Rover Bulletin No. 49

NUMBER FORTY NINE 28th September 1945

Dear Lads,

AT LAST, AT LAST, news has come that JIMMY REILLY IS ALIVE, IS RELEASED AND ON HIS WAY HOME. We now reproduce in its entirety the letter we received from him a few days ago (no-one will grouse if their news is thereby abbreviated) for this is the first and only word since he was captured by the Japanese – going on for four years ago. Now we can make the outstanding statement that ALL ARE SAFE, NONE HAS BEEN KILLED, nor even close to boing seriously wounded.

Here is the letter – “Dear Rovers, it is with great pleasure that write to the crew knowing that at least in one place in the world It was ‘Business as usual’ where every Friday night there was always someone who weeded the garden, went for the fish and chips, and around the table remembered that all were not present owing to more pressing engagements. When this affair started we were approximately 25 strong. I still think’ of this number. On Friday nights although I was a few hours ahead of G.M.T. my thoughts often wandered to the cottage where I tried to picture who were present and what was the subject of the evening.

Concentration I found to be very difficult, an old complaint, but nevertheless I was able to pass a few quiet hours on Fridays, it was something that could not be shared. There was a Yank in the camp, a famous one, a trumpeter in Buddy Rogers band, ( So ‘twas said), his name was J.B. Coles. One of my closest friends was called J. B, Jones, so you see J.B. Frier, I was often reminded of you.

I often thought of Jimmy Johnston who was in similar circumstances in another part of the World. I have read in the papers about the grim time he and others have had. I hope, Jimmy, when I see you the 15 stones will be good and solid, (or was it 14 ½ stones?)

When Sir W. Scott wrote ‘Breathes there a man with soul so dead, who never to himself hath said, This is my own, my native land etc.’, he had something there, and when I think of it for some reason or other my greatest moment will be when in the train before going into the Waverley I’ll be able to look up at Scott’s Monument and Princes Street with the words ‘Breathes there the man’

As Mr Leask once said ‘It’s the little things that matter’ You laugh so did I when he said it but really it was wrong to laugh. Well lads I could write a lot more but after all we have a long time to come and so from Rangoon where I am now I’ll say Cheerio! I hope to be leaving for India in a few days, another stop home and a Friday night in flesh and blood. As J.B. would say ‘Full of beans’, I reply on good authority ‘Full of Rice!’

Yours aye, Jas. Reilly.

P. S. Don t cast me for a lady’s part, my figure isn’t what it used to be. J.R.”.

At David Gosman’s request we give Jimmy’s address – 1474340 Bdr, Reilly, J. c/o P.O.W. Centre, India Command, Bombay.

David has been searching ceaselessly all the lists of P.O.W. now coming through, getting his mates at other centres to tip him the wink if they should come across Jimmy, We believe he is coming through Rangoon, David, so you may miss him. Your gallant efforts are much appreciated.

Cottage fireside news very very briefly.

Jimmy Johnston is now demobbed – therefore our first – Murray (Frier) is due out in October and Jim in December. Many congratulations are coming in to Murray on his engagement.

Johnnie (Thomson) was home for a long leave.

George Simpson, An application came through at the beginning of Sept. for his release. He accepted. On 16th he was on his way to a release

embarkation Camp. He says “I’m ashamed to tell you my number is 49.” He expects to be here about the middle of October. He has tried to get Joey by phone twice.

Joey (Stewart) has been away on a dicing trip – Italy, Southern France to Bordeaux and finally Paris., tried to got an air hop home but had no luck and went back to Cairo.

Alasdair (MacKellar) has gone from Malta to Aden. He tried to contact George Simpson and Joey but also had no luck.He hopes to be back in Egypt at end September. His trip down the Red Sea at 5 knots escorting a floating dock was terrific. Demob number 61.

David (Gosman) has been sorting out ex P.O.W. “I was on duty when the first three arrived – all brigadiers. As soon as they got out of the plane they shook hands with us then started showering us with questions. Some of their tales are pitiful. The atrocity stories are all only too true. The Russians and Chinese are now squaring many old accounts. To Chorty he says “Ap kya manga hai?” (Hindi: What have you asked?)

Campbell (Mackellar) has now moved 1000 miles to Razmak on the frontier where people actually do live in forts guarded day and night against tribesmen, The amenities however are very good and the climate very pleasant 7000 feet up.

Peter (Williamson) expects to get home after a time and then will have to go out again (Middle East)

Bruce (Bailie) is now at Poona – “Tell Joey – the fellow who used to clean his porridge pots for him is languishing with the astronomical figure of 63”

Jim (Frier) says ” I note we have no news of Ian Furnival and George Kay and was wondering where they were hiding out. Jim has contacted Neta Bogie in double quick time – hiking for 9 ½ hours through Hertogenbosch, Nijmegen, Arnhem, Utrecht, Amersfoort, Hilversum and Amsterdam and found he had still seven miles to walk to the village of Bachovedorp (no food all day) What a feat of endurance. When at home Tom said “Take the 23 bus” Well I can tell him that at 11 o’clock at night theres more activity. in Warriston Cemetery. He got a lift from a member of the underground and found Neta and husband quite well. He says Scouts ran during occupation and spirit is stronger than ever, GREAT

Aw the best.