Rovers’ Bulletin No. 40

NUMBER 40. 29th December 1944

DearLads,

Here we are again at the end of another year and we wish you hearty greetings and good wishes and haste ye back. The past few weeks have seen our post box getting fatter and fatter with your most welcome cards. The effect created by the whole show spread on the table is immense. They are from all parts of the World and if each card could speak its travel story what an amazing tale there would be.

There’s one from Stanley (Christie) and one from Bruce (Bailie) on which he signs himself “Burma Bound Bailie”, Jack (Piper) and Murray (Frier) from the land of camels and pyramids. One from David (Clark) in Holland and Dick & his wife Sheila (Spaven) and a gold plated one from Jim Frier).

One from George (Simpson) in South Africa and Jas (Suttie) in Aden and Murray (Cullen) and a grand airgraph one from George (Kay) in Italy, and one from “Gem fur ocht” Eck(Wilson) and a pippin native girl one from Ian (Furnival) in West Africa. A “Here ‘s tae ye” yin frae Tam (Bogie) in Italy and an immense size of a one from John (Baird) in Holland and another from David (Gosman) now in the Far East.

We wish we could reproduce each one for you: it would be a sight to see. To one and all, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for remembering amid your often very difficult circumstances.

Murray (Frier) has now been awarded a clasp to his Africa Star for service as a member of the Eight Army during all its African campaign, Great stuff, Murray. Good health and haste ye back!

Jack (Stewart) has the grand news that he will be returned to his old job in Bell & Co. – shortly – so that is that cleared at last and very cheering indeed

David(Gosman) is now a Sergeant we note and Murray (Cullen) an L.A.C.-congratulations.

Jimmy(Johnston) greatly mourns the loss of his father but on the other hand he says “Being a P.O.W. is much better than I imagined, but let me be with the lads every time.” He still has great enthusiasm over their concerts and says they’re planning for a big musical revue for the Winter. He says “Give my regards to Jim and all the lads at home and abroad. Tattie peelans.” Still grand spirit!!

Tommy (Thomson) finds time very heavy on his hands but adds, “While I write our cook is preparing pumpkin pie for our evening meal. A treat in store for us. These Canadians know all about pie making so I leave it to them. My regards to all.’

Murray (Frier) says “My thoughts are with the front line chaps in the West and not forgetting Italy. May the 4th. Good Luck continue to the end, and what a thought it is to picture the Old Cottage crammed tight at the first reunion. I was hoping my name would have been down in the leave sweepstake for 28 days in Blighty – but no such luck. Next November sees my time expired. So long chums!”

Bobby (Finlay) still progresses in rather dreary mining surroundings.

Gilbert (Williamson) is now back at his old job as Transport N.C.O. after a terrific 28 days course. He says “ I began to wonder if I was doing detention or not.” He’s coming home for New Year.

Will(Taylor) sends his greetings and says that Ian (Furnival) has said he expects to be on the boat for home soon – really grand – but Ian has said nothing direct.

Ian (Moffat) has been home again for more leave and has now returned to go overseas. Best of luck, Ian.

Bill (McKelvie) says “Happy and prosperous New Year blokes wherever you happen to be! and to Jim ‘Don’t think I spend all my time making toys for the weans – not likely – I make them for sodjers too!” He was lucky to meet Archie (his brother) in Brussels. Some of the conditions he has been in lately are “Living in cellars and holes in the ground full of rain and mud with grub carried up during darkness only to find it cold.” “After a while its’ easy to keep dry and comfortable.” Among it all he has been able to run even dances, imagine that. Bill has since been home on a special mission and here for a few days. He says that among the fighting some very humorous things crop up. Listen to this one! When he was attending to the safe passage of an ambulance containing wounded, at night and heading through a village where he know some tanks were situated he dismounted to reveal his identity and prevent the tank from firing. Just as he approached the worst took place, the tank started to fire, Bill rushed up up and battered at the tank side to draw the commanders attention and kept on doing so for about ten minutes without success, so he withdrew. In the morning the tank was identified as a German one having a crack at one of ours further down the street. Such is War!

David(Gosman) (Now in the famous 14th Army) has billets built from bamboo with thatched roof in jungle country. He has recently collected bananas, tangerine oranges and grapefruit from their ‘back garden’. Feats of transport through rivers, over mountain tracks are simply marvellous and in the midst of it tit-bits like their own cinema show, two monkeys and a baby elephant for a pet, give them fun. Great stuff and good luck, David.

Jim (Frier) sends his congratulations to David (Clark) saying “That lad certaInly has a way with him as far as “Wimmen’ go” He was delighted to see George Pringles name appearing. “Next will be Geordie and a buxom land girl.” He hopes to be home on the 5th. Jan. “May aw the Bhoys be back in the near future to make the rafters ring at Love’s Abode. A Guid New Year tae ane and aw.”

P.S. Sandy joined the ‘married yins’ this afternoon when his wedding to Ailie Brown took place. One more one less. More details in next Bulletin.

P.P.S. Jim has wangled New Year leave again, How does he do it. Brass neck!