25/08/1939 325 RE Camp Rowhook Station 3 Attachment 6 To Joan at 95 Queen's Gate.

From Peter To Joan

Here we are back again.

Same old crowd. Arrived about 10.30 last night with the rations, whatever. I am not at the above camp, you remember the one, but on detachment you remember that fellow running that night from the chequers and we gave him a lift to his site. Well that’s where we are,, the same site and the same little Fellow was here last night. They left early this morning. Have not yet taken any clothes off. They have built the hut here now.

Most important my sleeping bag left behind could you get it down here somehow or by post. We look like being here at least two weeks. Love Peter

Can you let office know my address for letters to be forwarded please.

09/02/1939 325 RE Camp Rowhook Station 3 Attachment 6

To Queensgate.

From Peter To Joan

Dearest Joan

Thanks for sending the clothes and sleeping bag dear, not that I get much sleep in it, there is also a little time. Have to do 2 hours air entry every night, after the night it is 1.00, up at 6.30 to 7.00 and work again until dark with the only one hour’s break for beer or two down at the local at Runswick. The King’s Head

Could you forward the back door key of number 56 per to Whitaker Rd Sutton to Mr. Forde. I have sent him the front door key and told him the other will follow. With regards to the other house number 54 it is now vacant. I enclose the keys herewith. Would you see Captain Hugh Hind of Lewis Hind and Son of Sutton Estate Agents personally and ask him to collect the rents of number 24 and 26 and number 56. his rent is not due until next Friday. Also ask him to endeavour to let number 54 which is now empty on the same terms as Mr. Forde has taken number 56. You can copy of terms from the letter in the file signed by Mr. Forde on the 23rd of August last. If Hind will do all this, let me know and I will let the tenant know that the rent is to be paid to of the agent until further notice.

I enclose a letter of application for number 54 from a Mr. Andrews or somebody would you passed this over to captain hind to deal with if he takes on the job.

I am writing this to Queen’s Gate as I do not know where you are, perhaps, you are at Reigate. If you are still in town gets out quickly to Gertie’s or Aunt Edith’s. The name of this place we are at is Hoopwick Farm between Rowhook and Rudgewick. If you come down here sometime I should like my camera. Of course you could not come into the camp. Let me know where you are. Love Peter

I am writing this on sentry I have no other time as fast as one job is done there are is another waiting to be done.

PS. Please put the keys on a proper label before giving them to Captain Hind.

09/07/1939 Hoopwick Farm Rudgewick Sussex

To Joan at Gertie.

From Peter To Joan

Dearest Joan

Sorry I missed you Tuesday. I saw Captain Hind in Sutton. Can’t write much just off to had a bath.

Leave has been cancelled until weekend. Hope to see you at Aunt Gertie’s Saturday afternoon or Sunday. Cannot say for certain which. I shall want to get at my brown trunk from the office. Also will you have Whittaker Road houses blue file handy. Love Peter

09/11/1939 From Hoopwick Farm

From Peter To Joan

Dearest Joan

I enclose cheque for £5.00 herewith, don’t spend it all at once.

I got back just after 630 last night it was all right. I should be a away again on Fridays, all being well, don’t forget the land army. If you’ll write me here as above, address letter to me in my private capacity. This is an official address, should you give my address to anybody else give the full army description.

2088311 Sapper P.H.Dibdin

325 co. RE Camp

Rowhook Horsham

Love Peter

10/06/1939 To Joan at Gertie's

From Peter To Joan

Many thanks for the find supply of fresh fruit darling also for the cigs and washing things. Just came at the right time. Shall expect you Sunday at noon and will be able to come out for the afternoon. Will you try and bring down the writing case with the certificates inside, the one I said take care of. Tomorrow I go to Cranleigh School to rugger.

Love Peter

11/09/1939 Rowhook To Joan at Granville Place Portman Square

From Peter To Joan

Darling

Many thanks for letter, so glad you arrived back without trouble.

It was very nice to have you down for the weekend. You must come again sometime. What a night that was.

Barrett gave me your message about Thursday night next, unfortunately all my leave has been cancelled so you see it is no good. I shall have to wait now until we get the seven days, if at all. The two Mitchell Brothers Reg and Charlie have been taken away ill to Dorking with temperatures of 101 and tummy aches.

We have been on guard alright now through being short and more to do by day. The M.O. has ordered that the camp be moved to a dryer spot, but not while we are here we hope, we have enough to do without having to move the whole camp.

We have us stuck up with the mud all this time and another week won’t hurt us.

Well must close now to go out in the rain on guard so cheerio for the present dear

love Peter

17/11/1939 Rowhook To Joan at Granville Place Portman Square

From Peter To Joan

Dearest Joan

Have no time to right now.

Have been transferred to Dunsfold as section driver. Do about 60 miles a day taking stores and rations around to sites.

I expect to go two DB next Thursday for seven days. Enclose cheque for £3.00 and love Peter

01/04/1940 From Broadbridge Heath Horsham

From Peter To Joan

My dear Joan

I tried to get in touch with you by the phone but without success. I only heard from Aunt Gertie on Saturday about our grandmother, her letter took five days to reach here. I have been terribly busy and have had my leave cancelled this week owing to pressure of work.

I had a feeling when we left grandma last time that I would not see her again. I have had a semi business letter from Uncle Stanley asking me to arrange for the removal of our affects at Medmenham as soon as possible.

Must close now no time. Hope to be in town Saturday lunchtime we’ll phone you then love Peter

Comment Frances Georgina Haycraft nee LAWTON must have died late December 1939

24/01/1940 From Broadbridge Heath.

From Peter To Joan

Dear Joan

Many happy returns for yesterday. I had hoped to be up in town for two days. In fact my leave has been had been granted and I was all packed up in the car said cheerio to the boys at Pinkhurst and left the site when I arrived at C hill for further instructions I was informed that I was not now due to report at Shornecliffe until the 29th so had to return to site. I had thought I would give you a surprise for your birthday, anyway all being well I shall get away on Saturday lunchtime. So cheerio till then love Peter

15/02/1940 From Broadbridge Heath

From Peter To Joan

Dearest Joan

Well here we are back at C.HQ again for another spell of leave. We left Pinkhurst yesterday morning at 11.00 hours after a weeks hard work cleaning up all equipment. We stay here until the 21st when we get our 7 day leave.

I have manage to get a decent job while here, that of section driver on the company’s staff. It means getting up at 6.30 and having the lorry ready at 7.30 when I have breakfast with the other drivers ( that is before the main body of men have a is ) at eight so go round to the rations store and load up and move off on the 50 mile round. Get back for lunch at 1.00 sometimes in CHQ or SHA. In the afternoon I go around with odds and ends to those sites requiring little things and also act as postman at same time. Quite interesting and finishing about 4.00. The other boys in the detachment have to do guard duty with the exception of Cooper for who will probably have to be Orderly Sergeant some days..

All men have to be in at night by 11 except CHQ staff who are allowed out until midnight – that’s me.

We sleep in dormitories which we call a spider. In my spider there are 16 bed, iron with springs and mattress, the side of each is a wardrobe and hanging cupboard. Central heating baths washing basins showers h &c, are adjoining by means of a corridor, well so much for all that.

Your letter has just come up so sorry about the sickness you must take care of yourself. It is now the 17th and this letter is not finished yet. I had to stop as we have a film in the NAAFI at 630. Ginger Rogers’s in Carefree. Quite good. It is 1.30 Saturday have just had lunch or dinner, after driving the old lorry round in thick virgin snow for 40 miles. We had a terrific snowstorm last night real gale. It was nearly 2 foot thick. I had to fit chains before starting out I don’t know yet whether I have to go around with the laundry this afternoon. I must go and telephone about it, if not I finished for the day. I must go and find out and post this at the same time.

Bill Gee has just heard that his cousin had been killed on a trawler of Scotland. About 20 of our lads left yesterday for France well I must stop so cheerio till Wednesday or Thursday. Love Peter

03/02/1940 No 1 Company 163 OCTU Risborough Barracks Shornecliffe Kent

From Peter To Joan

Dear Joan

Just a line to let you and no where I am. My directions here was so vague that the first night I spent in the wrong OCTU. Anyway it was rectified the next day. I was not sorry to change as the blokes were a funny lot from Reception Units mostly North country and Welshman.

