´óÏó´«Ã½

Air Letter addressed -: S/152035
Cpl. McNicol A.
R.A.S.C.
M.I. Photo Section
G.H.Q.
M.E.F.

Postmarked 3.30pm 26.2.1944
Ilkeston
Hounslow
Received 6.3.1944 Cost 6d.

Dear Baas

Since writing you last week I have received your airmail letter dated Feb 1944. We heard via the press, of the straw election held in the Middle East which so clearly followed the actual result. About this you may have heard that Sir Richard Acland, who is the president of the Commonwealth Party has recently turned over his Devon and Somerset estates to the National Trust. He derived £2500 per annum from these, and in presenting them to the country said they had become an increasing burden ion his conscience, and that he considered private ownership of such large tracks of land was contrary to the Christian and economic development of the country. Whatever his motive, the people have gained and are quite prepared to believe the best of it.

I hope, reading you letter that the long hours spent in the dark room are not adversely affecting your eyes. Does the Major (Stannard) know? If you feel it is you should pack it up — yes you can do this. Anyhow, do be careful in the summer time — your eyes may have to last a long time. My salaams to Amin Osman Pasha, of blessed memory; if he is ever Derby way we can offer him a fish and chip supper off the ration. Well, the Jerries have at last compelled Goering to do something about it and old London is receiving a mild pasting -- quite like old times. The barrage is terrific — they simply blast away at the sky over greater London. I managed to get home last weekend — we crawled through what was left of one station, and arrived at St. Pancras, Kate met me, and we had a cup of tea by candlelight at St. Pancras Station restaurant. Proceeding to the ‘Q’ we had to get off the trolley and walk around the debris, catching a bus the other side. Incendiaries were scattered round old Peakes Garage, and Jack White, alias Snell, helped ‘kill’ them. I had to leave on Sunday night at 5.10pm, and Kate write me next day that hell broke loose again at 9,o,clock pm by which time I was at Nottingham. H.E. dropped in Milards Park, smashing windows in Jersey Rd. According to the headlines 108 bombers got through to London. Pity the nightshift workers — no leaving the bench until the roof spotters are sure your locality is the target. Kate writes that mother and Mrs. Sinclair spent most of the night under the kitchen table.

A great life if you don’t weaken! Don’t worry, I have arranged for all to be snatched away if things get too hot.
Wally.

© Copyright of content contributed to this Archive rests with the author. Find out how you can use this.