Bedfordshire Archives Service Catalogue
  • Reference
    Li/PM4/1
  • Title
    Letters from Aircraftsman H C Lawton, R.A.F., [later film director for the Ministry of State] serving in North Africa. Includes the following: - Letter written whilst waiting to sail noting that he was in charge of the ships library [n.d];
  • Date free text
    Nov 1942 - Sep 1944
  • Production date
    From: 1942 To: 1944
  • Scope and Content
    - Photocopy of aerogramme written in the western desert. Mentions the ‘terrific blow’ which has been given to the African armies of Hitler; “You really ought to be travelling behind them to see the prisoners and equipment left behind. If it were not so tragic the Italians giving themselves up would make an amusing story”[18 Nov 1942 following the third battle of El Alamein]; - Photocopy of typed aerogramme mentioning his unit being in “very active pursuit of the enemy, sleeping under lorries and most of the days travelling every inch of the desert road.. “Also mentions his transfer to Cairo, and the cost of living there.[12 Jan 1943]; - Letter mentioning his work making information films, and describing his impressions of farming practices in rural Egypt. Also mentions books being sent to the area from Bedford, but that: ...”books have to wait while tanks and other urgent things get through. The boys have not done badly with what they have had - have a look at ‘Desert Victory’ and you will see what I mean”. [20 Apr 1943]; - Letter describing the technical difficulties with filming in a hot climate, and the production of the latest film about the ‘Nursing Sisters’. Mentions the British and Americans working through the traditional siesta. [11 Jun 1943]; - Letter written from General Headquarters, Middle East. Mentions filming [propaganda films?] and the attitudes of the 'friends who speak our language’ [Americans]. “I get so tired of the idea that the British cannot do anything. After all, we did produce the 8th Army and the victory in North Africa was largely a British affair”. [27 Jun 1943]; - Letter mentioning frustration with lack of progress at work, the ‘tonic’ effect of the news of the invasion [of Sicily], and further comments about the distribution of wealth and agricultural methods in Egypt. [20 Jul 1943]; - Letter with details of an accident to mutual friend Seamark, who fell from a tram when returning to the hospital after being allowed leave[1943]; - Comments that the news is very good and that he saw a party of Italian Naval Officers outside headquarters. “Now the very people who were to be the conquerors of this land are here as prisoners” [21 Sep 1943]; - Letter mentioning visit to GH Clark’s injured friend Seamark, and problems with the extreme heat and humidity. [15 Oct 1943]; - Letter including his return to active duty after the RAF said there was a ‘shortage of manpower’ and the failed attempts of Lord Kinross (Propaganda Officer for the R.A.F.) to prevent this. Mentions tensions between local people and the British and Americans, and predicts political trouble in the area. Mentions writing the first eight chapters of a novel.[Sep 22 1944].
  • Level of description
    item
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