Most of the chaps here are from the AA quite a different type. I have never known such a cold place. There is a continual wind and we are right on top of the cliffs.

Well dear will close now so cheerio and take care of yourself. I hope you have stayed in and are getting rid of the flu. By the way we get a fortnight at the east or so we’ll be seeing you. Love Peter

Comment OCTU = Officer Cadet Training Unit

11/03/1940 Cdt DIBDIN PH 2088311

163 OCTU (Artists Rifles) Risborough Barracks Shornecliffe

From Peter To Joan

Dearest Joan

I have received your letter and the one from Edith. I do think she might have given us more definite information as to when she was cleaning the house. Anyway can you arrange to have the remainder of the things removed to Montfords.

I will phone you tonight if I can get through. I enclose a cheque for twenty pounds as promised. Time is so short here we are on the go from 6.0 am without stopping until 10.00 pm. By the way my Easter leave, if any, will not start until the 30th. (March)

All love Peter.

Comment The house must have been Medmenham

Easter Sunday was on 24th March.

17/03/1940 Shornecliffe

From Peter To Joan

Dear Joan

I now have a moment to sit down and give you the news. I tried to phone you on Tuesday evening but it was no good. I wonder what has happened about the things at Medmenham. I wrote to Edith and informed her that had she given more definite notice as to when the sale was to have taken place, everything could have been removed but as she writes about six days before hand. I also told her that being in the army I could not cope with things as I it would in civil life. My time he’s not my own and until the war is over I cannot be expected to deal with things outside the army. You understand Joan, I cannot carry on civilian affairs while I am here. I live here and this is my home as long as I am here. I have enough to do and think of here without other things and stupid letters from Edith anyway so much for that.

Now about my life here at the Risborough Hotel as we call it. Of course I am unable to give you certain details and information you understand. We are the artists' rifles of the TA. We live in barrack rooms holding nineteen men and I am in the upper floor with a damn good group of chaps from different parts of the country, many from AA units like myself, some from infantry battalion of course, they have the advantage over us as they are used to be work of infantry units. We'll rise at 6.00 AM not at 6.02 AM. if you are caught in bed 2 minutes after when the the Sergeant comes in there is trouble. We made up beds, wash, clean up the room and parade outside at 7.00 for gargling parade, again at 7.15 for breakfast parade, at 7.45 to clean up outside parade at 7.55 for inspection of rifles and kit etc., at 8.00 and we start lectures etc up until 1 o'clock dinner. At 2.00 start lectures etc, until 5.30 to six. Wednesdays and Saturdays finish at dinnertime and games in the afternoon, tea at 5.00 after which our time is our own unless one is on special duties as is the case sometimes. Well after tea, we clean up our equipment etc ready for the morning, polish boots and all the rest then right up notes and read our books probably a snack in the NAAFI which closes at 9.20 and retire to bed with lights out at 10.15. So you seen we have no spare time at all, it is one of long rush from 6.00 AM

The only time we get out is on a Wednesday evening and Saturday and Sunday. Last night having cleaned up in the afternoon went into Folkestone about 6.00 had a few beers and a meal which was much appreciated, some more beer after that. Peter Graves one of the boys here has his people down staying at the Queen's Hotel so Alan Glover ( who by the way is a nephew of the Glover's who live in Carshalton Park Road, you may remember ) and I joined Peter and his family at the Queens and stayed there until about 11.30. We had to be in by 1.00 am Sunday morning so it was all right. On Sunday like today's we get up at 7.00 breakfast at 8.00 Church parade at 9.10 finish church and back into barracks about 11 read the paper do a spot of polishing boots and other little things that all take time, lunch at 12.30, rest after lunch, write letters as I am doing now which is the only possible time in the week to do it.

Later on after I have had a rest I shall make my bed, wash and smarten myself up, to go into Folkestone for a spot of tea with one or two of the blokes and probably go to a picture after which we shall have a few beers and returned back here about 9.45 for bed.

Next week we have a lot of marching to do. We are not looking forward to it at all. Well there is not much more to say now so will close dear. By the way I shall not be getting leave at the Easter, we work over Easter except Sundays but on 30th we all have leave for 10 days leave, so will not see you until the end of the month.

All love Peter

27/04/1940 St Martins Plain Shornecliffe

From Peter To Joan

My Dear Joan

Sorry I have been so long in writing but you know how things are here, as you see we have moved to the plane into the huts, it is really more pleasant than the barracks during the summer months. I hope you are keeping fit and the job still going well, I suppose the cut down in ATS personnel does not affect you.

We have been having a pretty thick time this month. Every Friday night for 4 weeks we have been inoculated for this and that TAB etc.

I am learning to ride a motor cycle now 500 cc BSA. We hope to go out next week to Dover and back, quite good fun.

Oh, by the way if you go down to the Montfords could you get out of one of the big trunks Daddy's Sam Browne belt. I saw it the other day and forgot to take it out.

That C/O is coming round now to inspect and then I go and make a sand table after that. So must close so cheerio old girl love Peter

05/07/1940 Card from St Martins Plain

From Peter To Joan

I am coming up to the Drift Bridge on Saturday. Shall be returning Sunday evening. If you care to come down from town, shall be very pleased. I am bringing a friend Bob eke with me. We propose going to the club Saturday night. I hope things are going well with you. All love Peter

Comment Club was at East Horsley. Joan did go and played darts

27/05/1940 St Martins Plain

From Peter To Joan

Dearest Joan

I am sorry I have been unable to write for some time, we are on the go the whole time here since Whitsun. We cannot even get out of the camp now except for about 2 hours every 10 days. I don't know what he's going to happen to us. There are rumours that we are moving or maybe sent to other OCTUs to complete our training although there is not much more for us to do, as we have all along been working faster than the previous companies.. We are engaged on those home defence and are on a 24 hour guard every third day. The other two days we get up at 3.00 AM and work all day on digging and wiring with stand to 1st thing in the morning for and last thing at night, so that we get about 4 1/2 hours in bed providing there is no air raid

We usually get than one and have to turn out of bed and man the defences so our 4 1/2 hours is cut down to about 2 hours. So you see every spare moment we get we snatch for a lie down. It is all good training and they say it makes us tough as we shall have to live under worse conditions in France.

I have just watch 12 of our bombers with 144 bombs go over to towards Belgium and am waiting to see how many comeback. We make a habit of this when we have time.

The weather here is breaking up and I'm afraid we don't see much more settled weather as the continuous gunfire breaks it up and causes rain. Let me know how you are getting on. I have a friend here who goes over to France on the ferry and has seen the swine bombing the Red Cross and refugees for 6 hours continuous. I missed a bomb by 25 yards the other day in Belgium. Well cheerio old girl and all love Peter

PS bombers just come back only nine so far up

14/07/1940 St Martins Plain

From Peter To Joan

My dear Joan

Well we had quite a pleasant journey in the train slept, most of the way, arrived Folkestone at 8.05, went to the esplanade for a cold meal of roast beef and salad and were back at camp at 9.30. It's very depressing in the town seeing no vans and very few people. I went out last night and had to walk back until a tram happened to come along. We all piled into it, about nine of us at a shilling a mob expense and just is we got back me all clear went, so we had bread and cheese in the Star Inn across the way. Am on guard all day today, have done quite a bit of it this week.

I think I will go on and see about a uniform on Wednesday if I am being passed out time is getting short, so will you send off me Sam Brown as soon as possible so that I can get one of the regulars have it to start working on it. It will take a week or so to getting up to a decent polish.

It is difficult to know what to write about one cannot talk shop.

Well cheerio for the moment all love dear Peter

PS has David joined up yet or is he going to.

26/07/1940 St Martin's Plain

From Peter To Joan

Darling

Many thanks for the Sam Brown and your letter. I shall not be needing it after all as I shall not be going on with the commission. I'm afraid I have never been interested in the infantry and shall only be too glad to get out of it. I'm trying to get back to 325 Coy if possible. If I can get some leave before I leave here I shall be lucky. There is little I can say at the moment so I will write again later on.

All love Peter.

08/08/1940 325th Bty Coombe Place

Offham nr Lewes

From Peter To Joan

My dear Joan

I am surprised at your letter received today asking so suddenly for all that money. Why did you not say something about it the other day. It is impossible that you have had to require it since then and cannot be in need of so large a sum. It was not so long ago that you had £20 to settle debts etc.

