1915.

1^st December 1915. Headquarters and “A” “C” Companies arrived at Kamptee and relieved the 1/5^th Buffs proceeding to Mesopotamia, 2 officers and 92 other ranks forming the Infantry Detachment at Fort Sitabuldi, Nagpur.

2^nd December 1915. “B” and “D” Companies, under Major G.H. Heelis, arrived at Allahabad and relieved the 1/5^th Hampshire Regiment, 2 officers and 104 other ranks forming the Infantry Detachment at Fort Allahabad.

At Poona, in spite of a number of men unavailable for parade owing to guard duties, very substantial progress had been made in the training of the Battalion.  Officers and N.C.O.’s had attended schools on instruction.  Platoon, company, and battalion drill had been well learned.  Preliminary musketry had been finished.  Table A had been fired, and a considerable part of the Battalion had completed Table B.  Scouts and signallers were trained.  Simple company schemes had been carried out, and the Battalion had learned how to look after itself in India.

14^th December 1915. Lieut. E.C. Kinghorn proceeded to Mesopotamia and was attached to 1^st Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry.

22^nd December 1915.  Inspection of half Battalion by Brigadier-General C.G. Prendergast, C.B., G.O.C. Jubbulpore Infantry Brigade.

25^th December 1915. Major F.W. Halton, T.D., appointed D.A.Q.M.G. 6^th (Poona) Divisional Area.

On YMCA headed notepaper.

Pte J. Cato 22885

2^nd Sherwood Foresters

6 Infantry Base Depot

France

Sir,

            No doubt you will think it strange of me writing to you but as Christmas is now approaching and I may be going further up Country would you kindly think of my little daughter which is at Whitwick.  I have nothing that I could send her for a Christmas Box in fact if I had shall never know where we shall be by then.  Splendid country out here hoping all are well at Whitwick.

Remember to Mother tell her am alright I have met several boys from Whitwick one from Golden Row Dumps name of Bice.

Wishing all a Merry Christmas at Whitwick.

From Cato J.

In YMCA envelope addressed to Rev Walters, Vicarage, Whitwick, Nr Leicester, Leicestershire.  England.

Letter postmarked ARMY POST OFFICE S.15  15 DE 15

PASSED BY CENSOR *** triangular cachet in red.

No 4564 A Coy 3 Plat

3/5 Leicesters

Wesleyan Chapel

Main St

Bulwell.

Notts.

Dec 30^th 015.

Dear Rev Walters,

            You will see by my address that I have arrived at Fresh Billets.  Here it is a great deal better than where we were last stationed.  Bulwell is a small town, about 4 miles from Nottingham & we can travel there on the Tram for a 1^d, so I think you will have an idea of the pleasant change from a camp 3 miles from “anywhere” to Billets in a Town, where, as you know, there is always plenty of life & enjoyment.

I would like to tell you also of how we spent Xmas here.

First of all, we Parade for Breakfast, & a right royal feast we had of Bread, Tea & Sausages (“not German”) & after Breakfast we had another Parade  & we went to church & chapel.

After coming back from Divine Service we again Paraded for Dinner, & such a Dinner that was set before us would have been the envy of many a cook.

We had Pork & Rabbits with a plentiful supply of Potatoes & Cabbage after which we had another course, Xmas Pudding, but during the few moments we had to wait while dinner was being served, we had a supply of apples & oranges, & a good time at pulling Xmas Crackers, which caused endless amusement.

After such a Dinner, we rested, & I can assure you that we needed a rest, but eventually tea-time arrived with Bread & Butter, Tea, & Pineapple Chunks & another display of “Cracker” pulling.

The Tables were then cleared, & we had a concert, at which I sang.

During the concert, we were regaled with, nuts, apples & oranges, Pldin, milk, & loose chocolate, Figs & Dates, Cigarettes & Tobacco, so you will see what a time we had.

It almost seemed like being at home.

Well Sir, In regard to myself I am still alright & it may be my pleasure in a week or more to come to see you again, when I shall be able to tell you something of our future movements.

Now I would like to say just few things about our soldiers.  First of all, there are no better class of men in the world than soldiers, & the soldier of today is a man of honour.  Mark you, I am speaking of him as a soldier, other elements of his life I leave out.  One outstanding fact of our men today is an eager desire to avenge themselves of their adversity.

