Major P.C. Benham,

G Branch

HQ 1 Corps District

BAOR

Sunday 28 October 45

My dearest Maz

Besides a wizard supply of mags, including the best-ever Argosy, I have two most welcome letters to thank you for, written on the 19^th and 22^nd, from the first of which I was delighted to hear of the safe arrival of the parcel, and that the contents were what you wanted – rousing cheers .  I was most interested to hear all about the sale, very successful, wasn’t it?  I’m so looking forward to a view of the morning room – does one have to pay to go in?!  Also the drawing room minus stack and plus the items you have bought – yes, it was a rotten price for the gramophone, all I can say is that someone has got a real bargain – you just can’t get ‘em nowadays so why it fetched so little I’m blowed if I know.  I’m afraid the weather this last week must have been vile with you from all accounts on the wireless and in the papers, it hasn’t been so good here, either.  There must have been some terrific seas and the beach at the Naze should be littered with axes, arrows and mines(!)

I’ve had a funny sort of week, plenty of work, two excellent games of hockey and two films sums it up in a nutshell – the work side of it has included the taking over of my new job – (not very thrilling) – and organizing all the details of our two hockey matches which involved travelling 640 miles!  The first game was on Wednesday against HQ BAOR and their team included 5 county players – we had our strongest side out, and left here in 3 cars at 10.30 am – they gave us a ‘fair’ lunch (asked whether you thought it was good, you would have said ‘well, yes I think it was!) and we bullied off sharp at 2.30.  The first have was very even with our side getting rather more of the game but just not quite scoring, and at half time we were 0-0.  About 10 minutes after the restart I converted a short corner into a goal with a ‘fizzer’ into the side of the net but they soon equalised after our goalie, who also played very well, made his one and only mistake – after more attacking on our part, they scored the winning goal just before the end after a breakthrough – a draw would have been a fairer result, I think.  They gave us a very good tea and we were back here at 7.45 pm.  Last Sunday night I went to see a film called Czarina, Tallulah Bankhead and my advice, if you are thinking of going to see it, is ‘don’t’.  It was very stupid though quite funny in parts.  On Monday night, at Studio One, I saw a really very good film, one which was at Colchester not so very long ago, called ‘Dead of Night’ all-star cast and very well worth seeing.  The big event of the week was our fixture against Tilburg at Tilburg yesterday.  After a slight delay on Friday evening we left here in 2 cars a 7 pm in a colossal gale and in the pouring rain.  We weren’t able to go very fast and it was just after 9.30 pm when we got to the RHU (Reinforcement Holding Unit) at Krefeld where I had arranged to spend the night – there were 6 officers and 4 sergeants and they gave us a good hot meal and blankets for the night.  The Chief of Staff who was ‘swanning’ in the area on Friday, was duly on parade on Saturday am at 9 ocl and 3 of us got into his car at Munchen Gladbach – after a slight hold up for barges at the Maas we reached Tilburg, where we were in the hands of the Dutch, at 12.30.  They gave us a good lunch, after which we changed in the club-house, had our photos taken, heard a short speech from the President of the Club to which the Brigadier replied and then we got started.  The ground was in first-class condition and our side played well though we had most of the luck and much to their and our, surprise, we won 6-1, of which I netted 2.

After the game we went round to our billets and then met at 7 ocl for dinner in one of the local hotels – very good it was too.  15 Scottish Div, who liberated Tilburg on 27 Oct 44 had a march past yesterday and their General and several officers were invited by the Burgomaster to a reception and dance, to which we were also invited.  It was quite a good show though I spent most of the time eating sandwiches and chatting – my billetor was there and we walked back just before midnight.  We didn’t set off until 10 this am and after I had had a real Dutch breakfast, rolls, butter and Dutch cheese!  We stopped for lunch at Krefeld on the way back and arrived here again for tea, after a most successful time.  The Chief of Staff was in excellent form, quite one of the party, and I think he really enjoyed himself.  Now, Maz dear, I must away to have a bath before dinner – I’m so longing to be back home again, roll on December – my love to Pari and Elli, much love to you

            Yours as ever

very affectionately

                        Peter

PTO

P.S.  I found on my return this evening that I’ve been chosen to play in a Trial match at Rhine Army HQ on Wednesday to pick a team for the BAOR v Belgian Army in Brussels 11 Nov – I would like another trip to Brussels!  P.

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

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 734 dated 29 OC 45.  Signed P.C. Benham.  

On front of envelope Written Oct 28^th 1945 rec Oct 31^st 1945 (12)

On back of envelope Major P.C. Benham, G Branch, HQ 1 Corps District, BAOR.

