Letters from a soldier Edgar Owen WILDMAN Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders

 

February 1940 - March 1945

 

 

How the collection came about

In early Spring 1986, whilst clearing his mother's bungalow after her death, I decided on the spur of the moment to have a look in the decaying wooden garage. On a shelf in 2 cardboard shoe boxes, grimy and dusty, I found a great many envelopes and letters.

Closer inspection revealed that most were from Edgar with a smaller number from his older brother, my father, Donald. I took them home and roughly sorted them into Edgar's and Donald's. I then put them away and didn't look at them again for 25 years.

Early Spring 2011. I decided it was time to do something with these forgotten bits of history and found that my earlier sorting had been mostly accurate. With Edgar being the more prolific writer, I decided his was the first story to follow.

Some letters or their envelopes are dated, although quite a number are not. In these cases I have used the address given and his current rank, together with clues from the text to try to place letters in some order, but there will be errors. Where dating is not possible, I have indicated this. Some letters contain detailed narrative accounts and are transcribed fully, others are more chatty exchanges of news and are transcribed in brief.

 

 

 

 

Edgar Owen Wildman

born 7^th April 1917

in Shipley,

West Riding of Yorkshire.

 

After leaving school he worked as a textile weaver and later weaving overlooker at Masons Mill in Shipley.

 

 

 

 

Early in 1940 Edgar joined the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders and left Yorkshire to do his training in Scotland

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.    2-3-1940             postmark Stirling

Private E Wildman

No 2 Recruiting Co.

Hut No 6

Raploch Camp

Stirling

 

Dear Ma and Pa,

Left Shipley 2-15. Left Leeds 2.30. arrived in Edinburgh after changing at Carlisle 11-15 went over the Forth Bridge and saw the most marvellous sight I think I have ever seen. Barrage Balloons all round and 6 or 7 big warships in the bay with fighter squadrons flying overhead.

 

Arrived at Stirling at 12-15, after changing at Inverkeithing, when we arrived we had dinner of soup, potatoes, carrots and Haggis which nearly killed me, but I got it down being very hungry.

 

Then we started to get put into our Squads. I came across Leonard Fawcett when we left Carlisle, but he has been put into a different squad. But I have made 3 real pals-1 from Bradford, Leeds and Huddersfield. The lad from Leeds is a shop assistant and I think we shall stick together.

 

Anyhow we stood about while half past six til we got somewhere to sleep. Leonard is in the castle, but we have been moved about a mile away in brand new huts with spring beds, 2 sheets, 4 blankets, 1 pillow+ 3 square mattresses, 22 men in 1 hut with 2 large stoves and 8 electric lights, big spacious lockers.

 

Had a lovely tea, bread and butter, Ham and potatoes, tea. There is also a big new gymnasium. By the way, until we arrived at these billets, everybody was just about heartbroken, but the billets changed everything. And now I am very happy and content if things carry on like this.

I have got my haircut and we are getting all our equipment tomorrow, Friday, complete with rifle, canteen, belts and everything to make 90lb kit.

 

But it is a nice place and there isn't much snow. A lady got in the same compartment when going into Stirling who had been crossing the Forth bridge in the train during the October raid and she saw everything.

 

Anyhow I will close now, so do not worry. I have got a good bed and am getting good food so far.

We have already had 2 days at PT and is it tough-anyhow I am quite comfortable and have got a good set of pals.

 

So cheerio

 

your loving son

Edgar 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. March 1940                               Postmark Stirling

 2987111 Pte Wildman

No 2 recruiting Coy,

Nivelle Squad,

Hut No 6

I.T.C

Raploch Camp,

Stirling

 

Dear Ma and Pa,

Thanks for letter and Postal Order....surprised Donald came home...we had chance of week-end pass but no chance of trying to get home until we get 7 days leave at end of 8 weeks training.

Have written to Donald and Our Jack waiting for replies.I had a fight last night, all officers watching, against Lance Corporal from another Coy. Lost by 1 point..they gave me 3 loud cheers..said I'd done very well seeing as he had been boxing in army for last 2 years  Anyway I'll do better next time. Getting more interesting subjects this week..still getting good food   weather is real Spring   Will write again shortly

 

 

 

3. undated address as above

 

I have been on sick report this morning with my foot,. You know those two lumps I have on top of my feat, well my right foot must have been rubbing yesterday while drilling, because this morning my foot was swelled up and I couldn't get my boot on so I reported sick and have been excused boots and marching and PT.

I'm surprised to learn that Donald may go to France, but don't let it worry you, he'll be safe enough.When I wrote to our Jack to thank him for the Postal order, I did not say I was going last weekend-but that one of the lads had asked if I would like to. Anyway I haven't been yet. So Auntie Annie doesn't want to jump to conclusions.

I think I ought to be home for Easter, there's some talk of letting us English lads home so that will be alright. I was sorry to learn about Mrs Raistrick and Margaret being so ill. Please tell them I was asking about them and do not worry yourself as everything is alright and I am being a good soldier.

 

 

 

 

4.           Saturday 9^th March 1940 address as above

 

       Just started wearing boots for the first time...Dr gave me small rubber pad to wear on top of foot so it so doesn't rub... haven't been on route march this morning ...all the lads are laid out feeling very tired..they walked 8 miles..full kit on..our squad won the flag this week for the cleanest barrack room...so the Sergeant might call us different names this next week.

