A note on the letters. The transcripts may include abbreviations or spelling inconsistencies and errors. We have chosen to transcribe the letters as they appear so that they are an accurate reflection of John Oldfield’s style and personality. We have also included his original page numbering. Where language is used that we would deem offensive, those words have been replaced with XXX.
1997-37-7-5-39
Mrs W.A.Oldfield
Sandsend, Capt JB. Oldfield
Near Whitby, “C” Company.
Yorks. 5th Bn. The Green Hwds.
ENGLAND Middle East Forces.
No. 1. Feb.1st. 42.
My dear Mum and Daddy.
A few lines as I believe there is a post going off to-day – I have just had your two airgraphs Mum, Dec. 28 and Dec. 30. thank you so much for them, yr. news and the promise of the parcel with the No Name and Pipes – very kind of you. One can get a certain amount of baccy up here but it is all very hot smoking and not a patch on English sold stuff. Many thanks for taking so much trouble.
Life is very interesting at the moment and I’m enjoying it thoroughly – don’t get an opportunity
[Page 2]
To shave more than once every three days and we are beginning to look quite the part. The weather is grand just now – bright cold sunny days and mirabile dictu a shower of heavy rain once every so often. Altogether it’s great fun, How it affects my vacancy at the Staff School – I don’t quite know yet – I am back with the Company which is fun, but if I am going to the School will have to leave from here not later than the 7th or 8th. However we shall see – the vacancy is still mine and it’s just a question of whether I can be spared to take it – it won’t really worry me so much under these circumstances if I have to wait for the next course, but enough said. However I will let you know when I do.
[Page 3]
How disappointing for you about M’s. leave but expect she will have made it by now – you will enjoy having her home after so long and She also – as Richard’s experience must have been a bit of a shock.
So pleased your giving Anne a day on Bruiser – she will love it I know. Glad to hear the old man is so much fitter, and more his old self again. How I long to get a ride again and a hunt.
As you will have probably gathered we have moved since I last wrote, but don’t worry at all It’s all great fun. You would both laugh if you could see the conditions I’m writing this in – very “Journey’s End” !
Well, thank you so much for your letters – hope mine are still coming through well.
Godbless and my love to you,
J.B.Oldfield
Johnnie xx