15th May, 1940
[Envelope:]
ON ACTIVE SERVICE
[Censor stamp: “No. 840”]
Mrs KENNETH PENMAN
MAYCOT
12 COMMONSIDE
KESTON
KENT
No 8
Gnr Penman 1440280
Sec 4 194/60 HAA
B.E.F.
May 15th 1940
Darling
I hope you got my field postcard safely, I am sorry it wasnt a letter but it was all I could manage just then. I dont want you dearest one to worry if I tell you we have MOVED; its an absolute devil my not being able to tell you more, especially as I know how you hate being in the dark but there it is, I am writing this sitting on a newly filled sandbag in a field [censored], yes more sandbags I’m afraid, and the sun is shining beautifully. I think my dear that I worry more about your worrying over me than of anything else, therefore I’m going to make a point of writing to you every day in future, I dont know whether our letters will leave this country every day, things being international. As I expect you have gathered from the newspapers, (things are) not as quiet as they have been. Blue pencil! The gas rattle has just gone and I’m now writing this in a gas mask, only drill you know but very annoying all the same. I know you will forgive my…
…not writing any more just now except to say that I love and adore you with a bursting heart. My photos of you are a great comfort to me; by the way we sleep, the four of us in a huge farm cart and when I’m in bed your photograph is just by my pillow.
My love to you dearest one and a big hug for Jill
Yours
Kenneth
15th May, 1940
The Netherlands surrenders to Germany at 10:15 a.m., with General Henri Winkelman signing the surrender document. The Battle of Gembloux in Belgium concludes, with German forces losing approximately 250 tanks; however, weakened French units are compelled to retreat toward the Belgian-French border. Britain’s War Cabinet decides to initiate bombing raids on German oil industries, communication centers, and forests, focusing on the Ruhr region, marking a shift to nighttime operations due to the high costs of daylight missions.
Winston Churchill sends a message to Franklin D. Roosevelt, requesting a one-year loan of 40 to 50 older destroyers, along with aircraft, anti-aircraft guns, and steel, to bolster Britain’s defense capabilities.
The first McDonald’s restaurant opens in San Bernardino, California, founded by Richard and Maurice McDonald, introducing a new model of fast-food service.