Oldfield letter: 19.5.42

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.

1997-37-7-5-35
Mrs. V.E. Oldfield
Sandsend, Capt. J.B. Oldfield
Nr. Whitby “4”th Bn. The Green Howards
Yorks. ENGLAND M.E.F.
19TH May 42 No. 65

My dear Mum,
Am hoping this will reach you in time to give you my love and all best wishes for June 4th and very many happy returns. I will try and send a cable if possible but may not be able to. Anyway I shall be thinking of you – as I always am, am still being kept very busy learning the ropes and new faces and names and haven’t yet had time to visit George Bush’s who are only next door. Sorry to see the Empress of Asia has gone the way of all ships, as she is rather a special one to us though about on her last legs then. I think from what I can make out Derry has gone on and don’t expect to see him in these parts now. I’m sorry it would have been grand to get some really personal news. Your letters are coming though splendidly as are lots of others, please tell everyone I will write when things settle down. I am now absolutely fit, feeling first class and got up about a week ago and am already quite sunny in my desert again! All my love and best wishes, darling.
Johnnie
J.B.Oldfield

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