 

       Weather lively this afternoon..I've just washed my canvas suit ( boiler suit) ready for Monday morning. Tomorrow I've been detailed to look after the telephone in the C.O's office...shall be sleeping there all night. Haven't heard from Donald..wrote over a week ago..he mustn't have got it..

 

     Our Jack sent another parcel on Wednesday-cigarettes and chocolates and gloves knitted by Vera..wrote to thank them, Jack sent me Vera's address...he seems to be getting on OK at Saltaire.   

 

       Still haven't heard about Easter..hope we get it..wrote to work (Henry Masons, Shipley).no reply yet..my fan-mail seems to be dropping off a bit.

 

Have you started digging for victory yet? if not, do so at once.

 

Hope you're looking after our Rack..keep him under control and give him plenty of exercise.

 

          “Argyll and Sufferers”

 

 

. 

5. un-dated address as above

 

Dear Ma and Pa,

Everything still OK but I have just done the hardest weeks work I have ever done. Talk about Weaving-Over-looker -it is not a patch on this. I have been picked out of 32 to box for the squad in the Inter-Squadron Boxing Competition which takes place in about 5 or 6 weeks time. I get special training 2 nights a week with the boxing instructor and he thinks I ought to take it up seriously. I have already had 3 or 4 opponents this week but they have not been so good.

It is more like going back to school than soldiering: we have been out 3 days this week on visual training:-judging distance and making imaginary surveys of the countryside. We have had 3 lectures on the rifle and its parts and different positions for shooting and when to use them, but the Sergeant's a real slave driver. I have not had a chance to have my photograph took yet as I was on fatigue on Wednesday afternoon in the canteen and all tonight we have been scrubbing the barrack room out and cleaning our equipment. Anyhow I will drop another line shortly and you have no cause to worry.

I hope you like the Regimental Souvenir. This is supposed to be the finest regiment in the British Army and I aren't a bit surprised with the training we get. The thin red line at Balaclava is one of its historic events. So Cheerio for now

Your loving son

Edgar

PS Please send Donald's address. I have lost the one I brought with me and how's our Rack?

 

 

 

 

6 Tuesday 13.3,1940 same address

 

Sorry to hear you both caught chills..pleased to hear about Donald going to France..hope you hear something from him soon...My feet are much better now and I'm on all parades again and everything is OK. Weather hasn't been good., doing our training in the barrack room, been doing bayonet training today and what a job running about with fixed bayonets.

 

Haven't had my photo taken yet..my hair only just started to lie down again..more settled now and food is real good:

 

7am Breakfast egg and mashed potato

11am ½ pint of milk and jam sandwich.

Dinner Soup, potatoes beef onions and 'Pasto'. (our pie crust) and a pot of milk.

Teatime at 4.30 sausage chips and marmalade.

Suppertime 7pm tea and marmalade or jam and bread .

And I think we do a lot better than you do...believe it or not we had Yorkshire Pudding the other Sunday .

 

You haven't got to get homesick up here or else you'll never get anywhere. It gets quite interesting at times and I'm sure it won't get me down so don't worry and I'll write again tomorrow..

So cheerio,

your loving son

Edgar

 

 

7. Thursday March 14^th same address

 

Everything is OK and we are having lovely weather. You ought to have seen the mountains this morning at 7 o'clock all covered in snow and the sun shining right on them, really beautiful. I hope you have recovered from the chills you had and everything is alright.

 

I think we shall be home for Easter, so don';t start thinking of going to Morecambe? We have had bayonet drill all this week and what a job, running about like proper doo-lals shouting and screaming and practising on straw dummies, we went on a four mile run this morning in our boots and gym shorts. I felt as fit as a fiddle.

 

All the new conscripts arrive tomorrow and we are all going down to watch them get their hair cut and it's a real scream. They will either make them soldiers or kill them up here , some of them have arrived today with their double breasted waistcoats. And their long hair. It will break their hearts when they get these Army boots on.

 

I hope you've heard from Donald and he is going on alright. Please remember me to Mr & Mrs Raistrick and Queenie and Margaret (family next door)and please look after Rack

 

Anyhow do not worry and keep smiling. I think I surprised a few of the lads up here when they saw me boxing, they all nod and call me 'Mac' now.

So will say Good Night and write again shortly

 

Your loving son

Edgar

 

 

 

 

8. March 17^th1940 same address

 

Everything OK- feeling as fit as a fiddle- weather hasn't been too good these last few days-but we can face anything now.

I hope you have both recovered from the colds you had and everything is quite alright. I shall mostly be home on Saturday night, but I don't know what time as we don't leave Glasgow while half past four, tea-time and we don't know how long it will take us. Leonard Fawcett set off home this morning and has to be back for 12 o'clock Friday night and has a route march on Saturday morning (15 miles) so he'll be tired when he gets back.

 

We have a route march on Saturday, set off at 9 o'clock and arrive back at 12 o'clock. Ours is 15 miles then we have to wait till 7.30 before we catch a train home. I am just going to start to write to Donald. I hope he is quite alright and as lucky as us for food and accommodation, but I don't see how it can be.

We are on the Bren Gun now and going onto the big range to fire real, live bullets for our final tests with the rifle. Anyhow I will close now and hope to see you Saturday.

 

So cheerio from your loving son,

Edgar

 

 

9. undated same address

 

Dear Mother & Dad,

We left Shipley at 3-22, changed at Keighley, changed Skipton, changed Glasgow and arrived at Stirling at 10-48.