Major P.C. Benham,

G Branch

HQ 1 Corps District

BAOR

Sunday 28 October 45

My dearest Maz

Besides a wizard supply of mags, including the best-ever Argosy, I have two most welcome letters to thank you for, written on the 19^th and 22^nd, from the first of which I was delighted to hear of the safe arrival of the parcel, and that the contents were what you wanted – rousing cheers .  I was most interested to hear all about the sale, very successful, wasn’t it?  I’m so looking forward to a view of the morning room – does one have to pay to go in?!  Also the drawing room minus stack and plus the items you have bought – yes, it was a rotten price for the gramophone, all I can say is that someone has got a real bargain – you just can’t get ‘em nowadays so why it fetched so little I’m blowed if I know.  I’m afraid the weather this last week must have been vile with you from all accounts on the wireless and in the papers, it hasn’t been so good here, either.  There must have been some terrific seas and the beach at the Naze should be littered with axes, arrows and mines(!)

I’ve had a funny sort of week, plenty of work, two excellent games of hockey and two films sums it up in a nutshell – the work side of it has included the taking over of my new job – (not very thrilling) – and organizing all the details of our two hockey matches which involved travelling 640 miles!  The first game was on Wednesday against HQ BAOR and their team included 5 county players – we had our strongest side out, and left here in 3 cars at 10.30 am – they gave us a ‘fair’ lunch (asked whether you thought it was good, you would have said ‘well, yes I think it was!) and we bullied off sharp at 2.30.  The first have was very even with our side getting rather more of the game but just not quite scoring, and at half time we were 0-0.  About 10 minutes after the restart I converted a short corner into a goal with a ‘fizzer’ into the side of the net but they soon equalised after our goalie, who also played very well, made his one and only mistake – after more attacking on our part, they scored the winning goal just before the end after a breakthrough – a draw would have been a fairer result, I think.  They gave us a very good tea and we were back here at 7.45 pm.  Last Sunday night I went to see a film called Czarina, Tallulah Bankhead and my advice, if you are thinking of going to see it, is ‘don’t’.  It was very stupid though quite funny in parts.  On Monday night, at Studio One, I saw a really very good film, one which was at Colchester not so very long ago, called ‘Dead of Night’ all-star cast and very well worth seeing.  The big event of the week was our fixture against Tilburg at Tilburg yesterday.  After a slight delay on Friday evening we left here in 2 cars a 7 pm in a colossal gale and in the pouring rain.  We weren’t able to go very fast and it was just after 9.30 pm when we got to the RHU (Reinforcement Holding Unit) at Krefeld where I had arranged to spend the night – there were 6 officers and 4 sergeants and they gave us a good hot meal and blankets for the night.  The Chief of Staff who was ‘swanning’ in the area on Friday, was duly on parade on Saturday am at 9 ocl and 3 of us got into his car at Munchen Gladbach – after a slight hold up for barges at the Maas we reached Tilburg, where we were in the hands of the Dutch, at 12.30.  They gave us a good lunch, after which we changed in the club-house, had our photos taken, heard a short speech from the President of the Club to which the Brigadier replied and then we got started.  The ground was in first-class condition and our side played well though we had most of the luck and much to their and our, surprise, we won 6-1, of which I netted 2.

After the game we went round to our billets and then met at 7 ocl for dinner in one of the local hotels – very good it was too.  15 Scottish Div, who liberated Tilburg on 27 Oct 44 had a march past yesterday and their General and several officers were invited by the Burgomaster to a reception and dance, to which we were also invited.  It was quite a good show though I spent most of the time eating sandwiches and chatting – my billetor was there and we walked back just before midnight.  We didn’t set off until 10 this am and after I had had a real Dutch breakfast, rolls, butter and Dutch cheese!  We stopped for lunch at Krefeld on the way back and arrived here again for tea, after a most successful time.  The Chief of Staff was in excellent form, quite one of the party, and I think he really enjoyed himself.  Now, Maz dear, I must away to have a bath before dinner – I’m so longing to be back home again, roll on December – my love to Pari and Elli, much love to you

            Yours as ever

very affectionately

                        Peter

PTO

P.S.  I found on my return this evening that I’ve been chosen to play in a Trial match at Rhine Army HQ on Wednesday to pick a team for the BAOR v Belgian Army in Brussels 11 Nov – I would like another trip to Brussels!  P.

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

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 734 dated 29 OC 45.  Signed P.C. Benham.  

On front of envelope Written Oct 28^th 1945 rec Oct 31^st 1945 (12)

On back of envelope Major P.C. Benham, G Branch, HQ 1 Corps District, BAOR.

