46421 Dvr E A Henderson

N.Z.A.S.C.

Attd. 6th Fd Amb 2nd N.Z.E.F. Middle East Forces

14 May 1943

Dear Dorothy, Two days ago I received another letter from you which was dated 2nd March and was pleased to hear from you again. I also had one from Maisie the same day. So you are still hard at the nursing, you seem to be getting on alright at It. Have you had that operation for your tonsils yet. I suppose that will put you out of action for a few days. I see by your letter that you had met Pinky Hannan at a dance at Waikiwi, if you happen to see him again give him my regards. Lenore must have had rather a bad time while she had the flu and I hope she has got over it by now. How is Mr MacDonald keeping now he must have had a tough spin lately, tell them

I was asking for them whenever you see them. How is the new bike or (scooter) going. I suppose you can manage to ride it without falling off. Well Dot at last this war In North Africa is over and we can sit back in peace now. I don’t know yet where we will be going, but we are certainly not staying up in this part of the country and I have an idea that we will be much nearer our base soon. So there will probably be no chance to write for the next two or three weeks. I have been amusing myself this morning by playing a big piano accordion one of the chaps got from an enemy prisoner. It is a real beauty and is bigger than mine. Yesterday afternoon I called in to see Jack Fox, and had quite a yarn to him. He has not been long back with his unit and as I was passing I called in to see if I could find

him. He is looking very fit and well and asked to be remembered to you all. We had our photograph taken together beside my ambulance so I will be sending a copy of it soon. I hope to be able to see Barney Jock and Albert one of these days soon, and we must all get a photo taken together. Next time you see Mrs Broad, give her my regards. I see that you and Dad are still going to a few dances, I suppose they are fairly quiet affairs just now. Wait till us boys all get home, we will liven the show up. I don’t suppose you see any Yank soldiers down our way, if we don’t hurry up and come home there will be no girls left for us. I think we ought to go to America and pinch a few of their girls. I have met quite a few Yanks over here, and have a few of their autographs in that book you sent. There are soldiers of all shapes colours and sizes over

here. Tonight we are supposed to be getting two bottles of beer each, which will be the first I have tasted since New Year’s Day and believe me I am looking forward to it. We will be able to celebrate the victory in the good old fashioned way. We were issued with our summer clothing a couple of days ago and you should see it, monkey suits we call them We got two pairs of kahaki (sic – had 3 attempts to spell khaki) slacks, two kahaki shirts which open up right down the front and two white singlets. These shirts are dags of things and are hellish looking affairs, they are built like a coat and have four outside pockets and one inside. Two of the outside pockets are a hell of a size, and the whole shirt is too long. However we can’t be worried, one of these days we will be able to get all togged up in nice suits. Well Dot I am afraid I haven’t much news for you just at

present and it is only about two days since I last wrote. Give my love to all at home. will say cheerio just now. Lots of love and kisses.

Your loving brother Eric xxxx