hope that you are still keeping in touch with Betty, tell her I will be coming to see her when I get home.  Also if you have heard from Mrs. Keep, that is Eric’s Mother, tell her I will be coming to see her too.

Well Sweetheart I think that this is all for now, I will tell you more when I see you.  Order a pint for me at the “Bull”.  Give my regards to all.

I will close with all my love to you Darling.

Yours forever

Ernest

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

P.S. I love you.

No 8 Platoon

“B” Company

15^th Batt C of London Regt

2^nd London Division

4^th Infantry Brigade

21/5/15

Dear Dada,

            Recd the big parcel last night just after we were relieved from the trenches.  It was a fine assortment & we enjoyed it immensely.  Yesterday was the 11^th day we have been at the trenches & everyday 11 day without having our boots or equipment off.  Today is the first day we have tasted bread since Sunday the 9^th inst when we went into the trenches or breastworks.  All we had was Bully, biscuits, tea (with milk sugar etc) a little bacon & a smell of jam.  Am now in a small village just over a mile from our trenches & unless our Brigade are relieved by another Brigade today will probably be up at the breastworks again tonight.  As you have no doubt seen in the newspapers we are now in possession of the G breastworks which we used to fire at a few days.  The regulars just on our left captured the German trenches opposite theirs & gained the breastworks opposite our breastworks by bombing along.  The G artillery seems somewhat worn down as they have been constantly shelling us with little damage.  The Company I am in are very lucky as each time we have been relieved the relieving company had some killed & wounded but our fellows got off with scratches & bruises by shrapnel etc. e.g. the day before yesterday our company had 2 bruised by falling sandbags (knocked down by fiz-bang), & the co who relieved us had 2 killed & 12 wounded.  One of the fellows I saw on a stretcher I think Dinny knows as he was in his old Company.  There are some ghastly sights out here, but I will not try to describe them.  After being under shell fire for the last 11 days we are now somewhat indifferent to it.  Just on our right the Germans exploded a mine which was meant to blow up part of a trench manned by Guardsmen but it fell short & only killed one man.  Following the explosion the Gs made a half hearted attack & were consequently shot down.

Our battn have a lot of G equipment rifles etc, in its possession, which were left in the once G breastworks.  Some of our fellows have got G spiked helmet but I cannot get one yet.  If I manage to obtain one I shall send it home.  Yesterday our company had the most thrilling & narrow escapes since we have been here.  We were in support to the breastworks in some ruined houses about noon when the Huns started shelling us.  I was in a house, in another room of which was a sergeant & a pte when the first shell struck the corner of the house.  Fortunately no one was struck by pieces of the shell but the sergeant was terribly bruised by a ton of bricks which fell on his back.  I thought the whole house was coming down on me, but escaped through being in a corner & got smothered in brick dust & splinters of everything.  The G shelled us for about 20 mins knocking houses down etc & I think we are lucky at having no casualties because the Battn who relieved us at that place had several casualties there that evening.  We picked up several of the shells & gave them to an artillery officer who told us they were 50 pounders.  The shells were made in 1915, so we presume the Huns have not too much ammunition.  We are all tired as whilst in the trenches one is lucky if he has time to sleep.

            Your letter of the 14^th was so interesting that several fellows have read it, & Val nearly choked himself with laughter when he read it especially about the bread, buns, scones & cakes were thrown out amongst the aristocracy of Custom House.

Val sends his regards to yourself & Mick.  We are still enjoying ourselves we will be glad when it is over.

Your loving son Eddie.

P.T.O.

Would you mind telling Len Knight that am sorry have not had a chance to reply but will after I have had some rest if we don’t return to the breastworks.  With remembrances to Mrs Knight  E.B.

P.S. Should like a pair of socks & also Loofa socks.  E 

BRIGADE ORDERS.

BY BRIGADIER-GENERAL TREVOR TERNAN, C.M.G., D.S.O.,

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

21^st MAY, 1915.

342– Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

“LONDON GAZETTE” –

The following extracts from a Supplement to “London Gazette” of Friday, 14^th May, 1915, are published for information:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

21^st Battalion (2^nd Tyneside Scottish). – The undermentioned temporary Lieutenants to be temporary Captains:-

Ernest H.S. White, from 20^th Battalion (1^st Tyneside Scottish).  Dated 14^th March, 1915. John W.E. Murray.  Dated 15^th March, 1915.

John G. Harrison.  Dated 16^th March. 1915.

The undermentioned temporary Second Lieutenants to be temporary Lieutenants:-

Arthur V. Curry.  Dated 15^th March, 1915.

John C. Williams.  Dated 16^th March, 1915.

Arthur S. Wells.  Dated 17^th March, 1915.

Edward Charles Lingwood to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 18^th April, 1915.

22^nd Battalion (3^rd Tyneside Scottish). – Temporary Lieutenant John McClay, from 20^th Battalion (1^st Tyneside Scottish), to be temporary Captain.  Dated 13^th March, 1915.

23^rd Battalion (4^th Tyneside Scottish). – Temporary Lieutenant Thomas B. Coull, from 20^th Battalion (1^st Tyneside Scottish), to be temporary Captain.  Dated 13^th March, 1915.

Northern Command Order No.816.

343 – Command Orders – Attention called to –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is drawn to Northern Command Orders 817, 818, 819, and 821 of May 18^th, 1915; 825, 826, and 827 of 19^th May, 1915; and 830, 832, 834, 837, 838, 839, 840, 841 of 20^th May, 1915.

344 – Chiropodists – Training of New Armies –

            With reference to Northern Command Order No. 817 of May 18^th, 1915, Officers Commanding Units should take the necessary steps to carry out this order as soon as possible.

345 – Courses – Machine Gun –

With reference to Northern Command Order No. 825, dated 19th May, 1915, further instructions will be issued later.

346 – Stores for Hutted Camps –

            With reference to Northern Command Order No. 827, dated 19th May, 1915, the Tyneside Scottish Committee have been requested to take the necessary action.

347 – Daily Messing Account –

            With reference to Northern Command Order No. 830, dated 20^th May, 1915, Officers Commanding will submit applications for copies to these Headquarters without delay.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

Brigade-Major, 102^nd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.

BRIGADE ORDERS.

BY BRIGADIER-GENERAL TREVOR TERNAN, C.M.G., D.S.O.,

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

22^nd MAY, 1915.

348 – Special Command Order –

BY MAJOR-GENERAL H.M. LAWSON, C.B, COMMANDING-IN-CHIEF,

NORTHERN COMMAND.

HEADQUARTERS, YORK,

THURSDAY, 20^th MAY, 1915.

Inspection by His Majesty the King.

            The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief has been directed by His Majesty the King to express to Major-General B. Burton, C.B., and to the troops who paraded under his command on the Town Moor, Newcastle, to-day, his complete satisfaction with all the arrangements made in connection with the Parade, and with the physical fitness and smart soldierly bearing of the troops.

His Majesty noted with pleasure the progress made by all ranks of the Royal Artillery, the Scottish Horse, and of the Territorial Units and the locally raised Infantry Brigades, drawn from the Counties of Northumberland, Durham, and Yorkshire, which indicates an earnest intention to fit themselves for the duties which lie before them.

His Majesty was further pleased to have an opportunity of noting the smart appearance of the Officers’ Training Corps and the National Volunteers.

His Majesty also expressed his appreciation of the excellent arrangements made for the care of the sick and wounded at the 1^st Northern General Hospital and at the Royal Victoria Infirmary.

N. LAKE. Brigadier-General,

i/c Administration Northern Command.

349 – District Court-Martial –

            The District Court-Martial directed to assemble in Brigade Order No. 337 of May 16^th, 1915, of which Lieutenant-Colonel P. Dunbar Stuart, 20^th (S.) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st Tyneside Scottish) was President, is hereby dissolved.