Major P.C. Benham,

G Branch

HQ 1 Corps District

BAOR

Sunday 21 October 1945

My dearest Maz

 My week with 2 Group came to an end yesterday and I was back here just before lunch to find two most welcome letters from you and three lots of papers, also the ECS.  Many thanks, Maz, for the letters and literature.  I was most interested to hear of the various alterations to No 5 and look forward to seeing the ‘new’ drawing and morning rooms – how very grand the advert re the sale was – I loved the boost they gave it by saying ‘the property of a major’!  I hope the sale was a success, also I shall be most interested to hear how much the various odds and ends which Eileen put in will fetch – I’m afraid the prices are going down a bit now.  I hope you have recovered from the visits of the Airies and Mrs Carter and know how thankful you must feel now your duty has been done!  My week has been an amazing one, and during one period of 24 hours I visited France, Belgium, Holland and Germany!  On Monday I went over to 2 Group HQ where I spent the night before flying down in an Anson on Tuesday morning to one of their 3 wings in Brussels.  We were some time taking off owing to engine trouble but eventually got there at 1 ocl.  That afternoon I spent on an exercise and after a night in the Palace Hotel (the Hamoir’s are still in Zoute!) flew down to another Wing at Cambrai on Wednesday afternoon, it is about 75 miles from Brussels and it took us 15 mins! but we were in one of the faster twin engine jobs, that lovely machine, the Mosquito.  After seeing round the station and being introduced to the various bosses I saw a really excellent film at the station cinema, the film of ***** book ‘The Keys of the Kingdom’, excellent I thought.  I flew back to Brussels on Thursday evening, with a formation of 8 other Mosquitoes and again spent the night at the Palace, as the RAF are very short of accommodation, suited me!  Then I flew back to 2 Group on Friday afternoon, again in an Anson, touching down near Breda to pick up a passenger, and arrived at Gutersloh just after tea.  My main reason for getting back yesterday was to play in a league hockey game but on my arrival found it had been postponed! instead I found myself very busy up to 6 ocl – Nigel and I went to see a most amusing film yesterday evening, it didn’t sound a bit good, but we rearly laughed our bloomin’ ‘eads orf, it was called ‘Junior Miss’, I wonder if you’ve seen it?  Yesterday, and it was the same all the week, was perfect here, no cloud, no wind and very warm, today when I was really looking forward to a fine day it has been cold and wet.  I went up to the office for an hour this morning and after doing a few odd jobs after lunch had an hour’s very solid shut-eye!  Have just finished a most interesting tea.  I see from the ECS that Ernest has got to fight ‘Bolshie’ Lampard in the local bi-election I don’t know if one can be liable to forfeit ones deposit but if it is possible I hope the Lampard does!  I shall be most interested to hear the results.  After dinner and to prevent boredom I’m going to see a film called ‘Czarina’ with T. Bankhead in it – I don’t expect it will much good but you never know.  The thought of my next leave is an ever present one now and we shall very soon be in November – I am longing to be back again – I fear any ‘dreams of a pin-stripe Christmas’ permanent pin-stripe have gone completely by the board, the position is more confused than ever now as a result of twit Isaacs latest statement.  Please thank Pari very much for his last letter, he seems to be getting well dug-in at the office again, also the Elli for his, my love to them both.  Am longing to see you again, Maz dear, much love to you,

            Yours as ever

very affectionately

                        Peter

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

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 734 dated 22 OC 45.  Signed P.C. Benham.  

On front of envelope Written Oct 21^st 1945 rec Oct 24^th 1945 (11)

On back of envelope Major P.C. Benham, G Branch, HQ 1 Corps District, BAOR.

Major P.C. Benham,

G Branch

HQ 1 Corps District

BAOR

Sunday 14^th October

My dearest Maz

Two most welcome letters from you this week dated 4^th and 8^th October, for both of which, and the cutting about our new commander, many thanks.  I have only seen the latter in the distance and his reputation when he came here was not very good, a real fire-eater, but I’m told he is not, as yet, living up to it!  No, I lay no claim to the taking of the Zoute snapshots – I got them in a packet of 8 ‘real snapshots’ for 1/-!  They were very well taken, weren’t they?  I hope the Williams will not be disappointed when they get back to Menton, it seems almost too good to be true that their villa should be unscathed, if it really was occupied I should have said it was a million to one against its being untouched – I shall be interested to hear how they find it.

If your weather is anything like it is here I’m afraid last Sunday will have been your last at the Naze this year – it has turned very cold and the autumn seems to be giving way to winter.  I hope you and Eileen enjoyed Henry V, it is very long but I enjoyed it no-end and thought it was well cast and extremely well acted.  My new job I’m pleased to say involves no change of address at all, I merely move into a room two away from my present one and my work is different, for ops, moves and locations I do training and air – tomorrow I go off to 2 Gp RAF for a week and on 11^th November I go to our training centre for a fortnights course – it should be quite interesting and the change won’t be unwelcome.  I’m coming back for the afternoon on Thursday to collect mail and to play in rather a needle hockey match.

