Welcome back to the last part of the Peter Heywood letters, i hope you have found his story as interesting as i have. In this post are the final letters i have for this family, i was very glad that they all made it through the war and re-united, because so many didn't.
The end of the war is now in sight, but Peter still doesn't know when he might go home. Victory in Europe day was in May, so now it is just a waiting game. His mum wrote on the 3rd June 1945. She writes:
“My darling Pete,
Expect you think I have passed out! Am afraid procrastination is the failing of the home front! Apart from the many duties in garden, shopping and catering for my billitee! He is still here, but is going on holiday June 22nd for nine days to Somerset, which will give me a break.
Des has been home for his 9 days, which went far too quickly. We actually took pop out to the Bambridge theatre, to see a musical show, an operetta by Johan Strauss, A Night in Venice, very colourful and good entertainment. Pop enjoyed the change so much, that he booked seats at Harrow Rd this week, to see Gert and Daisy! Very amusing, A low comic told this yarn, whilst at the flicks, a woman touched his shoulder, on looking around she apologised for the mistake and said, so sorry, but the back of your head looks just like my husbands behind! He was completely bald!!
Dear your most interesting booklet on R.A.F. in Rhodesia arrived yesterday, we are so pleased to have it, and can now well imagine your days routine work, it is very well compiled. Pop has gone to Glasgow today and taken it with him to read on train.
You will be glad to know, we have at last managed to obtain a man to dig garden. He is an electric railway driver! And lives up Manor way, he charges 2/6 hr, but we are thankful to get him to do the rough stuff! The front is now in good order and I have planted stacks, wall flowers which have bloomed and some Crysants ready for the autumn. Pop planted 2 dry tomatoes on Sunday, and as he bought a load of manure, we hope to get good results. The weather will have to improve, it has been very cold and wet for some time, after the early heat wave!
We were very delighted to receive the snaps, you certainly look in fine condition. Glad to know you enjoyed V day celebrations, sounded good to me, you certainly seem to enjoy toast! To say nothing of beer and spirits! Both are very scarce here, also cigs are very fleeting! I have my name down in a confectioners book for ½ bloc of ice cream weekly!! Also we are back on 1oz of lard, very meagre, but with our home produced eggs we don’t do too badly. We ate the last cockerel on Des’s leave, very tasty, like a young turkey. One of the hens has hatched off 4 chicks today, not all out yet, so I hope to continue the strain.
Met Puck the other evening on way to Manor Farm to exhibit a painting of Dover cliffs and sea with boats! Very fine. May and I went to the academy on Sunday! Some grand pictures, especially flower arrangements, wonderful, also marvellous portraits. Will send on some O.T.C. gags and locals. Hope you will have a grand holiday and enjoy visiting the Brickhills. You certainly have been very lucky in meeting so many kind friends.
Well my darling, we all send our fondest love and kisses galore, including Frisky! Mum.“
According to Wikipedia on 3rd June 1945 French troops left Damascus for billets outside the city, they were replaced by British peacekeeping forces. And on the 12th June 1945 when Peter next wrote to his sister Joan, American troops on Okinawa took over the Yaeju Dake escarpment, breaching the last defense line of the Japanese garrison. Allied troops took over Trieste in Italy in accordance with the agreement of June 9th and Dwight D. Eisenhower received the Freedom of the City of London and the Order of Merit.
“My dear sis,
Thanks very much for your long and interesting letter (the first sent by you under the new airmail system) and dated 16th May. It reached me in the excellent time of 13 days, it’s certainly a good scheme.
I was most interested in your description of how you spent V.E. celebrations, but it was very tough luck having a sick friend on your hands. I hope by now that Jean is much better. The accounts I have heard and read about London during the great week have certainly made me wish that I could have been there, even if it was just to do ‘Knees up Mother Brown’ in Trafalgar Square, or to partake of the cup that cheers!
The films you have seen recently are also the films I look forward to seeing, especially ‘Rainbow Island’ and ‘Going My Way’. Did you see Claudette Colbert in ‘Since we Went Away’ – a rather fine film which suffered from an overdose of sentimentality in patches. However, it was a most enjoyable film. Your music should make some tangible progress now you are in the hands of this new chap. I hope so anyway and wish you luck. From what you say, I gather that you are thinking of packing up your Red Cross work, it seems a shame to me, but I guess you know best!