Our men have fought & they will still fight.  The battle is not yet won, but it will not be long, especially when our men who are in training have entered the conflict not that those who have gone before us have not done their duty, but we are fired with an intense spirit of patriotism which shall never be ***** until the aggression of the German has been destroyed, & the world is liberated from the tyranny of might.  You tell our men of Serbia & Belgium, & you touch their heart cords, you arouse their ire, & receive such a vow of sacredness for the cause of freedom from them, that it makes one dread as to what will happen should they come to close quarters with the enemy.

Sir, We as soldiers will never rest until we have conquered & a ruthless foe subdued.  We are not out for personal gain; we fight not because we hate, but because we love.  Hamdrift is dead when it ceases to love ‘Freedom’, when it is unwillingly to battle for the right.

I say we fight because we love.  We love freedom; we cherish the sacredness of child life; We hold in reverence the name of matter, & honour the virtue of young girls & women.

Ah; We detest lust & vice, or if we can help it we will see that our womanhood is never ravished by the fiends of Hell, but that it shall be tended & cared for by the love of Heaven.  Sir, that is why we sacrifice.  Is not that fighty because we love.  We not only wait to save those who fought against us; to save them I say, from misrule & injustice.

I think I have said enough.  I do wish you may joy in life & I trust that the year that is just dawning may be a memorable in the annals of Whitwick Church.

I know you need much grace & wisdom, & I do pray God to be with you that He, directing you, may lead you on to great things in His Service.

Accept my humble wishes for ”A Happy New Year”

I remain

Yours very sincerely

J.W. Brotherhood.

In envelope addressed to Rev T.W. Walters, Vicar of Whitwick, Whitwick Vicarage, Leicestershire.

Letter postmarked Bulwell 30 De 15.

No 2346 Lc Cpl A.W. Hanson

“A” Coy 5^th Leicester Reg^t

North Midland Division

Sawbridgeworth

Herts

Rev^d TW. Walters.

Rev^d Sir,

            I know you will be pleased to hear from me again & get our little bit of news, which now is not much as we are having such a quiet uninteresting time.

            Last Sunday week we had a journey by train back to Luton to complete our course of shooting.  Monday was a very bad day, snow & rain & the range was ankle deep in mud, but we stuck it out & finished about 5 o’clock in the afternoon & so were able to go back home on Tuesday.

It has been a very big disappointment to all having our leave cancelled & on top of that not being allowed to leave the village, however we put a bright smile on & tried to make the men as happy as was possible.  We had very good meals indeed on Xmas Day & also a Concert in the afternoon.  I did very little towards helping on Xmas Day because I was supposed to be off duty, but I had about 18 men at my table.

On Wednesday night about 12/45 I was woke up & told the Captain wanted on me, so I dressed & ran down to his house, & he told me that it was probable that a message would come thro during the night & we should have to move away.  He gave me a key of the house so that I could wake him up.  I then had to go & wake all our Coy up & I can tell you it took some little time to get some of them.  I finished at 3/30 & then went home & packed my own kit & then went out & had to walk up & down the road for the rest of the night.

About 9 o’clock in the morning the Captain sent me home to bed & I managed to sleep till 1.

In the evening I had to turn out again with a fatigue party helping to get the Hall ready for Xmas dinner etc.

It was 12/30 on Xmas morn when I got to bed & was up to go to the 6/30 service at Church.  I think there was only 7 officers & 9 men present out of over 1000 in the Battⁿ.

Have no more news this time so must close wishing yourself & family & all the members of our service, the very best of health & prosperity during the coming year.

            Yrs obediently

Albert Will

In envelope addressed to Rev^d T.W. Walters, The Vicarage, Whitwick, Nr Leicester.

Letter postmarked SAWBRIDGEWORTH HERTS 23 DE 14.

Christmas card undated but signed L/Cpl A.W. Hanson

Major P.C. Benham,

G Branch

HQ 1 Corps District

BAOR

Tuesday 11^th December

6.50 pm.

My own most precious darling,

A whole lot of thanks for your Friday letter which arrived this morning – full, as always, of interest – I hope Joan Ostlers visit has been a success and I can just imagine you two talking over old times and swapping the odd yarn or two of vulgar variety – I hope you manage to remember some good ‘uns!  Joyce’s impromptu party sounded very good fun, but, darling, (what a glorious chance to get my own back, far too good to miss!) it is Ernest, not Earnest – I can just imagine Joyce making everyone real Aunt Kates and I’ve no doubt the liquor situation at 4, The Ave isn’t what it was.

I like the sound of the Rep show next week, and I would very much like to see it, I hope you are able to get a couple of good seats.

