Letters, diaries and photographs from World War II

North Africa Star

Note: The Africa Star was awarded for a minimum of one day’s service in an operational area of North Africa between 10 June 1940 and 12 May 1943.

Letter 1st April 1945

Nowhere in particular

1st April 1945

Darling Janie

Just another short note my sweet to say that I’m on my way to you and have covered the first part of my journeying across India.

I’m now staying at my first swank hotel since I left Bombay over three years ago. I don’t go for these places at all but we have time to kill before getting to the next place.

You’ll notice I said ‘we’. Tony Yarwood is my companion. He’s from the Regiment. He’s a grand lad but is going to be a little difficult to keep out of mischief. He’s a trifle high-spirited if you see what I mean.

The programme is: swimming pool, sleeping under the fan and movies in the evening.

We intend to leave on Saturday and go elsewhere.

Be certain of one thing sweet, this business is going to take time/

We have met other lads on the same racket and all have three or four months more in than we have. One and all seem to boast the Nortb Africa Stars, I’ll be shamed into wearing mine soon.

On the two days preceding my departure I received jolly letters from you sweetheart. I’d love to see your face when you start getting my letters.

All my love is yours my sweetheart.

Take great care of both of you.

Your own,

Johnnie xxxx

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