Introduction

My Dad (Des)was born in June 1926 at home at 10/5 Hermitage Street, Sheffield. These were ‘back to back’ houses. Hermitage Street ran from the bottom of London Road to Shoreham Street. When Dad was only seventeen months old, his mother, Ethel, died of meningitis, which led to him being brought up by his grandparents until Walt remarried when Dad was seven. When this happened Dad was offered the option of remaining with his Grandparents or moving in with Walt and Eveline at Oaks Fold Road. Dad chose to move in with his Dad, partly I suppose believing that the grass was greener, and partly because he wanted to live with his Dad. I understand that later he wanted to move back to his grandparents' house, but he was told, no, he had made his decision.

Dad attended Wooley Wood Junior School; I have two certificates proclaiming his punctuality in 1934 and 1935, stamped by the Head Teacher, Christina Maskell. Dad always said that at this time either he or a girl named Cynthia Topham were always top of the class. In later years Dad’s school attendance was much worse, at one point having nine months off until caught by the truant officer. On returning to school, no one knew him. He’d been off that long the teachers had changed as well as a lot of the kids!

Dad always shared Walt’s passion for lorries, learning to drive as a child sitting in on Walt’s knee in his lorry. It was inevitable that he would follow Walt into a life of driving for a living.

His first job though, was as a shop lad for Thrift Stores at Shiregreen. A lot of this involved loading and bagging flour in the back of the shop, which apparently led to some very lively flour fights!



I don’t know exactly when, but at some time in his teens Dad got a job with S.B. Hogg, a Sheffield removal firm. Dad did removals all over the place including Wentworth Woodhouse. Dad recalled being impressed with the place, but had a laugh by riding a bath chair along a corridor and down a flight of stairs!

Also around this time Dad bought his first motor-bike, an Ariel Red Hunter.

On July 14th 1944 through the letterbox at dropped something that was going to change Dad’s life completely for the next three years. His Call-up papers! Coldly informing Dad that he was to present himself at Fort George, Inverness-shire, on Thursday, July 20th 1944 between 9am and 12 noon and that his nearest Railway Station was Gollanfield Junction.

Very nicely, His Majesty’s Government had also included a Travelling Warrant for the journey and four shillings in respect of advance pay!

And so, on the following Thursday morning, armed with Gas Mask, Razor and all his Ration Books, Dad left Oaks Fold Road (his Dad took him to the Station) for Inverness-shire and a whole new way of life!

When Dad went into the army, like everyone else, he wrote home regularly. Luckily, Granddad (Walt) kept a good portion of his letters, so we can read what it must have been like for a young man being called up in 1944 and we can read about his hopes and fears including what it was like to be drafted overseas to Germany.

The following letters are, as much as possible, in date order and are presented here exactly as the originals appear (even down to the number of kisses for the kids!). It’s a pity that the letters Dad received from Granddad and other people haven’t survived down the years; otherwise we would have had a wonderful picture of life in the 1940’s for a typical Sheffield family.

The Letters

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Fort George. 20th July 1944
D.W.Battersby
B Cpy,
95,P.T.C.
Fort George,
Inverness-shire

Dear Mam & Dad,
Haven’t much time to write this letter as I’ve just landed. The trains were late & it was 10:30pm tonight when I arrived. There’s only been time to dish out 3 blankets, have our supper and then to bed, so I have not gained an impression about the place.
I am still palled up with the two lads Pop saw at the station and also some more I met. Well so long for now and give my love to Sheila & Molly.

Desmond

PS. Excuse the rotten letter but I haven’t much time.
______________________________________________________________________________

Fort George lies north-east of Inverness on the edge of Moray Firth. The nearest village is Ardersier. Dad must have thought he was in the middle of nowhere.
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Fort George. 22nd July 1944
No.14809840
Pte. Battersby
No.6 Platoon
B Company
95 P.T.C.
Fort George
Inverness-shire

Dear Mam & Dad,
Just got kit & uniform is miles too big. I’ve been inoculated 3 times and I can hardly move for the pain. Lads were fainting all over the place, I wish now I had gone in the pit.
I went firing a bren gun & rifle on the range yesterday and learned how to clean them. The food’s awful and you aren’t allowed out of the camp. Fort George is a little dump miles from anywhere. We have been sorted out now and the two lads I was with, one of them is in a different Company because of his age. After six weeks we are leaving this place and thank God for that. Well I hope you are all well at home because I’m not, the C.O. told us we should be lucky to get discharged after 7 years. Well I shall have to say Goodbye now. So give Sheila & Molly a kiss for me and thank the Barrat’s for me.

Des.
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Fort George. 25th July 1944
No.14809840
Pte. Battersby
No.6 Platoon
B Company
95 P.T.C.
Fort George
Inverness-shire

Dear Mam & Dad,
Hurry up and write because it’s worse than hell up here. A soldier on the staff told us it’s about the worst camp in Britain and I believe him. A lad at the side of me is having to scrape the sweeping brush with a razor blade, it just shows you some of the bull-shit we have to do. I’m still feeling half dead, and we are not allowed outside the camp. We get up at 6 and go to bed at 9:30 so we don’t get no time for pleasure.
I was talking to a Sergeant and he says A1 men don’t stand a chance for the Service Corps and they will bang us in the Infantry so it’s bad luck for me.
The first time I put my pack on I could hardly stand up so it gives you an idea of what it’s like. There’s six of us in this room, 5 Yorkshire lads, 1 Geordie and 1 Scottie and they are all good sorts. Well I thought Hogg’s were bad enough but this is worse. They expect you to change from full kit to shorts in 5 minutes.
Hurry up and get the motor-bike ready because I shan’t feel like walking when I come home in 4 months time. Tomorrow we start rifle drill and marching with full pack so I expect we shall have to lift one another in bed. Well I shall have to say Goodbye now because they’re sounding light’s out.

Des
PS. Give the kids a kiss for me
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Fort George. 28th July 1944
No.14809840
Pte. Battersby
No.6 Platoon
B Company
95 P.T.C.
Fort George
Inverness-shire

Dear Mam & Dad,

I’ve already sent the suitcase so let me know when you receive it and, as there is nothing to spend my money on I shall probably send some home by registered letter. By the way, the hat I’ve got is one of them what just fits on one side of the head. Thanks for the cigs they will come in handy.
The first time I have had a good meal is tonight when I was on fatigues in the Sergeant’s Mess. I went to the dentist today and all the Company said they were going to refuse but when we got there I was the only one to refuse so now I have got to go before the Commanding Officer for not letting them pull them out. As for being sent to Chester, it’s all bunkum nobody knows yet where they send you because they send them all over the country.
Tell Sheila she will have to do better if she wants to be as good as me, also tell her she’s not the only one what wants me to come home because I think the same way. Next week we get a further inoculation and it’s worse than the first three.
Since I started this letter I’ve been put on a charge for not stamping my kit. One of the Officers asked me why I had not done it and I told him I had not had time so he gave the Sergeant a rollicking and then the Sergeant gave me one and put me on fatigues.
Well I am glad to know you are in the pink. I have been learning how to draw my money and you’ve got to go through a lot of bullshit before you get it. Don’t forget I want the motor-bike in first class condition when I come home. Well I’ll say Goodbye for now,

from,
Des.
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Fort George. 31st July 1944
No.14809840
Pte. Battersby
No.6 Platoon
B Company
95 P.T.C.
Fort George
Inverness-shire

Dear Dad & Mam,
Received your last letter today. Last Saturday we got a late pass so we went to Inverness and did we paint it red. When we staggered back to the bus-stop there was about a hundred soldiers waiting but when the bus came we were the first on. Let me know when the suitcase arrives and then I’ll send the key home. Just been on a five mile route march and am I feeling buggered and they say that’s only a beginning. Every lad in this Platoon is a driver so we might get in the Service Corps. Well it’s all work here, on Sunday they had us on fatigues till dinner time. We start training at 7am and finish at 7pm when we are lucky. Well you will have to wait a bit for a photo as there isn’t a place round here. The main thing is we’ve got a good Sergeant. Well I’ll say Goodbye,

Des
PS. Give the kids a kiss for me
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Fort George. 3rd August 1944
No.14809840
Pte. Battersby
No.6 Platoon
B Company
95 P.T.C.
Fort George
Inverness-shire

Dear Dad,
I’ve just received your last letter, thanks for the cigs. I am glad to hear you got the suitcase and I will send the key as soon as I get chance to get a registered letter. I heard from my Granddad a couple of days ago but I haven’t had time to reply yet.
Tomorrow we get inoculated again and it’s worse than the other time and on top of that I’ve got a bad cold, but if I report sick it will mean stopping another six weeks here and that would be worse than a cold.
Today we managed to find time for a bathe in the sea, so it just shows you what the weather’s like up here. Well I would sooner be on a weeks holiday than up here, but still, I’ve got to make the best of it.
When I send the key I’ll send a Scottish Pound note home for you to save for me, that’s what they pay us in up here. As for you not getting any letters from me is a problem I don’t understand. I’ve already sent a lot home but they were for you both as I haven’t time to write to you separately. As for going in the club when I get leave I don’t know , as the first thing will be a good sleep in bed for the first time since I left home.
Hurry up and have all your photo’s took because I don’t want to forget what you all look like. As for being tough like you said, well you’ve got it all wrong, I felt stronger & fitter when I worked at Hogg’s. By the way, I’ve seen no nice Scotch lassies up to now. Well Goodbye for now,

Des
PS. Three kisses for the kids XXX
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Fort George. 5th August 1944
(Registered Letter)

Dear Dad & Mam,
Enclosed is two pounds ten which I want you to save for me till I come home on leave, also the key of the suitcase. I am sending the money home because there’s nothing to spend it on up here. Let me know as soon as you get this letter. Well I’ll say Goodbye for now,

Des

PS. Letter following.
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Fort George. 5th August 1944
No.14809840
Pte. Battersby
No.6 Platoon
B Company
95 P.T.C.
Fort George
Inverness-shire

Dear Mam & Dad,
Just been inoculated again and do I feel bad, I can’t even put my hand in my pocket it hurts that much. Has Gordon been for his pump back yet? I’ve sent him a letter but he hasn’t answered it.
Well, I’ve got the first fortnight over so I think I shall manage the rest. I’ve got a Yankee number four rifle and went firing it yesterday but you can’t feel it when it kicks. Give Sheila & Molly a fat kiss for me. Tell them I haven’t forgot them. Well, that’s all for now,

Des
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Fort George. 10th August 1944
No.14809840
Pte. Battersby
No.6 Platoon
B Company
95 P.T.C.
Fort George
Inverness-shire