It hasn't gone down too bad today, but I shall not be long before I am in bed.

 

The lad that rung up from Bradford has got his name put down for the Transport service and I have got mine down for the Signals Corps so we shall still be together. All this happens when we move to Tillicoultry in another fortnight and it will be much better than the infantry.

Any how do not worry everything is OK, but I don't think we shall get another leave for a while.

 

Will you please send me one each of these photographs as soon as they are ready and then I can get some made off them. Please remember me to Mr & Mrs Raistrick, Margaret and John. I will write again shortly and don't worry and look after yourselves

 

 

 

 

10. .Friday 5^th April 1940 same addess

 

The weather beautiful in Scotland- I hope you are both well and still digging for victory.

We have had all our passing out tests this week before we move to Tillicoultry next Friday. The food is deteriorating now but they have a lot of women coming from Edinburgh to take over the cook-house and canteen so it might get back to its old standard.

 

Anyhow have you heard from Donald yet. I wrote to our Jack and Jesse at work yesterday and I'm expecting a reply sometime this weekend.

We have heard a lot of bad reports about Tillicoultry, they don't sleep in huts like we have here. They are billeted in two large mills and they are very strict on rules and regulations, but the fine weather seems to be here to stay, so it won't be too bad.

 

Have you been anywhere lately, or had anybody to see you and how is our Rack?

 

Will you ask Mary to try and get my Uncle Harry's address, so that I can write to him.

Anyhow it's nearly lights out, so I will have to close now and do not worry we keep carrying on, so cheerio,

 

Your loving son,

Edgar

 

PS have you had those snaps developed yet?

 

 

11. undated Same address

 

Everything alright in Scotland, I hope you are both well and everything is OK. We have another route march next Tuesday, twenty miles and we are hoping for a nice cool day. On the following Friday we move to Tillicoultry.

The sergeant seems to think that I shall have a good chance of getting into the Signal Corp when we move, anyway we shall see. Have you heard anything from Donald yet, if you have, please let me know.

Two battalions that were here before us are now on their way to Palestine, but nobody seems to know where we shall end up. But I shall be alright if I get into the Signals. The weather hasn't been too good lately, but there are signs of it improving.

Please remember me to Mr & Mrs Raistrick and Margaret. I was talking to a lad yesterday who was a weaving overlooker in Huddersfield before war broke out and he has a brother and is going to try and get him transferred into the Artillery.

Remember me to Mr and Mrs Jones if you see them. I am going to write to them the first chance I get.

Anywhow, I will close now, so don't worry and look after our Rack, everything is alright.

So cheerio,

Your loving son,

Edgar.

 

 

 

12 undated same address

 

Just received a letter from Our Jack and a shilling's worth of stamps, also half a crown postal order-but haven't heard from Donald yet-hope he got back safely.

The weather lovely-we all seem to be settling down more-You've no idea how much a letter is really worth up here-all we wait for is the postman.

 

Tell Dad not to exhaust himself too much on the garden, just do a bit to keep him fit. I bet you and Mary were both glad to see Donald, I know I would like to see him-Never mind.

Thinking about going to Birmingham...you want to go and make the best of it while you have the chance, but don't forget to leave Rack OK.

 

13 Wednesday 10.04.1940 same address

 

Thank you for the Postal Order and for remembering my Birthday. Got a lovely surprise on Monday morning, the Sergeant came into the Barrack room and told me to go to the Company Office for an interview. I was frightened to death wondering what I had done wrong.

When I got there I had to line up with 5 other lads out of senior squads and told we had been recommended by our sergeant for a stripe. I have to go to the Castle tomorrow to get them sewn on battledress and great coat.

 

I shall be Lance Corporal when you write. How does that sound?

 

I am lying on the bed resting after a very enjoyable Route March-lovely weather and a good meal when we came back. I get paid for the stripe after I have done my training at Tillicoultry, if I'm competent to hold it.

Anyway we shall have to see how things turn out.

 

 

 

14.  same address

 

What do you think about your son becoming Lance Corporal?

 

Took my first section out on manoeuvres and I think everything went off alright.

Are you still Digging for Victory?....and keeping our Rack fit?

We sleep with windows open because our squad is isolated with German Measles. I am going to Glasgow with one of the lads for the weekend and shall be playing Golf on Sunday morning so it will be a bit of a change.

Must close now, lights out in a few minutes.

 

 

15 Monday April 16^th 1940 same address

 

I'm glad you are pleased I've got a stripe, but as I said before it was the biggest surprise of my life because I got no hint of it. Anyhow I have one sewn on each arm, so don't forget to address my letters as Lance Corporal not Private.

We move to Tillicoultry on Wednesday, so please don't answer this till I send you my new address, because if you do, it will come to Stirling.

 

I have been with one of the lads to Glasgow for the weekend and I had a real time, we went swimming on Saturday morning, went to watch the Scottish semi-final at Hampden Park and then went dancing at night. But it poured down on Sunday and we only went to have a look round the dockside.

On Saturday morning we went up to Bellahouston to have a look at the remains of the Exhibition, but the troops are being trained there, and they have all the barrage balloons there.

 

Well I am glad you are both keeping well and everything is OK. Well everything is alright with me at present, so I will have to see what it's like at Tillicoultry. Anyway I will close now so please don't worry and remember me to everybody.

