24th January, 1941
BIRMINGHAM
7 – PM
24 JAN
1941
Postage Revenue 2½d
Mrs Kenneth Penman
Maycot.
12 Commonside
Keston
Kent
(1) The Same.
24.1.39.
Darling
Thank you so much for your letter, ten more days. Gosh I am looking forward, it’s silly really because it makes the time go so much more slowly.
I am afraid, darling, that it is only possible to get concession vouchers for longish journeys but I shall be able to get half fares for myself on my pass which will help a bit. Ration money, by the way, is 2/9 a day now which makes 19/3 for seven days.
This rotten unit has stopped all local leave since I’ve been back because our little militia boys have not been keeping their huts tidy enough; the officers here are…
(2)
…a couple of typical boy scouts.
There was rather a sweet bit in the Daily Telegraph the other day in ‘Peterborough’ column. It was a conversation between Badoglio and Musso. and run thuswise.
Badoglio—Tobruk or not Tobruk that is the question.
Musso—That sort of thing is Bardia.
Incidentally they were asking yesterday afternoon for GL volunteers to go East—Peter put his name down and left us this morning.
Having not been able to get out I have not yet looked up any trains, but if you and Cecil can make it I will let you know the time as soon as I can get into Birmingham. I’ve been puzzling the old brain for the last five minutes to think of something to write but nothing seems to have happened.
Contrary to you we…
(3)
…have still got our snow. It’s trying to thaw however and the whole Gun Position is horribly slushy. I have invented a sort of welsh rarebit for consumption in our huts in the evening, it is made of two pieces of fried bread faced on the outside with cheese in the middle. The lads have christened it Penny’s Serenade. I’ll write again soon. Darling one, although there seems very little to say these days. I am longing to be with you again and send you all my love,
Yours ever,
Kenneth
Monday 20th January, 1941
- British and Commonwealth forces extend their gains in Eritrea, pushing deeper into Italian-held territory, and reaffirming Allied strategic momentum in East Africa.
Tuesday 21st January, 1941
- Allied formations maneuver around Tobruk, setting conditions for a decisive assault on the Italian stronghold in North Africa.
Wednesday 22nd January, 1941
- Australian troops seize Tobruk, capturing thousands of Italian prisoners and dismantling a crucial enemy bastion, thus reshaping the campaign in Libya.
Thursday 23rd January, 1941
- In the aftermath of Tobruk’s fall, Allied units exploit their victory, advancing westward and consolidating control over captured materiel and territory.
Friday 24th January, 1941
- While Axis forces reel from recent losses, British command readies for further offensives, anticipating deeper incursions into Italian positions and reinforcing the Allies’ strategic advantage.