Dear Dad & Mam,
Just received your last letter, I’ve also got one from Eva, one of the birds on the petrol pumps. Her husband is a prisoner of war. I sent both Gordon & Ted a letter but they haven’t answered yet. By the way, them two lads you asked about, well, one of them is in another platoon so I don’t see him much. The tall youngest one is in our room and he reminds me of ‘Sambo-Suck-Egg’ because he is always whining.
I hope the motor-bike does look okay else look out. As for razor blades I get plenty. The uniform fits just the same, all they bother about is that you’ve got one. Give the kids my love and tell Molly I’ve thrown a kiss back out of the barrack room window. Thanks for the photo but you won’t get one back for a bit yet as they charge 10/- for six little ones in Inverness.
Well I am not going on so bad now except I thought I should be used to marching in heavy boots but I thought wrong because I’ve got big blisters on my feet. But on the whole it’s better than Hogg’s all the same. Well, so long,

Des
PS. Tell me when you get the registered letter.
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Fort George. 12th August 1944

Dear Dad & Mam,
Hope you are all feeling okay like me (I don’t think). Well I am just going on fire picket so I won’t get much sleep tonight. I go on duty at 6:30pm and finish at 7am next morning then they expect you to do all your other work then. We have been learning all about hand grenades and before we leave here we’ve got to throw some live ones. You’ve got to throw them at least 35 yards because they cover a 20 yards radius when they explode.
It would just suit you here because there’s a beer bar at the NAAFI and it’s only 1/- a pint. I’ve sent my Granddad a letter just now so they should receive it about the same time as you get this. I expect you’ve noticed I haven’t put the address, but it’s that big I can’t be bothered.
There’s only one thing you can do for me at the moment and that is send me a nice armchair and a double bed. When I come home you won’t know me because believe it or not I do look a bit like a soldier. Hurry up and send some letters because up here the only thing to look forward to is the post. So get busy with the pen. Well I’ve got no reply from Gordon or Ted yet so I think, chuff them, I shan’t send any more letters.
I once had an argument with my Grandma about army food but she’s lost because the food is lousy and not enough of it. I could just eat a meat & potato pie but I shall have to wait till I get leave because the cooks here don’t know the meaning of the word. By the way, I met a lad here who says he’s courting Mrs. Sergeant’s sister who lives on Keppel Road, so I expect it’s the Mrs. Sergeant you know. Well, so long for now,

Des
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Fort George. 14th August 1944
No.14809840
Pte. Battersby
No.6 Platoon
B Company
95 P.T.C.
Fort George
Inverness-shire

Dear Dad & Mam,
Just received your letter and am glad to hear you got the money. I don’t want my toothbrush because they give you one. There’s not much chance of seeing Dunn’s lad because there’s thousands in this camp. Are you trying to cheer me up by telling me about Syd going to France? As for being taller, up to now there’s no change except that I am losing weight instead of gaining it. As for the Scotch twang there’s not much chance of me getting it.
To give you an idea of what the training’s like, two lads committed suicide by jumping over the ramparts of the fort and another one tried to cut his throat but he didn’t peg out. Well I’ve finished learning about rifles now and on Wednesday we fire our final course.
Went a walk round the village of Ardersier last night but there’s nothing there, the Sergeants call it the ‘Virgin’s Retreat’ and it fits. I shall soon be finishing my fourth week but it seems like four years. By the way, pubs in Scotland don’t open Sunday.
We’ve been digging trenches and you even have to carry the pick & shovel their way. I’ve been in the Gas chamber and they used tear gas after we had been in a bit. We had to take our gas masks off and then dash for the door which was about ten yards away and all our eyes were smarting and faces sore for ages after. After we’ve finished our training we get sixpence a day extra. A lance-jack gets five & six a day so it’s worth trying for a stripe.
Well it would give me great pleasure to see the old ‘Tiger’ coming up the road to the Fort but I bet you couldn’t find the place. Well Goodbye for now,

Des
A few kisses for the kids XXXXXX
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Fort George. 21st August 1944

Dear Mam & Dad,
I went to Inverness on Saturday and as it’s my last week here I thought I would get you a souvenir, I expect you’ve got it by now. Well, up to now I have passed in all the tests so I hope I can keep the good work up. I had a letter from my Grandma telling me about the big fire, it should have been Fort George, not a shop what went up in smoke.
Twenty-five eggs is a lot, I haven’t seen one at all. I’ve heard from Gordon and there’s £1 waiting for me when I call at Hogg’s. He collected it the week I went.
We went on a six miles forced march with full kit on and it nearly killed us because we had to do it in an hour and a quarter. We also had to do a mile run in five minutes but I made it. Well, next week it’s all passing out parades and a lot more messing about. By the way, send me 5/- of my money in your next letter because I am skint and there’s all next week to go before I draw anymore cash.
Well, on Wednesday I shall know what regiment I am going in so I’m keeping my fingers crossed. While I’ve been here I’ve scrubbed floors, peeled spuds, washed dishes and clothes. I never thought I should do anything like that but if you turn awkward they put you on RSM’s parade and it’s worse than hell. I know because I’ve been on it. Well, Goodbye for now,

Des
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Fort George. 24th August 1944

Dear Dad & Mam,
When you get this letter don’t send no more back as we are expecting to move very shortly. Well, I know what mob I am going in and I bet you would like to swap me places. I am going in the “Royal Armoured Corps”, attached to the R.E.C.C.E. so I bet Pop’s jealous. That beats the Civil Defence.
Well, when you see me on the road you are welcome to try and shove me in the ditch but I don’t think you will succeed.
We’ve already had four inoculations and they are going to give us another one before we leave. Just wait till I come home with my black beret on. I told you I was going to be a real soldier and not half of one like the rest in Oaks Fold Road. I must have done good at my tests to get in this mob because there’s a lad here and they are sending him in the Pioneers although he’s A1. I am feeling as happy as a lark at the moment. Just think, me driving a tank. When I finished going with you I thought I had seen the last of tank wheels but I thought wrong.

Well I’ll say Goodbye for now,
Des
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Fort George. 26th August 1944

Dear Mam & Dad,
Just got your letter and it took five days to get here. What do you think you are doing becoming a brewery man? Get back on distance work. Well it made me smile when I saw I had to appear at Stalybridge, I can’t write for it yet because I am moving any day.
Well aren’t you proud of me now, you will be able to go in the club as if you own it now I am in the tanks. Well I wrote for some money but I don’t suppose you got my letter before you sent yours. Well, don’t write at all till I get to my new unit. A lad in our room who comes from Glasgow had his father come to see him and he gave him four quid so he took us out on the booze. Well, there’s only us two sups beer so he kidded them on that they were drinking shandy. We were that pissed up that we went down to the Sergeants’ Mess and started shaking hands and patting the Sergeants on the back. Well next morning we were still feeling pissed and we had to go and throw some hand grenades. Well, I thrown mine okay but another kid in the next trench threw one of his wrong and it landed outside my trench. All I could do was drop flat and hope for the best because once a grenade’s been thrown it only takes 4 seconds to go off. As luck had it, it started rolling away from me, but when it went off it was still too close for comfort.
Well, I am going to sleep for a week when I come home. I haven’t seen anything that represents a bed yet. Well I will say Goodbye for now,

Des
PS. A few kisses for the kids XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
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Catterick Camp. 4th September 1944
14809840 Tpr. Battersby
Wellington Troop
C Squadron
Recce T.C. R.A.C.
Merin Lines
Catterick Camp
Yorks.

Dear Mam & Dad,
I got your last letter with the postal order the day before I left Fort George. Well I am now a step nearer home and if everything goes well I shall be home in four weeks time for a ten days leave. I’ve got my black beret (I bet you’re jealous).
The Reconnaissance Corps is a new mob and you are not allowed to transfer into another mob. You will get a shock when I explain what we do. We go into action even in front of the Commandos. Our job is to go in front of the Infantry and send back information about the enemy. For this purpose we use Bren Carriers and Armoured Cars, also Light Tanks. As we are the first to go in action we have to be the best soldiers in the army so they give us Commando and Paratroop training combined. The Recce is nicknamed the Suicide Squad because nobody comes back. Well I can swank now because only the best men get in this mob. The Commander as good as told us that we shall be overseas within six months. I’ll give you an example of the training. You’ve got to jump off a ten foot wall, jump out of a lorry travelling at twenty miles an hour, that’s just a bit of the training I have to do here. I am smiling now although I don’t suppose I shall in a few weeks time and we start on our real training. Well Pop, would you still like to be here? There’s one thing, it’s good food and plenty of it so when I come home I should be a superman like Sam next door. Tell Sheila I’ll show her some Commando stuff to do on the kids when I come home.
We arrived here at 2am in the morning after travelling fifteen hours. Most of my pals went in other regiments but I’ve still got one left. You won’t get many letters from me for a while because I haven’t much spare time. I am sorry I kept forgetting to send kisses for the kids so tell them here’s a few to be going on with. Goodbye,

Des
X XXX X X XXXX
X X X X X X
X X X X X XXX
X X X X X X
XXXXX XXX X XXXX from Des
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Catterick Camp. September 1944

Dear Mam & Dad,
Just a few lines to show you I am still kicking. Well I am fed up to the teeth with this joint already because the first month here is just a revision of what we’ve already learnt. Anyway, I can stick it till I get my leave because after that I get a month driving armoured cars. After that we get the Commando training.
I’ve just heard about the Home Guard going to be disbanded, so old Britain and Robinson will be able to smile again.
I’ve never heard of so much bullshit as there is here, you get jankers if you are a stud missing out of your boot even. Well I am short of cash as usual so send me another dollar in your next letter.
Eric the barber will find it a bit different from the Navy especially if he cop’s for this mob. How’s the poultry farm going on. Have the ducks started to lay or are they drakes? Tell Sheila it’s about time she sent me a letter or is she still as bad at learning to write?
I believe the army’s altered me but you can see for yourself in a month’s time, I only weigh eight stone ten pounds now so I must be going down the nick with all this work (it’s harder than piano’s ). I thought it was rotten at Fort George but we did have good weather there. Here it’s rained every day since I’ve been here. By the way, send me something to read if you can.
How is the motor-bike? Have you got it in first-class condition yet? Also, don’t forget to pump the tyres up on the push-bike. Hurry up and write, that’s the only thing we look forward to, that and our meals.
Are you still earning big money on the brewery job or are you back on your old job? Well I’ll say So long for now,

Des

X XXX X X XXXX
X X X X X X
X X X X X XXX
X X X X X X
XXXXX XXX X XXXX to the kids.