 

Your loving son

Edgar

xxxx

 

 

 



 

 

 

Edgar and Rack

 

Postmarked Thursday 18^th April                                                              2987111 L/Cpl Wildman

No 6 Platoon

No 2 Company

Oakbank Mill

Tillicoultry

Scotland

16.

Dear Mother and Dad,

I have just arrived here and it isn't as bad as we expected. We are billeted in two large mills and are being inoculated tomorrow.

The lads that have been here a while have been telling me what I shall have to put up with, with having a stripe, anyhow. I hope everything is alright with you. A lot of the lads that have been with me all along, have been separated, but they are in the same mill.

 

We had to walk here this morning about nine miles and we don't start our new work until Monday. A lot of troops have left for abroad around here after only doing two or three weeks training.

I hope Donald is OK and what did he say about me getting a stripe. I have only one chance to scribble this tonight, but I will write again shortly. I shall have to write to Mason's and let them know my new address.

So I will have to close now and do not worry, everything is alright and I am still in Scotland

 

Your loving son

 

Edgar

XXXXX

 

 

 

17.

Friday April 19^th same address

Dear Mother and Dad,

Everything still alright, but unable to use my left hand owing to inoculation and vaccinations. Last night was the first time I missed any sleep- you are alright for about 2 hours and then it takes effect and its a terrible feeling, biliousness and going into hot and cold sweats, you can't bear anybody touching it.

 

I have been Orderly Corporal today and I come off duties next Tuesday. We have not been doing anything since we were at the hospital as we were excused duties while we come round. We went for a dental examination this morning so we look like having a nice time: arms and teeth.

 

I have just received a letter from Uncle Jack and Auntie Annie telling me how pleased they were at me getting a stripe. Will you please tell the Baildon Comforts Fund my new address-I might as well have all the comforts I can get. I have written to Jesse.

Have you heard from Donald, it seems such a long time since I saw him. I will close now, remember me to Mr&Mrs Raistrick

 

Your loving son

 

Edgar

XXXX

Lance Corporal Wildman,

No 6 Platoon,

No 2 I.T.C

Oakbank Mill

Tillicoultry

Scotland

 29 April 1940

 

Dear Mum and Dad,

Everything alright but I have just returned from another jab with the needle and I am waiting for the effects, but some of the older lads say it doesn't affect you as bad as the first.

The weather is lovely today and the scenery is what you really see on the station platforms. We have been doing a lot of field training this week and we had a mock raid yesterday. One section went out and took up a position and were supposed to be the enemy and the other Lance Corporal and myself were to take our sections out and try and get within attacking distance of the enemy without being seen, and I was the only one that got my section near enough without being seen.

And there is no doubt it's great doing this training when the weather's fine. Each Lance Corporal has to take his own section in Physical training every morning. Well I hope you had a good time at Birmingham and everything is alright at home. I am pleased that Donald is doing alright, it seems such a long time since I saw him last.

The photographs were certainly a success and I am going to send the one of myself to that girl in the Office at work, so she can show Jesse, I had a letter from him this week and he seems to be having it pretty rough, because there are one or two Overlookers off ill. Anyhow, I will close now, so Cheerio and do not worry, I am still in Scotland and everything is alright.

 

Your loving son

Edgar

xxxxxxxxxxxx

19.  

Wed 1^st May

same address Tillicoultry

 

(a portion of the letter torn off, presumbly to give his address to somone)

 

just had a tooth out this morning...might get back to normal again now..seem to just let us get over one thing when we get something else

Go out on manoeuvres tonight........(missing)

weather not too good lately..very cold at night and frost in the morning..they keep you on the move.

Donald seems to be having a fairly easy time...we ought to have him up here on arms drill..think we could show him a thing or two.

So many sick men 55 yesterday. Anyway must say goodbye for now,

Your loving son

Edgar

xxxx

 

20.

 same address Tillicoultry

May 6^th Monday

 

Dear Mother and Dad,,

Everything still OK in Scotland and I hope it is the same with you.You will probably receive a letter which should have been posted four or five days ago, because a lad has just brought me one I asked him to post and he forgot so it will arrive about the same time as this one. I am doing quite well, I have been complimented again today on getting my platoon through enemy territory without them being seen and I have to give a demonstration on Wednesday morning to the rest of the Company on attack and defence.

The weather has been glorious this weekend and believe me, you wouldn't know me if you saw me. I am as brown a s a berry. I think I have got over all my aches and pains now, but my feet are a bit sore from last Friday, we had a fifteen mile Route march in real hot weather and we had a bit of a stunt on the way.

We were marching in sections on a country road, when they gave the signal for Aircraft Action each Lance Corporal had to get his section under cover. We thought it was just a gag to see if we were prepared, but believe me an aircraft attacked us flying at 150 feet above the road and travelling at 280m.p.h. We erected the light machine gun and prepared for a real defence and you would have thought he could have wiped us all out in one attack. It was just like what you see in the pictures and never think could really happen.

But when we got back we had a lecture on the day's happenings and we learnt it was pre-arranged plan between our Commanding Officer and A Squadron leader from Grangemouth Aerodrome and the pilot said he had to fly at this low altitude before he could distinguish us from the countryside.

We have about five or six lectures a week now on Gas Field Craft and how to get the best out of a rifle.

I hope you had an exciting evening at “Mrs Rennards”..and don't forget to keep up to the gardening.I haven't heard from Donald yet, but I expect I shall before long. I don't seem to have much time for anything now I have that much responsibility. I have just checked all the washing in for the platoon and I am on night picket tomorrow night. Anyhow, I must leave you, as I have some more letters to write, So Cheerio and remember me to our neighbours, Mr&Mrs R.

