Rover Bulletin No. 52

NUMBER 52 31st December 1945

Dear Lads,

With the closing of the year and so many of the lads back in civvy street we had our first annual theatre night just as we used to have. Robbie booked seats at the Empire for ‘Hot Ice” a revue style, of show done on ice. Afterwards we all gathered at Jack’s house where we ate heartily of Fish suppers specially arranged by Jimmie Johnston and more eats collected by all.

Thanks again to Mrs. Stewart, Margaret and Gay, especially this year for they have had a really tough time of it, for the grand time we had including the use of piano.

Jim (Frier) was in form again and Robbie led us in many of the old songs never sung since before the war.

You will be sorry to learn of the death of Gay’s (Stewart) husband, Dr. Murray Thomson. Our sympathies go out to Gay in her exceedingly trying experience.

David (Clark) was married in London on the 19th to Peggy Barney, Barnet, London. In a letter from him from the Isle of Wight in answer to our telegram David says “ I have eight weeks’ leave so, being greedy, we are having an eight weeks’ honeymoon” (He’s now demobbed) “This is a very nice little place and we have landed lucky with the hotel. We have got it to ourselves” My word, they have started well with their post-war policy. Jolly good luck and the best of wishes to you both! We’re looking forward to seeing you both when you come to Edinburgh.

Ian (Furnival) is now demobbed and enjoying the last lap of his leave before going back to J. & J. Tods on 7th January. He will be Inside now and will become cashier.

Tommy (Thomson) was up for Xmas and after going through Instruction in R.A.F. Accounting and Administration is now waiting on posting. He may land something big – C.O. perhaps.

Jimmy (Reilly) is back in Edinburgh and waiting on his demob. He says he is feeling fine.

Duggy (Scott) still plods on with his mining and has tried for his release for there are chances in his old employment. He is at the stage of going before a Ministry of Labour Board of appeal and his future is very much in the balance.

Eck (Wilson) now being in Perth phoned Jim on hearing of the announcement of Dr. Thomson’s funeral there and attended. Eck is getting on well in his new job and we thank him for his enthusiasm.

It will come as a great surprise to hear that the Rev. G.T. Wright, St. Serf’s Minister, is going away to a very much smaller Church near Dunfermline about the middle of February. St. Serf’s is now looking out for not only a new minister but a new church officer. Morton has had to give it up on doctor’s instruction (He’s a very busy man in other ways) . If anyone can put forward any names we know the elders would be most grateful. The job is quite a good one on a part time basis.

We have very special thanks to give to all those who sent us Xmas Cards. Thanks to you and hurry home! The number we received was very much down on previous years and we were very glad for that means the lads are returning fast.

Bill (McKelvie) may be out by March. At present he is frozen, having made himself indispensable. Nasty joke ! Best of luck, Bill, for your demob!

Albert (Swan) is demobbed, though we haven’t seen him yet, and back in his builders’ business. Good luck, Albert! Come round some Friday.

Jim (Suttie) unfortunately is not in good health. He was home on some leave but is not feeling up to the mark. Is it Annie Domini? We wish a speedy recovery

Hal (Stewart) has now stopped flying the Atlantic and is transferred to a job on Experimental Service with the same Company – British Overseas Airways Ltd. Hal has got a house in Southbourne. Lucky devil, and yet unlucky. Lucky to get it, but unlucky to have to pay through the nose for it.

David (Gosman) we learn may be out by March. Roll on the demobs.

John (Baird) writing from somewhere in Germany is having quite a bit to do because of lads being released home and not replaced. They’re getting their money’s worth out of you on your last lap John. He says “Its fairly safe to say, next month will see me home” Great stuff!. Although he is really a Rugger fan he says the one thing he enjoys is the Squadron Football Team. Great enthusiasm and rivalry seems to have gathered and they enjoy knocking spots off each other. They’ve never cancelled one fixture even going the length of clearing the snow away, not to mention the games that could easily have been mistaken for ice hockey matches, but “get me back to lear old Blighty and my favourite sport Rugby”

Ian (Moffat) is now about 30 miles from Delhi and says “This place is freezing from morn till night My worry is now to stay here for another three months for (1) this is an easy place to get the months leave home (2) and blokes are usually put on drafts after a few woks here”, Hope you’re lucky, Ian! He’s going to try his hand at water polo. “I an thinking of joining a West African Regiment stationed near Calcutta, that is going to Rangoon pretty soon, but before I study all the angles, won’t commit myself as yet.”

Bruce (Bailie) is now at Singapore – at Johore. Prices are ridiculously high e.g. a tin of bootblack $3. He arrived after a seven day trip on board H.M.A, “Smiter” accompanied by H.M.A. “Venerable” and H.M.A, “Colossus”, both brand new. 14000 ton carriers. The billets are first class civilian houses complete with electric light, fans, bathrooms and hot water. We’re not allowed to eat in cafes duo to every disease from black water fever to Dhobi’s itch being rampant. All water must be chlorinated and we’re not allowed to bathe due to the Japanese neglecting the nets and the sharks, barnacles and jellyfish all being ravenous.’

On Friday we fixed to have our first real discussion to hear what each one would like in the way of a future Rover programme! Cheerio!