PS. That’s an idea I got from a kid who answers his tart’s letters like that.
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Catterick Camp. 11th September 1944

Dear Mam & Dad,
Just got your letter, thanks for the cigs, they always come in handy. I can’t show you any tricks yet because I don’t know any yet. I’ve just got a letter from my Grandma and I am going to write to Stalybridge now about my licence so here’s hoping. By the way, was it meant to be funny saying about carrying “L” plates in action if so lock the door when I come home or else somebody will get hurt. Most likely it will be me so I’ll bring the rest of the Recce with me. By the way, I am on the milk cart now, beer’s too expensive on army pay.
How’s our good neighbours the Harrison’s going on are they still frightened to say ‘muff’? Don’t forget to give the Barrat’s my love. Well in three weeks time Shiregreen will see a real soldier for the first time.

Well that’s all for now,
Goodbye, Des
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Catterick Camp. 13th September 1944

Dear Dad & Mam,
Just got the registered letter, thanks for the cigs. Well, it serves Dunn’s right they shouldn’t have been so sure of themselves. I’ve also got the ‘News Of The World’ so I passed a spare half-hour on by reading it.
I don’t know about being a he-man because the training here is enough to drive you crazy. They have you climbing up ropes as high as our house and swinging over rivers on ropes and a lot more other useless things.
We went into Richmond on Saturday and it’s a one eyed hole. The basic petrol ration should be coming on again soon then you will be able to nip over and see me on the old motor-bike.
I fired the Piert today and hit the target first shot. It’s used against tanks and houses, it’s a bomb you fire, not a shell. It’s fired the same way as a rifle but the front end stands on a leg. The noise from it nearly bursts your ear-drums. Well, that’s all for now,

So long,
Des

A few kisses for the kids XXXXXX
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Catterick Camp. 26th September 1944
14809840 Tpr. Battersby
Zymotic Ward,
Military Hospital,
Catterick Camp,
Yorkshire.

Dear Mam & Dad,
I received your letter and the cigs and I am sorry to have been so long answering it but I am in Hospital. There’s no need to get worried because it’s only a case of “Mumps”. The worst part is that I shan’t be coming home on Friday but it can’t be helped. I was sent to Hospital unexpected so I hadn’t time to take anything with me so please send me the following, Cigs, matches, razor blades and something to eat & read. Also send some stamps and a few envelopes else I shall be unable to write to you. Will you get the things sent soon as possible because I am dying for a smoke.
Well, you can see for yourself that the suspension is cancelled so you can get the licence for me, I can’t write much more as I’ve run short of paper. So long,

Des
A few kisses for Sheila & Molly XXXXXXXXXXX
PS. Sorry about not putting a stamp on but I haven’t one.
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Catterick Camp. 6th October 1944

Dear Mam & Dad,
I’ve just come out of Hospital today, so if you haven’t sent them things I asked for send them here. Well, I am afraid I can’t get my leave just now, as I shall be back squadded, but it can’t be helped. Hurry up and write back. Well I haven’t much time for writing so I’ll say Goodbye,

Des
PS. A few kisses for the kids XXX XXX
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Catterick Camp. 10th October 1944
Same Address

Dear Mam & Dad,
I’ve just received your letter and it was welcome. It was dated the second and it’s the first letter I’ve got since I went in Hospital. The others which were sent to the Hospital should be sent on as I left my address there.
I was sorry to hear about the Police coming over Paddy, what was the reason of them coming? Well, I am going to train as a Driver/Mechanic so you can put a chalk mark on the wall. Well, if everything goes well this time I should be home in a fortnight. Well, I’ll say Goodbye now as I am very busy.

Des
A few more kisses for the kids XXXXXXX
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Catterick Camp. October 1944

Dear Dad & Mam,
I’ve got your last letter, thanks for the fags. I’ve got the parcel, also the Thompson’s Weekly News and one other letter. The rest of them what you and my Grandma sent to the hospital I haven’t got yet.
I am glad to hear you haven’t heard from the police again. Hurry up and get the lorry okay again as I want to show you how to drive when I come home. Well, it is no use answering this letter because I shan’t be long after it. If I am lucky and catch the connections I shall be strolling down the street Friday, about five o’ clock, as the train lands at the LMS station at 4:27. I’ll say so long for now,

Des
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Catterick Camp. 13th October 1944

Dear Mam & Dad,
I got your parcel and it went down grand. I’ve also got your letter dated 30/9/44 with the cigs & envelopes inside. The letter from my Grandma and the papers and other letters you sent I haven’t received yet. Well, I am going to Bellerby again on Monday for three days so I thought I would write now as it’s probably the last chance I shall get.
We went in the Gas chamber this morning and we had to take our Gas masks off for a minute, then put them on again. When we came out everybody was coughing and choking for about half an hour, as it was D & M Gas. The only thing I felt was my chest burning, but I got over it. The Commandant was coming round on inspection so we had to bullshit everything up then stand by our beds for two hours and he didn’t come round (was we mad?).
Well, I shall be coming home on Friday so expect me about teatime because I shall leave here just before dinner. It will look queer seeing all the lights on again because we still have the blackout here. Well, I’ll say Goodbye now till Friday,

Des
PS. Kisses for the kids XXXXXX. I’ll give them some real ones next week.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Catterick Camp. 24th October 1944

Dear Mam & Dad,
Well, I landed back at camp about ten o’ clock. The train got to York ten minutes late so I missed the connection and had to wait two hours. I came all the way with that chap in the RAC, the one that stuttered. He went to France on D Day and hadn’t been there long when their tank got hit, the Tank Commander was hit so he took his place and as he was looking out of the turret a branch from a tree hit his arm and broke it. It was such a bad break he has to have a metal plate in his arm to hold it together. He’s hoping to get degraded now so he won’t have to go again. After being home for nine days the army doesn’t seem so good.
I’ve started my course on driving but up to now I’ve been in the workshops learning a lot of stuff I already know, such as how the engine works and other things like that. According to what I’ve seen up to now there’s a lot of bullshit in the way they learn you.
When I got back I found a letter from the Hospital containing cigs, razor blades, writing paper and envelopes. I’ve also got the John Bull. Well I shan’t be home this week for sure, but I am going to try and get a pass the week after. Well, I’ll say so long for now as I’ve got a lot to do,

Des
A few kisses for the kids XXXXXXXX
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Catterick Camp. 28th October 1944

Dear Mam & Dad,
I’ve been out driving a couple of days now. I went out with a Corporal on a Bedford truck. You’re supposed to do nothing but stopping and starting the first day, but when I told the instructor I had driven before he just said “Carry on”, so that by the time we had finished the day I’d done seventy miles. The second day I did eighty miles and we’re only supposed to do about fifteen miles in a day. I’ve got a good instructor, he even lets me smoke while I am driving and that’s a big crime because you’re not supposed to smoke within fifteen foot of the truck. He also told me not to bother with all that hand signals and holding the steering wheel in a certain way except when there’s anybody with us. I could have passed the driving test the first day because these wagons are like toys to drive. Anyway the next time I go out driving I am going to have the test. Getting somebody who can drive already just suits this instructor because up to now the chaps he’s had haven’t seen the inside of a wagon before.
It was a bit of bad luck not calling at my Grandma’s again but it can’t be helped. I had a laugh in the workshops yesterday, one of the trucks wouldn’t start and the chap who was giving us lectures had a go at it and after about an hour he still didn’t know what was wrong with it.

Well, that’s all for now,
Des
PS. Thanks for the cigs.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Catterick Camp. 1st November 1944

Dear Mam & Dad,
Just a few lines to let you know I shall be home on Saturday. I’ve put a pass in so unless they spring something unexpected on us it’s a cert I shall be coming. I can’t tell you what time I shall arrive as it all depends on what time I leave here. I know I’m writing without waiting for your reply from my last letter but I thought it would be best to let you know beforehand. It’s a bit awkward getting a train from here Saturday dinner so I might try hitch-hiking. Well I’ll say so long for now,

Des
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Catterick Camp. 6th November 1944

Dear Mam & Dad,
Well, I got back in time, thank God. I thought when I left home I had missed it in which case I should have had to wait till this morning before I went back because the connection I caught at York was the last one. When I got to Darlington I met that chap in the RAC who I saw last time, he had been home on a 48 hour pass. I’ve been up to all the tricks to try and wangle a pass for this weekend but I’m afraid I’ve had it. Next time I shall get to the station in plenty of time because a few more do’s like that and I should be pegging out with heart failure. I’ll say so long for now as light’s out is blowing.

Des
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Catterick Camp. 12th November 1944

Dear Mam & Dad,
I’ve been expecting a letter all week as I wrote to you as soon as I got back here. Anyway I hope to be home next weekend on another 36 hour pass. I don’t know for sure if I shall get one because we are only entitled to one 36 hour a month but I am trying to work it because a 24 hour isn’t much good.
I was supposed to be confined to barracks yesterday as I was on “Inlying Piquet”, but me and my mate slipped out and went to Richmond. While we were there I had my photo took so I’ll let you have one when I get them which will be in a fortnight’s time.
At the moment I’m in a tight spot because when I fetched my rifle back from the Armourer’s I looked down the barrel and the pull-through was still in, so I took it back and now they are trying to say it’s another one what I’ve got in. But I’ll lick them yet, they aren’t going to swing it on me.
We had a big Bullshit Parade this week followed by a route march, but while the others were footslogging I was drinking tea and eating cakes in the NAAFI. That comes of knowing the dodges. Well, I’ll say so long for now,

Des
PS. A few kisses for the kids XXXX
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Catterick Camp. 12th November 1944
Same Address

Dear Mam & Dad,
I’ve just got that parcel from the ‘Star’ so I thought I’d let you know right away. I didn’t receive it till after I sent you that other letter else I could have told you then. I’ll give you a list of what’s in it. Writing pad & envelopes, reel of black cotton & packet of needles, shaving brush & soap, 1 duster & tin of black boot polish, 1 pencil, candle & 10 ‘Wardonia’ razor blades, 1 tube of aspirins, 1 tube stomach pills, snofire tablet, comb & toothpaste, packet lighter flints. Well, that’s about everything but according to the quality of the stuff it must have cost them a lot, because the shaving brush is better than the one I’ve got and it cost me plenty for that. I reckon the parcel’s worth more than 10/- . About the only thing what wasn’t in it is cigs & chocolate. It came just at the right time as I’d run out of envelopes & paper.

