Rovers’ Bulletin No 41

NUMBER FORTY ONE 31st January 1945

Dear Lads,

Weather here has been very severe indeed and last Friday, even though we religiously turned off the Cottage water supply in the street, not a drop would come. Did we go without our supper – not likely. Jim had the usual party down when he was home – Mr. Hazel, Jimmy Balcarres and with Ian Thomson and others they had the usual cheery spree.

Jack’s Mother’s never fail New Year party was a howling success and J.B. and Duggie kept up the tradition of attending “the fitba match” at Glasgow. These bachelors never change their ways.

Ian (Moffat) is now away to India.

Bobby (Finley) was in Edinburgh during the holidays but due to his sisters departure for Sudan (to be married) was not able to visit us. However in about a month or so he’s coming home to work in the Lothians.

Jack is safely back in his old job. Grand!!!

Campbell (McKellar) graduated and is already a soldier, having done some training and is about to leave for India as a Lieut, in the R.A. Veterinary Corps.

We had four distinguished guests : Dick (Spaven), Chorty (Turnbull), Hal (Stewart) and guess who – Jim (Suttie).

Dick gave us a grand surprise. He popped in while up here on a short leave at one of his relatives. He, like Chorty has still managed to keep out of the Infantry.

Chorty was on embarkation leave. He is also going to India.

Hal was up staying with his parents with his wife and baby daughter previous to going permanently to take up home in America for about two years. His duties make it so. He’s still as breezy and still as keen about his daughter and all his photographs.

To Chorty and to Hal we wish the very best in their new ventures,

Jim (Suttie) (still the same) gave us a big surprise visit. Did he laugh when going over old times and can he still eat chips. He is just back from Aden and did he feel the intense cold. The lads are moving over long distances, aren’t they.

Eck (Wilson) and Betty send you all their good wishes for the New Year and are so sorry they did not got here by now. They say George (Simpson) has now got his wings. Bravo George!!! Eck hitch hiked 160 miles to the ceremony and had a grand time at George’s camp. Real Rover spirit that and jolly good luck to both of you. George spent New Year week-end with Eck and Betty – really swell. Betty says “I was very thrilled New Year’s Day. I was Commended by the King for good and faithful service during the War and this honour was bestowed upon me through the New Year Honours List. My Eck was so proud and thrilled, just as I was”. And so are we. Bravo, and every good wish.

Peter (Williamson) has had a change which, although delaying his time for going overseas, will not do so for long.

Ian (Furnival) sent a letter to forward to Murray in which he shows his continued keenness with his African Scout Troop. No mention of coming home yet – wish he was.

Jimmy Johnston is overjoyed at the news of us sending off some plays and sketches etc., (they haven’t been received yet). He says he is forbidden to write to any other P.O.W. (Tommy T. of course) Chins Up is Jimmy’s motto. Listen to this “I played the the part of Mae West in our show tonight called – ‘IT’S ON ‘“ Just imagine!

Will (Taylor) still likes eating. With luck he may be home in the Autumn.

Bruce (Bailie) is about as bad at yarning about food, Oh well, those growing lads you know. His wireless course is proving more interesting and less gruelling than he imagined. The severe weather gives them plenty bother.

John (Baird) wishes he could discover David Clark’s Dutch Woolworths saying “some of the pears would go own well’ He wonders if Murray misses his little notes at the end of his airgraphs and says “ I’ll lay 10 to 1 with Jim that George’s buxom Land Girl will turn out to be a Wren”. He was fortunate to get 48 hours leave in Brussels but asks Jim for a copy of his rules on how to got leave at the best times.

Joey (Stewart) says things have been happening and 70 hours flying in (some night and 3 sea trips included) and he will have passed his exams by now. Apart from some minor difficulties he’s doing well.

Sgt. David (Gosman) is now away from civilisation – “bamboos elephant grass, date & palm trees, roads worse than farm tracks, monkeys, jackals, tigers, ants, mosquitoes, bananas, tangerine oranges & peanuts are all here”. They caught an ape but let him away. Jackals are the noisiest beasts & leeches are the biggest pests. Mail is the thing they live for – his address is 3060251, Sgt. Gosman, D. , Intelligence Corps, 629, Full Security Section, S.E.A.C. “The War out here is likely to last some time’

Jim says “I was delighted to see such a response of Christmas cards, Airgraphs etc. from aw the airts. It showed their thoughts are aye at Love’s abode. If you are too busy like Eck get your wife to write and in the case of the single blokes ask your mother or your sweetheart to do the needful. Now that Old Joe has started, Jerry’s days are numbered so lot’s make the last year a bumper one for news. How pleased I was to see all the lads present and so full of beans.”

Sandy and Ailie have now returned to auld claes and parritch having had a grand week at Ayr. They send their thanks to you all for your presents and many kind wishes.

George (Kay) is still struggling on amid really bad weather in Italy.

George (Simpson) had just sent an alrgraph saying he is now a Pilot Officer and had a great time with Eck and Betty at the passing out dance, Marvellous news and we salute you.

STOP PRESS We hear it whispered that Ian (Furnival) is home, so somethings going on we are afraid.

Best of luck – Cheerio!