Well, I’m really on leave! And ever since I have been on leave I’ve been suffering from a foul cold. I left Gwala a week ago last Friday night and travelled via Bullawaya to Jo’burg where I arrived on the Sunday evening at 6.25 p.m. When I left Gwala I hardly had any voice left, but I felt better when I arrived at Jo’burg and improved during the next two or three days. On arrival at Jo’burg I was informed that the promised hospitality had not been arranged as it had not been considered worth while for three days, so I stayed in the hostel! I spent most of the time wandering about the town, went to the pictures a few times and also to a large show given by a gang of juveniles, for which I had a free ticket. By the end of my stay, I was thoroughly cheesed with this great cosmopolitan city of semi sky scrapers. I left for Durban on the Wednesday afternoon and even getting away from the place was quite a game. First of all I had a row with an intolerably rude Afrikaans bus conductor, then the handle of my big case broke and to crown matters, the RTO’s office hadn’t booked me on the train as promised! However I found the R.T.O. himself on the platform and he managed to get me on the train.
I had a very enjoyable journey to Durban in the company of two South African ex-prisoners of war who had flown out from home and landed near Jo’burg. They were fine types and it was more than a pleasure to travel with them. They had a terrific welcome at Durban, but it was not until later that I found out that one of them was Bill Payn, a well known veteran sportsman, rugby etc. Since I’ve been here with the Brickhills (more later about the kindness they have shown to me) I’ve had a touch of flu, which meant a day in bed and I am still not myself. However I’ll write again shortly and for the moment say au revoir, all my love, Pete “
On July 6th 1945 when Peter’s mum wrote to Peter, the allied forces had a victory parade in Berlin and General Lewis Lyne took the salute.
“ My Darling Pete,
We were so glad to receive your letters and to know you were at last on your long anticipated holiday. It was a shame the folks let you down at Jo’burg, but suppose it was unavoidable. We were interested in your description of the city.
So sorry to know you had such a bad throat, but you were lucky in being so well looked after. They are extremely hospitable people. We thought you would like Esme very much. May and I saw the film ‘Phantom of the Opera’ it certainly was weird, but we did not go to see ‘Wilson’. We are all for light entertainment these days! This week we saw an amusing film called ‘ Without Love’ with Spencer Tracy, Katherine Hepburn, quite good fun and acting.
You will be glad to know that we have at last got our lounge in circulation again! What a clearance we have had!! All Dads samples returned to Glasgow and jolly glad I was to see the back of them. I washed the wall paper and it has come up very well, and pop has revarnished the paintwork and floor. We have placed the couch across the window and it looks quite attractive! With the standard lamp etc! At present we have lovely bowls of roses and phlox. We are lucky to still have our French clock, considering the glass indoors was broken, including bolts! Now pop has started, there’s no stopping him, and now we have dismantled the sideboard and taken the mirrors out. Mr Stevens is mounting one of them and the back is removed from sideboard and a shaped board along the back will finish it and improve it. A man is going to do ceiling with paint distemper and pop is going to do walls and paintwork. So it will look nice and fresh ready for your return! Then we also hope to get the hall and front painted!
The garden is now in good order, the man worked well and we are very pleased with result, they also cleared all the weed out of pond and the lilies now have a sporting chance! The poultry are still going strong, I think I’ve already told you that we have eaten the four cockerels. One of the hens has brought off 5 fine chicks, which are now roaming the garden! We also get plenty of eggs, good size too. Really fresh and not from Canada or Ireland!
Well my dear, I know that you will be pleased to know that Joan and I are off on holiday to Bude next Sat for a fortnight. May will have a busy time with our lodger! But expect some evenings they will dine at Barbaras! Also pop will have to do his stuff!
Pop has just returned from another visit to Glasgow, with C. Steele, they did as much business as prevailing conditions allow. The Egertons are now pretty well, they have had a fortnight in Hastings. Mrs E said she intended writing you! They always enquire after you. Pop has sent your mags off but don’t suppose you will receive them for some time.
What a wonderful view over that ‘Mazoe Dam’, you certainly have had your hearts desire in flying. So glad you meet some interesting chaps, Mrs Batemans son has just been issued with tropical kit and is now on leave, although he has had it three times!
Well my love, I expect you are back in trainers and not liking it by now!! I am writing the Brickhills, Des is home tonight for four days, he sends all the best to you for your Birthday. Crowds of fondest love and every good wish, kisses galore, mum. “
The Brickhills, who Peter went to stay with, wrote to him on the 9th of July 1945:
“ My Dear Peter,
Many thanks for your welcome letter which I received on Saturday, was pleased to hear you had arrived safely. Glad your journey up wasn’t too bad. Six in a compartment is crowded, but still I suppose it helped in conversing.