It seems hardly possible that this time next week we shall really be together and may have been together for a whole day by now, if there are no more postponements – I hope there aren’t because Sunday will go terribly slowly if it’s the day before I leave.  I feel just like you and can’t settle down to anything.  After a long day in the office yesterday I went to yet another demob party at the Officers’ Club – one of my SD (I said D) friends who is off tomorrow – it was a very good show, quiet and pleasant.  We had oysters before dinner, but there is nothing I need less now than oysters! but that is another story.  After a long chat, smoke and glass of port, we were back here at 11 and I was soon to sleep.  I’ve had a most unpleasant day in the office today – my G1 and G3 were down at the new 1 Corps Skiing Centre for the day, and my phone never stopped ringing.  I have one or two longish and rather important jobs to do, but no sooner did I start to get down to them than the phone would go – all very disturbing.

At 8.30 I’m going round to Studio 1 to see Ginger Rogers in ‘Man from Manhattan’ and must now slip downstairs for a quick dinner.

Later 11.30 pm.  I’m afraid I got the name of the film all wrong it was called ‘Weekend at Waldorfs.  Ginger Rogers and Walter Pidgeon – not very good, and a whistling draught entirely upset my concentration – my feet got absolutely frozen.  One thing, I shall keep warm tomorrow night – I’m on night duty!  My last for some weeks.  Just 6 or 7 days now, angel girl, and I’m getting absolutely thrilled at the thought of ringing Col. 2019, and terribly excited at the thought of meeting you and DV at having a whole solid fortnight of heaven with you, now to bed, dearest, dearest heart.  God bless and keep you – I’m just existing only for you, and love you terribly, terribly, terribly much and I shall for always, bon soir cherissima,

            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 DE 45.  Signed P.C. Benham.  

On front of envelope 11 Dec.

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 9^th December

P.S.  Please thank Elli very much for his Gibson & W efforts – I have taken his v sound advice.  P.

My dearest Maz

First and foremost many many happy returns, Maz dear, of your birthday, may this be the very last time I have to send you my birthday greetings by letter – all good wishes to you and may you have a real Aunt Kate day on Friday – I hope you make your annual sojourn to the Red Lion and that the meal is suitable for so special an occasion.  I have a nasty feeling that this letter will arrive before Friday but the posts are so erratic these days that it is better for it to arrive a day early than a day late – I need hardly say that I shall be thinking of you on the 14^th, and hoping its not so cold with you as it is here – this last week has been bitter – and as bad luck would have it the boiler in the mess has gone wrong and there is no heating in any of the rooms at present – I can’t ever remember being so cold indoors.  There hasn’t been very much snow yet but enough to prevent the hockey matches on Thursday and this weekend from being played, and enough to permit me to do a spot of skiing this morning! but more about that later.

I was delighted to get your letters dated Nov 30^th and Dec 4^th this week and some more papers – thanks ever so!  I was most interested to hear all about John Wissock – ***** he must have had a rotten time.  I hope you had a really super chinwag with Aunt Beth I’m sure you put on your surprised voice when you told her about Robin coming down for the wedding!!  Is your throat better now because when two of the sisters really get down to it there sure is no stopping them!  Will the hare still be going strong when I get back, it sounded a real beauty and Pari said you jugged it to a T.  Eileen also said what a super one it was (is!)