Your loving son

 

Edgar

xxxxxxxxxxxx

 

21.  

    same address Tillicoultry

     

Friday 10^th May 1940

 

Dear Mother and Dad,

Everything still alight and nothing much to worry about. We are giving another demonstration tomorrow morning to the rest of the company, so we seem to be doing well,they are very realistic these stunts that we keep having, as we use blank cartridges to let the supposed enemy know we are attacking.

 We keep hearing a lot of the rumours about Adolf, what he is actually doing now, we don't seem to get much news up here. All leave has been stopped up here as a precautionary measure and we are allowed out on a two hours notice, which means that if during the time we are out on a Saturday or Sunday and they want to call the men in for any emergency they can do and we shall all be ready to move in two hours.

 Don't think, just because I start off all my letters with “Everything is alright it isn't because if you don't let it worry you and try to make the best of it up here we find it very interesting.. ask father if he has ever heard of Paton Baldwin because it's supposed to be the biggest knitting wool factory in Great Btritain Britain only three miles from here.

 

So cheerio, your loving son,

 

Edgar

xxxxxx

 

 

22

No 2 I.T.C

No 13 Platoon, Oakbank Mills,

Tillicoultry,

Scotland

May 10^th Suinday

 

Dear Mother and Dad ,

Still in Scotland feeling in the pink of condition.Would you please send me a small parcel as we do not any sweets up here, only what we buy ourselves, and please include a pair of socks as these army socks are a bit rough on the feet.. the reason I am asking for a parcel is that the boy in the next bed is from Huddersfield and he gets a parcel or two sent and he shares all of them with me.

I got a letter from Donald yesterday, but as usual about a small page and all he told me was that he was very well and that he might start boxing. Anyhow, as long as he is well that's enough.The war seems to be reaching a climax now with Holland and Belgium, but I think we shall win in the end..

The garden craze seems to have got hold of you, but tell Dad not to overdo it because it's not worth making yourself ill. I should set somebody on to do it first.  I have just got back from Church Parade, it was held in the N.A.A.F.I this morning because the nearest Church of England is about 4 miles away. I haven't received a reply from Aunt Edith yet, but I expect I shall before long

We had a real job yesterday morning while the rest of the company were doing drilling, all the rest of the Lance Corporals had to go with Regimental sergeant Major and he was learning us the correct way to shout and give orders...he stood at one end of the field and we had to stand at the other and shout out orders in turn...talk about making you sweat!

Well thank you very much for the Postal Order and remember me to Mr & Mrs Raistrick, Mrs Mitchell and I hope Margaret enjoyed her Birthday Party.

So Cheerio from your loving son

Edgar

xxxxxx

 

PS Give our Rack a pat for me.

 

 

 

 

23 same address Tillicoultry

Friday May17th 1940

 

Dear Mother and Dad,

Everything still OK and we are having beautiful weather. I hope you are both well and everything is aright.

We have had a real carry on this week, all packed up and ready to move at a moment's notice, but everything has cooled off now and we are back to normal again. We had night manoeuvres again last night a real job building a machine gun post with sand bags from 10 o'clock while midnight., but it was a lovely moonlit night and I quite enjoyed it.

We have just started map-reading which is very interesting and advanced training of the machine gun. I shouldn't worry about Donald I think he is big enough to look after his self and don't worry, I shall watch things and wait while we come home, we shall have something to talk about. I don't think it will last much longer now, we seem to be getting down to brass tacks now and it will be alright if they get the job finished before we have to move.

Anyway I don't think I have any thing else to write about, except I wouldn't mind going to Ilkley baths on Sunday morning, but we don't have time to walk over ( a wonderful open air pool in the relatively better-off town of Ilkley which would have been reached by bus or walking over the moors from Baildon)

So remember me to all our neighbours and Mary and don't worry, everything is alright.

Your loving son

 

Edgar

xxxxxx

 

 

24 same address Tillicoultry

 

Tuesday May 21^st

 

Dear Mother and Dad,

Thankyou very much for the parcel you sent I didn't expect so much and my friend and I simply gorged ourselves on Saturday afternoon. The mirror and comb that Mrs Raistrick sent were very nice indeed and you must thank her for them while I have chance to write as I am a very busy man at present. I have been busy lately reading up notes that I have taken down during lecture periods since we came here. You see we are due to leave here in about three weeks time on the last lap before going overseas to France or somewhere else. But if the Sergeant thinks we are good enough, we get a chance of staying here and taking a course in Instructing. I am no coward, but I think I might as well try and make the best of it and stay in Scotland as long as possible.

We have all been confined to barracks this last week and there has been a real carry on amongst the lads all because six men slipped out of barracks and took three days leave without permission.

I have a neat job on at present:Canteen Corporal..that's opening and closing the N.A.A.F.I three times a day and seeing they don't break any crockery or glasses or sell beer before the proper time. This afternoon I have been drilling the platoon on the square, talk about a cold sweat. But I am getting better now with practice. So I must close now, and please remember me to everybody

Your loving son,

Edgar

xxxxxx

 

 

 

25 same address Tillicoultry

 

Friday May 24^th

Dear Mother and Dad,

Everything still OK and feeling fit and I hope you are the same. We have been informed today that there are possibilities of leave when our training is over in a fortnight, that is if the situation in France allows, so we have a bit of something to look forward to. We have been inoculated again but it isn't half as bad as last time, you just feel a little stiffness in the arm.

