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.
1997-37-7-5-42
Mrs V. E. Oldfield.
Sandsend, Capt JB. Oldfield.
Near Whitby, “C” Company.
Yorks. 5th Bn. The Green Howards.
ENGLAND M.E.F.
No. 41 February. 7th. 42.
My dear Mum and Daddy.
Just a few more lines to let you know I am fit and well and keep hearing from you – I hope my letters are arriving better than they were.
Still roughly in the same place though so far have not done much. weather is not too bad, sunny and windy which gets the dust up and very cold nights. and the jobs we do are very interesting, so we cannot grumble. I have had a stand up bath to-day in about 2 pints of water – the first for three
[page 2] weeks !
My course at the Staff School has therefore, been postponed. I should have been going on the 14th to No 2 School, so I went to the Adjutant to find out what was happening – the Brig. said the Course was still on and I was to go, which would have been very difficult under the circumstances. Luckily about half and hour later he rang through to say the School (No 2) I was going to, would not now open and half the candidates for No 1 and half for No 2 would now go to No 1. School, the remainder going on the next course at the same school. I am going on the next course – I imagine in two or three months time. So altogether it is all for the best as had I had a vacancy for the first I could never had gone really, as things are. I shouldn’t have liked to anyway.
[page 3]So there we are – we shall have to wait a bit longer, I have been promised a vacancy in the next Course so hope it will come off – as it is a good opportunity.
I hope to get some letters from you this afternoon – I have heard from no-one else for weeks now. Never worry if mine are slow in coming they will fetch up eventually – I hope my cable will have arrived now as I don’t like you to worry – as I shall always be alright. So remember that.
I have had an airgraph from Jean who is thrilled with Jeremy and with good reason. He sounds a topper and I like his name. I am numbering this 41 which I believe is right, Nos 39 and 40 I numbered I and II as I hadn’t got my book but since then have found it. Enough for now – will write again very soon. Hope you are all well,
With my best love,
Johnnie
J.B.Oldfield Xx
“C” Company.