Uncle Archie's letter to Grandad

Our cousins in Australia, Judy and Chris, recently sent a copy of a letter written by Archie to his Dad in 1939 from the UK. He was in England serving with the Royal Artillery Regiment in Colchester. Here is a transcript of his letter:

Same as B4.
Dated 25.8.39.

Dearest Dad,

Ta ever so much for your most wonderful letter I received the day I was getting ready to leave Dibgate Camp in Kent, which was 23.8.39. I'm delighted to hear you are fit once again and hope you & others continue to do so. I am also doing fine in spite of having just got rid of a terrible cold, which as you know generally takes the rise out of poor me. Still I'm doing well with colds since being this side, for this is only the second in spite of the usual damp weather.

Now I will give you some great news for a change. Last Friday 18th I moved with this regiment to Kent for three weeks proposed manoeuvers. Well all was going very smoothly, lovely sunshine and the sea all around at fingers tip. We were camped in the middle of Dibgate with the sea-sides Folkestone, Churchgate, Sandgate and Dover, roughly seventeen miles away. With the sudden change of weather from Essex it made me feel as though I were in India at times. I was just beginning to enjoy myself and actually went to Churchgate for a dip in the sea, which was ever so thrilling especially kicking into jellyfish which sting you and cause a rash. The tide keeps washing them ashore or rather the waves. Hundreds of lovely girls and aged people were there in their gay coloured costumes and deck chairs. It's really astonishing to see their boldness and not caring in the least to others.

It was actually heaven to me after being used to fetching my own dinner and tea and still have to clean up and make the bed down. This time being a sergeant I was, like the others waited on in the Sgts Mess, and a nice sit-down and read instead of dash here and dash there. Anyway like all good things and times it came to an end too soon. On 22nd night just as I got back by bus from the pictures at Folkestone I heard the news. “Move back to Colchester immediately.” This bugger Hitler had started the ball rolling again, and all manoeuvres were cancelled and regiments were to return back to their permanent stations. We were up all Tuesday night filling with oil and petrol and Wednesday night the last of the 27th Regt., were safely back in barracks, the first party of roughly 400 men back at 4.30 that evening after starting at 8.30 A.M.

The infantry here are all mobilized and nearly all gone on coastal defence. Less for a rear party in each of their barracks. We here are expecting to mobilize at any moment and I can bet my last dollar we will be by the time you get this letter. Our new webbing equipment has been drawn and rapidly being issued out to the batteries. If I’m not wrong we are to be in full readiness, that is mobilized on Sunday 27th April 39. As you know things have gone to such an extent it is almost impossible for Germany to withdraw. At the beginning of this week German troops marched into Poland and from there we have taken post. Troops all over England also the territorials have mobilized and moved into position I believe. Poland is very determined and at the same time quite calm about everything with 4,5000 troops ready under arms. This has Hitler stunned as you can picture; we have had all the last speeches over the wireless in our room and they are also stopping the pictures in the picture houses just to let all the people hear as well. Japan, I am told has withdrawn this morning from Germany’s side. Yes! You can definitely take it from me, things are very serious at the moment, so serious in fact they are strictly confidential like they always are just to keep excitement down. Still England is very much more ready this time than what she was last war, and things are just where they want them. Our fleet is in the North Sea so just think it over. Our Colonel Harriett, who used to be my Major in Lucknow, India is quite calm and so calm that we are the only troops, 27th Regt., who are not confined to barracks in Colchester.

Well Dad let's change the subject seeing that you are in the picture just as much as everybody else in England today. I guess you all won't be long in taking measures either if you've not already done so!!! Woodage I left back in India, he went to the 3rd Regt. stationed in Kirkee and Trimulgherry. I have met scores of my old pals who used to be in India with me in the 6th Regt. Glad to hear you are getting something back from the bank, the thieving shower. Still save it all and my P.O. book is also doing fine; we will be our own bosses, I hope some day soon. Don't forget if you want anything at any time from this end. How are the dogs? The guns and rifle, have you had them cleaned yet? Cheers dad, don't excite the family with the news or you know the results. Ha! Ha.

Be good and please write soon; with love and kisses to all at home

Yours lovingly

Archie.