On Thursday I sent off a wee parcel to you, the contents coming to you with my love and, the hope that they arrive safely and undamaged.  Unfortunately they wouldn’t fit into the famous cake tin which will be sent off in the near future.

As expected the first four days of the week were far from pleasant and I had more to do than one person could reasonably cope with and I had to put in a little overtime though I was able to get out for a couple of hours on Thursday and yesterday afternoons.  On Thursday we had a league hockey match against our Defence Company and after a very keen tussle we beat them 4-2.  As you will have seen in my letter to Pari I got hit over the right eye rather early on but apart from a graze and a nasty bruise I have suffered no ill effects from it, it was a real full blooded hit so it might have been a lot worse.  I popped two into the net so I don’t think it affected my play very much.  Yesterday afternoon I played what may be my last game of tennis this year with a full Colonel a Brigadier and Nigel Raban – we had an excellent form and youth won the day though our opponents played some amazing shots – they gave us a very good tea in their mess afterward, so it was a good afternoon.  I suppose John Leaning’s age group must be fairly low, he is very lucky to get put onto the permanent leave pending release list – I can see that I, the one person who ought to be out fairly soon, shall be last out by a long way and shall be an aged grey haired man before they finally dispense with my services rendered since Jan ’37.  I’m prepared to bet that John will have passed his final before I’m even out of the Army!

On the entertainment side this week I have seen two films and played in one Table Tennis match against one of our branches.  The films were ‘The Fifth Chair’, not awfully good and ‘To have or to have not’ which I rather enjoyed – Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall were in it.  The table tennis match was too one sided to be interesting and we didn’t lose a game, but the tea and buns which followed and the general get-together with another branch were all good fun.  Well, little Maz, I guess this just about exhausts my news and I must away up to the office just to see if there is anything happening.  This afternoon we have a hockey match officers v Sergeants followed by beer in the Sergeants Mess to be paid for by the losers.  I hope you have had a good week, from all accounts Eileen has made further excellent progress in the flat which I long so much to see – We are nearly half way through the month and it is only 10 weeks to Xmas.  I’m so longing for my next leave and to see you all again.  My love to Pari and Elli, much love to you.  I hope you haven’t forgotten vines!

            Yours as ever

very affectionately

                        Peter

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

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 734 dated 15OC 45.  Signed P.C. Benham.   

On front of envelope Written Oct 14^th 1945 rec Oct 17^th 1945 (10)

On back of envelope Major P.C. Benham, G Branch, HQ 1 Corps District, BAOR.

G Branch

HQ 1 Corps District

BAOR

                                                                                                                   Thursday 11 Oct 45

9.30 pm –

My own most precious darling,

Another letter from you today, you really are a wizard to write so much – I was most interested in your news and to hear of your day at Walton – the old jam store is coming along very nicely, well done!!  Angel, I’m sorry I gave you such scanty particulars about my new job, but there is very little in it – I stay here and am still a G2 in Ops but am responsible not for moves and pure ops as I am now, but for training and all air support matters – I don’t think I shall even have to move my office!  I heard today that my course at Paderborn Training Centre has been postponed until the 12^th November but I shall still do my week’s attachment at 2 Group RAF HQ starting on Monday.  It may involve one flight down to a Wing of theirs in Brussels but believe you me I’m much keener on terra firma than wind – yessir!  Please continue writing to me at the usual address as I shall probably come back on Thursday to pick up mail etc.  You will be pleased to hear that I have acquired a canvas squashy bag – not beautiful to look at but very useful and a good size – I spun a long story to our Ordnance wallahs who control them – taking over G2 Air etc and they gave me a chit for the officers’ shop where I bought one for £1.  They are very difficult to get if you are below the rank of full Colonel so I feel rather pleased with myself.  Before I forget it I must refute a slight slur you cast on me the other day on the subject of hats, green, pork-pie.  No darling, I have never possessed a pork-pie of any hue but you are not far out really as I have a very dignified trilby, green, felt which, purely to cause amusement, has been shaped as a pork-pie but never, to my knowledge, has it been worn as such in public!!

I was very much in the wars this afternoon during our local derby match v Defence Company who brought a large gathering to cheer their team to victory and barrack, in fine soccer style, the opposition.  I was the centre of attraction and there were many raucous cries of ‘bring him down, knock him down’ etc when I got the ball and ‘mark that inside left’ when I hadn’t.  The opposition took the ‘bring him down’ exhortations seriously and twice, once when I was about to flash the ball into the net, I was literally bowled over and am now minus skin on both knees, elbows and right cheek of back-side!  Worse was to come, the right back hit a full blooded lofted drive and yours truly standing 5 yards away received it on the forehead.  By the grace of God it was just above my right eye, and though it broke the skin, might have been much worse and I have an enormous ‘egg’ and the prospect of a super black eye!  I was able to go on playing and much to the barrackers chagrin popped two into the net, we won 4-2 and gave as good as we got in the injuries line.  I also have had a bit of a headache so shan’t be late into bed tonight.  To make up for my being away from the office for a couple of hours this afternoon, I had to put in a spot of overtime and a very busy day found me packing up at 7.15 pm.  Darling, I forgot to mention last night that my parcel was dispatched yesterday evening and sent by registered post so it shouldn’t be long in arriving.  The contents come to you with my love, every little tiny bit of it, and are a little present, part of it, for the 11^th Nov – I doubt whether I shall get another shopping opportunity for a bit.