350 – District Court-Martial –

            The detail of Officers as mentioned below will assemble at the Orderly Room of the 23^rd (S.) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (4^th Tyneside Scottish) on the 25^th May, 1915, at 10 a.m., for the purpose of trying by District Court-Martial the accused persons named in the margin:-

PRESIDENT

Major G.H. Gardner, 21^st (S.) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (2^nd Tyneside Scottish.)

MEMBERS

A Captain, 20^th (S.) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st Tyneside Scottish).

A Captain, 21^st (S.) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (2^nd Tyneside Scottish).

The accused will be warned, and all witnesses duly required to attend.

The proceedings will be forwarded to the G.O.C., 102^nd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade, “Alnbank” Alnwick.

Officers Commanding 20^th, 21^st, 22^nd, and 23^rd (S.) Battalions Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th Tyneside Scottish) will each detail three Officers to attend for instructional purposes.

In the margin.  No. 1315 Pte. Peter Lancaster 23^rd (S.) Btn, Northd Fusiliers (4^th Tyneside Scottish) and No. 1387 Pte. David Reed, 22^nd (S.) Btn, Northd Fus (3^rd Tyneside Scottish).

351 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

BRIGADE MACHINE GUN OFFICERS –

            The Brigade Machine Gun Officer will, in future, be seconded in Cavalry, Mounted, and Infantry Brigades.    

Authority, War Office letter 100/General Number/2340 (S.D. 2), dated 17^th May, 1915.

            With reference to the above Order, Brigade Commanders will forward names of Officers recommended for this appointment.  No name is to be submitted unless the Officer in question has qualified at a School of Musketry in Machine Gunnery.

Recommendations must show date and place of qualification.

C.R.N.C. No. 59337 (G.M.).  Northern Command Order No.843.

“LONDON GAZETTE” –

The following extracts from the “London Gazette” of Tuesday, the 18^th May, 1915, are published for information:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

20^th Battalion (1^st Tyneside Scottish). – Temporary Captain Edward E. McClintock to be temporary Major.  Dated 1^st May, 1915.

23^rd Battalion (4^th Tyneside Scottish). – The undermentioned to be temporary Captains:-

Temporary Lieutenant Francis C.A. Nicholls.  Dated 1^st March, 1915.

Temporary Quartermaster and Honorary Lieutenant Charles Y. Adamson.   Dated 15^th March, 1915.

Temporary Lieutenant Frank Milburn.  Dated 22^nd March, 1915.

The following extracts from a Supplement to the “London Gazette” of Tuesday, the 18^th May, 1915, are published for information:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

20^th Battalion (1^st Tyneside Scottish). – George Eric Cope to be Second Lieutenant.  Dated 5^th April, 1915.

21^st Battalion (2^nd Tyneside Scottish). – Carl Norton Levin to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 26^th April, 1915.

22^nd Battalion (3^rd Tyneside Scottish). – The undermentioned to be temporary Second Lieutenants:-

Arthur Douglas Gibson.  Dated 7^th April, 1915.

Albert Bruce Cosgrove.  Dated 9^th April, 1915.

John Clemson Whitaker.  Dated 9^th April, 1915.

Northern Command Order No.844.

352 – Command Orders – Attention called to –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is drawn to Northern Command Orders 849 and 850 of 21^st May, 1915.

353 – Special Command Order –

            Commanding Officers will take steps to have the Special Command Order read to their Battalions.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

Brigade-Major, 102^nd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.

BRIGADE ORDERS.

BY BRIGADIER-GENERAL TREVOR TERNAN, C.M.G., D.S.O.,

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

18^th MAY, 1915.

340 – Extracts from Northern Command Orders –

“LONDON GAZETTE” –

The following extracts from the Second Supplement to the “London Gazette” of Tuesday, the 11^th May, 1915, is published for information:-

The Northumberland Fusiliers –

22^nd Battalion (3^rd Tyneside Scottish). – Harold Kenneth Gibson to be temporary Second Lieutenant.  Dated 7^th January, 1915.