Before I can pay out any more money I must know why you want it so suddenly and how you propose to use it.

I am sorry to sound hard but you must let me know the reason for this sudden demand.

As you see I have moved. I left 163 on Sunday and here with the old Coy.

I don't know what they are going to do with me, at the moment I go round site giving them a ????? amount of training in different things, will write later when I am settled down

Love Peter.

Comment Joan is still not 21 - still under the Public Trustees.

14/08/1940 325 Battery Coombe Place Offham

From Peter To Joan

I am so sorry I could not send you the money but you understand I think, anyway now that you given some explanation I am quite prepared to send some to the sum of £5.

What has happened why don't you tell me, both your letters arrived at the same date and I can gather nothing from them except surmise. In the mean time I will try and phone you darling Love Peter.

11/12/1940 Coombe Place Offham

From Peter To Joan

Darling Jo

Terribly disapointed to have missed you yesterday, you had only left Middlesex 20 minutes. Jack told me on the phone that you were to be moved at 11.00hrs.

It was impossible for me to get out to Mount Vernon and back in the time. I spoke to the sister and she is very concerned about you. She said you have been overdoing things and have not taken care of yourself.

I am greatly relieved to hear that you are getting over this attack but you do not realise how serious it is. You will have to put yourself in the doctors hands. I understand that you have the best man there.

When you come out I want you to go to Auntie Ger at Reigate to rest and not go back to town. In fact I would like you to come here for a while and stay at the Bull Newick (7 miles from Peter's Camp).The people who own it Mr and Mrs Wilson are very charming, there are 4 or 5 residents who would be good company for you, a comfortable old world lounge with Radiogram and Grand Piano. It is only 1 1/2 miles from my billet and lovely country around. I hear Ancaster House is moved to the West Country and is now used as a depository, isn't it a shame, the tennis courts have been badly bombed. Let me know if there is anything you would like. I hope to get some leave next week but of course it is not certain. We are having some wet weather at the moment but hope it won't completely drown us. I spoke to Auntie Ger yesterday on the phone, also your note I received this morning on the back of her letter - thankyou my dear.

I only just been moved into my billet. It is an annexe to a country house of course, it is absolutely devoid of all furniture but it has a sink with some cold water a W.C. and electric light - my room I share with another fellow Sam Tolly . Had roller blinds and a curtain faces south across the grounds.

Well must close my dear with the best of luck and get well quick

All love Peter.

Comment Joan was ill at this time and start at the Middlesex Hospital before moving to Mount Vernon. Ref Letter from Margaret having a go. Needless to say Joan did not seem to rest up when out of hospital.

21/01/1941 Coombe Place Offham Newick 67

From Peter To Joan

Dearest Joan

It was good to see you over the weekend but a pity your stay was so short darling. I'm sorry you had to go off in such a rush but you were quite right, duties come first and I am proud of you for it. In fact I am proud of you all the time, my dear, knowing that you are doing a great thing, right in the front line because that's where you are in this war, all people in London and the big cities doing work like yours. I know our Mum and Dad would fell the same, and that you have grown up to womanhood to be worthy of them and those before them. You are now a soldier and a true citizen of the state and may God hold you and preserve you to carry out your responsibilities as such.

I have no doubt in my mind that we have to face harder things in the future and we shall need all the self control and courage to overcome them which we shall, we must do so. When this war is over there will be a new era and social revolution, life will be very different - there will be social reform and nationalisation it is bound to come.

Well I won't go ambling on as there is no time now, but I'd feel very proud of my little sister and wish her under the present circumstances all the very best I can for the future. I'm afraid there will be a delay in obtaining a suitable present to commemorate the great day of Thursday, but we shall have to celebrate later.

I hope to be in town on the 28th Tuesday next so could you arrange to be free. Give me a ring Monday night after 10.15pm

I went to the Strachaus Coatstale Sunday 12.00 to 2.30 quick hand at the Drift Club and reported back here at 4.00pm

So cheers for the time being with all love your Brother Peter.

Comment Joan will be 21 years old in 2 days time.

21/07/1941 Offham Lewes

From Peter To Joan

My dear Joan

I arrived back at 10.30 the other day without incident except for giving 12 soldiers lifts, as soon as I dropped one I had picked up another etc.

There has been trouble at troop HQ (domestic) so I am at battery HQ now on the operational staff.

Personally I am not sorry. Gerry Goddam is very fed up and so in is Shuttleworth and both are trying to get moved now. I have not written to Mater but must do so soon as possible.

At the moment we are terribly busy as the whole of regiment is moving so it will be as one you ringing up again.

I will let you know new address as soon as possible it is near Farnham and ldershot and he conditions are not too good, I understand mostly under canvas.

I shall be sorry to leave this area in a way it is very pleasant. The whole thing has been kept so secret that there is no time to say goodbye to some of my friends here. We are all packed up and you had to leave tomorrow. Had hoped to set get into Lewes tonight but the rumour is going around that all leave cancelled (they are afraid the chaps may get drunk being the last night) anyway rumours are rumours and you know what they are.

Well cheerio darling for the present love Peter

23/07/1941 Westfields, Wrecclesham Farnham

From Peter To Joan

My dear Joan

Here we are at last up to our eyes in work, the move went off and very smoothly but what a place this is.

I left Combe Place for here by car having received a petrol ration to cover the 60 mile journey at 10.00 hours arriving Farnham 13.00 had lunch in the town and reported here at 14.00 hours.

We have a small country house situated in a wood. (stopped for supper now 20.30 hours).

About 30 miles from Farnham and seven from Aldershot. Various huts are dotted about under the trees, what it will be like in wet weather goodness knows.

We spent all yesterday afternoon and evening unloading lorries and getting our kit in.

I have the good fortune of living in the house as our operation room is on the ground floor. We have to be a short notice call 24 hour duty.

I am living in a small attic room with a dormer window on the top floor with sharing with three other Fellows, Blaber, Oscar Wilde and Tom Davis a Welsh boy.

The place was absolutely filthy when we arrived but we have put in a hard day's work cleaning up and it doesn't look so bad now just a little cramped, we have collapsible camp beds and mine collapsed under me at 5.30 this morning fortunately I have a lot of baggage which has to go under the bed so I did not fall very far. I have been on the switchboards all the afternoon and can tell you it take some sorting out. I start operations very shortly for an all night session I until 8.32 hours tomorrow. It is quite in the affair what will happen tonight I don't know. It will be rather funny. We just come in andt he other people went out and we have to sort the whole thing out ourselves. Any way it is quite interesting and by the way owing to the move I have not done myself too badly by getting on this job. I will tell you when I see you. This pen won't write or the paper won't take I don't know which.

Hope you are getting on OK. Don't know when I shall be able to see you as there is no leave granted yet and I understand there will be none until after August bank holiday.

If you see Mater or the girls give my love and hope to be over soon.

Must go now, have to work and cleanup to get ready for the night now. So cheerio darling lots of love Peter

Comment Joan had first gone to 4 Pinfold Road in May 1941 and met Tony on 7th June 1941.

20/08/1941 From Westfields To Granville Place

From Peter To Joan

Darling Joe

What a pity you could not stay Sunday. Even so it was quite a pleasant surprise you being there. Everyone seemed very well. Jim left at 6.00 to hitch back to Warrington and I left at 7.30 called at the Drift deposited my kit bag and squash racket, saw Hath who was in good spirits and Miss Griffiths and others.

Miss Griff told me to go and see her find brother at a farm house; he and his wife keep a guesthouse called The Temple Lounge after his name.

So yesterday afternoon I was out with Norman Appleby rather early and as a loose end so we called on Mrs Temple just after lunch.

His wife a very pretty charming woman entertained us with a cup of tea and after we had introduce ourselves, her husband joined us later, a very pleasant fellow who has been blind since the age of 18 has three children who he has never seen, two boys and In the AA guns the other still at school, mad about aircraft draws posters etc FLY WITH THE RAF an all that sort of thing, very good work, and a daughter aged 7 interesting child.

Well we stayed to tea which was a very good one, talks in general and Mr. Temple took us round his garden , a very large garden to show us all the staff he is growing and in fact we had a very excellent afternoon. Of course they want us to go again and he is very keen on chess in fact he plays chess with people out East by correspondence.

They have a large guest house and have got over all the staff troubles by making all the rooms self contained with hot and cold, small gas cookers and rings etc so that the people may sort the room to what they like in it and entirely look after themselves rather like yours.