Trevor is back tomorrow but I have a busy day ahead of me, but his return will make a lot of difference.  Sweetest dearest beloved, I must to bed where I ask just to dream of the sweetest girl who ever breathed, the girl I love with all my heart.  God bless and keep you, little wizard – ALL my love belongs only to you, the key of my heart is yours for always, I’m just LONGING to see you again, living only for that and for our D day, now drawing so close.  Yours, only yours for ever and always

                        Peter

In envelope headed ‘O A S’ addressed to Mrs Peter C Benham, 9 Vint Crescent Colchester Essex.

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 734 dated 12 OC 45.  Signed P.C. Benham.  

On front of envelope 11 Oct.

On the back of the envelope Major P.C. Benham, G Branch, HQ 1 Corps District, BAOR

Major P.C. Benham,

G Branch

HQ 1 Corps District

BAOR

Wednesday 10 Oct

11.00 pm

My own most precious darling,

Oh!  what a day it’s been – I’ve been hopping around like a cat on hot bricks from locations to moves, from train guards to map indents, from guard schedules to a very quick dash down the town to hear the massed pipes from our Lowland Div – it has certainly made the day pass in a flash – but in the middle of it all (I forgot to mention the time taken fixing up the ground, players and kit for our hockey tomorrow), in the midst of it came your most welcome letter written on Saturday evening and read with great interest – I was very pleased to hear of the arrival of the cake!  Not before it was due, was it?  Weren’t you slightly surprised on Sunday morning to find you had an hour more in bed, not less!!  You did very valiant work that morning and it recalled the many Saturdays when I used to reserve my shilling (I could ill afford a shilling but daren’t make it less!) for your box, such a great excuse to talk to you and show my benevolent character!  When I got back to the mess at 7.15 this evening I was persuaded, not difficult, to go and see a film – I felt rather in need of a spot of entertainment and we saw Humphrey Bogwash and the ‘hazel-eyed-sensation’ Lauren Bacall in ‘To have and to have not’ – quite good with the usual Bogwash setting – Middle East, broken French, broken promises, broken vases – the only fly in the ointment with our local cinema is that it is very badly ventilated and the sweat just pours off one.  What a sickening think about the electric fire in the sitting room, surely it must be repairable – Joslin’s might be able to help.  The problem of the piano is a very tricky one – if you’ll excuse my saying it I reckon Bill has been very cunning about it – he has shifted the trouble of selling or taking (and conscience) onto you without losing by it, as it is yours anyway!  I don’t honestly know what to suggest, but by and large reckon you should sell it with the proviso that the price fetched be put straight into your PO account with your gratuities and kept right there for as long as you can – I think he must have changed very suddenly about not liking the idea of selling it, he was very keen on selling it when we were round there in August.  Oh well, my sweet, you are to do exactly as you feel, as you say, it was your Mother’s and I should hate you to have any regrets about selling it – not a very helpful answer but you know what I mean.  Angel girl the hour for bed has struck and I must away and say bon soir et au revoir until tomorrow.  God bless and keep you, my dearest heart, ALL my love is yours and only yours for ALWAYS and you are never out of my thoughts

                        Peter

Thurs 0840 hrs

Darling, a frightful thought as I was coming up here in the bus – Gerald’s birthday on the 15^th.  Could you draw some money out of my account and buy him 4 oz of Players de Luxe from me – here is a slip to go on the wee parcel – many thanks, angel in colossal haste do I shall miss the post.

All my love

            Peter

In envelope headed ‘O A S’ addressed to Mrs Peter C Benham, 9 Vint Crescent Colchester Essex.

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 734 dated 11 OC 45.  Signed P.C. Benham.  

On front of envelope 10 Oct.

