10th October, 1940
Mrs Kenneth Penman
Maycot
12 Commonside
Keston
Kent
[Postmark: SUTTON COLDFIELD 11:25AM 10 OCT 1940 B’HAM]
Gnr Penman 1940 280
194/60 HAA. Depth Troop.
c/o GPO Sutton Coldfield
nr Birmingham
Tuesday.
Darling,
I am sorry I didnt write to you last night but as soon as I got in we were whipped off to Gun Positions to relieve those who had not yet had their seven days. This G.P was one of the last to be visited by the lorry which took us all out, the result being we didn’t arrive here until one o’clock this morning. We are under canvas, but huts are promised very shortly. I am afraid I shall not get any leave until the return of those now on leave. 7 days, which will be next Tuesday. I am longing to see you again darling, the last seven days have been very happy ones for me…
The Gun Position here is a very pukka one, four 3.7’s, and usual instruments, also my strange bird as you call it, “the brain forge” as we call it. Not content with these Brigade has furnished us with a searchlight and a sound detector, this last is affectionately known among the boys as the mechanical ear ‘ole.
You will notice my new address “194” again but not my section unfortunately, dont worry if you have written to me at Fernbank House, before receiving this they are very good at forwarding letters.
I hope to hear from you very soon, do take care of yourself. I love you so very much!
Kenneth
Wednesday 10th October, 1940:
- Tuesday 8th October, 1940—Luftwaffe bombers intensify nocturnal assaults on London and Birmingham, inflicting severe infrastructural damage and civilian casualties amidst the protracted Blitz.
- Wednesday 9th October, 1940—As German aerial offensives persist, British authorities escalate civil defense measures, bolstering shelter provisions and emergency response capabilities to mitigate mounting hardship.