Unfortunately we will not be able to visit them again as we are moving on Friday or Saturday back to Combe Place, Lewes. So you will write there again dear. As far as I know at the moment my 7 days leave starts on Wednesday 3rd September.

So cheerio for the present, have to go to lunch now then on duty until 8.30 tomorrow morning love Peter

27/11/1941 Coombe Place Offham To 4 Pinfold Road

From Peter To Joan

Joe Darling

How are you - have tried to get in touch with you by phone but without success your number does not seem to exist any longer. I do think you might keep me informed and at least let me have the correct one.

How are Mater and the Girls. … Hope to get some leave on Monday so give me a ring here at Lewes 1077 sometime on Sunday ……. Pretty busy …. playing Rugger ….Let me know how things are and ring me up.

All love Peter.

Comment Joan had moved in with the Guise family

18/12/1941 From Bexhill on Sea To 4 Pinfold Road

From Peter To Joan

Joe Darling

How are you, well you seen where we are now I never thought when you were at school that I should be at Bexhill under the circumstances.

What a place, it was bad enough then, but now.

Most of our of battery are billeted in Normandale school, opposite St John's about 3 minutes walk from Bexhill West station.

I have just had my first meal for two days. We arrived here yesterday morning and hung about all day no food no bed just a blanket on a hard floor no fires, no lights and no blackouts. Oh I forgot no hot water and the Colonel says it's 12 times better than the other place we were going to "Micheldiver". I suppose there is something in it. Rick Madge and I are sharing a room at the moment until we gets thrown out by some wretched little Sergeant. Well they are all gone for the present so that won't happen.

We stuck it until 4.30 yesterday afternoon, doing nothing, so slipped into the town or what's left of it. Came back it 10.20 and were told we were on charge. Apparently the DSM put me down for guard with another 3 HQ staff and they were only 3 of them at 5.30, so what the hell. There were no orders again today, so went out again this morning and came back for lunch. As soon as I have finished this, if I shall go out again, can't sit on the floor all night and all day. I suppose those are couple of hundred of us but where they all hide, I can't say. Oh it's really a B... Rick's on guard today so can't go out. Of course we have to stand up for meals in mess tins. Just as we had got well settled in at Combe Place with the central cook and ATS to wait on us.

Of course many tears were shed when we left. We haven't been given a new name yet so for the present we are still a sub regiment although we have nothing to do with S/Ls now. Tomorrow I suppose we start our toughening up training, one feels like a turkey being fattened up for Christmas.

Well I am so cold now dear we'll write again later.

Give my love to Yvonne, Mary and Mater

Comment Address torn off letter. But he is near Ancaster School

29/12/1941 Gunner P.H.Dibdin 2088311 325/31st s/h Regt RA First House

Clavering Walk

Cooden Beach Bexhill on Sea

From Peter To Joan

Joe Darling

Thanks for the letter and smashing pipe. What a beauty. It nestles down very nicely between my coat collar when I am on guard at night without being conspicuous and it is easy to slip into the pocket if anyone comes along.

Do hope you are fit and have lost your cold.- I have just developed one, most unpleasant and did you have a good Christmas darling. Sorry I could not appear. There is nothing more I can say about happenings here than I said in my letter to Mater and as you have heard all that you won't want it all over again here. When is Tony getting home. It seems I shall not get leave till the end of January. I was hoping to get up over the New Year and bring the car up and store it in George Flowers garage at North Sheen, there seems no point in taxing it again as we shall be moved right away from towns soon and petrol is so difficult to get except for army motors and it seems likely that we shall get quite a lot of them in the near future. So I have decided the time has come to give up running the car.

Have you heard any more about your job yet and whether you are likely to be kept on or transferred to another post.

Thank you for doing the socks darling. Don't bother to send them. I can manage without them at the moment.

Had a letter from Auntie Ger thanking me for my card. They are not sending them this year.

She said she has not heard of you since you stayed weekend early in the year but is writing you again in the hope of an answer.

Uncle is doing the garden, they have no maid, the camouflage officer is still there, she has not heard from Pat and wonders whether we are still together.

They have some fowl now so get a few eggs now and again.

She had a letter from John written on 17 November. He had just returned from a visit to friends at Alorstart and has been walking all around Kedah (Malaya). He is attached to the service though still in the police. He is unable to tell them his job, so they think it is intelligence.

If fact John was working in the Jungle with the Communists behind the Japanese lines.

Jeff is still at Horton, gets over occasional weekends. Uncle Stanley is at Epping and has not been seen for some time.

Pat is here with me. I saw him over Xmas and he enquired after you. He has his second pips now. He seems fairly fed up with the job, he says the only good the regiment has done him is to find him someone (my last piece of paper). He is unofficially engaged to her an ATS. Quite a nice girl so someone tells me.

Apart from this I have heard no more news of any one.

We have no wireless and gets no papers and it is very cold, so you can not be surprised if we are browned off, we can get out quite a lot to pictures and pubs but money is running short so there you are. Well all the very best darling in the New Year and my love and best wishes to the family, Peter

Comment Kehah was the first bit of Mayala attacked by Japan. Later John Davis,their cousin, was working behind the Japanese lines in the jungle with the communists.

20/11/1942 From 408 Lt AA Bty RA c/o GPO Ryde Isle of Wight To Stanthorpe Road

From Peter To Joan

My Dear Joe

I expect by now you have moved into the flat and I am sure you have made it very attractive. I do hope the curtains turned out well. You poor thing having so much to do on you own. I shall be really interested in hearing how Tony liked it or didn't. Did he enjoy his leave. I would like to have seen him but perhaps it is better that he should settle down in his own home first before having to give homage to various relatives. I do hope you are happy old girl and that you have had a good leave together. What on earth did Tony say to all that stuff - I should think he had a fit.

I am sorry my dear, I wasn't too bright on my leave but I feel it will be different next time as a matter of fact, I felt better when I go back here, I think the air over here is just what I need.

It is useless me seeing that the doctor here for reasons I cannot explain now but will do so later.

How are things at home .. Mater well I hope and the girls getting resigned to troubles. I feel very sorry for them but they must try try not to worry, it is jolly bad luck.

Excuse this awful scrawl this is all the paper and the pen and ink in ?????

I have sent some Pyrex dishes under separate cover. If the large one is too big give it to Mater. I thought the small casserole would be very useful to you being a small family.

If Mrs Midd offers you the quick fry, take it, it is a marvellous thing.

There is no news to tell from this end dear, I believe Pat is back in the neighbourhood. Tell me how did you get on at Gertie's. Did you have a good reception, I mean a genuine one.

There is nothing very exciting doing here darling and I shall be looking forward to seeing you in your new little home of your own so God bless you

All my love Peter.

Comment Joan and Tony were married on 3rd Oct 1942

26/12/1942 From 408 Lt AA Bty, Att 11th Lt AA, Training Camp, Stiffkey, Norfolk

From Peter To Joan

Joe Darling

Have been trying to get a letter of to you for some time now but something always seems to butt in at my letter writing time.

I only just managed to send off one of to Mater in time for Christmas.

I do hope things went well with you dear. I take it you went to Mater's for Christmas

It does not seem a bit like Christmas with us. Have been working pretty hard lately and only setting out after dark and the shops are shut. We left Cowes on the 23rd early in the morning and arrived at this dead hole late at night.

What a lousy place. There are 3 pubs one won't serve soldiers and the other two will only serve us with beer and if you say anything they threaten not to serve us at all. Oh your parcel has just come in and I am glad. I'm right out of both and unable to get any. Only five fags a day from the NAAFI on coupons and one has to queue up for 45 minutes or more. On Christmas day they wouldn't sell any. They worked every day here starting before 8.00 in the morning except Christmas day. Of course there was a Church parade that took about an hour and 1/2 to form the parade up and get to the service which took 20 minutes, the parade after and march back just in time to march to the Christmas dinner at 12.30 and after the sergeant had shifted us about so as to sit by the troop and not with one's friends dinner was served by the officers and sergeants who enjoyed and got more kick out of it than he did out of the dinner. They dished up some cold beer. I had 2 pints by the time that was over we had to get ready for guard and have tea and get on guard at 40.45 hours all night. I tell you I am not surprise Rector did what he did and as it's is cold no fires till after tea and the dining hut with concrete floors are very cold. What a surprise Tony arriving. How is he settling in and has he begun that IFCS course yes.

