Major P.C. Benham

G Branch

HQ I Corps District

B.L.A..

Sunday 15 July 45

My dearest Maz,

Another week has just slipped by bringing with it, inter alia, the great news about the flat, great news because I was so hoping that something might turn up before my next leave so that Eileen and I can go and have a good look round it before she goes there for good at the end of August – it’s all very exciting and it sounds from all accounts an absolute piece of cake – I’m just longing to see it – and the price for these days seems amazingly reasonable.

My week has been quite a varied one, from the actual work point of view it can never be described as particularly interesting – Monday probably was as good as most I’ve had out here – I was given rather an important job to do which meant visiting two of our HQ’s and the time limit meant only one thing namely that an air trip was necessary.  I flew from here to one HQ – from there to the second and then back – it was a perfect day and the journey took us over some lovely country (I was in an Auster – one of the Artillery spotting planes) and also most interesting sight over the Ruhr.  The first stop was Bad Godesberg of Chamberlain fame, where I had a super lunch with the General and the menu – not for my benefit but their usual – was lovely salmon mayonnaise, rissoles, creamed spinach, heart of lettuce, garden ps and new spuds – apricot jelly, strawberries and real thick cream, coffee and real cream, they do themselves very well.  I will tell you more about it when I see you.  I had tea the other day with John Stevens, he goes on leave the day before I do but I hope to meet him for a drink when I’m back – I wonder if John Leaning will be back – I do so hope he is.

On Thursday I found myself on night duty and as I was meal relief officer on Wednesday I wasn’t able to get out in the evening.  Yesterday evening I went over to a guest night in another mess but did nothing but chat and have myself fairly plentifully supplied from the running buffet and the bar – I left at about 11 ocl as I was feeling a bit weary.  My dear the heat these last few days – I’ve never known anything like it – today has been a real scorcher and I’ve made the most of it.  Tim Roberts, Charles and I set off at 11.30 am for the Mohne Lake on which we spent a solid 4 hours canoeing and sunbathing – the whole day I’ve been clad in an open necked shirt, khaki shorts and stockings (and I’ve rather fancied myself in the rig-out.  We took a sandwich lunch with us and had tea in the officers’ club, a very good tea it was too.  When I got back I had a good bath and have now just had my dinner – I wisely kept my shirt on most of the afternoon but my knees got properly ‘burnt’ and tingle like anything – still it was a great day.

I never thanked you for your long and interesting letter of the 10^th – many thanks – I was very pleased to hear that Louisa is better – it sounds as though it will be some time before Clacton is back on its feet again.

Only 10 more days now and I shall be back once again in the Borough – I shall also be back for the announcing of the result of the General Election – should I be prepared to coo and ring a bell or cheer and wave my blue favour?  The latter I rather think.  Yes it’s a great thought that I shall soon be back and I’m longing to see you again – yes, a game of tennis is most certainly indicated.  I hope the weather is fine.

All this sun today has made me feel very sleepy so I must away to bed.  My love to Par and Elli, my love to you and God bless,

            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 16 JY 45.  Passed by censor No 15487 and signed P.C. Benham.          

On front of envelope Written July 15^th 1945 rec July 19^th 1945.          (26)