With the arrival back of Leonard Olney on Monday I’ve had a comparatively slack week with one or two good early nights and no evening entertainments, though this evening I’m going with several others to see a film which I’m told is very good called ‘Song to Remember’ – the life of Chopin with Merle Oberon and Frederick March as the two stars.  My only evening attraction was on Friday when we played our first table tennis match in the newly formed inter-branch table tennis league.  Our match was against Welfare and we beat them very easily – 5 in each team and everyone plays 2 matches best of 3 games – we won by 21-1 – I won my 2 games without much difficulty – the side is strong right through and we ought to win without much trouble.  I’m not quite right when I say it was my only evening’s entertainment because on Tuesday night I went over to SOEST (about 30miles away) where I had dinner with Freddie Self – an excellent dinner followed by a shove-halfpenny session and back here by 11.15.  The snow has made everyone very keen on skiing, the experts to ‘show off’ a bit, the uninitiated to try their hand.  We have two of the former category in the mess and Dick Jesson and I are keen to learn.  We had a ‘lecture’ on the theory of the thing yesterday evening and this a.m. we all went out to the slopes not far from here to ‘hae a go’.  There really wasn’t quite enough snow and in view of my impending leave I took it pretty gently! but I must admit I enjoyed every moment of it – my first one or two efforts weren’t entirely successful, and I picked myself out of some very odd positions, skis wrapped round the back of my neck etc! but I very soon got the hang of it and at the end was sailing merrily down hill at good speed and without mishap.  I gather that my pre-release demob news has proved very accurate and that officers of Group 24 are due to go out on Feb 20^th or so which means that I shall be out, all being well in the first half of March, three rousing cheers!!  One little snippet of news which will interest you is that John Wilson is now a full colonel and has the old red flannel wrapped round his hat – a very popular promotion, he is liked by everyone – another snippet is that Betty Goodwin’s brother is our new AQMG (Lt Col) – he phoned me the other morning and sounded as though he’d known me all my life – I might say I was equally affable!  There has been one day’s cancellation of leave this week and it now means that I’m due to arrive in Colchester on the 17^th – I am travelling back with Ted Wasdell, a Lt Col who has been in our mess all the time and we’ve agreed that we will only play ball with one more cancellation so I shall either arrive on the 17^th or 18^th – not later than that.  I’m getting really very excited at the thought of it all and ‘this time next week’ I shall, all being well, be on my way back.  Then we the leave is ended I shall only be back here for 10 weeks at the most before I’m home for good, three more rousing cheers at the prospect!  It will, at first, seem very strange coming back to what is new my, I should say, our, home and I’m longing to see it and the great work Eileen has been doing.  But that won’t prevent me from seeing a whole lot of you all and I’m longing for that too, I am enclosing a chit for Pari to get a few buckshee coupons when I get back – I don’t anticipate using the new car, I should feel far too nervous, but it’s a waste to look a gift horse in the mouth and he just fills in the registration particulars and the coupons are his.  Now, little Maz I must away.  Again my very best wishes and much love to you for the 14^th – longing to see you again, much love to Pari and Elli and yourself.

            As ever

Yours 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 11 DE 45.  Signed P.C. Benham.  

On front of envelope Written Dec 9^th 1945 rec Dec 13^th 1945 (19)

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 9^th December

6.15 pm.

My own most precious darling,

My trip up to the office this afternoon did not go unrewarded for there was your Wednesday letter waiting for me – many thanks, you wonderful letter writer.  I laughed a whole lot at your description of the plumbing incident.  I’m sure that Scott’s embarrassment must at least have been equal to yours – they can hardly be mistaken for anything else though can they?!  Yes. I’ve had quite enough of Princess Elizabeth, I honestly couldn’t care less how she spends her time, every time one opens a paper nowadays there are pictures of her in it.

Yesterday and today have been even colder than ever and both our hockey games had to be cancelled, the ground is as hard as iron.  Every time I want to spend 1^d, I have to go in armed with a ‘winkling pin’ for assistance it’s that cold.  I did nothing very interesting yesterday, and after dinner spent an hour listening to a lecture on the theory of skiing, we have a couple of experts in the Mess and both Dick and I have decided to have a go at it – we did, this morning!  It was great fun and not really so tricky as I had expected.  We went out to some slopes about 5 miles from here and there was just enough snow on the ground to make it worth while.  My first run was just what you would expect and caused considerable merriment and I had to disentangle skis from round the back of my neck several times but after the initial go I went sailing away down the hill and had no more falls – I was extremely careful though as I had no intention of twisting or breaking anything just before my leave is due – it was great fun though.  I see in today’s papers that officers demob is to be speeded, so the inside information I gave you some weeks back was well founded.  They haven’t announced the dates for Group 25 but I gather I should actually be out by mid March, isn’t that a terrific thought, so when we say au revoir at the beginning of 1946 it will only be for the comparatively short period of 10 weeks (2½ months) – super show.  I spent most of this afternoon in the office and had an early tea.  I’ve got a bath laid on for 6.45 and after supper several of us are going to see a film which I’m told is good called ‘Song to Remember’ – Merle Oberon and Frederick March are the two stars – all about one of Chopin’s songs.  All being well ‘this time next week’ every minute will bring me nearer to you and my excitement, pretty acute already, will be reaching a new record ‘high’.  I must away now, angel, to my bath but I will be right back again with you after the film.  Au revoir for now, wiz.