There was a dance last night with about 30 girls between 1000 men. As soon as we get away from here the better.

I don't know when you will get this letter. There hasn't been a post out of for three days, it is very spasmodic. This place is right out of in the wilds miles from anywhere. No one has had any mail in except for that which was bought for over from the island.

I saw Ian Peak the other day and had a drink. Marjorie is expecting in about a month. He works with the firm of Saunders Roe. I was very friendly with the works manager and his family. They have and very charming house next to our old site. We spent many evenings with them playing table tennis and there was always plenty of hot water for baths. Miss Watson was very good to the fellows and was preparing a big Christmas feast for us had we stayed. It was very unfortunate we had to move away just before Christmas.

I have tried to get you something darling in the way of presents but it has been impossible to get out to the shops. Miss Watson managed to get me a small tin of baby puried pears from Shanklin, I will b ring when I get some leave if any. At the moment it is all stopped.

I expect to leave here on the 4th of January and returned to the Isle of Wight, same old address. The regiment is still there it's only my battery that's away. They said it was an honor to come here but we don't.

You can't see the sea at all at, it is all marshes in front of the gun post miles of it. Most desolate place. Cromer is about 16 miles to the west of us. Isn't it amazing. I had been just put on a generator course for a few days, to learn how to work petrol motors. I could teach the instructors more than he knows. It seems you have to know nothing to get on in this Regiment. Well I must get back to the gun Park and learn how to clean a sparking plug and turn the petro on and off. So will wish you all the very best darling for the New Year and God bless you and your yours my sweet with all my love darling Peter

11/01/1943 From 408 Lt AA Bty RA, c/o GPO, Ryde Isle of Wight, To Stanthorpe Road

From Peter To Joan

Joe Darling

How are you and how are things going. As you see we are back again. It appears dear that leave of any description has gone right up the spout. For some considerable time to come. It may be that we will only get one more on leave which might be 14 days.

I hope all is well with you, fortunately I am pretty fit myself. We had a a rotten time over Christmas and don't want to see that place again, the less said the better.

I have absolutely no you news to give you a except that everyone is thoroughly fed up about leave.

I had a letter sent on to me from Mater and am very sorry to hear of all the trouble of sickness, she tells me she had seen is very little of you these days and feels very sorry for herself and is trying to get her old job back.

Poor thing she has had a lot of worry this last year, and I only hope things will be better for her in 1943.

Had a letter, oh you sent that it of course from Auntie Ger, sorry to hear about and Mrs.Sansbury.

I suppose you have written, did you include me if not I must write. Mr. Sansbury is still about I take it. He will be very lonely.

Gertie said she was very pleased to see you looking so well and happy and he is hoping to see Tony one day. Well darling must close and take great care of yourself and God bless you all love Peter

Is it possible to get my fountain pen repaired.

26/01/1943 From Ventnor, (Isle of Wight)

From Peter To Joan

Joe Darling

Your letter of the 12th January arrived and I thank you darling. I see from your letters things won't be long now and that you are very busy preparing baby clothes. I can't quite imagine it, it is not so long ago that you were so hopelessly undomesticated, and all in a year you changed so completely and are running a house and without doubt will be a splendid mother. Are you having Winterton the man you saw earlier. Is there anything you want or need that I can help you and if so don't fail to let me know darling. It is so difficult when one is so out of touch and not on the scene.

I see that Tony is in South Wales for a time , two months you say, so there is not much chance of you seeing him for a while, so glad you were able to get together for Christmas.

Have been staying at Freshwater for a few days and came back here yesterday, next week I shall be going to Burnham but doubt whether I shall have time to look you up on the way, anyway I may get a chance to slip up to town from there, it is not so very far out and I think I should get a day off during the month there.

It doesn't look as if I shall need that coat after all unless I get a new job because at the moment it looks as if I shall be joining the other boys shortly, April I expect.

I told you Ian Peat has just been presented with a daughter, Mary Elizabeth, I think they are ?????????? her.

I had a letter from Mater dated 16th Dec last telling me of all her troubles with sickness and others and I wrote again the other day and suggested she should go away for a change and let the house look after itself for a change. I suggested she might like to come to Burnham while I am there officially as the raids are starting again and it is pretty clear that they are going to intensify as the German fronts are getting smaller. In fact it would be a good move for you to get away from them in your condition. Why not join her and come together. What do you think about it. I hope you don't attempt to go outside during the raid, it is so much more dangerous now than last year as the barrage from our AA guns is so much heavier than anything before and can and does inflict very heavy casualties of the unfortunate people who have to stay out of doors so be careful.

Fancy you hearing from the Muirs and a card from David. No news of him I suppose and apart from Miss Francese conveys nothing to me I am sorry to say.

I haven't written to Evelyn Stansbury and I fear it is too late now.

Did you get that box from the trustees. I'm longing to see you little home darling but God knows when I shall be able to see you, things are just the same as before Christmas and look like continuing to be so for a long time. Gertie says they had a cable from John and all is well with him - no news of the boys yet I suppose. When is Marie joining up and what in.

Well darling will close as no more news or was there any, so take great care of yourself and God bless you

All my love Peter.

17/02/1943 From 12 Commongate Road Hythe Kent

From Peter To Joan

Joe Darling

It was very good to see you last weekend and thanks for putting Jack up. I hope you did not mind my bringing him along but it would have been rotten for him there alone. He enjoyed his weeken I know. We made the train ok with about 15 minutes to spare and arrived back at Dropmore at 5.15 just had time for tea and then to the Concert. ….

.. Got up at 2.00am and marched 5 miles to station -travelled by train - slept the night in a Martello Tower on the sea front and now in Bed with Flu in R.A.P. at the Small Arms School.

Surprisingly the Medical Officer know him from School- Epson College and said staying in R.A.P. was better than Hospital. Peter left the batteries with Joan, please could she sent them and get some more.

Regarding Wedding present- Peter will give money so Joan and Tony can buy something they really want.

…

[Regimental Aid Post (RAP) is a front-line military medical establishment incorporated into an infantry battalion or armoured regiment for the immediate treatment and triage of battlefield casualties.]

[Dropmore was probably a building in Canterbury, maybe near St Martins Church. The train journey after the 5 mile march must have been on the old Elham Valley Train arriving near Folkestone and then they marched a few miles to the Martello Tower on the way to Hythe.]

Comment Wednesday -Date estimated

27/02/1943 From 12 Commongate Road Hythe Kent

From Peter To Joan

My Dear Joe

How are you getting along dear. I'm sorry not to be able to get up this weekend, there may be a chance next month. On Wednesday I expect to be at leave so my stayed here is not long.

I am probably being discharged from the RAP today. I got up Saturday and the M.O. told me to get out, so I slipped into Folkestone to have a look around the old place.

You remember Squad Barnett's at Hoopwick Farm, well I met him on the bus so we went to the pictures a most peculiar film called The Thunder Rock awful tripe, and then we went to the esplanade, a place I used to frequent a lot two years ago and ran into John Grace, as big as ever he's lost a pip any two now.

Well I got back at 8.30 and the Sergeant wanted to see me, apparently he had had a fit, did not know I was out. I told I'd been to Folkestone and all about it and he was annoyed at my doing such a thing. Their own men apparently can't get out without a pass and then only in Hyde itself. He couldn't understand how are we in the RA were allowed so much latitude anyway I smoothed him over and then he said you ought to have known better than stop out in the night air, anything might happen and so forth. Anyway it was all right in the end and he said it was thoughtless of me. He's knew I did not mean it so I did not disturb his mind and we parted good friends so I expect to be out to day.

Captain Bosworth my OC called to paying me yesterday and said he heard all sorts of stories about my meeting with the M.O. and shaking hands and all that and yesterday said it was about time I came out. Anyway I feel better now and can't bear to stay in here just walking about the place fully clothed. I don't mind when one is in bed. I wrote Mater yesterday told her I was here so wouldn't see her for a while.

Have they come to see you from Reigate yet. You don't get many visitors dear, don't you get lonely at times. I wish I was nearer to town and could slip in now and again. Chin up old girl it won't be long now and I think of you a lot so God bless all the if you my love darling Peter

9 7

05/03/1943 From c/o GPO Leigh on Sea, Essex

From Peter To Joan

My Dear Joe

Many thanks dear for sending the socks and thank you for the Tobacco and Cigs it was sweet of you a very nice little parcel also the batteries. I say if you can get more do so they are impossible to get round here and even if they weren't I never get out when the shops are open.

