Rover Bulletin No. 51

NUMBER FIFTY ONE. 30th November 1945.

Dear Lads,

Tonight is a night of nights for it is Jims first on his return to Civvy Street. The scene is just the same – the Cottage and the usual chips (at the taking of which Jim can still hold his own) but this is an occasion which marks clearly the turning of the tide.

As you probably remember the Bulletin was started when Jim joined up and now after four years and three months it reports him out again. It is too early to say anything about our future programme for there are many personal problems which are vital to members as individuals that simply must be attended to first.

Murray (Frier) isn’t just too good yet and before starting in his old job again is going to see the M.O.

Jimmy (Reilly) is at present undergoing a course of observation in hospital before being demobbed. These foreign parts leave their mark curse ’em!

Jimmy (Johnston) is full ‘o beans and is assisting Duggie with the Troop.

Eck (Wilson) has gone to a new job in Perth, with prospects (Wimpy, public works contractors) Best of luck Eck!

Tom (Bogie) is now demobbed under the “B. Scheme” and back to Dumfries in his old job of Assistant Sanitary Inspector. Toms’ sister in Holland now receives our Bulletins and says that in all the difficulties it is the contacts with friends that greatly helps to keep them together. Thanks to Jim who went out of his way to do this.

David (Gosman) Since censorship has now been lifted he can tell us of his movements over the last year. He says ” My fist trip over the Brahmaputra took me to Manipur Road then to Imphal and Kolina and the surrounding area. That Manipur Imphal road is really a masterpiece of engineering. During the fighting it carried all supplies for over three Divisions. The road is simply a ledge dug out of the side of the mountains.

Even though M.P.s were stationed every 100 yards and only one way traffic was allowed many trucks piled up in the valleys. From Kolima I went to Lodo and Myitkyma and then to Bhano and there got mixed up with the 36th Div. There I had my moments. There was no fixed line. Back at Myitkyma I did quite a spot of flying – usually in L5s.”

He is now a glorified customs officer preventing smuggling to China. He is due out in April – perhaps before – Group 27. At the moment he is in Calcutta among the rioting. Military trucks there have been stoned and set on fire and quite a few drivers burned to death. Look, after yourself David on your last lap.

Joey (Stewart) had three days in Edinburgh but is now back in Egypt, with good prospects of coming Westward again. Good lad Joey.

Ian (Moffat) says ” Bombay is becoming hotter every day, It is quite a feat of endurance to walk along the streets now.”

Jack (Piper) is now in Durban. He had a grand time in Cape Town (Thanks to Eck for the intro’s. The Carters, Miss Stoke and Mrs Lee send their kindest regards, Eck and Betty)

Chorty Turnbull, we notice, is now a Captain, Hearty congratulations!: They’ve been very busy getting up a show, which is now on tour. (bet he’s head cook. and bottle washer) It’s going a wow! He hoped to got some leave but has had no luck.

Now for some Bailie blarney” Bruce (Bailie) usually sends us yards of it, so here goes.

‘Meet Winston S. Bailie. At present moment. the Dude of the British Army (Speed the demob) is at the close of a two weeks course on politics.

Flash! flash flash!

The facial features are sublime,
of Driver Bailie two nine nine,
Gaze long my friends upon this face
Mild, becoming, full of grace
A masterpiece wrought by a master
fashioned like from alabaster,

A chin denoting strength of will
The look that could a savage still
His lips well fashioned are compressed
His hair with Brylcreem neatly dressed
But lol What cry disturbs this song
Oh lawd! You made my nose too Long.

“ I have just returned after two weeks leave with my sister at Lima and Delhi. Beds, sheets, pillows, full course dinner at eight, riding, hiking, dancing along with the coolness of the mountains air certainly provided a well needed tonic. Practically everything can be bought in Simla, including the most magnificent array of chocolates and sweets. I’ve now been one year in the Army.” On the 6th. November he writes “We’re off on the road to Malaya”.

Good luck and thank you Bruce!