Northern Command Order No.803.

PATMENTS FROM ARMY FUNDS –

            The issue of gold should be restricted within the narrowest limits, and all Officers should note that in making issues of pay to soldiers, or wages, etc., to civilians, full use should be made of Treasury Notes.

            No excuse regarding difficulty of handling or extra time involved in payments will be accepted as a reason for the continued use of gold.

Authority, War Office letter General Number 6/5170 (Accounts 1.A.), dated 27/4/15.

C.R.N.C. No. 55718 (C.P.).  Northern Command Order No.805.

341 – Command Orders – Attention called to –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is drawn to Northern Command Orders 806, 807, and 812 of 17^th May, 1915.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

Brigade-Major, 102^nd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade.

Major P.C. Benham

G Branch

HQ I Brit Corps

B.L.A..

Wednesday 16 May 45

I am enclosing a snap which someone took the other day – not too bad, is it?

My dearest Maz,

I have 2 wizard letters for which to thank you – I simply loved hearing all your V news, celebrations, services etc, I had a very cheery letter from Pari today in which he told me of the Victory Parade, and the part you took in it – I should love to have seen you, dressed only in a CD armband – you know what I mean!, marching in 4s with the other hospital regulars!  Your letters, of the 8^th and 11^th were most interesting.  I honestly don’t think at this stage it would be advisable to send the Van Dykes any food, but in about a month’s time it would be OK, addressed to the Bank – it is the TWENTESCHE BANK, APPELDOORN – and marked with those famous last words ‘Medical supplies’!

Yesterday, to my great delight, the tin arrived – the cake was duly started at 11 am today and it is a real beauty – thank you ‘ever so much’ – it’s one of the very best.  On Monday a DF consignment of tobacco arrived, also most gratefully received and Argosy and Picture Post – what a hero you (and Pari for the wizard baccy) are.  My main excitement since I last wrote was the trip down to Brussels on Saturday.  I left here at 8.15 am and was in the Avenue Louise at 1.15 pm where I found Germaine, her husband and Maurice in great form and a chicken lunch (cold) waiting for me.  It was, so was Sunday, one of the hottest days I’ve ever known.  Maurice and I did battle after lunch and after a shaky start I did 4 threes in 6 holes and won the money on the first 9, second 9 and the match!  My score of 80 wasn’t bad with a 7 and two 6s in it, and I was well satisfied – no 3 putts and one or two longuns sunk, we played cards after tea and had dinner, an excellent one, on the veranda of the club house, half an hour after dinner on the putting course and we went back to the flat.  Maurice and I went round to his house at 11.30 pm after a long chat and the cracking of a special V bottle of champagne.  At M’s house we opened a bottle of wine and played a game of Piquet before retiring.

I had to leave at 10 am on Sunday morning and was back here, after a halt on the Meuse at a place called Maeseyck for an ice, at 3.30 pm.  It was a wonderful break and did me an absolute power of good.  Apart from this life has been very uneventful, busy always, but not quite such late hours at the moment in the office.  Tonight I’m going with Charles to see a film – it will be my first for ages.

We are now allowed to say where we are – I’ll give you 3 guesses.  You were probably wrong!  We are in a little village called RHEDE, between Bocholt and Borken about 20 – 25 miles East of the Rhine.  All the civilians have, of course, been turned out of the town and HQ I Corps are the sole occupiers.  My journey on Saturday took me through Wezel, completely flattened by our bombers, Venlo, Raermond, Maeseyck and then Diest and Louvain.  This is not very exciting country but pleasant, rather flat and very agricultural land.

I heard from Eileen yesterday, her course was nearly over then, and her days now in the WAAF are very much numbered – all being well she should be out by the end of June and I want her to get the little old flat into apple pie order for its most important occupant!  For myself I hope perhaps to be out by the end of the year if what the papers say is anything like correct  – isn’t it a simply thrilling thought.  I’m longing more than ever before to get home again for good.  Maz dear, I must nip along to the post.  Again many thanks for that wizard cake.  I’m simply longing to see you again – much love to Pari and Elli and to yourself.