Later 11 pm.  I had a super bath, a rotten cold supper in our unheated dining room and then off to the Theatre, but though we got there at 7.40 we found a ‘House Full’ notice up and made a bee line for the cinema where we got in with no difficulty, and saw a very amusing film called ‘The affairs of Susan’ – Joan Fontaine and George Brent – it was well worth seeing, and the cinema was beautifully warm, one of the chief reasons why we went!  I’ve just had one cup of coffee and jolly good it was too – I feel very tired tonight and I can’t believe it will keep me awake, but time will tell!  I think when I’m back a few good early nights will be indicated, except for our dance evenings – I honestly feel more in need of this leave than any other, I can’t think why, it must be old age creeping on!  Well my darling I must to bed, it’s terribly cold there to start with but I go through the same pantomime each night – I pull all the bed clothes over my head, get a good fug going then gradually poke my head out, very gradually too!  It will be wizard to have a little warm bod alonger mine again!  God bless you, dearest, and keep you – this next week just can’t go too quickly.  ALL my love  is yours and my thoughts are for ever with you, longing for Monday or Tuesday week.  Yours and yours alone with my whole heart

            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 10 DE 45.  Signed P.C. Benham.  

On front of envelope 9 Dec.

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

Friday 7^th December

10.30 pm.

My own most precious darling,

I was very thrilled this morning when two letters arrived from you, one written on Monday and the other on Tuesday – thanks ever so, darling – so the parcels have arrived at last – they really didn’t take long did they?  My sweetheart of course you

are to have the manicure set, it is just a very tiny present from me – the razors, cut-throat should make a very good present for Bill – one of the half Colonels in our mess brought a set and sent it home where it fetched £7-10-0 – so old Bill will have a bumper present this year, and quite right too.  I had NO repeat NO intention of selling it and I can think of no more suitable way of disposing of it than giving it to Bill – a very excellent idea on your part.  I was very interested to hear of your gardening exploits and laughed like a closet when I read of the episode with the snails – I hope you didn’t disturb them too much.  Do I remember your blue jacket, am I ever likely to forget it?  NO Sir – it was, in my humble opinion, always one of your sweetest garments, and with the black skirt you have brought and the black accessories you will look, if it is possible, even sweeter than ever – I’m just longing to see you in it – what about putting it on to meet me in that, and the coat I love so much, good old ‘pony’ – the first little piece of glamour I remember about you – my old heart always used to beat that much faster whenever I caught sight of ‘pony’!  To use rather a hackneyed phrase ‘I just couldn’t agree more’ with your sentiments on the subject of our leave – slight planning for Xmas and Boxing days but for the rest we will do exactly as our fancy may dictate and will please ourselves as to what we do – Today has been a very quiet one and I was away from the office at 6 ocl but back here again at 8 for our table tennis match, which was a complete walk over – out of the 20 games played we lost only 1 and I had no difficulty in winning my 4 games – we are having a real table tennis evening – the visiting team left at 10 ocl and afterwards Leonard Olney and I played a 5 game match – he and our 2 other officer members of the team are battling away now and I must shortly return to play the winner.  It’s been, and still is, an absolute freezer here today and I wasn’t sorry to have spent nearly all day indoors – I very much doubt whether our hockey will come off tomorrow – As the state of the poll stands at the moment with my returning on the 17^th there are now only 9 days to go before I’m home, and, like you, I can think of nothing else but that – oh! how I’m absolutely LONGING for it – when January comes can our D Day be far behind?  No ma’am!  Well, dearest girl, here’s to Monday week and may the next 9 days go by in a flash.  God bless and keep you, my own most dearly beloved, always.  ALL my love to you, I’m 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 6DE 45.  Signed P.C. Benham.      

On front of envelope 6 Dec.

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

Thursday 6^th December

8.15 pm.

My own most precious darling,

It’s been one of the foulest days here I think I’ve ever known, snowing hard most of the morning, at lunchtime it turned rather warmer and the snow turned into a sort of misty fog and it’s been like that ever since – I think I’ve said enough!  Anyway I wasn’t very surprised to hear this evening that the first days leave postponement in December has occurred, so I’m now due back on the 17^th and not the 16^th–  Ted Wasdell and I are coming back together and we have agreed that if there is another days cancellation we will stick to the rules, but not if there is a third – so I shall definitely be home either on the 17^th or 18^th – 18^th at the latest.

Can you add the Bakers, and Vi and Ernest to the list of people I’ll be sending Christmas cards to – so far there is no sign of the cards but they should be here in a day or two.

