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6 his C.O. You know it seems to me so utterly wrong that a man like Frank 28 years of age a fine leader of men- he had a very good way with them + they liked + respected him- with a first class brain + obvious ability - should have to be a 2nd Lieut + a Platoon Commander easily the most consistently dangerous job in the Army And yet bumped up brainless little idiots who have been a few years in the Regular or Territorial Army should command coys + have so much more chance And that silly useless Eric (Blake) James as a staff Captain- + that strong healthy blasted red headed Mac Erlean ideal cannon fodder got himseld a pie job as something or other at a Prisoners of War camp in Egypt - 100% safe its all very wrong the Army suffers now because of it - + civilisation + the reconstruction of the world + the next + following generations will suffer too Frank could + would have commanded a Coy at least perfectly And if he had been given a staff job he would have worked hard + been darned useful Instead of which he has to expose himself in do or die stuff against German desperados + gangsters in that hellish battled of Crete I suppose there is just a hope that these three men may be mistaken - but they were
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7. very certain about it I know you will be very sorry too that we are denied a good time friend after this foul war is over Poor old Frank - I must leave him now- butI shall feel very sad for many days to come I was very glad to hear darling in your second p.c. that max was going to be circumcised that week I have written you all about this but I knew you would remember or be reminded somehow + decide to have him done I'm certain it is far better I hope he came through it alright Apparently it is very easy when boys are only a few days old Did I ever tell you about mine? when I was 10 or 12 or thereabout I was very interested in the subject of operations + thought they were rather heroic + used to always be asking my ma if I had ever had any She used to say just one - + I asked what it was And she said just a little one + I made a noise like a hen And I used to ask dozens of times + she waned never tell me any more And it wasn't until years afterwards that I realized what it really was I wonder of Ma made a noise like a hen The last Palestine Orchestra concert of the season is tomorrow + of course I am going This time I am taking the man Hopkins + his wife to repay their kindness + hospitality to me They really are
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8 extremely kind + ask me to go there whenever I want to I went + had a cup of tea with Mrs Nina yesterday + played with the baby; she is a very sweet child + I get on very well with her I like to do this now that I know all is well darling Do you know the last time I went out in the evening was for the last concert which was on June 12th 3 weeks ago One has to wear drill jacket + so on when out in the town after 6.0 - + that is the last time I wore a jacket Normally for dinner + staying in we wear shirts sleeves + long trousers - same as in those photos I sent you I have started another film in my borrowed camera now + will have some taken in shorts + putters + so on I do not wear my topee at all. I hate the things + my skull is quite sufficient protection in these parts. There is an order to wear them but it is not enforced & seems so silly with these Jews who have been used to wearing no hat at all for year & years. By the way, my officers & CSM & several other people were very pleased to learn the good news that you & the baby are doing well & send their best regards to you, which won't mean very much to you! Goodbye darling sweetest sweetaheart. I am still thrilling with happines that you are well & that you love me. I love you so very much. Always your Harry.
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Mrs. H. Massey. Carseland. Pillory Hill. Noss Mayo. Plymouth. G1- Britain.
