p.

Major J H Massey, The Cheshire Regt, Infantry Base Depot, M.E.F.

Tuesday 9 Jul 42

My darling sweet Barbara,

I am just dying to move & am hoping to do so any day. But I think I will just send you another letter, as it will probably reach you before I do.

Thank goodness, the position is now very much better in the Western Desert. quite apart from all the vital implications involving our whole position in the M.E. - I was terrified that it would prevent my coming home, that would have been tragic after all the time of trying, & then final [unclear?], & then to have the cup dashed from our very lips. You must have been watching things with a certain amount of anxiety, too.

I have sent you an A.G. darling, saying that you must make plans for our leave - perhaps you have some good ideas. I hope you have - but I will give you my ideas, & they may help. I really have no idea at all what place to go to - but I have very definite ones about what kind of place & what kind of a holiday I want. I think there is a possibility that I may be given as long as a month - and am quite sure that the minimum will be 14 days. It would be fun to have a few days in London, either at the beginning or the end - probably the beginning, & during that time we could see your ma, & some theatres & cinemas. but for the big part of it, I would like to go to a small place in the country or on the sea. Right away from anybody we know or where anybody we know can even come to see