21st May, 1940
Gnr. Penman, 1440280
Section 4,
194/60 H.A.A.,
B.E.F.
No. 11
Maycot
21.5.40
My dearest One,
I feel extremely anxious for you since it was officially announced in the news that Amiens had fallen. I’m hoping and praying that you are quite safe, my Darling, and that we shall soon have more cheering news.
Everyone here makes the most anxious enquiry about you and, of course, you are in my thoughts all the time. I’ve not heard from you since yours No. 8 of the 10th, when I also received a…
…field postcard. The mails seem very much delayed, apart from which I fully realize that you can have very little time for letter writing.
My beans are sprouting magnificently, but I’m afraid Jill’s show no sign of life!! However, she’s very proud of her small piece of garden where she’s got some forget-me-nots and white alyssum. She waters her plants at least three times a day!!
Dearest one, there’s no particular news now, but…
…I send you all my love. I will write again soon and meanwhile hope to hear that you are safe and well.
God bless you, keep you safe and send you back to me soon.
Yours,
Terry
P.S. A kiss from Jill.
21st May, 1940
- 20th May, 1940—German forces reach the English Channel near Abbeville, effectively cutting off Allied troops in Belgium and northern France.
- 21st May, 1940—The Battle of Arras takes place as British and French forces launch a counterattack against advancing German troops; despite initial success, the Allies are forced to retreat. German General Erwin Rommel’s 7th Panzer Division bypasses Arras and continues its advance toward the English Channel, further isolating Allied forces. The French 9th Army is encircled and destroyed by German forces; its commander, General André Corap, is relieved of his duties. The British Expeditionary Force begins preparations for a possible evacuation from the continent, recognizing the deteriorating military situation.