26th May, 1940
Gnr. Penman, 1440280
Section 4,
194/60 H.A.A.,
B.E.F.
No. 15
Maycot
26.5.40
Dearest,
As the B.B.C. have explained that letters from the B.E.F. may be held up temporarily, I am trying not to worry unduly because I have received nothing from you for four days.
I do hope, darling, conditions are not too unbearable for you, though I know that you would always make the best of any circumstances. I also know that you are very brave. Darling, I feel very proud of you and I hope that some of my thoughts are communicated…
…to you.
I met your Mother in the ’bus yesterday and enquired whether she had heard from you, to which she replied she had a note the previous day. I did not make the enquiry on my own account but merely in order to tell her that, had she not heard recently from you, you were all right. As I was just getting off the ’bus, it was a very brief conversation.
The first “parashooter” patrol round here tonight, and Hugh says they look very proud of…
…themselves.
Dearest, there’s little news to give you at the moment, so I just say that I love you very dearly and send you a big kiss.
Yours,
Terry
26th May, 1940
The Battle of Dunkirk begins as German forces encircle Allied troops in northern France.
The British War Cabinet appoints General Sir John Dill as Chief of the Imperial General Staff, replacing General Sir Edmund Ironside.
The British cruiser HMS Curlew is sunk by German aircraft in Ofotfjord, Norway, resulting in the loss of seven crew members.
Benito Mussolini meets with Italian military leaders in Rome, indicating Italy’s intention to enter the war on the side of the Axis powers.
U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivers a fireside chat titled “On National Defense,” emphasizing the need to strengthen America’s military preparedness in light of the escalating global conflict.