Lot 1 Letter 9 - 23rd of March, 1943

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23		March		1943

To: Mrs(Mother) Appleyard

2B Linnet Lane, Liverpool 17, England.

From: Bill Appleyard 2573382 Dvr. I/C Yeomanry, Att. 104th. Regt. R.H.A.,M.E.F.

North African Desert.

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2573382 Dr. i/c Appleyard. B.H.
Middlesex Yeomanry
att. 104th Regiments R.H.A
M.E.F

23.3.43

Dearest Mother,

Your air letter 28/2/43 immediately following Del's visit greeted me when I woke yesterday morning. You can't imagine - or can you? - how happy it has made me. I read the meaning(?) of the cable of course, and I was anxiously waiting for news. From what you say, she appears just as I always remember her - amazing how you seem to have hit on almost the exact phrases that I would have used. I'm glad she left the photos with you - but you should have received a couple of that series by now - one head and shoulders and one full length which were taken during our 3 day rest at the beginning of August. They may turn up yet. Likewise you should have received my acknowledgment and thanks for the X-mas money - also an account on how it was used! Can't understand the hiatus of my letters, at any rate not to the extent which you mention.

We are threatened with the gift of 7 days leave as yet I don't know whether I can either afford nor if I want to take it. Unless to try and see the E.'s - it would take too long, but I could easily go to Mrs. Bigger, its the best part of three years since I've seen them - and it would be sheer heaven to spend a few days in an English household.

Take a short break with our 1 minute survey, simple questions that are an enjoyable distraction.

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also I might be able to get some definite news of Bob Mansbridge from them.

Saturday, I stood myself a Turkish bath and felt reasonably clean after it- a very woggish and primitive affair, but fairly effective. Am not impressed by this town which seems to consist of Moslem burial grounds. Following the bath I went up to another camp to attend an informal M.Y. reunion- quite a crowd of us gathered in their canteen and kicked up hell's delight. We had an impressive array of hangovers on Sunday morning and partook of the traditional breakfast of a cigarette and mug of tea. Picked up a new song which I will enclose in my next letter - shorn of one adjective.

I've recently had an interview with our Divisional A.P.M. - an exceedingly nice Jock major who is recommending me for transfer to the CMP on the strength of my canine experience, so that there is a possibility of my being sent down to their base sometime in the future for a period of probationary training. Fred is highly amused and prophesies my being drummed out almost before my arrival- but the fact remains that for 2-1/2 years my existence has been- officially- spotless; but bearing in mind our joint escapades in the past, particularly on our long leave a year ago- anything may happen to me. Anyway, if I do get the job it will be more than interesting, and I would quite cheerfully part with major shares in my immortal soul to be with intelligent animals again! Conversely-wise - should I be slung out on my ear, and so be

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returned to Signals Base, I should have little difficulty being posted to a section in the desert for which I still hanker. All things being equal there is no reason why I shouldn't end up with a stretch in the glasshouse!

In an earlier air letter you speak of the rumour of MEF home leave. Personally I see no hope of it- I don't seriously anticipate being Blighty again until after the war is over and we have done a further year or so on permanent fatigues cleaning and tidying up the desert so that it is a home fit for wogs to live in. Naturally if the miracle did happen I'd jump at it- same as most of the remainder of us and D. and I would probably get married on the strength of it- and they'd have to start another front to get me back on the boat at the end, but quite honestly, my dear, I'd forget it.

Once again my deepest thanks for your news of Del which amplifies her many letters, and which has made me so very happy and set my only remaining fears at rest. Your letter has brought all of you whom I love so very near to me- it's useless to try and explain it or to try to express my thanks, only now I am happier than I have ever been- thanks to you both.

Goodnight my dearest.
God bless you.
Your own son
Bill

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