The war doesn't seem to be running in our favour at present, but the old soldiers up here keep telling us that Britain looses every battle but the last one and we are all hoping that the last one won't be so long. Have you heard from Donald this week and is he alright.

I have just written to Uncle Harry and Aunty May thanking them a parcel they sent me on Thursday. Are you still digging for victory and how is the gardening progressing...the civilian population up here are certainly their share on the home front.

We have just been measured for a new Summer battle dress and I think we shall get them sometime next week. The weather has been glorious here, and they made us sweat a bit marching up and down, but they try to make the training as interesting as possible.

Next week we go on the open range from Monday to Friday. It is about 5 miles away and we set off at half past seven in the morning and get back about tea-time. When we go out of the barracks at any time we have to carry Gas masks and tin helmets and if we march in the country anywhere, all us Lance Corporals are provided with real ammunition in case anything happens. They are always reminding us about giving away information at any time. Well, I must start cleaning for tomorrow morning, so please remember me to everybody and don't forget to look after yourselves.

 

Your loving son,

 

Edgar,

 

xxxxx

 

 

 

26 same address Tillicoultry

Tuesday May 30^th

 

Dear Mother and Father,

Everything still alright and I hope you are both very well. The weather has been very queer up here lately, one minute lovely brilliant sunshine and the next thunderstorms, but we haven't much training to do now and we just seem to do anything to pass the time or mostly revision of what we have already done.

Today we fired our Course on the three hundred yard range and tomorrow we fire the light machine gun on the same range. We are doing a lot of night patrolling owing to the danger of parachutists.

I was surprised to hear about the bombs dropping in Yorkshire , but as long as they weren't near Baildon it was alright. Have you heard from Donald lately, he hasn't replied to me yet, of course he may not have had time,but I think he will be alright The lads in France don't seem to be doing so well against Hitler at the present moment, but I think we must have some plan behind it all and then things might turn for us.

I have never seen country look as lovely as this does up here; everything out in full bloom and we get the most marvellous sunsets up here behind these hills. Anyhow, I may be home in nine or ten days time, if Hitler isn't marching through London by then, but we aren't building on it too much because they change their minds too often up here.

So please remember me to everybody and look after yourselves, we shall come out on top in the end.

Your loving son

Edgar

xxxxx

PS Tell Mary not to worry and keep smiling

 

 

 

27 same address Tillicoultry

 

Dear Mother and Dad,

Everything still alright in Scotland and the weather today has been the hottest I have ever experienced. I have been in charge of a party of men making a Machine Gun Post and camouflaging it.

Last week was the hardest week we have had since we came to Scotland, I don't think I had 14 hours sleep from Monday to Saturday with patrolling and guard.

I was wondering if Donald had come back with the B.E.F. Or not. Have you heard anything from him during the weekend.

I think they have done marvellous to get them all over in so short a time. But of course although we have withdrawn and Hitler is supposed to won the first round, I think we shall show him a thing or two yet.

Well we still keep hearing rumours of seven days leave, but I don't know when we shall get it sometime during the next fortnight. By your last letter you seem to have been busy in the garden again and I expect to see some results when I get home.

I have never known time pass as sharp as the last fifteen weeks here it seems to be just about a month since I left home last February. Well I hope you are both well and everything alright in Baildon do you ever see Mr & Mrs Brook nowadays.

 

I have just got back from swimming in the River Devon which flows past the bottom of the camp, but it's hardly deep enough. So I will close now and please remember me to everybody and all at number 21 and let me know if you get any news of Donald.

Your loving son,

Edgar

xxxx

 

Edgar's brother, Donald  had gone over to France with the Royal Engineers Airfield Construction Teams and was up early cooking breakfast when he spotted a German plane flying overhead. He told an officer and the camp was quickly roused. They were given two instructions:1. destroy everything they had constructed and 2. make their way to the coast. Donald spent an agonising three days in the water awaiting rescue at Dunkirk only to watch his companion drown between ship and pier.. He arrived back in Yorkshire with his uniform in shreds and after a few days rest was called back to help clear the rubble from bombed London..

 

 

 

 

 

28 same address Tillicoultry

Dear Mother and Dad

Everything alright and the weather has been red hot all this week. You don't know how pleased I was to hear that Donald was safe and sound, he must have had some terrible experiences. Just imagine a fortnight without taking off your boots off and we thought we were tough going 48 hours.

I think he must have been very lucky to have come out of it alive, and I know you must have done a lot of worrying in the last week and then your hay fever on top of that.

Well after building up a few hopes of getting leave, they told us today we could not have any only on compassionate grounds. I think it's owing to the B.E.F. Getting theirs. So we shall have to wait and then again there is the danger of parachute troops, which we have to watch for night and day.

We are supposed to move from here next Tuesday to Alloa about four miles away, but we haven't heard anything definite yet and then I wrote to tell you I might get held back. Well I hope Donald gets back before long. I know it will ease your mind a lot if you could just see him for a few days.

Even if you don't see me for a while you do know I am safe and sound as long as I stay in Scotland. So please remember me to everyone, especially those living at No.21 and remember me to Mary. I can just imagine how pleased she was when she heard that Donald was safe. I will write again on Saturday afternoon and tell you whether to reply or not..because I may not get it if you do.