Well, I’ll sign off now. Here’s hoping I’m home next weekend.
Des
PS. I better not forget a few more kisses for the kids XXXXXX



Catterick Camp. 15th November 1944

Dear Mam & Dad,
Just received your letter, thanks for the fags. Well, Dunn’s lad can’t be so good if he’s only got in the infantry. Anyhow he’s lucky getting posted near home. By the way, that bird’s still writing, in fact I’ve had three letters since I came back off that 36 hour pass.
I am on a Speed March on Saturday and I shall finish for about 12:30 so if I get my pass I shall be home for about five as I can catch the same train as I came on leave on. There’s a Sergeant here just got his stripes took off him and then sent somewhere else because they caught him selling 36 hour passes for 2/6d a time. It’s a pity he weren’t in our Squadron else I should have had one every week. The weather’s still lousy, it’s been raining & snowing all day.
How’s the brewery job going on? Are you still doing it? Well, I am still on lectures and to tell you the truth I’m bored stiff. They tell you the theory and when you’ve learnt it you’re no better off when it comes to finding what’s wrong with a truck. Whenever I can, I start arguing with the instructor but he always gets out of it with some crackpot idea of his. They say here you can’t do nothing on an engine unless you know the theory about it. But I reckon it’s just another bullshit idea of the army. But I’ve got to learn it just the same. Well, I’ll sign off now as I’m going to bed as it’s the best place to be up here. So long,

Des
PS. Some more kisses for the kids XXXXX
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Catterick Camp. 16th November 1944
Same Address

Dear Mam & Dad,
Just got your letter. Thanks for the fags, they saved my life as I hadn’t got none. Well, if things work out the way I’ve figured they will, I shall be home this week but there’s snags in every plan so I can’t be definite about it till I finally get hold of the pass.
I finished my lectures today so next week I’m on Map Reading which means messing about on the moors trying to find your way. By the way, I pretty well know all the ropes, and the ones I don’t know, well, it won’t be long before I do know them. Well, the photo’s I’ve had took ought to be good because they cost plenty. I hope the weather’s okay in Sheffield because we are having real Catterick weather here. Yesterday morning it started snowing and in half an hour the ground was covered, then it rained for the rest of the day.
According to one of the Corporals we should have a good time at Christmas. He says last time they had as much grub as they could eat, plenty of free beer and fags, also, the officers waited on them.
By the time I’ve finished here I should be able to tear an engine to pieces and shove it back without having any bits left. Whether I shall be able to is a different matter. It seems daft writing a letter when I am hoping to be home but it’s just in case I don’t make it. If I don’t manage it I’m afraid I’ve had it until about four weeks time because at the end of next week I go to Reeth for a fortnight and at the weekends they keep you busy. Well, so long for now,

Des

Kids XXXXX
PS. Keep your fingers crossed for me till Saturday.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Catterick Camp. 23rd November 1944
Same Address

Dear Mam & Dad,
Just a few lines as I don’t know when I shall get another chance to write. Well, if you could see me now you wouldn’t recognise me. I’m covered from head to foot in mud and also wet through in the bargain. They kicked off this morning by taking us about forty miles from camp and then dumped us on some moors like Woodhead. We had a compass and a map apiece and our job was to find our way across the moors to a lake. Three of us set off together and for about a mile we tried our best to avoid all the mud and water but we got fed up of that and started wading straight through it all. After seven hours of that the buses picked us up and brought us back to camp. Many more stunts like that and I shall be kicking up daisies! Tuesday night we went on a night exercise, we were supposed to be learning how to find our way at night but the only thing we learnt was how to get caked in mud.
After all that trouble getting dubbin off my boots and getting a shine on them, an order’s come out saying we’ve got to dubbin them again. We have also had new gas masks & cases given to us because they think it’s an improvement on the other one. It’s just a waste of money & stuff as far as I can see.
By the way, it was about two when I got back here off that 36 hour and it was raining like hell! From Darlington to Richmond there was 18 of us in a compartment made to hold ten. One chap fell off the luggage rack onto two more and you ought to have heard the language that went on. Well, so long for now,

Des
Kids XXXX
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Reeth. 29th November 1944

Dear Mam & Dad,
I got your letter, thanks for the fags. Well, I am now at Reeth (worse luck!). We are all having a rotten time. Up to now we’ve “doubled” everywhere, that’s because they don’t believe in marching here. You wear overalls every day and in about an hour you’re soaking wet but you’ve got to carry on. We crawl through shit & mud with full battle order and rifles and they fire live rounds at you with bren guns so you daren’t stop. I’ve done things here what would have seemed impossible in Civvy Street. Well, it’s taking me all my time to stick it because even detention is easier than this. It’s a good job I’ve got a couple of my mates with me else I should be trotting home. There’s one thing about this dump, that’s no bullshit.
Still write to Catterick because they send the letters on to us. By the way, I’ve got my photo’s but they are too big to go in a letter so I’ll wait till I come home next time. Myself, I can’t tell if they are good or bad.
That excuse to the bird wasn’t good enough because I haven’t heard anything yet, but I’m not bothered because it’s too much trouble mugging about after her when I come on a pass. It seems impossible that you’ve started on the back door but I bet it’s not finished by the time I get demobbed. Well, I hope to get home before Christmas but I can’t be sure. The brewery job sounds as if it’s getting better still. I should have liked to have seen you coming back from Swinton.
You get tons of rounds here and you simply let peg anywhere so if I meet anybody I don’t like I know what to do. We just get 4 buns for dinner but we make up for it at tea-time. Well, you will have to excuse the writing but I’m having to write it on the side of the wall because that’s the only place there is. Well, so long for now,

Des
Kisses for the kids XXXXXXXX
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Reeth. 3rd December 1944
Same Address

Dear Mam & Dad,
Just a few lines to let you know I’m not pushing daisies up yet. Well, this dump gets worse, but I’ve only another week to do so I’ll stick it out. They threatened me with detention today, the rotten dogs. The Sergeant was in a bad mood and tried to do it on us. We had got two bren magazines apiece, 100 rounds, rifle and six mortar bombs in our packs. Then he made us double up a hill so I lost my temper and told him about it. And was he wild?
I’ve been over the assault course here and it’s murder. I’ve got a 3 inch cut on my leg and a few more on my hands through falling in some barbed wire. Up to now I’ve only enjoyed one day here. That was when we were learning Ju-Jitsu and then we went on the moors and started blowing things up with grenades & TNT. It’s a good job Pop’s not up here else some of the NCO’s would have been hospital cases. I know because if I had a chance when we are firing, there would be one or two accidents here to the Instructors. When I get my clothes dry I am going up to the village to look the joint over.
Well I hope to see you again before Christmas but I can’t be certain. Well, I’ll say so long for now,

Des
PS. Some more kisses for the kids XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Catterick Camp. 10th December 1944
Same Address

Dear Dad & Mam,
I have got both your letters, thanks for the cigs. Well, I have now landed back at Catterick and I am glad to be back. Expect me home next Saturday as I am putting a pass in.
On Thursday morning they took us out in pairs 45 mile from Reeth. We were told to go to a place about twenty miles from where they dropped us and collect our rations and then bash on to Reeth. Eight of us got together and started off over the moors. After we had gone a couple of miles a mist came down, then to crown it all, it started snowing. We got lost altogether because we couldn’t see a thing. In places the snow came up to our knees. We had all got the wind up because we looked like spending a couple of days out there with no grub. Six hours later we found a railway line, so we followed it till we got to a road. When we finally came to the place where our rations were we hadn’t had any grub for 11 hours and all we got for our ration was 2 packets of dog biscuits, a handful of raisins and a chunk of cheese. So was we browned off. We tramped another 4 miles to a pub so we could drown our sorrows. It was pitch black when we came out and we were just deciding to pack up for the night when a wagon came along, so I stood in the middle of the road with my rifle and waved him down with my torch. He gave us a lift for 17 miles and was we thankful. We then came to a Salvation Army canteen so I proceeded to knock them up. They made us some tea, cakes & also chocolate. Finally we tramped the remaining miles back to camp.
As for Dunn’s lad thinking he’s going to Burma, he’s daft because nobody knows where they are going. Besides it will be months yet before he finishes training so he needn’t worry yet.
Well, I’ll say so long for now,

Des
Kids XXXXX
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Catterick Camp. January 1945

Dear Mam & Dad,
Sorry I haven’t wrote back straight away when I got your letter but I’ve been too tired to write. I also received the parcel, in fact I’ve finished it off.
Well, I didn’t know it was the wrong train I got on, anyway it took me to Normanton where I had to change.
We went out driving first thing Wednesday morning on a column drive to Bradford. It was Thursday morning at 4:30 am before I got in and we was the first in. Soon after we started it pissed down with rain. It beat against our faces till we could hardly see. So we had to crawl along and keep wiping the water out of our eyes till they were red raw. At night we started to come back and I was driving the leading carrier. After we had gone about five miles two carriers smacked into each other, then the fun started. Walls began to get knocked down and carriers ditched. We were going perfect till the gearbox went wonky. Top gear was jiggered so we had to come about forty miles in third.
On Monday I go to Whitby for four days, then on the Friday I come home. Expect me about 8:30 pm. What’s the weather like? Has it been snowing? because it has here. It’s time for tea now. I’ll say so long,

Des
Kids XXXXXX
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Catterick Camp. 25th January 1945

Dear Mam & Dad,
Well, I got back here okay but I am feeling browned off with this dump. I haven’t done a thing since I got back because I reported sick, and have they put me through the mill. I’ve got my arm in a sling through them messing about. Anyway I’m still living (yet). Well I’ll finish off now because it’s awkward trying to write left-handed. By the way they are going to dish out collar & ties so if you can remember what size collar & shirt I take let me know. If my hand doesn’t improve soon I shan’t be able to get home next weekend. So long,

Des
Kisses for the kids XXXX
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Catterick Camp. 20th February 1945

Dear Mam & Dad,
Well, I am on Guard again for the second time in twelve days so I’ve got bags of time to write this letter as it’s the only way to pass the night on. It’s P.T. first thing in the morning so I am going sick again to dodge it, also to get my nerves looked at too as they are getting worse (I hope).
I’ve been working my demob group out and if everything goes the way they say, it will be roughly twelve months from the time they start demobbing before I get my ticket. All the passes have been stopped this week because the room wasn’t bullshitted Monday morning, so it’s a good job I came home last week. Well I’ll say so long for now,

Des
Kisses for the kids XXXXXXXXXXXX
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Catterick Camp. 4th March 1945
Same Address

Dear Mam & Dad,
Well, I went in West Bar Tuesday night and they got a car and took me up to the old Town Hall and shoved me in a cell till seven o’ clock next day when an escort came and took me up to Somme Barracks where I remained until Thursday dinner when an escort came to take me back. They kept me in a cell till Friday when I went before the CO and he gave me five days Jankers and two days pay stopped. So now I haven’t a minute to spare because I have to report at half past six in a morning and I finish at 10 o’ clock at night. I am still smiling anyway. Well, I shall have to finish now as I haven’t no more time to spare. Well I’ve got a lot to tell you but it will have to wait until next weekend because I hope to be home again then, but this time I shall have a pass in my pocket (I hope).

