17716 Sergt. Henderson J.F. D & M Wing N.Z. School of Instruction Middle East Forces Tuesday Sept 27th 1943 (Hospital)

Dear Wee Dainty Dot Well, you great big bunch of over-grown cuddles, how the dickens are you behaving yourself these days. I have not heard from you for quite a long time and I have been wondering if you have had an accident with the jerry juggling. Perhaps one fell down round your ears and suffocated you or yet maybe drowned you. I have heard of people being drowned in alcohol etc but never ever in a jerry. Really, old girl, I sincerely hope you have not had an accident of that description. I have been quite unfortunate myself getting landed on my back

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again. I had a slight argument with a three-ton truck & bruised my heel a bit too much to walk on. Now I’m in here keeping reasonably quiet, really I have to be. Now, how about that job as a private nurse? We have been enjoying a pretty good time this last month or two. Eric has been practically living with us at the School. Just try & imagine the parties we have had. Russell has been mixed up in one of two and believe me, enjoyed himself. Jim & Bill Russell, also had a night with us. Barney McGirty always knows where to find me too, so you will see that I am quite often in trouble. I am sure in trouble this time with the right foot and I may be on my back for quite a long time, at least it will appear to be.

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By the way Eric showed me a few snaps of you in your Nurses uniform & now will I express my views as to how you appeared through a critical eye. I really don’t think you have put on very much more weight & you look very well indeed. I hope you are keeping as well as you look. By the way, are you 15st yet? …… * * Cool off! I didn’t actually say you looked it. Mind you, the tree did not look very big in comparison. You are quite right, there is not much the matter with me. Well, young Dot, it is now Thursday the seventh and believe me I have sure had a shaking up with the old foot. The damned thing had to go & turn septic and sure gave me a hell of a doing. It is ever so much better now & I can

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sort of half pie sit up in bed to write. I have been three weeks on my back now & will be a while longer yet before I get out of here. I got a letter from you yesterday & believe me I was pleased to get It. I was just telling Eric the last time I saw him that I hadn’t heard from you for a while. Eric is looking very well on it and having a pretty good time. Russell & I had one or two pretty fair nights together too & maybe we will have a few more before I see N.Z. again.

Well, Young Dot, it is now Tuesday 12 Oct & this is the first time I have been able to sit up since I last started this letter. I am awfully shakey on it and you will have quite a job to make sense of my writing.

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It is just about a month since I was run over & believe me I have had a rotten spin. I really think I am on the right road now & it won’t be awfully long till my foot & ankle heal up. It feels ever so much better today & I am taking a bit of notice of things. I had a letter from Eric yesterday & did he abuse me for getting run over. I have been jolly lucky in having so many of the lads coming to see me every day. Well, Dot, you dainty wee bunch of cuddles, I guess I will just say Cheerio, heaps of love & plenty of rides on the swings + a few xxxxxxs Jock