On the back of the envelope Major P.C. Benham, G Branch, HQ 1 Corps District, BAOR

Major P.C. Benham,

G Branch

HQ 1 Corps District

BAOR

Sunday 7 October 45

My dearest Maz

 Many thanks for your most welcome letter written on Tuesday and for yet another consignment of ‘illustrateds’ – I was, as always, most interested to hear all your news and to hear some of the details of Pari’s release which seems to have gone very smoothly.  I hope Brian’s cold didn’t materialise!  Nothing very thrilling from this end since my letter to you at the beginning of the week – no social or entertainment activities and one game of hockey only which we played yesterday – it was a League match against an Army Troops Coy RE who we beat 7-1, the game was not so one sided as it sounds and there was some good clean hitting and open play – my eye was rather well in and I put 4 into the net.  Quite a few of my friends here said goodbye during the week, leaving to be demobbed with groups 17, 18 and 19.  Amongst them Tim Roberts who place as GSO 1 Ops will not be filled – we have also lost two of our original mess members, they will all be civilians by the time this reaches you.

The first 5 days of this coming week are likely to be very busy ones for me – both my G3s are away, one left yesterday on 14 days compassionate leave and the other is on a short leave over here.  When Harrison comes back from his short leave I am due to change my job and will become G2 Training and Air – the latter for which I will have to receive some special training, will mean my being attached to a RAF Group out here for one week and then on 29^th October I am due to go on a two week’s course in Air Support at the Rhine Army School some 50 miles East of here.  It seems rather absurd to get down to something new after 6 years but it may have its interesting side and anyway won’t be for very long.

I am very undecided what to do today, later on this morning I shall walk up to the office and probably after tea shall go along and watch the final of another tournament they are having today – starting at 11 ocl it takes too long and I decided against playing in it.  Between lunch and tea I shouldn’t be a bit surprised if I don’t get a spot of shut-eye!

Table tennis had got a big hold in G branch now and great keenness is shown by all.  In my absence the ladder was started and they drew for preliminary positions – I was no 11 but by dint of a few games played am now no 1 and have constant challenges to ward off!  We have a match on Tuesday evening against another branch which should be great fun, we have some quite useful players and our Chief Clerk is a member of the Corps HQ team.  I am now half way to the next leave period and am looking forward to it –yessir.  I must now slip along and get myself organised for the office – Much love to you and to Pari and Brian here’s to the next 2 months going past very quickly.

            Yours as ever

very affectionately

                        Peter

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

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 734 dated 8 OC 45.  Signed P.C. Benham.    

On front of envelope Written Oct 7^th 1945 rec Oct 10^th 1945 (9)

On back of envelope Major P.C. Benham, G Branch, HQ 1 Corps District, BAOR.

G Branch

HQ 1 Corps District

BAOR

Monday 1 October

My dearest Maz

 I have just returned from my little holiday which has been most successful and am feeling a trifle weary after the 7 hour journey – we left Brussels a 2 ocl and I got back to the mess at 9 ocl – I have so much to tell you that I think I shall have to write this in two instalments, the second one tomorrow – before I tell you all about my journey to Zoute and Brussels I must thank you for your most welcome letter written just after you had got back from Bournemouth – I was very pleased to hear how well the car behaved coming back and that the holiday was such a good one, it will have done you such a power o’ good – Pari by now will be a full blown civilian and I am writing him a short note anon – I hope you received my p.c’s – I sent them via a letter to Eileen, I’m not sure what the drill is for sending p.c’s so thought it safer to send them that way.  I set off from here at 8.30 am on Wednesday and when I got to Brussels was told by the concierge at the flat that the Hanisons were still in Zoute so back into my jeep I got the next stop, at 5.15 pm was Zoute itself – I got a tremendous kick out of seeing the Bruges clock tower on my left and a signpost reading Knocke 13 km.  The Hanions and Maurice were delighted to see me and were all in excellent form – the old man was better and I met him out for a very slow walk on two sticks going up the Avenue Elizabeth when I got there – I dumped my bag and sent the driver plus jeep back here.  We didn’t go out in the evening so my first tour d’exploration was on Thursday morning when I walked down passed the Golf and Tennis club, the hotels we knew so well, Links (sic !), Golf, Tennis, St Andrews etc to the Place d’Albert brought some p.c’s and returned as it started to rain, feeling very depressed by what I had seen – before the place was liberated there had been quite a bit of shelling etc and as a start the Pro shop and cloakroom buildings were both completely razed to the ground, the 17^th and 18^th holes just wilderness of long grass and barbed wire – opposite the ‘centre’ court has shaggy grass growing all over it and the kiosk has stopped a shell of some sort and has collapsed sideways – moving down, the Links Hotel which was opposite the St Andrews is just a neat pile of stones and everywhere there is that uninhabited and barbed-wired look about – however all, nearly all, the villas on the sides of that Avenue, remember Les Hirondelles? – they are all, again nearly all, untouched and are being lived in – the place d’Albert itself is no more, just a lot of sand (the Boche had just a huge concrete pill-box in the centre – now demolished) and the Carlton and the Hotel the other side of the square all just empty, bricked up windows and completely uninhabited – I am enclosing a photo of the Carlton – no bricked up lower windows, no glass above and battered condition – all the Hotels right along the front are the same and holes have been knocked in the walls so that there was internal access all the way along, thus forming part of the West Wall.  Thank goodness they hadn’t been so thorough in Normandy!