So long,
Des
Kisses for kids XXXXXXXX
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Catterick Camp. 28th March 1945

Dear Mam & Dad,
Well, I got back okay, I was only two and a half hours late. When I got to York the 9:09 to Darlington was fifty-five minutes late so I had to wait for the last train at Darlington. The last train was packed that full I couldn’t get on so I had to wait till they decided to run an extra train. Anyhow I got my pass signed by the RTO so I was okay. Tomorrow I go on a long run to Corby Castle so I shall be out all night again. By the way, it’s a good job I didn’t wait for the 4:56 as one chap what came on that didn’t land in camp till Monday morning. On York station I went in a WVS canteen and got twenty “Player’s” for 1/1d . I’ll say so long for now.

Des
Kisses for the kids XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Catterick Camp. 10th April 1945

Dear Mam & Dad,
Well, I couldn’t get home this weekend as they wanted blood donors and I refused to give a pint, so the Corporal had it in for me and so I didn’t get a pass. Anyway, expect me Friday about 8:30 to 9:00. By the way, remember Gary who went to work at Hogg’s with me? Well I’ve just heard he got killed three weeks ago by a sniper in Germany. Well, it’s lights out now so I’ll say so long,

Des
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Catterick Camp. 25th April 1945

Dear Mam & Dad,
Well I landed back okay but I forgot my keys for my kitbag but my mate had one to fit so I was okay. Monday night I went to a concert to take my mind off leave because it takes a lot to settle again. By the way, your letter with the keys in has just come.
All day Monday I did nothing but peel spuds, that was better than doing P.T. & Drill all day. Well, I’ll say so long for now,

Des
Kisses for the kids
X XXX X X XXXX
X X X X X X
X X X X X XXX
X X X X X X
XXXXX XX X XXXX
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Morecambe. May 1945
14809840 Tpr. Battersby
A Squadron. 3C Troop
38 Recce Regt. RAC
c/o G.P.O.
Morecambe
Lancs.

Dear Mam & Dad,
Sorry I haven’t written but I’ve been too busy. Well, I got your letter just before I left Catterick. Don’t be surprised if there’s no stamp on this letter because I am skint. So hurry up and write and please shove us half a dollar in as I haven’t even a penny for a cup of tea.
I can’t tell you much about this camp because this is the first night in camp. I am in a carrier troop so this week I sign for a carrier which will be my own. By the way, I went for another medical for the Glider Pilots and failed this time. I’ll tell you more about it in the next letter. So I’ve had it now as the next leave in five or six weeks will be embarkation. Also, there’s no 36 hour passes from here. Well, I’ll finish for now as it’s getting too dark to see. So long,

Des
Kisses for kids XXXXXXX
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Morecambe. 4th June 1945
Same Address

Dear Mam & Dad,
Well, I thought I would write you a few lines as it might be the last chance I get this week. I’ve just come back off a two day scheme and tomorrow we go out on another one which lasts a week.
Yesterday our Officer had a smash up on his motor-bike and he’s in a bad way. Every chance I get I go down Morecambe and do I have a good time. By the way, I got talking to a tart here who’s a singer in a show. At one time she did turns on the clubs including Bellhouse, but she was too high class for me so I dropped her. One day me and my mate went out and met two birds from Hayworth, Rochdale. They worked at the Dunlop factory there. We had to spin them a few yarns about how old we were because they happened to be 22 years old. Anyhow, when they had to go back home to Rochdale it nearly broke our hearts because we had been having a smack on time and for a couple of days my pal was down in the dumps. By the way, it’s a fresh mate I’ve got. He sleeps in the same Chalet as me, he’s a gunner on one of the carriers. Well, if the rest of my Army life is like this it will suit me, as now I’ve settled down to this camp it’s pretty cushy in every way. I shall have to finish off now as I can’t think of anything else to write at the moment.

So long,
Des
Kisses for the kids XXXXXXXXXX
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Morecambe. 24th June 1945
14809840 Tpr. Battersby
A Squadron. 3C Troop
38 Recce Regt. RAC
c/o G.P.O.
Morecambe
Lancs.

Dear Mam & Dad,
Well, I suppose you are feeling mad at me for not writing but believe me, I’ve been too busy. For the last three weeks I’ve been out on schemes driving my carrier. Sometimes we worked through the night and the rest of the times we slept in the open on the moors beside the carrier.

Well, I shall be seeing you in two weeks time because on the 7th of July I come home on Embarkation leave. Then it’s a one way ticket on the banana boat, which, according to the drafts what keep going out looks like being Burma.

I’ve had the time of my life on the carrier. If I feel like going out, I start the carrier up and my mate climbs aboard and off we go. One night I took it out for a run and it was half past one next morning when I came back and nothing was said. Well, that’s all for now,

Des
Kisses XXXXXX
By the way I nearly forgot to mention I have got all the letters and papers, also the parcel which my mate helped me to scoff the same night. Thanks, it came just right.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Bury St. Edmunds. 22nd July 1945
14809840 Tpr. Battersby
A Squadron
Yorkshire Hussars RAC
Fortham Camp West
Bury St. Edmunds
Suffolk

Dear Mam & Dad,
Well, we finally landed at this camp after the worst journey I’ve ever had. We left Morecambe 9pm Friday night and we finally got here dinner-time on Saturday. I can’t understand this dump yet, there’s chaps wearing every kind of badge and flashes. It seems they have been ordered to form a Tank Regt. within six months so that’s the reason we got transported to this mob. Anyway it means getting a few months extra at this side so I can now laugh at the Embarkation Leave they gave me. Up to now I haven’t done a thing but what I’ve heard this place is okay except for bags of drill & P.T. By the way, it’s a pity I wasn’t stationed nearer because passes here start from Saturday till 6:30am on Monday morning.
Well, heavy goods drivers, I’ve shot ‘em, because now I am a Driver/Mechanic on a Churchill Tank so I shall want a bigger hat when I come home. We’ve only got Churchill’s here up to now, so I expect the Regiment is going to be formed of all Churchill’s. Well, I’ve looked the tanks over but I haven’t had a bash on one yet. Everybody is looking forward to driving one but I think everybody will be sweating on the top line the first time we go out. The lightest weigh 34 tons and the heaviest 64 tons so the roads will be have to be cleared when I go out!
Before long they are going to give us revolver’s instead of rifles. Tomorrow we are going to look the town over although we are about two miles away as usual. Well, I’ll have to be finishing now as I am dog tired through travelling all night. So long,

Des
Kisses for the kids XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Bury St. Edmunds. 29th July 1945
14809840 Tpr. Battersby
A Squadron
Yorkshire Hussars RAC
Fortham Camp West
Bury St. Edmunds
Suffolk

Dear Mam & Dad,
I got your letter on Friday, thanks for the fags as they came in handy because when you run short here you have to walk 2 miles into town and then try and scrounge a packet from somewhere. Well, at the moment we are all browned off because we’re having the lousiest time since we left Catterick. According to what the CO told us he’s had orders to form a Tank Regt. to be ready to go to the Far East some time this year but the way things are being organised we shall still be here next year. Also, by the look of things it will be weeks yet before I get a Tank.
The town here is rotten, although there’s plenty of girls but they are too busy chasing after the Yanks. As for passes I could just about make it, only the fare would cost nearly 30/- so it isn’t worthwhile coming. The Officer’s here are not too bad but most of them haven’t been in the Army as long as me! Also, the Major we’ve got is bomb happy so I wouldn’t like to go across with them as they know “F—- all” about anything. Today nobody came to wake us up so we stopped in bed till dinner-time, I only hope it’s the same every Sunday. In time I believe we shall be transferred to this mob for good and that would mean having different flashes and cap badge. Everybody here wants to stop in the RECCE but the trouble is they won’t give us a transfer into one of our own Regts. Anyhow, I shall be driving a Tank that’s one thing I’ve always wanted a bash at.
By the way, I might be coming to the 57th RAC at Catterick for 5 weeks soon on a Churchill Conversion Course so I am keeping my fingers crossed because I might be able to wangle a pass from there. Well, I’ll have to be finishing now as me & my mate managed to pick two birds up last night and we promised to meet them again today. That’s if they turn up! So long,

Des
Kisses for the kids XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Bury St. Edmunds. 1st August 1945
Same Address

Dear Mam & Dad,
Just a few lines to let you know I might be home at the end of the week. They are getting rid of all the Armoured Cars and replacing them with Churchills. Some of them are going to Ferrybridge, Pontefract and I am going with them. We are setting off Thursday morning and getting as far as Doncaster, where we stop for the night. Friday we carry on to Pontefract and hand the cars over, then come back here by train. Well, I am trying to wangle it so that I can get home and stop over the weekend if possible. You ought to see the rest of the lads here, they are as jealous as hell because they aren’t going on it. By the way, I’m not driving one, instead I’ve got the job of Commander which means I am in charge of one of the cars. If they go on like this I shan’t be able to get a big enough beret to fit me. Well, I’ll say so long for now,

Des
PS. If you happen to be round Doncaster Thursday keep a look out for us. You can’t mistake the cars, they’ve got big stars on them like the YANKS.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Bury St. Edmunds. 11th August 1945

Dear Mam & Dad,
I got both your letters, thanks for the fags. Well, don’t write again as I am going up to the 57th RAC at Catterick on Saturday. If you happen to get on to my Grandma’s tell them to wait till they hear from me before they write. I shall only be there about a month as I am going on a Churchill course and if I pass I might stand a chance of getting some more extra pay.
Well, I landed back here at one in the morning so it wasn’t as bad as we thought. Although the trains were packed that much from Peterborough there was 21 of us in a compartment made to hold six! When we arrived we could hardly move because we had all got the cramp. I’ll say so long for now as I’ve got to get my kit packed.

Des
Kisses for the kids XXXXXXXXXXXX
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Catterick Camp. 22nd August 1945
14809840 Tpr. Battersby
Yorkshire Hussars
Att: 57th Tr. Regt. RAC.
Waitworth Camp
Catterick,
Yorks.

