46421 Dvr E A Henderson N.Z.A.S.C. Attd. 6th Fd Amb 2nd N.Z.E.F. Middle East Forces

7 September 1943

Dear Dorothy,

I received the parcel you sent from the hospital a few days ago so here goes for a few lines to thank you very much for sending same. It arrived in good order and condition and only today my mate and I had a tin of tongues with the tin of green peas. At present we are away from camp on a few days exercises and the parcel could not have arrived at a better time. You can tell Sister Condon that the apple wrappers also come in very handy. We have just stopped for the day and I am filling in the balance of the afternoon by writing this note to you and then one to home. How are you all at home and at the hospital? Fit and well I hope. I have seen quite a lot of the new arrivals here and it makes me think that there cannot be many chaps left in Invercargill

now. I had quite a yarn to Russell Henderson a few nights ago. He had leave for the day and came out to our camp to see Jock, so we all went over to the sergeant’s mess and had one or two together. Mark Blackie (from Begg’s) is over here also, so I was told, and I am going into town to meet him on Saturday. Barney was over to see me on Sunday, and he brought Cecil Murfitt and Tom Penman who have just arrived here with him. Barney and Jock both send their love to you and all at home. Well Dot, I am afraid there is not much in the way of news just now, as there is very little happening. By the looks of things this jolly old war is fast coming to an end, let’s hope so, the sooner the better for me – and then what oh for home, and much fun and games. Will say cheerio just now Dot and will write a longer letter when I get back to camp again in a few days time. Thanks again for the parcel Lots of love xxxx Your loving brother ERIC.