I have the photos, but before I send them, I shall have a few copies taken, the girls absolutely refuse to let me send them on to you first, they want copies of the one of Pat, which they like. Thank you for the photo of yourself, this I will paste in the album I have for photos.
Pat’s mother passed away last Saturday the 5th, Pat went home on the Tuesday and returned this afternoon, she starts work tomorrow. Josti is here and is looking very fit and well, he has just developed a sore throat, but I think he will soon loose it, I hope so. National Velvet is still on at the Metro, it seems to have had a record run.
The biggest race, the July handicap took place on Saturday, crowds must have lost heavily as none of the favourites came in. The girls all send good wishes and say please send the other negatives when you have finished with them. No more now as they are calling me to dinner. Best wishes, yours sincerely, P Brickhill. “
The final letter for July is from Peter’s mum on 25th July 1945, also on this day, the Japanese patrol boat number 2. (former destroyer Nadakaze) was sunk by British submarine HMS Stubborn in the Java Sea.
“ My Darling Pete,
It seems a long time since the letter you wrote at the Brickhills, am expecting another any day now! I hope dear, you are ok and that you had a safe journey back.
The Brickhills are grand people, and certainly give of their best, I have sent them a sepia letter card of Bude and Joan is sending Tom one. You seem to have some happy times with them, perhaps Tom will soon be able to pay us a visit. Joan and I have had a very enjoyable holiday despite variable elements.
Thurs 26th – Yesterday afternoon we hired a taxi with two girls and went to Clovelly. It was really delightful, although not a sunny day, not too crowded. The bay looked grand, the driver took us to a place on the Hartland road where we had a good cream tea! This afternoon we are going to Holsworthy, Aunt Nance enquired after you on phone.
Joan has enjoyed the bathing very much, but I have only taken the plunge twice! Too cold, and wet!! I expect you are having some chilly weather now. I was so sorry to know you were so poorly on your holiday, and hope you are ok again, anyhow you had some attentive nurses!
Pop has been very busy in my absence, distempering the dining room and re-painting woodwork and floors. Also we have had side board back and a lower one fitted, and big mirror hung on wall, so it should look very nice, and be easier for me to keep in order. Have also got the lounge in use again, now we only want you back in it! Geoff Heywood is still in Scotland, he has made three fine sheepskin rugs in his spare time! Also a fine handbag of reindeer!
Well my dear son, no other news, all members of family are alive and kicking! Joan joins in sending fondest love and kisses galore, your loving mum! “
We are into August 1945 now, and on the 6th and 9th of August, the United States detonated two atomic bombs over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki respectively. On the 8th August 1945 Peter’s mum wrote to tell him about her holiday and other family news, she also mentions the bombing:
“ We were glad to have your letters, dated 7 & 11 July to know you were safe and well. Joan says she has also received another, in which you say you expect to be out there another year. What a long time it is without seeing my baby!
Aunt Clare rang up this evening, and she says she also has received a letter from you, in which you mentioned about meeting the young man from Lympstone. Fancy you speaking to the chap from Northolt! It certainly is a job to get away from ones neighbours, on Bude sands, a family from the bottom of the garden were disporting themselves! Their first visit.
Joan and I had a happy time together, although the weather left much to be desired. We stayed in a boarding house near the post office, so had not far to go to the bathing pool! I bathed three times, total immersion!! Travelling is very hectic these days, we were lucky in getting seats, but crowds standing, even on the night train. Pop was very busy in my absence, and the dining room looks very attractive, cream distemper, shows the woodwork and furniture up well. Also the sideboard is much improved with back removed and mirrors hung on wall over fire place. Pop intends having the front painted neat, then bedroom and hall, suppose it will all be finished by Xmas.
Des is home at present, the base at Weymouth has closed down, so he is hoping they will forget about him for a while! He also is busy with paint brush at the flat! May is very well, she is a ‘brick’ and looked after the many home duties whilst I was away, including the farmyard. The five new chicks have grown into fine birds, and are nearly as big as their mother! The cockerels will make a tasty morsel for the pot!
The budgies have produced 7 chicks this summer, I only have one canary hen and she is four years old, so she is a waste of time! The roses have been very lovely, also the white phlox. Pop took us for a lovely drive on Monday eve, to Slough and back through the leafy lanes to Gerrards X and into Uxbridge via the new bypass road.
