Rovers’ Bulletin No. 38

NUMBER THIRTY-EIGHT 27th October 1944

Dear Lads,

Just after our last issue Jim arrived home for a welcome few days leave. As usual he visited all the wives and mothers etc and finished up his week with a grand carousal on Friday night at the Cottage here. He’s as regimental as ever right down to wearing the badge in his civvies and paying his never forgotten annual subscription. We had some great blethers including a jawing match till one in the morning on Social Security. The settling down again of all the lads after this affair is over is looming big with Jim.

The most terrific, most sensational, most electrifying news of all is that Jack (Stewart) has announced his engagement to Norah (mentioned in last month’s Bulletin), Jim said last month when remarking on whirlwind coortin tactics that it’s up to Jack to beat the record by proposing on his way to a fire, but lads we’re all sleeping, his proposing had already been done on the 14th September but not announced till 12th October at Gay’s (Jack’s sister) wedding. Norah honoured us with a visit sporting a lovely engagement ring – so there you are. We give them our hearty congratulations and good wishes. Now then all you single uns?

Another spotlight of the month was a visit from Eddie now less taxed with Fire Service duties (or holding the baby, look out you married yins) and delighted to have a bite at his old familiar seat at our table.

Duggie (Scott) is fast becoming a skilled miner. Working as a drawer he handles something like nine tons per shift.

Come on Eck (Wilson) what about it?

Ian (Thomson) was home again on leave asking for you all.

For the younger members who know Will Hay We learn that his sister has taken on the Cubs.

David (Clark) is most likely overseas the last news was of his waiting last minute instructions. If that is so let us know David. We may be able to put you in touch with some of the others.

Tommy (Thomson)’s mother has written saying she has had communications through a repatriated New Zealander who befriended Tommy in his P.O.W. Camp. Tommy was very fit with all shrapnel wounds healed and was up and at it playing games. This lad F/O M.G. Sutherland is in R.A.F. Hospital at Weeton near Preston. Mrs Thomson has asked if any of you are near it would be grand to cheer him up with visit and hear news at first hand of Tommy.

Hugh (Clark) blew in last Friday. He is not far away so he is going to contact F/O Sutherland. He brought Tommy’s message of remembrance to you all, He like Jimmy says “See you soon” great spunk.

Murray (Frier) says the Court Martial he’s to attend will not be long but unfortunately his health isstill below par, His latest attack is dysentery. Says the only cure is a change of air and preferably a wee island he kens.

Bobby (Finlay) says “My leisure time is now being partly occupied by the gentle, manly (or is it) sport of riding. There isn’t a better way of getting some fresh air after a weeks confinement 500 or 600 yards below ground.

Chorty (Turnbull) is back at school again having a refresher for an instructors course. He can’t get accustomed to the poshness of the place after his mobile roughing it. He says “They’ve tried to get me into the Infantry on more than one occasion and I’ve had no fewer than 8 medicals in 3 months. They’ll catch up on me yet.”.

Jim (Suttie) says “I’m counting the weeks now till I’m on board ship for home” To Hal he says “Your worries are only starting now that your daughter has started to talk. Once women start they never stop!”

Will (Taylor) is glad he is not alone in West Africa and is going to write to Ian. He’s still eating (Pears and bananas- this time)

David (Gosman) has landed in hospital with a dose of fever – nothing serious – but hopes to be out in a day or two now. Good luck Dave we are glad you’re over it.

Ian (Furnival) has now been 14 months in West Africa and sends good wishes to Bill. He says “With the good news of the moment I think you had better light up the gas cooker and start heating up those pudden suppers.”

John (Baird) sends congratulations on our completion of three years Bulletins and sends a sincere wish that they may continue just as long as necessary. He says “I was writing when a couple of Dutch Scouts came up, we talked away of course (one spoke very good English) and my Bulletin went as a souvenir”. “I’ll soon be heading for Germany. Tell Jimmy I’m -a-coming. I hope to see him soon.”

Bruce (Bailie) has now earned the nickname of “The Flying Scotsman”. He says “I either tripped over a stump, or much more likely my own big feet, and went on my neck, effectively chipping a chunk off the end of my nose with my bayonet” They re putting him through it – no doubt – marching, running etc, till he nearly drops. Good lad, Bruce.

Gilbert (Williamson) was home full o’ beans and was asking for you all.

Your letters to here are read very much by all on leave. You’re doing well, lads.

Jim (Frier) even although he was home sent another letter for this issue. He says “On my tour of all the wives, mothers, sweethearts etc. I found then all well and I must say it was very gratifying to know they were looking forward also to our “Victory Re-union”. I can see there is nothing for but to start a branch for the ladies. They can then see for themselves what attracts the Bhoys to “Loves Abode.” “I got a shock to find out how talented Bill had become since joining the Sodjers, as I was shown some of his handiwork at making toys for the “Wean”‘ Despite the fact that Bill is in the thick of it he can find time not only to drop a line but give. us the history of Holland as well. Great stuff Willie.” “We have only about six weeks to go before Xmas so what about some of you backward lads dropping a line and at the same time make this our last Xmas number (we hope) a great success. I was glad to see from the papers that Mr Bevin had stopped calling up the Old Age Pensioners so Robbie and Sandy are safe to carry on the good work of keeping the flag flying at home.

CHEERIO AND AW’ THE VERY BEST .