- Contributed byÌý
- nottinghamcsv
- People in story:Ìý
- Eric Middleton, Winifred Sarah Elizabeth Middleton, , Earnest Tomlinson, Bettina Edwards nee Tomlinson, Edwin Bernard Earnest Tomlinson, George William Middleton, Sarah Jane Middleton,
- Location of story:Ìý
- Rainham Essex,
- Background to story:Ìý
- Civilian
- Article ID:Ìý
- A5739230
- Contributed on:Ìý
- 14 September 2005
"This story was submitted to the People's War site by CSV/´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio Nottingham on behalf of Eric Middleton with his permission. The author fully understands the site's terms and conditions"
June 6 1944 Tuesday
The Invasion started this morning at 6 am and we were still landing troops at 8.15 pm We have been waiting for this for so long it is a relief to know we have started and so hasten the end of the War. Edwin is now training to be a Glider Pilot, his training is almost complete, he is getting on famously. I am so proud of him. He volunteered in February and so far has passed with flying colours. He gets one day a week off. I met him in Town last Saturday and we came straight home, although we had planned to stay in Town, that was all because I wore my new HAT!!! We had a marvelous time, seems to grow beyond everything. Don't know if he will come home this weekend, now that today is D Day. 4000 ships as well as several thousands of escorts took part, its a wonderful achievement, lets hope everything goes well with them. Am going to Maude's tonight, haven't seen them for some time.
June Thursday
Germans have a new idea in warfare - a Pilotless Plane, we call them Doodle Bugs. Rather terrifying things - 25 ft long - tear across the sky approx 360 miles per hour, sound like a motor bike.
June 13th
Edwin home on leave seven days, this is going to be a stay-at-home event. We hope to go up North for a couple of days.
August 15th Tuesday 1944
Here we are, still sleeping in the 'Anderson Arms' every night. The Doodle Bugs have been coming over continuously. I am thrilled to the marrow for Edwin is due home on seven days leave and we hope to go to Edinburgh for a 'complete rest. He should come home with his third tape up - Whoopee! We have made another landing in the South of France today. I wonder if Edwin will be in the next lot; he should be about ready for 'Ops' now. Marvelous weather - Roll on next Tuesday, that's the official holiday 22nd but I think he will come home before then.
Sunday 17th September 1944
The first Allied Airborne Div made a huge landing in Holland. Am feeling terrible proud of my husband. He telephoned me yesterday (I had arranged to see him today) to say he couldn’t possibly see me.
September 20th 1944 Wednesday
We have lost a lot of men at Arnhem and the Hun has taken many prisoners. News is not coming out very quickly. Wonderful tributes being paid to the glider pilots. Am feeling very anxious about my Darling but am trying not to worry for his sake.
September 23rd 1944 Saturday
Have received a letter from Edwin this morning telling me he was off. It is a 'Special Privilege' letter not to be posted until they had landed.
October 2nd 1944 Monday
No news yet. Everyone very kind, most sympathetic, as I tell them all they'll soon know when I've heard from him!! Din came for the weekend, had a lovely time. Expect she will come over again soon. Incidentally Edwin and I had a wonderful break in Scotland. I saw him off on the 30th Aug (Wed) and he was recalled on the Friday. Since then he was dashing around Margate. He rang me about six times (trunk calls) before he went on 'Ops'.
October 11th 1944 Wednesday
Still no news of my husband, first I think he's at Arnhem, then as news filters through I don't think he's there. Had a letter from Mum, at first she thought he had gone to Greece, but her latest letter - she says she feels he's wounded (at Arnhem). Surely I should have heard by now — this is the fourth week. Have been up to Town today but feel very blue. Am very anxious. The Chief has dictated a letter to the C.O. which I posted Monday, so should get a reply soon. Am working late at the office this evening, its now 6.50 pm, so think I'll toddle off home,
October 12th 1944 Thursday
Have telephoned today to Mr & Mrs Shilton on Pinner 5172. Their son is missing Lt Shilton Glider Pilot Reg.
October 14th 1944 Saturday
Have received official notification that Edwin is 'Missing' N.W. Europe - Sept 25th. Feel AWFUL! Must get away. Brainwave - I must go down to Burford Bridge, perhaps Muriel will come with me - don't want to talk.
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