Dear Mam & Dad,
I got your letter today, also I received that newspaper and letter you sent to Bury. Well, I could have gone mad when I heard about the kippers but I shall be home this weekend for sure so if you get the chance get some more.
VJ Day here wasn’t up to much but I stopped in bed till dinner-time so I can’t grumble too much. It seems useless having to stop in the Army now it’s all over but in a couple of years I might be out. One thing, if I do have to go to Burma now I shall be certain of coming back although my chances of getting a VC have gone wallop. By the way, I was surprised to hear Harold is home so if he comes up this weekend I shall see him.
Well, that Tank you asked about is for chaps in the “Royal Tank Regiment”, so I shan’t be able to wear one. It doesn’t mean anything special, it’s just that everybody in the RTR has to wear one, even if they never go near a Tank. Thanks for the photo although you ought to have had one took of all the wagon. You once said you would like to be in the Tank Corps but I don’t think you would like it. They told us everything we should do before we take the Tank out and if you did it all it would be tea-time before you even set off! Well, I’ll finish off now because I am going to bed even if it is only 7 o’ clock.

So long,
Des
Kisses for the kids XXXXXXXX
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Catterick Camp. 28th August 1945
14809840 Tpr. Battersby
Room C.8. C Squadron
Yorkshire Hussars
Att: 57th Tr. Regt. RAC.
Waitworth Camp
Catterick
Yorks.

Dear Mam & Dad,
Well, I landed back okay and the journey wasn’t too bad, I got a seat all the way from Rotherham. up to now driving a Churchill is smack on. After half an hour I was handling it as if I had been on them weeks. They put four RAC trainees on the same Tank as me and they nearly drove the Corporal mad. They can’t even set off and when they try to change gear it sounds and feels as if it’s been hit by an atom bomb . So I’ve got the job of driving it from Camp until we come to a quiet spot of road. Then he lets them have a go. At night I again have to drive back into Camp because he doesn’t trust them in traffic. This afternoon coming back I got the shock of my life, I went for the foot-brake and it went down to the floor and nothing happened, I tried the handbrake but that was also useless. By the time I managed to bring it to a standstill sweat was pouring off me. A few more things like that and I shall have heart failure. By the way, expect me home again on Saturday because, pass or no pass I am coming. I’ll finish off now as I am going to bed to make up for the sleep I lost on Sunday.

So long,
Des
Kisses for the kids XXXXXXXXXXX
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Notice how Des refers to "as if it's been hit by an atom bomb" in the above letter. It had only been dropped three weeks previously, but already it's being used as a descriptive term.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Bury St. Edmunds. September 1945

Dear Mam & Dad,
Well, I am now back at Bury as you can see by the address. I only just finished the course in time because they are recalling everybody back to the Regt. but nobody knows why. This place is just the same as when I left. It’s in one big muddle and nobody knows what’s happening or what’s going to happen. They just mug us around all day trying to find us something to do. At the moment all they can think of is PT and Drill. Every Wednesday afternoon we have it off and Thursday & Friday we fill in the time by playing games. Then you read in the papers about shortage of manpower, if they had any sense they would send us on the farms and let us earn some extra pocket money.
I expect you are wondering why I haven’t written this in ink but just before I left Catterick I had my pen pinched. One day, while we were out on the Tanks somebody went into our hut and pinched one chap’s blanket and another kid’s belt and finished up by taking my pen out of the locker, so he must have had a key to fit because I had put a lock on. We tried to find out who pinched them but we had to give it up because it was impossible.
The Saturday before I left I went out with my old mate from the Training Centre and did we have a good time. Remember the Bumper Cars in the fairground? Well we spent ten bob between us just on them! When we landed back in Camp we were both broke but it was worth it. By the way, slip me a couple of razor blades in the next letter as I’ve run short and I can’t get none. Also, get cracking with that “Star” parcel, it would come in handy just now. I can’t make up my mind whether to have my VJ leave now or add it on to my next leave. Anyhow I’ll let you know when I’ve decided.
I managed to get two miniature RECCE badges for you but they might get broke in the post so I’ll wait till I come home and then bring them. Also, I managed to get a denim jacket for nothing just before I left Catterick so I’ll bring that with me as well. Six pages is enough for one night I reckon so I’ll finish off for now.

So long,
Des
Kisses for the kids XXXXXXXX
PS. Coming down we stopped at Ely for an hour, and if the town is anything like the station, Barrat’s must have had a lousy holiday.
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Bury St. Edmunds. 19th September 1945
14809840 Tpr. Battersby
1. Troop A Squadron
Yorkshire Hussars
Fornham Camp West
Bury St. Edmunds
Suffolk

Dear Mam & Dad,
Just received your letter, thanks for the fags and razor blades. Well, I am afraid that course I did at Catterick will be no use to me now because they are sending all the Tanks away. Nobody knows just what’s happening but by the look of things the Regt. is going to split up. Last Saturday they sent 18 men out of our squadron on draft to the Far East. But I was lucky because they were non-tradesmen they sent. So I am hoping I get my leave before they start looking round for some more chaps to send on draft. By the way, it made me smile to hear that the Barrat’s didn’t like what I said about Ely!
When I went down to Bury on Saturday there were plenty of nice tomatoes for sale at ninepence a pound so if there’s still plenty knocking about when I come on leave I’ll bring a few pounds home with me. There’s also bags of apples, pears and plums about. On Saturday I had a smashing time. Three of us went down to Bury and had a look round, and after eating a pound of plums and pears apiece we went and had our teas, then we bought another pound of pears apiece and went to the pictures twice. To finish the night off, we took a taxi back to Camp as it was raining. Next day I checked my money over and found that I had spent just over a quid! So for the rest of this week I’ve got to take it steady. Well, I’ll finish for now.

So long,
Des
Kisses for the kids XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Bury St. Edmunds. 2nd October 1945

Dear Mam & Dad,
Well, I landed back after one of the deadliest journeys I’ve had. The train from Retford to Peterborough was packed, so we crammed into the Guard’s van. After about half an hour the heat was that bad we all stripped our tunics off but the sweat still poured out of us so we smashed the windows to get some air in.
We finished up with riding along holding the doors open and even then it was like a furnace inside. At Peterborough I had a two hours wait for the next train so I arrived in Camp just turned two so I managed to get four hours kip in bed.
Next morning we had to do a ten mile endurance march in two hours carrying full kit and rifles. They set us off in batches at five minute intervals. Me and my mate got just outside the gates and a RAF lorry picked us up so we laid in the bottom so nobody could see us.
After he had taken us a good way, we jumped off and then took it easy till the first party came along and then walked into Camp behind them. The PT instructor wanted to know how we had managed to come in before the others when we had set off ten minutes after them. Also, we were the only ones to do it in time, all the others took longer so they had to do it again.
Nobody saw us get a lift so even though they suspect it, they can’t prove it, else we should have to do it all over again and I don’t like walking so we should have to start thumbing all over again.
I don’t know just when I shall get my leave, but it should be within the next fortnight, and according to the Corporal in our hut when he had compassionate leave it came off his normal leave, so I’ll have to keep my fingers crossed . Well I’ll finish off for now as I am going to catch up on some sleep.

So long,
Des
Kisses for the kids.

X XXX X X XXXX
X X X X X X
X X X X X XXX
X X X X X X
XXXXX XXX X XXXX
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Farnborough, Aldershot. 8th November 1945
14809840 Tpr. Battersby
C Block. XX Draft.
Ellis Barracks
58th Tr. RAC.
Farnborough
Hamps.

Dear Mam & Dad,
Well, as you can see I have already moved. I have put the address on but you will have to write back at once because on Wednesday we shall be on the boat. By the way, could you slip me a couple of bob in the envelope because we don’t get paid till we get over there.
Down here there’s a lot of those new jet-planes and you ought to see them travel, also the noise they make. It seems queer but I expected I should be miserable when it came to going abroad, but instead I am as happy as I was on my leave. It’s probably because we are having a cushy time. Well, I’ll finish off now, I shan’t write again till I get over the other side so don’t worry if you don’t hear from me for a couple of weeks.

So long,
Des
Kisses for the kids XXXX
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Farnborough, Aldershot. 12th November 1945

Dear Mam & Dad,
I expect you are surprised to get this because I told you in the last one I was going to wait until I landed on the other side of the water.
But I am browned off, so to pass the time away I decided to write you a few lines. Well, I have written to our Sheila even though I had to spend a couple of hours thinking what to put. Anyway with the help of my mate I managed to write her three pages even then I forgot to mention anything about that little nurse who was enquiring about me.
This place is deadly in every way so we went to Aldershot but that wasn’t any better. Although we did see a smack-on show in which the turns were even better than Strip-tease artists. The only other exciting thing that’s happened is when I watched a German jet-plane crash when he was giving a demonstration during a German aircraft exhibition which is being held down here.
Either two or three were killed, including the pilot, but I expect you have already been reading about it in the papers. Well, so long for now,

Des
Kisses for Molly XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
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Farnham, Aldershot. 20th November 1945

Dear Mam & Dad,
Just a few lines to let you know this is it. We leave here for the boat tomorrow morning so I will write again as soon as we get across.
Well, they wouldn’t let me have a pass last weekend else I was going to come home. It wasn’t worth risking without a pass because being on draft would have meant a Court Martial.
By the way, I have got a smashing little bird writing to me now, she lives on the Manor Estate. Don’t ask me how I met her, it would take too much explaining.
Well, don’t forget to give my love to Sheila when you go and see her. I am afraid I shall be having to finish off now as I have got to pack my kit up.

So long,
Des
Kisses for Molly XXXXXX
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Germany. 27th November 1945
14809840 Tpr. Battersby
Holding Wing
Rhine Army
R.A.C. T.C.
No.6 Cpy
53, R.H.U.
B.A.O.R.

Dear Mam & Dad,
Well, I arrived here okay after a smack-on crossing. The sea was as calm as a lily-pond although it was foggy all the way.
We boarded the ship Thursday night at Dover and set sail for Ostende in Belgium where we arrived 4 1/2 hours later. You can buy almost anything in the shops there, including clocks, watches and clothes, and I once thought the Belgians were suffering.
After stopping there for two days we had a 24hr train journey to Bielefeld in Germany, that’s where I am now. Up to now the weather’s lousy, it’s started to snow already and you can’t keep warm even with a greatcoat on. Anyhow I would sooner be here than messing around in England like I have been doing.
Well, from what I have seen already, Germany has had a good battering with bombs, etc. All the way here all we saw for miles was ruins. By the way, when I was in the Transit Camp at Ostende, I went into the NAAFI and I recognised a chap there but I couldn’t think where I had seen him before. While I was on the train I suddenly realised who it was. Unless I am mistaken it was Eric Halbrown. Well, I have just come back from an interview with the CO as I am trying to get into one of the “Recce” Regts. which is over here. Well I will finish off for now.

