46421 Dvr E A Henderson

19th December 1942

N.Z.A.S.C. Attd. 6th Fd Amb

2nd NZEF

M.E.F.

Dear Mum & all at home,

It is just ten days ago since I last wrote, so it is about time I got a few more lines written. We have been busy driving since then and until today I have not had a chance to write. How are you all at home, all well I hope. I don’t know how long it will be before this letter gets away, as at present we are miles from anywhere, so you will have to excuse the delay, and also I don’t know how long it will be until we get some more mail. We have been doing a spot of driving at night as well as during the day, so you will understand we cannot get any writing done. I don’t know where we will be or what we are getting for Christmas this time, probably bully beef and biscuits. Still as long as Jerry is pushed right out of here we can celebrate Christmas afterwards. Well Mum, I suppose you will have heard all about your small boy being awarded The D.C.M long before you get this letter. I got a hell of a surprise (and that is putting it mildly) five days ago when our Colonel read it out. We were moving up the desert and that morning I heard all about it before we started off on our day’s journey. Remember in one of my recent letters,

I said I was going to wash the cover on that pillow you made me, well two days ago I actually washed it and you should have seen the dirt that came out of it. How is our dear wee Lenore doing, I suppose she is growing bigger than ever now. Tell Maisie to get something for her birthday in April for me, as I may not be anywhere to get her something sent home in time. How is the Home Guard duty going Dad, if you keep on going you will be an officer one of these days. How is Angus keeping now, give him and Mrs MacDonald my regards. I am going to try and get time to answer a letter I got from Dorothy the same day as I got the last one from you. I did not get a chance to answer hers the day I last wrote to you as we got moving again, so would you tell her for me please. She was at some on eight days leave when she wrote it. I have not seen Albert, Jock or Jack lately as we are many hundreds of miles from them at present. I have not heard from Barney for a while either but will be seeing him again one of these days soon. Cecil Dixon asked me to send you all his regards. Well everyone I must close now as space is limited and new is scarce here. Give Aunty May my regards and remember me to everyone. Will say cheerio just now. Lots of love & kisses & give wee Lenore these for me. xxxxx Your loving son Eric. xxxxx

Notes:

Angus Macdonald, farmer, West Plains

Cecil Bolasses Dixon #15747, Foreman/Bluff