So you must look after yourselves and don't worry, everything will come out alright,

Your loving son

Edgar

xxxxxx

 

 

 

29 same address Tillicoultry

Saturday 8^th June

Hope you received my last letter, as I told you, I might have already changed my address before you could reply. Well I think I must have been born under a lucky star, because yesterday they sent about 150 men of my Company away on draft to the B.E.F.

We all had to pack up and march out on the square, we thought it was another kidding job, but when they started reading the names in alphabetical order of those who had to go, you couldn't hear a sound and I started sweating when it got to be “R...S...T...U...V...W...but they didn't call the big W. Anyhow, what was left of us were rushing about while nine o'clock last night getting them all ready to leave here on buses at 9.15 and believe me they went away in the best of spirits and it wasn't until the usual show a leg at “reveille” that we realised we had lost a lot of friends. The lad from Huddersfield in the next bed had to go and I could see he was sorry because we had been together since we got called up.

The Company Commander gave a little speech and he was really upset about the job, because they have had to go without any leave and were not allowed to get in touch with home until they stop somewhere on the way.

Anyhow when the rush was all over, the Company Sergeant Major told me I had been picked out of 28 Lance Corporals to stay here as an Assistant Instructor, so I shall have to get my back down to it now and I have to spend two or three nights a week with the Major going through various subjects

Well that's all the news I have for you, have you heard from Donald yet I hope he is alright. The weather up here is still red hot and I am like a Red Indian...will write again shortly

Your loving son

Edgar

xxxx

 

PS Leonard Fawcett had to go

 

 

30 same address Tillicoultry

Tues. 11 th June 1940

(extracts.).

..you can rest assured that I shall be staying here as Assistant Instructor starting on Thursday am. when the new batch of lads arrive from Stirling..if we go on alright we shall get another stripe within a month or weeks..I've something to work for now.

You know, I always imagined Donald getting all the breaaks in the army and me being out at the front. I should certainly go and see him if he was going to stay at his new place for any length of time.

Since being up here, realised it's every man for himself..if our family is alright, I don't think we should bother about anybody else.

 

31 same address Tillicoultry

17^th June 1940

Dear Mother and Dad,

 

Everything alright and I hope you are both well. You will have to excuse me for not writing before because I have been Orderly Corporal this week and haven't had time to write. We have been very busy with the new lot of lads coming up. When you write again, don't put my platoon number on beacause I have been placed on the staff now.

I hope Donald got home safe. I knew you would be pleased to see him, you must let me know how he went on. I expect he had a lot to tell you about his experiences.

Promotion is coming sharp now because they are short of Instructors and every available man has been sent on draft. They have absolutely cleared the place out of men who had all the easy jobs. All these patrols I told you about, that we used to have to do, have been taken over by the civilians because there isn't enough soldiers here to do it.

Next week there is a new batch coming up, straight from civvy street. They are missing out the training at Stirling and Raploch and coming straight here. This means that the training is cut down from 4 months to 2 months and we shall have a real job learning the foot drill because we have only got a grass parade ground, while at Stirling they are tar-macadam.

I don't know where the rest of the lads of 13 Platoon will be, but I expect they will be causing some bother somewhere. I seem to be about the only Englishman left up here, but the Sergeants help you all they can.

Anyhow, it's just about tea-time, so please remember me to everybody and all at No 21. And don't worry because Paris has fallen-we haven't lost yet

Your loving son

Edgar

xxxxx

 

 

 

32 same address Tillicoultry

Tuesday 18 June

Dear Mother and Dad,

Everything alrigight and the weather at its best.I hope you are both well and everything is alright in Baildon. What do you think about France? We are going to have to fight it on our “midden” yet.

 

The well-nigh impossible has happened again. I have been recommended for another stripe and I'm just waiting while it comes through Battalion Orders and then I can get it sewn on.

I have just come back from a Course on “Petrol Bombs” today and I have to give a lecture on it tomorrow.

I am sorry I couldn't ring up on Sunday night because I didn't get your letter till Monday dinner, but it was nice to get the few lines from Donald and I will write to him as soon as possible. The Company Commander must have visited Yorkshire a few times because he is always asking me about different places in Yorkshire, but he has never been to Bradford......

 

Remember me to everybody and will write again shortly, your loving son,

Edgar xxxxx

 

 

33 same address Tillicoultry

Monday 24 June

 

Dear Mother and Dad,

You may be surprised to hear that I have been to England. I was picked to go on conducting duty, that is taking a draft form Tilly to a little place called Rugeley, about 14 miles from Walsall. There were 225 men, 2 Officers, 3 Sergeants and 1 Corporal and myself. We set off from Tillicoultry by special train on Thursday morning at 6.30 am and went via Edinburgh, Forth Bridge, Carlisle, right down through Wigan, Crewe and landed in Staffordshire about 4.30 in the afternoon.

I just got a bit homesick when we were passing through Lancashire and thought how easy it would be to get home, but it was nice to be in England just to get away from all the Macs for a while.

It is just a small place, Rugeley and all the Sergeants were wearing kilts, talk about causing a commotion. I think half of the inhabitants had never seen one before. The lads that we took down had to make up a brigade for the Durham Light Infantry and you ought to have heard them when they told them they would have to hand over their Balmorals and wear a forage cap.

 

Anyhow we stayed one night with them and then landed back in Scotland about half past nine last night. The two Officers bought us cigarettes and our lunch on the train coming up. I got chance of a 24hrs leave this morning, but I told the C.O. That I had about 20 hours travelling time so he said he would see what he would do a bit later on, he also told me that I should be a full Corporal by about next Wednesday.