So long,
Des
Kisses for the kids XXXXXX
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Germany. 30th November 1945

Dear Mam & Dad,
Well, as you can see I have already moved again. I am now stationed about ten miles from Belsen Camp and I look like being here for the rest of my Army life.
This place is in the wilds, so the only time we can go out is at the weekends because the nearest town is thirty miles away. Nobody is allowed out of Camp on their own. At least two have to go out together as the Polish slave workers who are waiting to go back keep causing trouble by roaming round at night shooting our lads up.
The reason I am here is I am on the staff. This is going to be a training centre for lads coming in the Army. First, they are going to do six weeks in England, and then finish their training here. The first lot isn’t coming until April so we have plenty of time to get things organised before they arrive.
This morning I was offered a job as Post Corporal and I refused and now I am regretting it. Although I have been offered a chance to become a Lance-jack and then come to England on a Driving & Maintenance course, and then come back here as a Sergeant/Instructor. I have got until morning to think it over but somehow I can’t make up my mind as it sounds too good to be true.
I was glad to leave the other place but it meant leaving all my mates behind. Me and my mate spent all night cursing because we were splitting up. He applied to go back to the Recce the same as I did but I got this job instead.
The Germans are bad off, in fact, here they are willing to pay 50 marks for 20 fags, which in English money is 25/- . A lot of what you read in the papers is a lot of tripe. Up to now all the jerries I have met are okay. They don’t hate you at all. The German girls don’t use lipstick and make-up and there is plenty of good lookers among them. As for fratting with them, up to now I haven’t had much chance. By the way, I still write to that piece of stuff on the Manor Estate. It’s possible I shall be coming on leave in about six months time so it’s better being here than in England.
Don’t forget to let me know how Sheila is going on. Also give her my love when you go and see her. Well, I will finish off now and go and think out whether or not I should go in for the stripes. So long,

Des
Kisses for the kids XXXXXXXX
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Germany. 7th December 1945

Dear Mam & Dad,

Well, I received both your letters today, also the one you forwarded from my pal. Thanks for the cigs but if they are still hard to get, keep them for yourself as at the moment I can get enough. You must think I am mad because I didn’t take the Instructor’s job, instead I have got a permanent job driving the Medical Officer’s car. Anyhow, it’s a nice cushy job so I am satisfied for a while. By the way, you mentioned about two girls at “Shentall’s” asking about me, well, what are you waiting for, give them my address and let them start writing as soon as possible. Out here in the wilds, writing is the only thing to pass the time away so the more people write to me the better I shall like it.
The weather out here is getting worse. This morning I had to put two pairs of socks on, even then my feet were still frozzen stiff. We get fifty cigs a week free, also another seventy for about two & sixpence so as you can see I am now better off for fags than when I was stationed at home.

Well, by the look of things Sheila will be at home to help me celebrate my first overseas leave, at least I hope so. Up to now I haven’t done any “fratting” with the girls but wait until I get organised. Once again I am a lone-wolf as the chap who I teamed up with here has gone to the Rhuhr with a Major for a few weeks. Perhaps it’s as well for on the job I am on I am likely to finish at all hours. Well I will finish off now and get into bed.

So long,
Des

Kisses for the kids

X XXX X X XXXX
X X X X X X
X X X X X XXX
X X X X X X
XXXXX XXX X XXXX
PS. Don’t forget about them girls. By the way I nearly forgot to mention it. Up to now there’s been no letters from the Manor.
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Germany. 2nd January 1946
14809840 Tpr. Battersby
R.A.C. Training Centre
B.A.O.R.

Dear Mam & Dad,
Well, I am writing this before I have received an answer to the last one. The reason is I am sending a registered letter off sometime next week. Inside it you will find ten pounds worth of postal orders. So do me a favour and cash them and save the money until I come on leave. Also, can you send me a parcel, containing a pound of coffee, it’s either got to be coffee beans or pure ground coffee. Bottled stuff with chicory etc. isn’t any use. Also I want about six bars of toilet soap and about 50 fags. You are not forced to send a registered parcel but if you do it means writing on the outside, what’s inside. Put anything on, such as toothpaste, writing pads, books, etc. but for Pete’s sake don’t put on exactly what’s in the parcel as you aren’t supposed to send food, cigs, soap and chocolate across. The parcels are never opened so you needn’t worry over that. It’s urgent you send it off as quickly as you can otherwise I won’t be able to pull this wangle across. For the amount of stuff I have asked for I can get 400 marks for it, which is ten pounds in English money. The trouble is getting it changed from German into our money, but I have found a loop-hole, that’s why I want the stuff quick. Don’t worry how much the stuff costs because if it comes off I will give you a fiver between you. Although I won’t know whether it has succeeded or not until I leave here to come on leave.
By the way, I have had my photo taken so enclosed is a couple for you. Next weekend I am going to have some more taken. I was going today, only yesterday I was having a tow with the car. I picked on the tow-rope and came off second best! With the result I got a cut on the nose so until my good-looks are back I can’t have any more taken.

Good-bye for now,
Des
Kisses for the kids XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
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Germany. 16th January 1946
14809840 Tpr. Battersby
R.A.C. Training Centre
B.A.O.R.

Dear Mam & Dad,
Well, I received your letter a few days ago, thanks for the fags. Sorry to hear you had a quiet Christmas although I expect it was ten times better than the one I had. It wasn’t too bad as my two mates got bags of parcels so I dived in and helped them to polish the stuff off.
I heard about Harold but I am out of his class, remember there are soldiers & soldiers. Also, I don’t mug around the cook-house acting as spud-basher and chief washer up. As for swanking in the club when I come on leave, I doubt whether I shall have time to go in.
Well, don’t worry about me as I am doing fine up to now. I can’t think of anything else to put so I will say goodbye for now,

Des
Kisses for the kids XXXXXX

PS. The next time you write, put a 1 1/2d stamp on the letter as that’s all it requires.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Germany. 25th January 1946

Dear Mam & Dad,
Just received your welcome letter today, thanks for the cigs as I am very short of them. Well, when I heard about Barry Hamer I could hardly believe it as he is a lot younger than me. By the way, I hope you will forgive me if I put one or two things in my last letter that you didn’t like.
The reason was that I had been working some long hours and I came in with a raging temper and also one of my old moods on. So do me a favour and forget I ever sent that other letter. Tell that girl at “Shentall’s” she’s got herself a date, only can’t you get her to write me a few lines?
From what I keep hearing I won’t be able to recognise my Grandma’s house when I come on leave. Still, I hope she knows just how lucky she’s been.
The weather here is colder than any other place I have been in although I am glad to say the thickest lot of snow has only been three inches deep. It’s been below freezing point for weeks now so as you can guess the roads are like one big skating rink. Either I must be a smack on driver or else I must have been born lucky because I am out all day and most of the nights as well, yet apart from one or two narrow escapes I haven’t had any crack ups. A lot of the lads have already wrecked their trucks up, so it looks good for me to say I have even attempted to drive blind drunk. Anyway I am now on the milk-wagon as I haven’t had another chance of drinking any more English pints. Also after having hangovers lasting two days I came to the conclusion I would be better off cutting drinks down for a while. Yesterday I sent our Sheila another letter so she will most likely tell you all about it when you next pay her a visit.
I am certainly seeing plenty of Germany, as, for the last fortnight I have been running pretty often to Hannover, Hamburg, Belsen and Celle. Well, how’s that for long-distance work? In fact up to now I have already driven 2,000 miles and that’s going some to say I haven’t been over here so long.
Sorry to hear you have the flu, still, I told you before that you “old ‘uns” couldn’t stand the pace. What’s happening about them two new six-wheeler’s? Haven’t you got them yet? Remember I am looking forward to showing you how they should be driven.
Well, I think that’s enough for one day so I will say Goodbye for now and go to bed as it’s about the best place. So long,

Des
Kisses for the kids XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
PS. Don’t forget to get that little bird to write.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Germany. 3rd February 1946

Dear Mam & Dad,
Well, the leave list for February has just been put up, I am sorry to say my name isn’t on, so it’s now definite I shall be coming sometime in March. To tell you the truth I am feeling browned off again, also, everybody else in the Camp is feeling the same way. Still, we are moving into Belsen sometime this year so we should be better off for entertainment there, even if it’s only the “Belsen Bags”.
By the look of things I might as well class myself as a regular soldier, Montgomery is going to slow the demobbing down soon because he’s got a crazy notion that he is now getting short of men over here. So by 1948 they might think of beginning to release us in Group 62. Although everybody back in “Civvy Street” seems to think we are having a smashing time, which includes making a fortune.
Well, I have been having some more trouble with the car again. Instead of tearing along about 60mph it will only do round about 20mph. All today I have been messing around changing gaskets and stripping the carburettor but it’s still the same, as the engine is just about “F——-”. The kingpins are badly worn so it’s making the steering lousy. I am considering putting a match to it then I would be certain of getting a new wagon. Still, it’s partly my fault for flogging the car along flat out for mile after mile. Anyway I didn’t buy it so why should I worry my head over it. What’s that you say? “Driver/Mechanic’s, I’ve sh-t ‘em!”.
The Poles around haven’t been so frisky when I have been out at nights so up to now I haven’t been able to try my old revolver out.
Don’t forget to lay a good stock of grub in because I haven’t been full since that fourteen days I had. Are you still using that old shaving brush what I jiggered for you? If so, carry on and manage with it a few weeks longer as I have got a smasher for you.
By the way, remember me to “Alice”, also put me a good word in for when I come on leave. How’s Sheila getting along now? When I’ve got a few moments to spare I will try my best to write her another letter, what is her proper address? because I seem to have lost the other one you sent.
I had some photos taken last week but they won’t be ready until Friday. So I will send you a couple although I have an idea they won’t turn out so good. Just as he clicked the camera my smile faded away so I am waiting anxiously for the results. Well, five pages ought to keep you going for a few days so I will finish off. Goodbye for now,

Des
Kisses for the kids LOVE FROM DES XXXXXXXXXXXX
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Germany. 9th February 1946

Dear Mam & Dad,
Just received your welcome letter, thanks for the fags and razor-blade.
By the way, don’t be expecting that registered letter with the postal-orders in because they tightened down on that racket before I had time to bring it off. So now I shall have to think of another method of getting money changed.
At the moment I am not in a good mood as the car has been giving me trouble again. Yesterday afternoon I took the M.O. and one of his cronies to Celle. He was coming back at ten at night so I parked the car and had a look round the place. When I went back to the car it was pouring in rain and pitch black. I attempted to put the rotor-arm in, when suddenly there was a shower of sparks from somewhere and the car started to go up in flames! Anyhow, I managed to put it out with the Pyrene. Finally I got it to go but after going ten miles, fireworks started under the floor-boards. After messing about in the pouring rain and getting my best battle-dress greasy in the the bargain, I found the starter motor was causing the trouble. Well I fixed that, but I had only done another ten miles and she packed up on me again. That finished it, I said “F—- the wagon”, and ended up by being towed to Camp. Now I am on the road again until a new engine comes. Then maybe my troubles finish then.