            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 734 dated 17 MY 45.  Passed by censor No 15487 and signed P.C. Benham.           Photo enclosed.

On front of envelope Written May 16^th 1945 rec May 19^th  1945.        (19)

16/5/15

Pte. E.J. Byrne

No. 8 Platoon

“B” Company

15^th Batt C of L Regt

140^th Brigade

47^th Division

B.E.F.

Dear Dada & Mickie,

            In the first place I must acknowledge the receipt of registered letter containing 20/-.  Thanks very much.  It will be greatly needed after this action is over.  Am glad to hear that Mick has done so well in his exam.

            I suppose you know all about the move made last Sunday (9^th).  The attack began again very early this morning & is going on splendidly.  Am writing this in ruined house just in front of our field guns (about 3 batteries) which have been firing ever since dawn.  Shrapnel is bursting all around & a few of us have had slight wounds but nothing serious, although up at the breastworks we have had several casualties.  I had better start at the beginning & tell you what has happened.  In the 1^st place the French made their great attack just on our right & advanced several miles on the 8^th.  At 3 a.m. on the Sunday morning we occupied some reserve trenches to a part of the firing line to be held while our troops advanced on our left & took the G. trenches.  During this our artillery bombarded the G trenches with great gusto & made the earth shake all over.  Of course we had our ears plugged up with cotton wool as the terrific noise if ears are unprotected, causes them to bleed.  We had only four or five shells over.  The next day we occupied some redoubts (like very small sandbag forts) which are to be held at all costs.  From then till last night have not had more than 3 hrs sleep, so you will not be surprised to hear that we slept through the bombardment this morning until we were woke up to stand by & be prepared to move any moment, at 7 a.m.  The most exciting time was last Thursday when about 7 p.m. we had orders to yell cheer & fire rapid into the G. trenches.  No doubt we scared the Huns out of their lives with this noise and fusillade of bullets.  Just as we started the din our troops on the right about 900 yds away exploded a mine & blew part of a G. trench sky high.  The debris went about 40 feet in the air.  During the last three days I have fired at least 350 rounds, as each day we let them have rapid.  Have burnt my left hand where I touched Val’s barrel after ceasing rapid.  During the day we fire only through loop holes but at night over the parapet.  We know where to fire as a rifle flash is very distinct, as is that of a field gun.  While we were up at the breastworks we had dozens of “Fiz-bangs” come over.  They are about 6 pounders & did not do very much damage beyond 2 or 3 wounds, parapet blown in, in three places & plonking some dirt & small pieces of shell in two mess-tins of tea Val & I had just made.  I counted the paces to the shell hole & made it 24.  It was convenient for burying our rubbish.

            You cannot imagine what a beautiful sight is a night in the trenches.  Flares going up every minute & lighting up the whole country round.  There are too many things to describe, & although all of us are looking forward to the end of the war, most of us are glad that we have seen what we have.  Having been at the trenches since last Sunday we have been living on Bully, biscuits & jam.  We got our water by digging a well managed to get “the post”.  Our mess of four fellows was lucky as two of them had parcels, which helped us through.  The most desirable things are cocoa & milk (combined – like you sent some time ago) and chocolate.  The newspaper idea is very good & they will be jolly welcome.  We are now in a zone that is all ruins so that we cannot purchase anything even bread.  That reminds me the other day we made some tea with water served out by the Quarter Master.  We drank the tea & all remarked that it was a rotten taste & afterwards found it was a solution of bicarbonate of soda used for soaking our respirators which we all carry.  It did not do any harm.

            I don’t think I have told you that we have an order to grow moustaches.

            Have just seen a batch of G. prisoners go by.

            Must close now

            Yr loving son

            Eddie

P.T.O.

To look at the dirty back I presume. E.B.