What price the new bomb, it certainly is a terrible discovery. Lets hope it will shorten the war, and save invasion. Russia has now declared war on them so they have now got a belly full!! What a pity so much time and money has to be spent on destruction.
Well my dear, no special news, we are all well, including Frisky. I expect you feel the cold after the intense heat. Pop has ordered a large number of logs so we shall be warm in the winter! Must now away to bed, pop is in Glasgow. Take care of yourself dear, I’m always thinking of you. Your photo is handing on dining room wall. Crowds of fondest love and kisses galore, Mum. “
On the 11th August the Soviet invasion of South Sakhalin began when Soviet forces invaded the Japanese territorial portion of the Island of Sakhalin. Also the U.S. Secretary of State James F. Byrnes replied to Japan’s offer with a refusal to compromise on the demand that the surrender be unconditional. On the 12th August 1945 Peter’s mum wrote to him:
“ My Darling Pete,
Your interesting and welcome letter No. 70, arrived just after I had posted my letter to you! Well my dear, we are glad to know you are well, and meeting kind pals.
Des had formed the same opinion as you about the difficulties for white people out there, guess you will have to settle in the old homeland! It certainly will be interesting to see how conditions alter under the new government. Our conservative member Col. Llewellin, was beaten by Flt. Lt. Beswick, with Lab majority of 1,084. It was caused by the Liberals splitting the vote by 8,300. Enclosed is cutting. The cuttings you sent are very interesting. Also the account of Bill Payn, what a giant! Most exciting! We were delighted to receive your last photos, they are very good, and splendid group with your pals. Is Bob Bloomfield an officer? I will order the book you mention tomorrow.
We have a good film this week called ‘National Velvet’ with Mickey Rooney, Elizabeth Taylor and Donald Crisp, depicts the Grand National. Well my dear, folks have been making whoopee up West for two nights running, on the assumption that the Jap war is over. Nothing official is through yet, but perhaps it will be confirmed tomorrow. It is 11 o clock and nothing through so far.
Well my darling, no other news at present. Pop hopes to go to Bude on Sept 15th for a week, he can do with a break! Crowds of fondest love and kisses galore, your loving mum. “
Emperor Hirohito announced the unconditional surrender of Japan via radio broadcast a little after noon Japan standard time which was 03:00 GMT, on the 15th August 1945. On the 19th August 1945 Peter wrote to his sister Joan and spoke about this and his other news:
“My Dear Sis,
Your two letters dated 21st July and 1st Aug reached me during the week, thanks very much.
The last fortnight could hardly have been more incredible. I still find it difficult to believe, that after six years of loss of life and hardship, we are no longer at war. It has ended sooner than we dared hope.
For some reason our celebrations have not been quite so spontaneous and riotous as after V.E. day. I was awakened on the Wednesday morning by fellows singing, and I know that singing at that time of the morning could mean only one thing. That the long awaited announcement had come through. We had a short service in the hangor and then the C.O. announced a holiday until Saturday morning. V-J evening, Ted and I spent very quietly looking after the Finegan’s children, whilst their parents went to the pictures! We listened to the wireless and also had free access to the bottle of brandy, though actually we only had one small drink each!
On the way back to camp (cycling) we had a remarkable experience. We were within four hundred yards of the gate, when a lorry passed us. Suddenly in the light of the headlamps, we saw a large cat-like animal, sandy in colour and powerfully built. “It’s a lion” Ted exclaimed and we pedalled with renewed vigour for the security of the camp. We were not drunk and we are quite convinced that what we saw was not a dog! The possibility of it having been a lion is somewhat remote as lions have not been seen in Gwelo for some considerable time. I believe the last ones that were seen, walked down the high street!
It could perhaps have been a hyena or jackal, but it seems more likely that it was a young leopard. Leopards are quite common around here, though they are rarely seen. However, we didn’t stay to investigate. On Thursday morning, Ted and I stayed in bed and played the ‘Emperor’ concerto over on a borrowed gramaphone. In the evening we had to be on duty in town, a precaution taken to guard against merry merry-makers. The town was so quiet that we ended up by getting decidedly merry ourselves! On Friday Bob Bloomfield and I played tennis. I am playing tennis quite frequently these days as I bought a very nice, new racket. It will be a long time before I can play a good game, but I am improving.