So glad you received the parcels ok. That's great having the Ascot fixed and so quickly too, what a shame they messed up your lovely kitchen when you keep it so nice.

Oh don't worry about me I am quite ok now I had four days in bed and feel better for it. How was Neil when you saw him let me know and give him my love.

I hope you are not feeling too bad old girl chin up and don't worry. I must say I was was surprised to see you look so well. I only hope you feel as well as you looked. Will write later - have just been called out by the Police to see about some lights or something on the W/Ls. They want a white light instead of a red one so will have to go now.

Much Love Dear Peter.

13/03/1943 From 408/123 Lt AA Regt RA, c/c GPO, Leigh on Sea Essex, To Middlesex Hospital

From Peter To Joan

Joe Darling

Great News old girl. I had a wire from Jean arrived yesterday. Did you get my telegram sent off yesterday. Heartfelt congratulations. A boy I bet you are pleased its what you wanted wasn't it. I tried to ring the hospital but couldn't get through. First it was not St Georges, I don't know I seemed to have it fixed in my mind you were going there. Phoned Mater found she was ill. I bet Marie answered said you were in the Middlesex had heard the baby had arrived but no details. So tried to get through and again tonight but air raids on and no lines available. Jean said you were both doing well. Great stuff and God bless you both. I am thankful that is over and I bet you are too.

I expect you have seen Tony by now, so sorry I can't get up, it impossible. All out on schemes day and night and tomorrow might be starting on a four or five day mobile scheme. So I don't know where I shall get to my address will still be here though.

Your letter arrived last night, am so glad you had Jean to look after you she is such a kind girl.

It has got much colder today and it is practically freezing in my room here so am going to crawl into bed -am very tired after driving about all day in an open truck. So God bless my darling and your little one

All my love Peter.

Comment Raoul born Thursday 11 March 1943

letter -Saturday

21/03/1943 From 408/123 Lt AA Regt RA, c/c GPO, Leigh on Sea Essex

From Peter To Joan

My Darling Joe

Your letter reached me on my way back from our mobile scheme and very welcome. I am so glad it is all over and has turned out so well 8 lbs 4 1/2 ozs is very good and above average. I like the way you say he is the ugliest little thing you could possibly imagine and then in the next breath you say he is just like the photo of me when a baby. I was considered, I'll have you know, quite a magnificent specimen for one so young although I cannot recall the weight. Anyway the nurse says he is beautiful and I am sure she knows.

I am so glad they make you comfortable and look after you well. I wonder if Gertie has been to see you. I hope you let her know.

Will you thank Jean for sending the Telegram as I do not know her address. How is she and her family. I am very pleased she was with you and she is such a decent girl. What are you going to name the little one, perhaps you haven't thought yet and has Tony any ideas. I suppose you haven't seen Mater as she is not too well.

I go off on another scheme tomorrow or rather Tuesday, it is a business moving about all the time and sleeping where ever one happens to finish up at the end of the day, sometimes in the open, sometimes in a barn and one night we got into a house and sleeped between sheets . Tres bien !

I fear it will not be possible to get up to town until next leave and when that will be goodness knows. [7 deleted lines]

Sorry I can't put the above in, it is too risky only don't worry because you can't read it. Oh by the way my detachment has won the Best Bofor Cup for the fastest gun to be put into action and taken out of action. In action 72 sec Out in 78 secs.

We are now waiting to compete with 121 LAA Regt who are down here so wish us luck.

Well dear so long for the present and take care of yourself and baby too, am looking forward to seeing you and my nephew too

My love to you both Peter.

01/04/1943 From c/o RAF Station, Nrth Coates, Nr Grimsby

From Peter To Joan

Joe Darling

I am writing this in the train the dawn has just broken and the sun is peeping up across the long outstretching countryside on Lincolnshire, the clouds are fairly low and it seems there is a possibility of rain. Have had a rather rough night but a little sleep. We left Leigh at 20.30 and marched to Southend Station, the train left at 23.00 hrs. I think we are due to arrive at some place about 7.00hrs. I am travelling with John Hailey, you remember him at Chailey and the Bull. He slept on the table.(we are in the dining car) and I across the seat with my feet up on my pack.

One of our officers has just come along to say start getting our kits. And so I won't be able to finish this here, of course they always start getting ready hours before we are due to arrive but that the army way. I suppose one can't blame them when you consider some of the fellows they have to deal with. They broke the parade off at the station last night for the chaps to rest instead of waiting in ranks. They were told not to go away and to fall in exactly as they were before the order being given. Well when it was given there were about 16 missing out of our troop alone and it took them nearly half an hour to round them up, so you see one can't blame them.

The sun has gone in now and it generally overcast. I suppose you are out of the Hospital by now and hope you are getting your strength back and you are at home or staying with Jean. I hope the latter. Excuse this awful scrawl but the train is rather inclined to sway.

How is baby Raoul. When am I going to see him, about the middle of this month I hope my seven days is about done in this third batch, the start tomorrow 2nd.

Now we are going to settle down to a 15 hour a day sort of life but not for long. We have done too well on the mobile course. Am without report for the brigade which means we won't stay in ADGB about two months I should say and then across the water possibly the far East it seems the popular opinion of those in official circles.

I could just about do with a bloody good breakfast now but no such luck.

John and I went to Southend after lunch yesterday and had an other one at Garons the big caterers. We had braised steak pie savoy cabbage chip potatoes tea. Apple pie and custard with stewed rhubarb. Marvellous such a meal I haven't had for years. The girl piled up our plates with it and was it good and the amazing thing the price was 1/8d . Then we went to the pictures and saw Bette Davis in the Marked Woman. Wonderful acting. We came out and then back to the Garons and had Lager and a terrific plateful of wilkes and cockles and butter then some very fine cold Veal and ham pie with French dressing and chip potatoes. After that special cream trifle and finished up with coffee.

We arrived at our station so had to stop. Have now reached our position on a drome [aerodrome It is pretty exposed to wind etc but if the weather plays fairwith us it shouldn't be too bad. I don't know if I shall have a chance to go up in a Beaufighter. I hope so it is sometimes possible. Oh thanks for sending the announcement of Winifred ~ I can't quite imagine it somehow.

Well dear, will stop now. I have plenty to keep me busy for sometime now sorting things out on a new site and Reconning local conditions.

With all love darling Peter.

08/04/1943 From c/o H.m.Fuel Depot,East Halton , Grimsby

From Peter To Joan

Joe dear

I am in a bit of a quandary about my leave, it has just been granted for next Monday the 12th for 9 days. The point is I have just developed a bit of a cold and I don't want to come and see you while in that state and introduce it to young Raoul at his young age. So if it is not better by tomorrow I will try and prospone my leave till a later date, say the 21st. If I get it then of course. I may not be able to change it at all, in that case it will just be unfortunate as I won't be able to see you. It is an awful nuisance as everyone is clamering for leave and they won't all get it in the short time available.

As you see I moved again - only got word at 7.00hrs this morning and had to be on the road at 8.00hrs. Arrived here no food of course everything is in a filthy state and it is now 21.15 and no rations yet. Oh I managed to get an hour and a half flying in the other day but the weather was not too good for visibility. Anyway it was quite a good trip and the old kyte was very smooth. The post is just going so must get this off now dear

all love Peter.

05/01/1943 c/o RAF Station, Bircham Newton , Kings Lynn, Norfolk

From Peter To Joan

Dearest Joe

Many thanks for your letter which I have miss laid. Pat's letter I have sent on by Regtl D.L.L.S. as I have no idea where he is at present. Perhaps you are now staying with Jean if so give her my kindest regards. Since my return from leave I had three moves and may be another shortly. They appear to be fixing things things up for us to settle all domestic affairs so that there won't be any inconvenience when the time comes for us to go overseas.

Oh can you get me some tobacco and matches, not Balkan Sobrani, a mixture if possible it is unobtainable here and have [not] been able to get any since leave also matches, unless I am with someone else I am unable to get a light. Would you look around for a lighter as none of mine work, could you get me a utility one I can always get the petrol. Will you please treat these as urgent darling, I have never been in such a fix before over such a small matter but I assure you it means a lot on the job. The food is bloody and very little of it which is just as well.