I hope you have heard from Donald lately and he is alright I shall have to write this weekend to him, you know the trouble is you never know up here what's going to happen next and if something does happen you've got about ten minutes notice..

I hope you are both alright, you must not worry about us now, because there is now, because there is no B.E.F. And if either of us gets moved anywhere we shall be somewhere in the British Isles.......

 

PS With regard to how many girls I am writing to, I only write to one and that is M**** S****who lives at the Old Hall and works in the Office at Masons. The same girl who gave me the Zane Grey book.

 

 

34 same address Tillicoultry

Tuesday 25 June 1940

Dear Mother and Dad,

Everything still alright, but we have had a definite change in the weather..it has been cold and showery the last three days. I hope you are both well, I received both the parcel and your letter this morning, there were only about three strawberries fit for eating, but they were lovely.

I can imagine how pleased you were when Donald came home and to think he is going to stay at Yeadon. I think our family are very lucky so far, because I have been talking to a lot of B.E.F. And they must have had a terrible time.

Well we have just got about 600 new recruits and we have to start training them on Thursday

and we have been lecturing them today on who to salute and how to address Non Commissioned Officers. They all come from round about Glasgow and I think we are going to need a lot of patience, of course the older they are, all the more stupid. What does it feel like to hear the Air Raid Alarm going..I'll bet you were both scared. I went to Stirling yesterday to get these recruits all equipped and I bought my stripes so I can sew them on tomorrow when the orders come through....

.

Well, I will write again shortly, Don't forget to keep in the house if you hear another Air Raid warning ,.

 

 

35 same address Tillicoultry

undated

Dear Mother and Dad,

….Have had a very busy week learning these new recruits how to march and handle the different weapons...we start our days work at 6 o'clock in the morning and finish at 6.30 in the evening so we can get them trained quicker. Last Tuesday I finished at 6.30 and then had to carry on after tea while 9.30 traing the L.D.V's (local Defence Volunteers) and Home Guard Commander on Wednesday night........may be coming home for a weekend shortly.

..had a lovely Air Raid last week and saw the Coastal Defence bring down a German plane in real style.

I have got with a good Sergeant and we have to train 36 men and talk about the laughs we have but we are getting then straightened up now. The main trouble is we have to train them in half the usual time and they are getting too many subjects in one day.But it is very innteresting and I haven't had any complaints about my instruction yet.

I hope Donald is still at the same place because I think there is a chance of me getting home and I would like him to get home at the same time, it seems such a long time since I saw him last.

About the Air Raid shelter you mentioned, I shouldn't spend money on one if I were you, you would be quite safe in the hall and there is a shelter at the end of the Avenue, you could use -it isn't far away.

I will write again shortly and tell Donald he should be getting some stripes soon for his cooking by now.

 

 

36 same address Tillicoultry

Tuesday 23 July 1940

(extract)

….I am Orderly Sgt this week..just time to scribble a few lines before I put lights out...have to get up at 5.30 and waken everybody and make a full detail of all the parades for the day before I go on parade myself at 8 o'clock.....haven't had to get out for Air raids lately, because orders are to evacuate everybody if the aircraft is hostile, but there were bombs dropped on Stirling on Friday night and just did damage to a tenement.

 

 

37 same address Tyillicoultry

Sunday July 28^th 1940

(extract)

taking new recruits on Service Range tomorrow..look like having some more fun because half of them don't know how to hold a rifle never mind fire it...you can bet your life I shall be standing well behind them when this lot get going. We took them on a 12 mile Route March on Saturday morning and there were some bonny specimens when we got back.

 

Just been watching some chaps training a trotting pony this afternoon..there's a big field behind the mill where we do all our training..about 5 to 7 acres, they brought it in about 3.30 complete with a bamboo sulky all strapped up..talk about action, they kept it going round for about an hour and a half. I thought how my Grandad would have enjoyed watching it...certainly was a fine animal...

I'll be popping in giving you all a surprise..I look like having a bit of Congratulating to do when I get home...Engaged, What ho!..got a letter from our Jack..says he's been to volunteer for Air Force..he wants to stay where he is. Tell Grandad we have some trotters up here.

 

(Donald and Mary Jennings had decided war or no war, they would get engaged to be married.)

 

 

38 same address, Tillicoultry

 

Haven't much to tell you, except last Friday bombs were dropped in the next village about 2 miles away and only did a little damage. I had got to get up and run out with a Bren Gun and be prepared to fire up at the aircraft if they came in range. We seem to be playing a waiting game again..hope we aren't surprised like France-biut we keep banging the bombers down.

Had a chance to volunteer to go to Africa last Saturday as Instructor to the West Africsn \Rifles and the pay was £40.0.0 a month. I wish I could have got home and had a talk with you about it.

I'm going to a trotting match on Saturday at a place called Alloa. There is a lot of Highland Games taking place as well. Told you about working a full week, Sunday included. Well Sunday afternoon is devoted to Games. We have a big football match NCO's V. Privates...we lok like having a rough time!

A Sergeant went over to Stirling said there were lots of Duke of Wellingtons (Yorkshire Regiment) I shall have to go over to see if I know any of them.

Donald said he'd been home and was doing alright...the boy from Bradford who was in Stirling has now been sent to Lossiemouth on a motorcycle patrol.

 

 

 

 

 

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