24th March, 1941
Mrs KENNETH PENMAN
Maycot
12 Commonside
KESTON
KENT
No 440280
GNR C.K. Penman OFC
c/o B and C Section
183 Penns Lane
Erdington
Birmingham
24.3.41
Dearest,
It was so nice to get your letter this morning although I was sorry to hear that you had had more bombs. What does Cecil intend doing when his family leave, is he going to give up his cottage? I have been feeling very depressed since I have been back, the only bright thing on the horizon being 48 hours which I should get on either Monday or…
…Wednesday week.
Do you still feel, in view of recent events, that you wish to stay in Keston during the summer? Shep is getting married on his next 48 hours leave and is taking a furnished flat. As it seems probable that we shall stay here, in Birmingham, in view of the nature of the work we are on, for some time to come, he will be in the happy position of being able to get home every other night (4oc to midnight) beside 48 hours every 17 days or so.
His wife (to be) intends to take a secretarial post as, although it isn’t necessary, it will give her something to do in the day time.
I hope you manage to go to the ARP dance this Saturday and that you have a good time. I didn’t manage to see the “Great Dictator” last week but I hope to see it when its generally released to Birmingham cinemas.
Did you notice that it is expected that cigarettes…
will go up to a bob for 10 in the new budget. I am afraid I shall definitely have to give them up when that happens. Funny thing, the paymaster here had a note from 194 Battery last Thursday saying I was £2-10/- in debt, with the result that I only got eight bob. I pointed out that it was impossible as you had had my credit balance from Leicester only a fortnight before, and he promised to do something about it. You can’t argue with the army however, and it seems probable I’ve…
…an endless vista of short pay in front. Still heigh ho, ’tis not worth worrying about.
I have very little news I’m afraid. Life here during the last week has been quite without incident.
Once again it was very nice to receive your letter, write again soon.
Yours,
Kenneth.
Events between March 14-24, 1941:
- Friday 14th March, 1941 – The Lofoten Islands raid in Norway results in the destruction of fish oil factories and the capture of encryption equipment by British Commandos.
- Sunday 16th March, 1941 – British forces begin Operation Lustre, the movement of troops from Egypt to Greece.
- Wednesday 19th March, 1941 – Churchill forms the Special Operations Executive (SOE) to conduct sabotage operations in occupied Europe.
- Saturday 22nd March, 1941 – The Afrika Korps under Rommel launches its first offensive against British forces in North Africa.