A Family History of the Illustrious, Notorious and Eccentric Lloyds of Birmingham, Brigstock and Pipewell Hall - Flipbook - Page 209
Last night after leaving the restaurant, we motored up the hill to a dancing place called 8The Orange Grove9. It has a large
garden terrace which commands the most beautiful view of the bay. The trees all have little coloured lights among the leaves,
and the moon shines down through the palms. One can dance until 12, the latest place in Naples.
When we arrived, it came through that Rome had fallen. OH ! How we cheered. At least ROME is ours. Maybe it
won9t be so long before I am home after all.
12th July 1944
I wrote yesterday, but as I have a bit of time this evening, I thought I would have another chat with you. We are still
resting, and I am feeling on top of the world after sleeping for 12 hours. I have made a very comfortable little 8bower9 out
of ground sheets and branches in the wood where we are camped. The life in this wood is indeed pleasant after the past
hard week. From my 8window9 I can see the shirtless suntanned men cooking their meals and washing their clothes among
the leafy coolness of the glade. The vehicles even fit in now that they are draped with camouflage nets. I keep on feeling that
at any moment 'Pan9 will appear and turn all the men into Satyrs or Gremlins or something. This wood is, I am sure, the
enchanted wood from 8Dear Brutus9.
There is an extraordinary feeling among these men who are resting and waiting to go back to battle, a feeling of
comradeship and loyalty, and of course relief that they have at least seen the end of one more battle. They lie on the grass
writing home to families and friends, listening to the wireless 3 a programme from England 3 English girls' voices, English
music, for two or perhaps three whole days one can be at peace. Three days is to us a lifetime.
I am giving a small 8soirée9 for my friends this evening, fried chicken, corn on the cob and goat milk cheese 3 all procured
by my faithful Batman, Keen, he is a first class man, and has a knack of knowing just what I want at the right time.
Charlie Morpeth, I am sorry to say, lost two fingers in the last action, so will not be here. He has done wonderfully well in
action and the men adore him.
My letters seem horribly self-centred I am afraid, but it is so difficult to think about things outside one9s immediate
surroundings, except you and the family, and though I haven't heard for some time I can sense that all is well.
It is nine months today since I sailed from England. So much has happened, that I feel in normal time, it is nine years.
I enclose a couple of photos taken sometime in March, which I thought you might like. One of Jimmy Stephens and self
on bullocks!!! going for a picnic in mid-winter, and the other a close up of Jimmy and myself. I thought I would send you as
many photos as possible, because when Kit was away, I remember you were always wanting them, anyway if there are too
many, the aunts might like one or two. Aunt Jessie has been wonderful about writing and sending cigarettes, do write to her,
and say how much I appreciate them, also give her the news, as I have not had time to write except to you.
All my love Mummie Darling. Will write again soon. Timmy."