Tues.  I have just finished lunch after a busy morning at the office and a real field day of letters including two most welcome ones from you, one from Pari and two from Elli who so successfully carried out my mission.  So very many thanks for your letters dated 25^th and 28^th – what a lovely day you had on the beach, no one wishes he could have been there more than I, perhaps in 1947 I may be, one never knows!  I believe Isaacs is making another statement this evening though it will be of no interest to BAOR officers.  Yes.  I fear your tennis days this year are drawing to an end and these last few days, cold and wet, have been a sharp reminder that the summer is over.  I played golf every day I was away and the 9 holes at Zoute are not at all bad – we went over to Siska (remember the children’s play grounds?) and had a waffle tea before playing, in the rain, 16 holes.  Germaine played 9 with us and came back and picked us up – the holes are all at the far end of the course, one being the ‘windmill’ hole and are in fair condition.  On Friday, in slightly improved conditions we played 18 holes after tea and both matches I beat Maurice by the last putt on the last green.  The H’s were in great form and gave me excellent food, and made me very comfortable in their very charming villa which looks out onto the 17^th green.  On Saturday Maurice and I caught a train for Brussels at Bruges and after lunch chez M we went up to Waterloo where he and I were beaten in a very close 4 ball – beaten by some quite exceptional putting.  I wasn’t playing quite so well as I was at Zoute where I really played quite well, but was satisfied.  In the evening he and I went to a film ‘La Belle de Mexico’, not a very good show.  M was due to tee off in the usual Sunday competition at 12.45 so we had an early lunch and I borrowed some clubs and put in a little practice before going back into Brussels for tea – I met M by arrangement at 7 ocl and gave him a good dinner at an ‘officers’ only’ hotel and afterwards we went to a very good Music Hall show.  I spent Monday morning shopping and you will be pleased to hear that the cake tin will soon be on its way back to you.  After a good lunch we set off at 2 ocl and so home.  Now, Maz dear, I must close and get back to the office (I am already 15mins late!).  Much love to you, and to Pari and Elli.  Much love

            Yours as ever

very affectionately

                        Peter

PS  Many thanks also for ECS and the papers received this morning.

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

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 734 dated 3 OC 45.  Signed P.C. Benham.    

On front of envelope Written Oct 1^st 1945 rec Oct 5^th 1945 (8)

On back of envelope Major P.C. Benham, G Branch, HQ 1 Corps District, BAOR.

October 1945

(Europe)

(Preparations for the Nuremberg Trials)

Following the defeat of Nazi Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, France and the Soviet Union agreed to a joint tribunal in the occupied German city of Nuremberg. The tribunal agreed to gather evidence against the Nazis for plotting and carrying out invasions of countries across Europe, and committing atrocities against their citizens during the Second World War. Evidence was also being gathered about the “Final Solution” of the Jewish problem during the Holocaust. Over 30,000 documents were gathered as evidence against the 177 defendants accused of war crimes. The Nuremberg Trials commenced on the 2^nd November 1945 and ended on the 1^st October 1946.

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(Introduction of National Service)

British military commitments abroad were still required at the end of the Second World War. Britain still needed to maintain her diminishing Empire, occupy post-war Germany and Japan, and re-establish influence in the world, particularly in the Middle East. In 1947, after the independence of India, Britain no longer had a huge Indian Army at its disposal. To make up for the loss caused by the  demobilisation of the wartime conscripted army resulted in a form of a peacetime conscription programme. National Service came into force in 1949 for all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 21.

(Germany)

The Allied occupation of Germany was to ensure that Germany could not equip herself to fight another war.  

(National Service involvement)

Over two million men were conscripted into National Service. Their locations, apart fromGermany, were the Home Front, the Suez Canal zone, Korea and Cyprus. The Suez Canal zone was a particularly dangerous location as the Egyptians didn’t want the peacekeeping forces there. National Service conscripts were involved in combat in Korea, Kenya and Malaya. The need for National Service ended in June 1963 when regular soldier training recruits became a burden. Also, National Service drained workers from contributing to the British economy.