The “fratting racket” is coming along fine. I am now going about with a smack-on German girl. She is 18 years old and speaks good English. Her name is Gilr, that’s a new one on you I expect. It’s pronounced Geela and if you say it correct, it should rhyme with Sheila.
I had a jerry painter write our Sheila’s name in white paint on the front of the car. It turned out to be the M.O’s wife’s name but he took it the right way so everything was okay. The Commanding Officer noticed it today and said I had got to take it off. But as far as I am concerned he’s had it, or else I have, which is more like it. Well I will have to finish off now and get changed ready to do some more “fratting”.

Goodbye for now,
Des
Kisses for the kids XXXXXXXXX
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Germany. 2nd March 1946

Dear Mam & Dad,
Received your letter yesterday, thanks for the address although I thought you were kidding me. Well, I have sent her a letter but it took some doing as it took some time to think what to put being as I have never met her before. Still, I come on leave on the 27th of March so I will have plenty of time to get to know her then. As for the Frauleins I have finished with them.
Sorry to hear you are having some trouble but I am in the same boat. It was a big surprise to hear you had got the sack. Anyway, try and get an eight-wheeler this time as I want to try my hand on one. By the way, I am not driving the M.O. about now. Don’t ask me why, as it would take about six pages to explain. Instead I am on the pool which is like the M.O.W.T. in England. When a job comes in for a car I get the job. This way I get plenty of long runs.
For the last fortnight it’s snowed every day and now it’s pretty thick and the roads are deadly. On Monday I was tearing along about 40mph when the C.O. saw me and I was warned if he caught me speeding on icy roads again he would take me off driving for good. Anyway yesterday I went out on a buckshee trip and I was flat out as usual when I had a bit of a do with a 3 tonner and a jeep. I missed them by inches but the C.O. happened to be passing so he went mad. Still, it’s been smoothed over so I am still driving. In the Office they have put a notice up, here it is!

_________________________________________________

Anyone wishing to take a course on how to “Speed With Safety”
contact Tpr. Battersby who will arrange to give them lessons.
Trucks will not be taken out except on duty or with permission from the V.P.O.

Officers are on the look out for Drivers speeding on these icy roads.
You have been warned.
___________________________________

Well, what do you think of that. Now I am regarded as one of the fastest and maddest drivers in the mob. By the way, I met three nurses while on my 14 days so I expect Jessie Steele was one of them. I am going to Hannover tomorrow so I will finish off now and get ready.

So long,
Des
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Germany. 22nd April 1946

22.4.46
14809840 Tpr. Battersby
2nd Rhine Army
R.A.C. Tr. Centre
B.A.O.R.

Dear Sheila,
Well “Ginger”, here’s another photo for you , and next week I will send you some more.
By the way, next time I come home I expect to see you waiting for me at the station, so hurry up and get better.
I have just been and had some teeth out and now another one is starting to ache so I will have to finish off for now.

Goodbye,
Des.
LOTS OF LOVE
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Germany. 14th May 1946
14809840 Tpr. Battersby
2nd Rhine Army
R.A.C. T.C.
B.A.O.R.

Dear Sheila,
Well Ginger, I am sorry I didn’t send you a letter before but I have been away for a few days to fetch some more Tanks.
I suddenly remembered it will be your birthday soon, so tell your Daddy what kind of present you want. Then I shall know what to buy you.
Well kid, I am learning to ride a horse, but yesterday I wanted to go one way and the horse wanted to go the other way. The horse won in the end so I don’t want to go for another ride.
I haven’t been to fetch them photo’s yet so I will send them to you in the next letter. It’s time for bed now so I will have to say Goodbye or I won’t be able to get up in the morning.

Cheerio for now,
Des
LOVE AND KISSES FROM YOUR BIG BROTHER DES
_____________________________________________________________________________________

One other letter to Dad from England has survived; he must have received it just before he wrote the next one. I found it tucked away in a small tin. It’s easy to see why he kept this one.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Dear Des,

I hope you will soon come home. becaue it is my bathy day next friday will you wite you now peles Have you got the photo yet I get up now and I walk abat I went on the lawn yestday picing dasis I miss you a lot I will come home before you

Sheila

Good by
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Germany. June 1946
14809840 Tpr. Battersby
D & M Wing
2nd Rhine Army
R.A.C. Training Centre
B.A.O.R.

Dear Mam & Dad,
Just received your letter, thanks for the fags. Also, I got the other letters and birthday cards, but what with going to Brussels, etc. I forgot to answer them. The pubs had better get a stock of beer in for when I come home as I have started practising already. This week I haven’t been sober once, at the moment I feel jiggered.
On Wednesday night I got a nasty bump on my head caused by me and my mate both trying to bale out of a bird’s window at the same time. Sorry I can’t tell you all the story but it isn’t nice for anybody to know.
By the way, just how much cash have I got at home? Because I haven’t got no credits so I shall only have a fiver to bring home with me at the most.
Tell Harold a lot of chaps out of his old mob, the 3rd RTR.. are coming here to take courses on “Flails” and Shermans.
Well, Sheila ought to be home this leave because I have roughly another five weeks to go yet. You mentioned about Sylvia being near here, well how much longer has she got to do? Or is she staying in the Land Army? “Blondie”, happens to be a sixteen year old, who I have been writing to ever since I left Blighty. She keeps sending me books and now she even sends parcels. As I told you before, it’s only a pen-pal, she’s too nice a kid for me to mess around with. Well, I am still on the Driving School with the Armoured Car and next week the students start on them. I shall have to finish now as I am lost for words. Goodbye for now,

Des
Kisses for the kids XXXXXXXX
_____________________________________________________________________________________

At this point, on July 3rd 1946, Dad’s sister Sheila died. As we have seen in the previous letters, she had been ill for some time. I know Dad never really got over it, and I don’t think he liked talking about her as it upset him. You will notice that, after this point, the remaining letters don’t contain any “Kisses for Molly”, it’s obvious that he consciously couldn’t put it as it reminded him that Sheila wasn’t there any more.
_____________________________________________________________________________________




86/5 2231/4 SHEFFIELD 18 4 1450 =

14809840 TPR D BATTERSBY DM WING 2ND RHINE ARMY

RAC TRAINING CENTRE BAOR =

SHIELA PASSED AWAY WEDNESDAY =

MOTHER +

LOC. E6874+ 14809840 2 684 ++

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Germany. 8th August 1946
14809840 Tpr. Battersby
D & M Wing
(2) R.A.C. Training Centre
Celle
B.A.O.R.

Dear Mam & Dad,
Well, I landed back in camp okay, although we had a pretty rough crossing. It seems funny us talking about going in for the dirt-track because I have now got the chance of getting some experience in. Our Major is dead keen on bikes and has started a club going, so as you can imagine I went in for it straight away. It won’t be quite like dirt-track racing as we are going in for hill-climbs and scrambles and cross-country and grass-track racing. Anyway, it will be a start. One of my mates is going to give me a hand to get a motor-bike in shape and then we are going to do another one up so that we have got one each. The Major has promised us that we shall be able to keep the bikes for the rest of our Army career so that suits me. At the moment the bikes are in a bad state so it will be a good few weeks yet before we get going. Then I shall spend all my spare time practising as most of these chaps have been dispatch-riders and also rode in Civvy Street. Of course all this is going to happen in our spare time and we won’t be riding for prizes, but just for the fun and sport of it. By the way, the Major is coming home next week to take part in the T.T. Races, so look in the papers and let me have all the dope on him, his name is Major Ironmonger-Watts.
Last night I went to the dance and celebrated to get rid of that browned-off feeling what you get after coming off leave. All today I have been regretting it as I had a smashing hangover. Well, I will finish off now and get to bed. Goodbye for now,

Des
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Germany. 3rd October 1946
14809840 Tpr. Battersby
D & M Wing
(2) R.A.C. Training Centre
Celle
B.A.O.R.

Dear Mam & Dad,
Well, I expect you are surprised to hear from me again being as I haven’t waited till I received an answer to the last letter I sent. The reason is I want you to get me a pair of Khaki Puttees on your travels. You will most likely be able to get them at on of those Army & Navy Stores. Send them as soon as possible because that’s all I need now. Our Major gave me his crash-helmet and I also managed to scrounge a brand new pair of riding-breeches.
Last Sunday I tried going round a bit of a grass-track just dressed normal but with trailing one foot on the deck I ended up with my trousers, socks and boots plastered with mud.
Well, I will finish off now as I am going to try and tune the bike up.

Goodbye for now,
Des
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Germany. 30th October 1946
14809840 Tpr. Battersby
D & M Wing
(2) R.A.C. Training Centre
Celle
B.A.O.R.

Dear Dad,
Just a few lines in answer to your letter which I received yesterday. Well, I sent my Mother a letter this morning although I expected her being home by now. By the way, I hope you are feeling better now, it just goes to show, it’s like I said, “You are getting old and jiggered, now”.
On November 3rd I take part in my first crack at “Motor-bike Trials”. Don’t expect too much because there’s chaps from five or six regiments coming to take part. If I manage to get to the finishing post I shall be satisfied because I know myself I am not up to Trials standard. Anyway, I might as well have a bash now I have the chance. It’s a cinch I should never have the money in Civvy Street to have a go at things like this.

Cheerio for now,
Des
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Germany. 9th February 1947
14809840 L/Cpl. Battersby
D & M Wing
(2) R.A.C. Training Centre
Celle
B.A.O.R.

Dear Mam & Dad,
I received your welcome letter today, thanks for the fags. Well, in a few days time I shall be leaving for Blighty so don’t write again until you hear from me.
The weather here is deadly and from what I hear it’s just the same in Blighty, so I am in for a rough time as it’s no fun driving Tanks in the snow. I have just come back after competing in the “Brigade Trial” which lasted four hours. It happened to be my unlucky day as I ended up crashing through some trees resulting in me straining my guts and slightly damaging the bike.
This course I have been on here was a piece of cake and if the next one is the same it won’t be long before I take the next step on the ladder. As for getting a car, it’s a good idea but there’s just one thing wrong, I have got to soldier on for at least another year yet. I shall have to finish off as the pictures start in ten minutes time.

Goodbye for now,
Des
_____________________________________________________________________________________


That was the last letter in the collection, so, although Dad didn’t come out of the Army until December 1947, no more of his letters have survived. The main thing though, is that more than seventy of them did, giving us a wonderful glimpse of Dad’s younger years and his Army days.