大象传媒

These extracts are taken from letters that my father sent whilst in India

鈥淭wo more days nearer to coming home. Still no more news about this leave business but I鈥檓 still full of hope. At least they haven鈥檛 told me I can鈥檛 go so that鈥檚 good enough for the time being.鈥�

鈥淲hen I come home you shall have all the cosmetics and pretty clothes I can afford to buy you. Nothing would make me more happier than to indulge you in that way.鈥�

鈥淲hen we all go away together I鈥檇 like it to be somewhere like the South Coast. I鈥檝e a fancy for Torquay myself.鈥�

鈥淭his afternoon was spent killing time more or less, much to my annoyance. I spent the evening doing crossword puzzles as a change from my usual pursuits. I managed to get a couple of hours for my studies but this afternoon we were sent out to pick up paper and orange peel! That鈥檚 the 3rd in a fortnight. Today鈥檚 effort is on behalf of the Colonel who is going to inspect us in the morning.鈥�

鈥淐an you send me a sketch of the handbag you saw, with size, colour and as many details as possible so that I can keep on the look out for one.鈥�

鈥淐hristmas Day 1945. Here it is mid afternoon but I expect you are just having breakfast and opening presents. Tomorrow we have to return to camp, so xmas is practically over.鈥�

12th March 1946
鈥淛ust as I was going to bed I was called by a Sgt from the education centre with whom I鈥檓 pretty friendly. He told me they wanted a librarian in the education centre and asked me to if I鈥檇 like the job. Too true I would. A gift from the Gods. That was the start. Next morning started a weeks duty as swill fatigue man. 3 times a day we tour the camp with a lorry collecting the swill from the cookhouses. A lovely job I must say and one which no doubt justifies my country paying me as a 2nd class surveyor and keeping me in India.鈥�

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