In the evening we went to a victory dance in the drill hall, which seemed to be attended by nearly the whole population of Gwelo, young and old. It was far too dusty and crowded to be enjoyable and moreover the bar was sold out by 11pm!
Yesterday we started work again, I flew with a cadet from Ruislip, Stephenson, who lives in Manor Way. We knew each other when we were at the Manor School and also at A.T.C. During the trip I saw the largest herd of these peculiar animals called Wildebeast with their inevitable companions- zebra, I have ever seen. There must have been about thirty animals all together. It is really most interesting to see these animals in their natural surroundings. In the afternoon I played tennis, then went into town for a grill.
We shall doubtless continue work in the normal way, but I have high hopes of being home by next summer and even of being discharged by the autumn. It all depends what progress they make with the release groups. I wish I knew what to do Sis, I have two plans. One is to take up surveying, rather than return to banking, the other plan is much more ambitious, but is not outside the bounds of possibility. Finance would be the greatest difficulty no doubt.
Next Sunday I am hoping to go on leave to Umtali, but I may have to cancel it as we are very busy at the moment. Well Sis that is all for the moment, except to say that I thoroughly enjoyed your descriptions of the holiday you have just spent. I would love to see Bude again, I hope by now you have settled down to the miserable grind of Buxton again. I guess that’s the lot, tons of love and kisses, Peter “
I can only imagine how excited Peter must have been to be going home, but he still had a long journey to get there. On the 3rd Sept 1945 Peter wrote a short letter to his sister Joan:
“ My Dear Sis,
Thanks very much for your long letter dated 17th August with your admirable description of V-J day etc. Thanks too for the wizard birthday present – I look forward to seeing it very much, you know how much I like books.
Well Sis, as you’ve probably heard from home, I have been extraordinarily lucky, and am returning to Blighty very much sooner than I dared expect. This will be the last letter you will get from me as I’m leaving on a special train early tomorrow morning on the first stage of my journey home. It is quite possible that we may go straight onto the boat at Cape Town, in which case I shall be home by the end of the month! Think of that! I find it very difficult to believe. I am very busy today on last minute formalities and preparations, so I must ask you to excuse a short letter.
We’ll have some big binges when I get back – though that won’t be easy on home rationing. In the meantime I’ll say cheerio, all my love, Peter “
Going home earlier than he thought must have seemed like a miracle, he must have made the long journey home to finally see his family again because the next time we hear from him his address is – Majestic Hotel, R.A.F. Station, Harrogate, Yorks on the 2nd Nov 1945 writing to Joan again:
“My Dear Sis,
Doubtless you are back to the unpleasant grind by now and wishing you were back at home. I know I am!
We are doing absolutely nothing here, I parade twice a day and in between times, I wander around the town and visit cafes! Last Sunday we took the bus to York and spent the afternoon and evening there. This provided a pleasant diversion, I thought the Minster was particularly lovely. On Wednesday we were given permission to travel to Leeds to see the football match between Northern and Western Command. A particularly entertaining match, especially as there were about a dozen internationals playing. I travelled by bus, a most pleasant trip in the autumn sunshine. The match over, I went to see for the second time the film ‘I live in Grosvenor Square’ and I probably enjoyed it even more than when I first saw it.
However, here is my chief news. Nearly all my friends including Ted have been posted to Eastchurch to await further disposal. They have been made redundant. Contrary to my expectations, I am not redundant and this morning I have been told that I am to be posted to a pre- A.F.U. ( refresher course on Tiger Moths) sometime next week. Taking things to their logical conclusion after this course, I should go to Advanced Flying Unit on ‘twins’ and from there, either to a conversion unit for ‘heavies’ an O.T.U. or straight into transport command as second pilot. However with the inevitable delays and peculiar circumstances which must surely crop up, I cannot see myself reaching the ‘logical conclusion’ for a very considerable period.
Unfortunately I can’t get a pass for the weekend, but I’m hoping to get home from my new station quite soon. Of course if I’m posted to Perth or Carlisle it will hardly be worth while coming home on a 48 hrs pass let alone a 36 hr. For the moment Sis, I’ll say au revoir and all my love, Peter. “
Peter next writes to Joan on the 21st Nov 1945 and he is now based at No 3 E.F.T.S., RAF Station, Shellingford, Berks. It must be nice to be near home again:
“My Dear Sis,
Gosh! I find myself with about three of your letters to reply to, please forgive me for my laziness. I’m so glad to know you are still plugging along and getting reasonable enjoyment out of life. No doubt you are finding your wireless a great asset.
