Major P.C. Benham,

G Branch

HQ 1 Corps District

BAOR

Monday 4^th March

My dearest Maz

I didn’t write yesterday as is my wont as I have got the flu bug – I spent the day in bed feeling none too good and just managed to write a few hurried pencilled lines to Eileen telling her of my sorry plight.  I got up about an hour ago but I feel far from fit and haven’t left my room – I shall be back in bed again pretty soon.  I have felt this coming on for some days and when I woke up yesterday morning with a bad throat and head pains in me neck, I knew I’d well and truly got it.

I’ve just nipped back into bed again, it’s the best place I think.

Many thanks for your 22 and 26 Feb letters, both read as usual with keen interest – I do hope you had a really good weekend with Aunt Beth though I’m afraid the weather hasn’t been any too kind to you, yesterdays papers talked of sunshine at Eastbourne but blizzards in many other parts of Kent – anyway may the change and rest do you a power o’ good.

I’ve not had a very thrilling week and have had no hockey or table tennis matches.  There has been thick snow here to stop the hockey and we had no league table tennis fixtures.  Leonard Olney left on Tuesday and I was very sorry to see him go, his relief is a very nice lad, young and keen.  There is no sign of Norris yet, he should have come in today, but I gather he is still on leave and no-one can find out when he is due back – I shall be very annoyed if he’s not here by Wednesday, as he was earmarked to come in and take my place way back in mid January and he could have come in weeks ago.  Unfortunately I’ve never seen him but Martin Buick has spoken to him, and if he’s not here soon it will be entirely Martin’s fault as he has known for a long time that I must get away at the first possible date – time will tell.

I’ve got a good move on with my packing up this last week, have had my medical and at any moment shall be getting my release book – It’s a truly wonderful thought that in less than a fortnight from now (DV) I shall be home for ever.  I am very anxious to take Eileen up to Scotland, a real change of air (and weather I hope) will be beneficial to us both and my present plan (Norris permitting!) is to go up to Dunkeld on the night train on Tues 19^th and come back by the night train on Saturday 30^th.

My only entertainment activity during the week was to see a film called ‘I’ll be your Sweetheart’ – last Wednesday night – Vic Olivier and Margaret Lockwood were the stars in it and I went expecting it to be rotten, and consequently quite enjoyed it – it was a stupid story but the songs and music were good.

Your cake, not quite finished, is, there’s no sort of doubt about it, the best cake ever – and I’m sorry to say I’ve eaten it 100% myself so far!

Well, little Maz, my evening ‘tray’ will soon be up so I must close now.  Longing to see you again – it won’t be long now.  My love to Pari and Brian, much love and I do so hope your rest has done you good –

            Yours as ever

very affectionately

                        Peter

In envelope headed ‘O A S’ addressed to Mrs Gerald C Benham, 5 Oxford Road Colchester Essex.

Signed P.C. Benham.        

On front of envelope Written March 4^th 1946 rec March 9^th 1946 (10)