How is the little one is his breathing any better -oh are you going to have him immunised against Diptheria.

Also will you forward me an Income Tax 1943 - 44 Return of income form you can get them from the Post Office I think.

About my coat I shall leave it until I come to town again. How much did you say it cost. I shall have to give some money to pay for it. Well dear all for the present I wrote to Mater why don't you take Raoul and Mater and have a week or so in the country somewhere in Sussex while the good weather is about, it would do you all good, think it over.

All Love Peter Thanks for the labels.

Comment estimated date - Pat is probably Pat Haycraft. One of Gerties 3 sons.

14/05/1943 c/o GPO St Olaves, Nr Great Yarmouth

From Peter To Joan

My Dearest Joe

Bags of thanks for the parcel. The lighter is fine and the tobacco is very good just the right kind. I'm giving it a pretty good bashing and its ground. I hope you enjoyed your stay with Jean, I suppose her baby is quite grown up now. I am so glad Raoul is fine he is a great little chap.

You are luck to have Tony home at weekends. How is he liking his course. I must finish this letter and get it off. I started two days ago, it is perfectly hopeless here to get any time to oneself. As you see from the address we are in a hot spot and were hurried here last week as a result of the raids. The ATS got it rather badly about 70 killed. Fortunately the weather is good, we cook on open fires and the cook has been taken away so we all have a turn at it when we are off the gun which is'nt very long as its full manning all the time. Now I have to go to dinner so shall have to finish off.

Today I am (in my spare moments which are long) building a field kitchen fire complete with oven and flue pipe. Oven make out of an old milk churn from the local farm. Of course we have tents which I like at this time of the year. We are only two miles from Oulton Broad where I used to spend Easters before the war on tour. Must try and get over there is possible.

Myself I have just returned from a weeks course at R.T.W. headquarters - a good time. Just Drill and Duties course. No Guards or duties out every evening and the beer and dancing in the village four nights. I was hoping to be sent on a gunnery course as well but owing to this emergency they have been cancelled for the time being and of course leave is stopped, so will not get mine as soon as I anticipated. Anyway we don't expect to stay here longer than a week or so. I have a hunch we shall go south soon.

Will say cheerio darling as a bloke is going to the post now

All love Peter.

Comment estimated date

02/06/1943 From Waveney Hill, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft

From Peter To Joan

My dear Joe

How are things with you. I had hoped to see you before this in fact I was due to go on 48hrs last week but it was cancelled at the last minute. The Last one I had was for your wedding. We are kept pretty busy with practically no relaxation day and night, the only consolation is the weather being good, if is wasn't it would be bloody. We are terribly short of men and it means being on most of the time and then there are the fatigues to see for the collection of water and wood for cooking, maintenance of the site and general equipment.

I don't expect to be here much longer, I fear there is a more strenuous time ahead. I have managed to get out to the Wherry, the pub we used to stay at over Easter before the war. Of course they remembered me directly but its all very different now, in fact most places are closed or have no beer.

It is coming on to rain now so will have to get the kits inside so cheerio for now

all love darling Peter.

06/08/1943 From Waveney Hill, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft

From Peter To Joan

Joe Darling

Many thanks for you letter with all the news. I am afraid there is none from here as usual except that everybody is browned off through lack of sleep. You wouldn't believe we're working 24 hrs on 5 hrs off ditto ditto continuously and nerves and tempers are almost at breaking point. The sooner we leave this place the better for all. Well apparently we are going in a few days. An advance party has just arrived to relieve us. I'll let you know as soon as we get a stable address. You can still use this one in the mean time as the GPO forward our letters on.

So glad you have been able to have Tony home and he passed his course at Larkhill that's good. Now he goes to Cambridge, that will be nice for you to go and stay there.

So sorry you have not been so well and Raoul too now that he is on the bottle you should feel stronger, he's had a pretty good run. How funny why has Raoul gone bald, is it his teeth or is the colour of his hair going to change.

You like the photos, now you are satisfied, for years you have badgered me to have them done. I suppose they could be worse but you know I don't take well. I enclose the two proofs most people here like the smiling one. Perhaps when they are touched up they will look better.

My dear girl its not a question of arranging leave now, there's none of that sort of thing these days, they just tell you a day or two before and then probably cancel it at the last minute. As a matter of fact I am overdue 9 days. Whether this move will delay it I can't say. I wish I could get a weekend. I could do with that much sleep at the moment. The men are moaning day and night and one has to be careful how one speaks to them when one wants a job done.

Thanks for the kind offer to darn socks dear but I have just changed those you sent me and others and am well off for them at the moment. Thanks for asking. How is Mater is she better will you give her my love . I must write her a wire

God bless dear with all love

Peter

18/06/1943 From "C"Troop, 408/123 LAA Regt AA, Evans Barracks , North Camp Blandford, Dorset

From Peter To Joan

Jo Darling

How are things going, I hope you are feeling better and Raoul too. I think I told you in my last letter we hope to get out of Lowestoft, well as you can see we have and here we are for a short while. The weather is inclined to be wet but then we don't mind that as the quarters are very good with all conveniences self contained. I believe it was built as a military camp before the war and you know the standard of accomodation is high for the army. The town is only 50 minutes walk and there is a good bus service up till 21.00 hrs. Several good pubs which have good beer, quite the best I had for 18 months, when we were at Wrecclesham and Farnham. Some are going on leave from here in special groups and I hope to get mine before we leave if not I shall lose it. As you know I was nearly three months overdure last time and it should have been rectified by now as it is I am overdue again. If I don't get this one it seems I shall have to wait till we get some beginning with E [embarkation] thing are moving pretty fast now.

Oh by the way Dick Madge is engaged to a girl at Epsom, the daughter of Charlie Edwards the trainer. Happened on his last leave.

Well dear must get this off now, sorry there is not much news but you understand how it is. Just training

Parade now so cheerio

All love Peter.

07/09/1943 From 16th LAA , Clacton on Sea

From Peter To Joan

My Dear Joe

The first opportunity I have had to get a few moments to myself since returning from leave. Thank you both for looking after me so well, it was grand also thanks for the very delicious sandwiches and they were marvellous.

I missed by 5.00 train, just saw it go out but found that there was one going to Salisbury

Piece missing from corner of letter

Seemed to have had an eventful journey with other onther soldiers on the train.

We arrived at Salisbury just after 8.00 and found that one of our lorries was returning to camp at 9.30 so we had a few beers till then and were dropped off right outside our spider from the lorry.

By the time a I found myself a bed and unpacked all my bits it was near midnight and I don't think I had much sleep.

I feel so uncomfortable. A at 6.00 next morning, being duty troops I had a squad of men to work all day on grass cutting. It gets pretty long, anyway we managed some how with a broken scythe and a couple of sickles. All evening I was dismantling new equipment etc up till 10.00 then had to pack everything and load on to the tractor and had a couple of hours kip till 2.00 on Wednesday morning when we started our journey here. They gave us a meal that wasn't fit for pigs just like swill.

The food is awful everyone is creating about it. We arrived about 8.00 in the evening having travelled on two sandwiches and a piece of cake.

They discovered yesterday for rather today why potatoes are sour. The containers up our cooked in haven't been cleaned out for 12 months, by the look of the tea churns, I shouldn't think they have either. Anyway things can only improve they couldn't be worse.

We don't get a moment's rest from 6.00 AM reveille I until 7.00 PM as we have too march a mile to and a mile from each meal. Of course sometimes some of us miss them as you can imagine. By the time one gets back in time parade again. I had no breakfast this morning and no tea tonight. It is not worth it.

Sunday we are out on a scheme all day so you seen they keep us on go. We start at 4.00 I think. We hope to do a bit of firing, that is why we came here, but haven't done any yet, maybe we will fire a few rounds before we go back when the fortnight is up.

We shan't be sorry to get back to "B". In are billets we have 24 chaps and one sink with cold water tap to wash in and one WC, no lights, with no means of drying clothes when we get wet.

One just has to put them on wet. Well I mustn't bore you with all this and the light is going I can hardly see the paper I am writing on so cheers old girl and God bless you love Peter

Comment Date Estimated Damaged letter

08/06/1943 From "C"Troop, 408/123 LAA Regt AA, Evans Barracks, North Camp Blandford

Dorset

From Peter To Joan

Jo Darling

Many thanks for your letter and the news contained a there in.