I greatly appreciate your laundering activities and I have sent you a fresh bundle yesterday!
Last weekend I was home again. Recently I have bought some more records, including the Beethoven ‘Moonlight’ Sonata, ‘Chanson de Matin’ by Elgar and a recording of the Nutcracker Suite by the Philadelphia Orchestra. All very delightful. I shall definitely change over to fibre needles as my ‘Thieving Magpie Overture’ is showing signs of wear.
Last Monday a Flt. Lt. nav. Officer turned up and he asked Tony Rowe and myself to assist him in the formation of a navigation section on the station. So during the last few days I have been very busy getting our ‘offices’ fixed up. Flt. Lt. Davis is trying to get us onto the permanent staff, but I don’t think the possibility is very high. It has been too foggy to fly this week, but I did a bit last Friday.
On Monday evening, Tony and I cycled to Faringdon, had a few drinks in the Crown and then went to see Ingrid Bergmann in ‘Murder in Thornton Square’ – the American production of ‘Gaslight’. I enjoyed it very much as the acting was undoubtedly very fine.
Well Sis, I’m afraid I must close now, but I’ll give you a ring sometime next week, all my love, and good luck, Peter”
The last letter for 1945 is the 3rd Dec 1945 from Peter to his Sister again:
“My Dear Sis,
Please forgive me for my lapse in letter writing activity recently, I’m afraid I’ve no cast iron excuse to offer!
Thank you very much sis for last weeks washing. I have greatly appreciated your help. However, Mother has a woman to do the washing now, so I shall give her the lot from now onwards, so it will not be necessary to send any to you.
I’m very glad to know that your parcel arrived ok and in good condition. I had begun to think that it must have been lost.
I will try to obtain the two records you desire for xmas, they sound a good choice. I’m very fond of Chopin. Doubtless you are finding your wireless a great pleasure these days. I’ve decided to hang on to my portable gramophone until I can obtain exactly what I want, or fit a pick up to it.
Last Wednesday I flew up to Cambridge with Flt. Lt. Davis, who dropped me there and then carried on to Sutton Bridge. I stayed the night at the Taylors and had a wizard time with Joy and her husband – drinking the Trumpington beer – an excellent place. Davis picked me up next morning at about 10am. Joy has changed a bit, and certainly seems very happy. They have a flat lined up for them next January.
Last Friday I got home for a ‘48’ and on Saturday evening I went to see Pam, Bob’s girlfriend. We had an extremely pleasant evening talking about various subjects including music, in which she is considerably interested. Yesterday morning I visited Mr and Mrs Hedges and found them quite well. Barbara was there too and is still waiting for transport to Canada.
That’s all for now sis, I’m just going to do some book keeping, all my love, Peter”
The very last letter I have for the Heywood family is a small letter card post marked Brixham in March 1946. It is from Peter to his parents:
“My dear Mum and Dad,
I’m having a fine time down here, though I am left to my own devices to amuse myself. Russ has to work all day until 6pm. My journey here on Wednesday was quite uneventful, and I arrived about 5pm. At least I say I ‘arrived’ but by the time I had surmounted several hundred yards of ‘1 in 5’ I was just about on my knees!
Yesterday morning I spent lounging around the quayside, watching the fishermen and fascinated by the grace and impudence of the seagulls! Then I walked along the coast to Fishcombe Point – a lovely spot where the wind was fresh and the view across the bay quite lovely. In the afternoon, I walked about four or five miles right round Berry head, to Mudsands Bay.
Today has been extremely enjoyable, I took the buses through Paignton, Torquay and Newton Abbott to Buckfastleigh on the southern fringe of Dartmoor. There I had a satisfactory lunch at the Kings Arms and then walked to Buckfast Abbey. Afterwards, my wanderings took me through magnificent woodland and along the banks of the river Dart. What a scene of calm and beauty! The river ran breathlessly and merrily towards the sea, skipping over rocks and ledges, and the rain dripped quietly off the birch trees. There were even wild daffodils growing in profusion, and I picked a small bunch. My love and kisses, Peter”
I thought this was a very nice, last letter. We leave Peter enjoying nature and far, far away from war and the loss of friends and family. I don’t know anything about what happened to any of them next except for a photo of Peter with a group of officers which I think might be his class from officer training. So we know he remained in the RAF and was commissioned to become an officer. After that, I have no clue, but I only hope he had a long and happy life with his family.
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