ON ACTIVE SERVICE

20-10-44 46421 Dvr E.A. Henderson. 18th N.Z.T.T. Coy N.Z.A.S.C. 2nd N.Z.E.F. M.E.F.

Dear Dorothy, Well old dear, here goes for an answer to a letter (23rd July) and an air mail card (26th Sept), I received from you two days ago. How is the new job going, do you like it better than Cairnsmore. I had a letter from Mum, written when she was at Caroline, staying with Frances. How long did you have to take your meals, off the mouth piece after riding that horse. I did not know until I read both yours and Mum’s letters, that Uncle Alex Rhind had died, and am very sorry to hear that, he was a good sort. Well Dot, I suppose you have heard all about life over here from Jock, I’ll bet he is having a great time now and will have visited those

page 2

new pubs. He said he would make up for lost time when he arrived. I see that you are still managing to get to a dance or to, I suppose Jock will have been to a few by now. I had an airgraph from Hugh two days ago, he is a wag isn’t he, he told me all about Chris Holloway. Hugh said that Dad is still as young as ever, but will soon be as fat a dear Robert, these are his actual words. I will be writing to him tomorrow night. By the way you will have to excuse this scribble, as I am writing it on top of the load in the truck. We have pulled off the road for the night, and I have just finished writing a note to Mum, And very soon will be in the old flea bag, as we have an early start in the morning. We are as busy as ever again, and will not be back in camp

Page 3

for a few days yet, so this will not get posted until then. I don’t think I will be coming home with an Italian bride, but you should see the girls in the various towns they are really beautiful. I have not seen Bob for some weeks now, but will give him your message next time I do see him. Won’t it be great if Aunty May gets home for Christmas, and also if Alex and Kath & family manage to stay with you, remember me to them whenever you write. Well old dear, I really must buzz off into the blankets now, or it will soon be time to be on the way again. I will write to you again as soon as I get back to camp Cheerio and lots of love & kisses. Your loving brother Eric. xxxx

Transcriber Note: Uncle Alex Rhind - Married to Eric’s Aunt Annie Lyon Henderson