Once again I’m in Dick’s room this evening – wearing me blues and pullover with my magnificent waist-coat over the top!  I heard quite an amusing little story this evening which is just worthy of repetition – a north country girl was being questioned by her mother about the latest suitor – ‘well, dear’ she said ‘you’ve bin walking out now with ‘im for three weeks, wots ‘e like, and why don’t you bring ‘im ‘ome for a bite?  And wot does ‘e do for hisself?’  ‘Well, ma,’ she said ‘ he’s ever so nice.  I don’t know hexactly what ‘e is, proper educated ‘e is, talks real nice ‘e does, I think ‘e must be a doctor, because, mother, you know those aches and pains I’s always getting, well he’s cured those!!

I shan’t be al all sorry if our hockey this weekend is put off unless the weather suddenly improves it is going to be no fun playing and the ground here and at Bad Oeyenhausen will be very bad – I fancy a good quiet day on Sunday.  I do hope we don’t get a lot of snow when I’m home, I look forward to some good crisp days and a few brisk walks – I think we can go nap on a spot of dancing on Saturday 22^nd, there is bound to be a dance at the Club, or more preferable, I reckon, the George.  Dinner there first, I wonder if there is anyone we could make up a party with – have you any bright ideas because I think we should have to book a table some time in advance – I wonder if Nancy King and her husband (sorry – I should say Treddie), will be about?  There will be plenty of time to organise the New Year party when I get home.

I will enclose a little card to go on Lois’ bunch of flowers for her birthday.  I wonder if the things from Solingen have arrived yet and if they come up to your expectations – I’m going to have another run over there next week!  Well, dearest heart, I have one or two small items of work to clear up before I retire – so very reluctantly I must say goodnight, my love and au revoir.  All my love is yours, only yours and I’m thinking of nothing and no-one but you.  God bless you, angel and keep you.

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 8 DE 45.  Signed P.C. Benham.     

On front of envelope 6 Dec.

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 5^th December

8.15 pm.

My own most precious darling,

It’s been an absolute freezer today, snow of the non settling variety has been falling all day, and the central heating in the mess would have to pack up today of all days – Dick has an electric fire in his room and as he is out this evening Ted Wordell and I have moved in and are now busily engaged on our several occupations – he is working whereas my task is a hundred percent pleasure.  The wireless is going very softly in the background so the stage is set for a pleasant evening.  I had such a wizard letter from you this morning, written on Saturday and Sunday – many thanks, darling.  So old Aunt Jane has appeared at last.  I am no great mathematician but I should have said that my arrival on 16^th, 17^th or 18^th might be an event which could have far reaching repercussions – time will tell.  As you so rightly say wooden legs seem to be no obstacle – hadn’t Man Friday got one or was it Long John Silver?  Perhaps you can’t see the connection!  Sorry, now it’s me wots being coarse.  To hear from your own mouth that you are really getting slimmer means a whole lot – but, darling, please don’t get too thin.  I will give you my unbiased opinion when I see you.  I was delighted to hear that the chest of drawers has actually been delivered, very quick work.  I’m longing to see it.

I’ve had another rather ‘messy’ day though I’ve shifted quite a lot of work, ‘messy’ in that I still find it rather hard to settle down to anything.  I have had to cancel our hockey game on Thursday (tomorrow I should say) – the other side couldn’t raise a team, and I wasn’t finding it any too easy myself – probably just as well in view of our two games over the weekend, and on Friday night G Branch plays it’s first game in the inter branch league.  I had a eventful time getting back to the mess this evening – I just missed the 6.35 bus (it left 2 or 3 minutes early) and the one I did catch at 6.45 broke down after going 200 yards.  They put us into the next one to leave, but it was one which goes right round the town and it was 7.15 before I got back to the mess!  I hear that it has now been announced in the papers that all BAOR wallahs who go on leave between 13 – 23 Dec will get 3 extra days in England, so it means 15 days in all!  If I arrive on Sunday 16^th I shall have to be back at Victoria on 30^th, provided there are no postponements – only 10 more whole days to the 16^th and I can think of nothing else, hence, I think, my being unable to settle down to anything in the work line.  I really must put in a few early nights between now and the time I come home, ‘do’ I shall resemble a piece of half chewed rag by them – I think I will start off tonight so will be closing, I only hope this snow doesn’t settle yet awhile, I’ve a horrid feeling that when tomorrow dawns everything will be quite white, so my angel, as the warmest place is bed, I will hie me off there at the double.  God bless you, little one, and keep you – I love you, dearest heart, just terribly much and am longing to see you, roll on Sunday week – ALL my love is yours, only yours, and I’m always thinking of you

            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 5 DE 45.  Signed P.C. Benham.     

On front of envelope 5 Dec.

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