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(Far East Asia)

With Japan defeated and the subsequent surrender signed on the 2^nd September 1945, the Second World War was at an end. For the British government they were faced with a major challenge for the demobilisation of the “Forgotten Army” in the Far East. As with VE-Day in June 1945, age and time spent in uniform determined when most servicemen were released from the armed forces. A small number of so called “Key Workers”, whose occupational skills were vital for post-war reconstruction, were also released ahead of their allotted time. As with VE-Day, the demobilised troops were issued with the means to return to “civvy street”. The difference between the two victory days was that the “Forgotten Army” suffered the consequences of the pro-longed monsoon conditions. The demobilisation process was slow because of the numbers involved and was finally completed in 1947. Returning to civilian life servicemen found conditions to be extremely bad. In the six years of war the home front had endured bombardment and blockades resulting in shortages of many basic essentials. One of the biggest challenges, after many years apart, were husbands and wives had to adjust to living together again.

However, there were many servicemen and women who were not immediately demobilised, as they were the prisoners-of-war captured by the Japanese. More than 130 POW camps spread across East Asia housed almost 150,000 Allied soldiers and women personnel. Japanese military philosophy was such that anyone surrendering was beneath contempt, and as result the treatment of prisoners was harsh. Allied troops were forced to carry out slave-labour on a starvation diet of rice and vegetables, which led to severe malnutrition. The POWs seldom received Red Cross parcels, and tried to supplement their rations with whatever they could grow themselves. Many died of malnutrition or disease from the hostile environment. Many POWs endured sadistic punishments for the most minor breach of camp rules. Some women were also forced into slave-labour, many were sexually abused and many suffered horrific medical experiments. With Allied troops advancing they gradually liberated the interment camps, and were horrified at the conditions the POWs had been had been enduring. For many, liberation came too late. Almost a quarter of all Allied prisoners in Japanese hands died during captivity. Allied ships were refitted with hospital beds for ex-POWs to be transported to hospitals in India, where they were looked after medically and also fed with nutritious food. However, like the “Forgotten Army”, for many ex-POWs, demobilisation was not completed until 1947, but most of them suffered the after effects of tropical diseases for the rest of their lives. 

(Other Theatres)

When Germany surrendered in May 1945 all occupying UK/US Allied forces were forbidden to fraternise with German civilians. This order was partly rescinded in June 1945 when the occupying troops were allowed to fraternise with “small Children”. On the 1^st October 1945 the directive for the non -fraternisation for UK/US troops was changed. Previously even speaking to a German civilian could lead to a court martial. The lifting of the directive was to lead to many Allied forces marrying German women.

Having served twice as Prime Minister, 56 years old Pierre Laval was a qualified French lawyer and politician in 1939. Laval, a fascist sympathiser, served in the Vichy government in 1940 after France’s defeat by the invasion of Nazi Germany. Officially independent the Vichy government adopted a policy of collaboration with Nazi Germany. Laval served in prominent positions in the Vichy government and displayed harsh treatment toward the people of France. He sent thousands of French people to slavery in Germany, and relying on heavy handed tactics to keep the population in line. Following the Liberation of France in 1944, Laval was imprisoned by the Germans but in April 1945 he escaped and fled to Spain. He soon returned to France and arrested by Charles de Gaule’s government. At his trial he was charged with collaboration with the enemy and plotting against the security of the state. Laval was found guilty and executed by firing squad on the 15^th October 1945.    

Norway was a neutral country prior to the German invasion of 1940. Vidkun Quisling was a Norwegian military officer and politician who had fascist views regarding the Norwegian Jewish community. When Germany occupied Norway, Quisling washead of the country’s government as a Nazi collaborator. As well as participating in Germany’s war efforts the collaborationist government deported many Jews. Their destination was to concentration camps in occupied Poland, where most were killed. At the end of the Second World War in Europe, during the legal purge of the collaborationist government, Quisling was put on trial for war crimes. He was found guilty of high treason against the Norwegian State. The charges also included murder and embezzlement for which he was sentenced to death. Quisling was executed by firing squad on the 24^th October 1945.

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Footnote        

One final and significant event occurred before the German surrender on VE-Day that was to influence future space exploration.

After the Great War, the “Treaty of Versailles” did not include rocketry in its list of weapons forbidden to Germany. In the early 1930s a “Spaceflight Society” was formed in order to examine the possibility of a liquid-fuelled rocket engine. A formidable group of scientists became encompassed into Nazi Germany’s rocket programme.

The scientists developed the jet engine, designed by British Frank Whittle, to produce the first jet fighter. The Messerschmitt Me 262 jet fighter was faster than Allied conventional fighter planes but came too late to influence the outcome of the war for air supremacy. The scientists were more successful with the jet-pulse engine of the V1 Flying Bomb and the V2 rocket terror bomb. The V1 and V2 weapons ware launched against Britain and targets in Europe.

With both the Allies and the Red Army approaching Germany in 1945, Wernher von Braun, a high- ranking Nazi scientist/engineer and many of his fellow scientists opted to try to surrender to the Americans rather than to the Soviet Union.  They were successful and von Braun became an American citizen who was a leading light in the later space exploration programme.

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