Rover Bulletin No. 47

NUMBER FORTY SEVEN. 27th July 1945

Dear Lads,

Here goes for another month and a little nearer demob date for a few of you. We’re already receiving news of expected homecomings and the most well deserved of all is that of Murray. Very shortly – probably before we write again – Murray will be here at last and we hope out of it altogether, shortly after that.

Although not officially demobilised Jimmy (Johnston) has been granted permission to take up his old job, which in reality is as good as being released, altogether. Marion and he are in the thick of it house hunting. They’re to be in this district so that Jimmy can be sufficiently near the Fish Market. They’re setting hot and I think we’ll hear results soon.

Tommy (Thomson) too has indefinite leave, although he was recalled for two days for a medical.

Eck (Wilson) and his wife have obtained a house up at the double bridges (Ferry Road) and though Eck is still at East Fortune it looks as if a quick return to civvy street will take place. His demob number is 18, same as Murray’s.

You’ll be very sorry to hear of the death of Mr. Frier (Jim’s and Murray’s father). He passed away suddenly after another spell in hospital. He was at his work up to a few days before going into hospital and round doing the cottage garden too. He was a worker to the last and we believe would prefer it that way.

Jim was home on compassionate leave but unfortunately could not get here till the day after the funeral, at which Jack, Duggie and Sandy attended, Jim’s away back and expects to get leave (which he had arranged before) when Murray arrives. My word he’s looking well and making the most of all the leave he can get over there,

Word also came to us of the death of Mrs. McKellar (Alasdair’s and Campbell’s mother), and we extend to them – so far away – our heartfelt sympathy.

Will (Taylor) has arrived home and so has George (Liston).

The Scouts are about to set off on their Summer Camp to a farm near Galashiels arranged through George (Pringle). George, we hear, has developed into a real country lad Farmer Giles isn’t in it! Good luck George!

Joey (Stewart) has been to Tel Aviv and back and is now waiting on flying weather. He says he’s exchanged a couple of letters with George (Simpson) at Ballah and hopes to see him in the near future when he comes to a spot just up the road from him. That will be really grand Joey & George, good hunting! He’s in Heliopolis (S East outskirts of Cairo) and saw Stanley (Mackie) who came out to see him. Stanley is looking very well and has a grand tan and may get home in November. “Talking of release groups I rather bashfully must tell you that I support the illustrious outrageous number of 53, I have no doubt that by the time I eventually get out of this business the old age pension should be coming along.” Good luck Joey it’s hardly so bad as all that.

Peter Williamson, now ploughing his way out East, says “There’s plenty of food but prices since the last time are doubled, but we get extra pay this time!!” (Peter was in the Med, for about 2 years before). “I’ve got Gilbert’s address so am hoping to knock into him shortly.”

Bruce (Bailie) has now arrived in India (Address 14495299 Dvr. Bailie, Royal EngIneers, 3 Coy, 4 Wing, B.B.R.C. India Command), among the “Mud, mud, mud – monsoon, mystic East it smells,” After 3 weeks on a troopship he arrived to enjoy bananas, cocoanuts, grapes, pineapples etc., but would readily swap the lot for one home -cooked bread sausage. The squalor of the lower castes, uncomfortable train journeys, mosquitoes etc, are his main new experiences. Charteris, (his brother) is home here now – Major Bailie – so you’ve just missed him Bruce. Best of luck!

Hugh (Clark) is away overseas.

David (Clark) (As well as many others) is delighted that Jimmy and Tommy are home and says all P.O.W. should be demobbed as soon as they are liberated, “Speaking of demob my number is 23, so I’m not quite sure whether I’ll make it this year or not. Our division, the 52nd Lowland, had a pretty hard time in capturing the first German town taken by the British – Heinsberg. After that we were yanked up to Reichswald Forest and then down to liquidate the Gerries on the Wesel Bridgehead. We were on the West bank of the Rhine when the crossings were made. We then took part in the race across Germany with a brief hold-up at the Dortmund Ems Canal. I managed to get into Bremen on the heels of the infantry and it certainly is a shambles. We celebrated VE day near Bremerhaven and soon afterwards moved to Magdeburg. We are now back in Belgium – at Deynze, west of Ghent. I have about one chance in ten of getting back to a branch of the Bank in Edinburgh. My very best wishes to all the lads.” Thank you, David! and of course best wishes to you.

Chorty (Turnbull) has tried to arrange to have a “chippit tattie” with Ian Moffat but has the reply that Ian is away to S.E.A.C. “I also had a nice letter from Bert Arthur and I have been very kindly asked to stay with him in Calcutta. I sit my exam in Urdu at the beginning of August,” He has sent two snaps and my word they certainly look real campaigners and full of spunk! Thank you, very much, Chorty.

David (Gosman) also, rejoices at Jimmy’s and Tommy’s release. He is now in Assam and finds things nearly perfect – Shows, films, chocolate, tinned fruit, chicken, duck etc., etc. “Work is a great deal easier. The rain plus a temperature of 95-97 degrees combine to make a steamy breathless atmosphere. A couple of months of this then a pleasant winter, then home. I intend to have a holiday at Darjeeling or Kalimpong.”

Cheerio, all the best!