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.
1997-37-7-5-36
Mrs W. A. Oldfield
Sandsend, NABLUS
Nr. Whitby Palestine
Yorkshire ENGLAND
27.10.38.
My dearest Mum, Daddy, & Jum.
Thank you all again for your letters – it’s grand hearing from you all and makes the hell of a difference. I’m only sorry you don’t seem to be getting all my letters – so that you can check up – I wrote one from the ship )posted at Haifa, one on arriving here, two more last weekend, and I think one more sometime during that period. I hope you’ll get them all soon. Anyway, I thought I’d drop you another line now, first to keep you all up to date,.
This week so far had been reasonably quiet – T.W. – and for two days we had nothing to do. Then yesterday afternoon I was ordered out
[page 2]
with my Platoon to make a day patrol of about 7 mls – search some orange groves near a village, and come back. All we came across was pair of army boots and a water bottle belonging to a Scots guardsman, hidden in a sack under some rubbish. Not exactly what we were out after, but anyway we didn’t come back empty handed ! and that I’m afraid is about all the news I can give you.
We are still in the same billets, although we had practically started moving into some more to-day, when everything was cancelled again. How are we going to take over something that the Leicester’s are leaving .
I’ve just had a rather good bath down here at the Mess – the second since I arrived – am feeling much better for it.
You must be terribly busy with Bid’s wedding preparations, I do wish I could be there for it, but under the circumstances hardly like to ask for leave even if I could get home at all reasonably.
[page 3]
Bunsin sounds in great form again, and I hope he carries you well. Give me any news of the hunting you can and how Bill Ansell is shaping.
Yes – It’s a relief to know my case is at Karachi – or rather on it’s return journey to Malta – and I hope I shall get it sent on to me here soon. As a matter of fact – the loss of my mufti doesn’t matter much here as we are in Khaki Drill the whole time.
Well – dears – I must stop now as it’s almost time for mess. Will write a longer letter and answer the questions in your letters on Saturday.
All my love to you –
Yours Ever
John
There is a note on the envelope for this letter which reads: If you notice anything John should not have said please “forget” it.