I think I wrote last from Clacton or was it just after we arrived back here. Things go on much the same day after day so there is little to tell.

In fact we are going at it all the time and our leisure hour was a cut down to the minimum.

We have been preparing for Battery Command inspection for a week. We had the first half of the week three days of it. At the moment I and many guns offsite around the camp. For three days it pretty rough and uncomfortable but all the other Batteries are not on the scheme so there is no one else to do it.

Major D.C. Paster has been in hospital with a broken foot for a fortnight now. The Engine Shaft connector on the gun fell on it I think two of the men fixed it for him, he is liked by them, so I have had to do all the work his and my own, to have not had much spare time.

I am glad that Tony has got back to his old units. He likes it with the heavies doesn't he. As regards leave I can't say anything at the moment. Oh thanks for asking but I don't want any of those clothes thank you. I have a complete set here and those you have will be ready for me at any time to have I may get leave.

I am glad somebody is out and about again give her my best respects and hope she stays with you for a while. It will do her good and will be company for you. So Raoul is teething. How is it going I suppose he does cry a lot with its, excuse all for scrawl I haven't cropped up against my knee.

There are six of us out here and they bring the food out in a truck so by the time we eat it, it is freezing cold.

I hope darling you are keeping well and are not getting too tired or horrid over Raoul and his teething. Our be BSM. and one or two Sergeants have been posted overseas, well in fact we all are but they have gone or rather are going this weekend. They go to Woolwich for a time. I have to start maintenance now dear so cheerio and god bless you your loving Brother Peter

24/08/1943 From Queen Bertha's School, Birchington, Westgate on Sea

Kent

From Peter To Joan

My dear Jo

Your letter arrived four days ago, thanks very much, I received the others before I moved. Am working pretty hard and long hours. To days ago I didn't have time to wash and shave until after dark and then no light so couldn't see. The weather hasn't been too kind, have got a bit wet at times. I am glad to hear that Doreen is better and that you had a her to stay. Give her my very best respects. I suppose she is at EX04. How are they all there, is Mater still keeping well and still liking the job.

What happened to Neil, is he at Woolwich now or has he been posted?

I suppose Raoul is getting quite a big boy now, fancy holding his own bottle. He isn't going to be a platinum blond is he. Who does he get that colour from, not from our side of the family.

How did you get the film, you were very lucky. I don't think you will be able to manage that cameras you know it is rather complicated and the exposure gauge is even more so. …..[this is followed by 8 pages of detailed instructions on using the gauge and taking a photograph by Peter] and try and get some more film if you can.

Well dear I must get this off, it has taken four days to write snatching odd moments here and there. We don't even get a break for meals so you see how difficult it is.

Sorry I have no news. My love to you and Raoul and Mater and family, So good luck darling and cheer up

Always your loving brother Peter.

Comment Except for a short note, this is the last letter from Peter.

31/08/1943 From Stanthorpe Road To L/Bdr Peter Dibdin 2088311, C/o Queen Bertha’ School, Birchington, Westgate on Sea, Kent

From Joan To Peter

Dearest Peter

How are you? As a matter of fact I am a little worried – I have a feeling that it may be a very very long time before you get another leave (if you know what I mean) If it is so, always remember Darling, my best wishes go with you – God speed and safe return.

I hate to think of it but I suppose it will have to come sometime. However, perhaps you will get leave soon I do hope so. Tony will be home, I think at the end of Sept or beginning of Oct. He has put in for it anyway.

Oh dear it is now the 3rd Sept and I haven’t finished this letter. I must really finish it now and get it off to you to night. I had to go to the dentist again on Wednesday so I took Raoul up to Victoria and had lunch with the “Midds” and Mrs Midd looked after him while I went over to Harley St. I am going to do the same on Monday. Incidentally here at last is your letter from Lilian. I’m terribly sorry it has been so long darling. And talking of letters when you write to these people who write to you at Pinfold Road will you give them this address because I don’t go round there now and it means that your letters will just lie in the hall for ages before Mater thinks of forwarding them. I sent two letters on to you at Blandford the other day and it looked, by the postal mark as if they had been at No. 4 [Pinfold Rd] for about a week.

I got you letter dear and note the change of address – afraid those other letters will be a long time getting to you.

I shall really have to study you letter carefully and see if I can take some decent photos of Raoul.

Jean came over for the day yesterday and I went back with her for the night – that is really why this letter has been lying here half written – We took Raoul between us in the cot and dumped everything on top of him. However he thoroughly enjoyed it and this morning he had a bath – a tremendous thrill!

Doreen is still away with Terry and Vincent – I believe she comes back this weekend.

I haven’t seen anything of the others for about three weeks. The two girls used to ignore me when I went round there – then I had a little trouble with Mater one day when I bought her mattress from her and I finally gathered that she hadn’t much opinion of me anymore. So I decided it wasn’t much point in going round there anymore. Anyway I certainly shan’t without an invitation (which I don’t think I am likely to get) so that is that. I have always felt that Mater thinks less of me since I married her son and I sometimes think too that she really was only really pleased to see me because of Raoul - well I’m afraid it doesn’t worry me a scrap – but for goodness sake don’t mention to Mater if you write to her. I expect it will all turn out right after a time. This sort of thing is always happening but it will never be the same again for me.

Poor Darling, you must be having a lousy time and I don’t like the sound of your address

No I don’t think Raoul is going to be blond – I really think it will turn out red! I’m enclosing a photo for you, it was really about the only decent one amongst them. Perhaps I will have him taken again when he is about a year old but I hope I shall get some decent ones with your camera.

Well Darling I must go now- it is getting on for 6.30

God bless you dear my fondest love

Joanna.

Comment Picture of Raoul enclosed

From Peter To Joan

Joe Darling

Hope to see you Saturday Afternoon. If so will stay the night. Have to catch early train back Sunday morning.

Forgive short note dear but no time to write more and have to get this off by special courier. All love Peter.

17/09/1943 From 81 Stanthorpe Rd To C. Troop 408/123 LAA Regt RA, Evans Barracks, Blandford Dorset.

From Joan To Peter

Peter Darling

Here are your socks. I’m afraid I can’t get them any cleaner. It was so good to see you on Saturday, I only wish you could have stayed longer.

Mater rang me up the other night to say that Mr Rayment is selling up all the furniture so of course she will have all her stuff back that we have here –I don’t know how they are going to manage, because she only has two divan beds – no bed linen or towels and only about three or four blankets.

However as always I suppose they will get over the difficulty somehow. I shall have to start looking around for bedroom furniture – and we shall have to manage without the dining room suite – eat off the kitchen table.

But now I have some good news for you - Raoul has a tooth. We spent the day at Mrs Midd’s on Weds. and in the evening, just before we left he put my finger in his mouth and I felt something prick it. I was amazed because he has been so good. I should think it must have been breaking the skin on Saturday when you were here. If he gets them all as easily as that life will be quite peaceful.

Tony sent a little stuffed animal today that his batman made for Raoul. He is going to make an elephant and a bear for him too.

Well Darling, I’m afraid this must be all for now. I have started to unpick my costume – it is going to be a hell of a job

God Bless you dear

My Love Jo.

Comment This last letter to Peter was followed by the one from Mater inviting him to Marie’s Birthday Party on 2 Oct

19 Sept 1943

My dear Peter

I feel rather guilty for not writing to you before but Ive been drivingly busy lately at work, each eve . overtime and Saturday.

I hear you came to London on Saturday eve. I met Jo and she said she might be seeing you and then Mr Bass at Thresher told me you had been, I should like to have seen you, we went in a crowd down to the Manor 8 of us in all, quite fun for a little merry and did a great deal of laughing, it was quite impromptu, which is much nicer,

Marie and I have been away for a few days to Cambridge to my sister in law, it was quite nice and a change, went back to the village where we used to live but somehow one cannot recapture memories, people had gone away etc etc. but it was grand all the same, Peter came down for a day and we wandered around the village and did enjoy it.

We are celebrating Marie’s 21st birthday on Sat Oct 2nd – any likelihood of your being on leave, should like you to come along if you are. Victor, we hope will be on leave again, also Johnnie Sloan has come back into the fold and we were delighted to see him. I can tell you it was 9 months since we had seen him, it was a grand reunion. Hope you are well my dear