Li/PM4/2

Letters to Mr G H Clark from John W Carlton, Lieutenant in the Sherwood Foresters. Includes the following: - Typed note from Mr Clark noting the marks obtained by Mr Carlton on his Officer Cadet Training Unit course, his attack of shingles and leave taken in Jerusalem and Bethlehem. [24 Aug 1944];

1944 - 1945

From: 1944 To: 1945

- Letter to Mr Clark stating that the OCTU is ‘no bed of roses’, that there is a unit library but no librarian and no time to read, and that the course should be finished by the end of October. Comments that to his own and his instructors amazement he managed to pass his motorcycle test by “doing 75 miles without falling off or hitting anyone!”. Hoping to get a commission in Cairo and Alexandria. Mentions meeting a couple of ‘old Modernians’ (former Bedford Modern School pupils). [20 Sep 1944]; - Letter giving details of his call to the selection board, flight to the Middle East, the selection process and training, and news of his engagement to be married to Edna [3 Dec 1944]; - Photocopy of a hand-written letter regarding his transfer to a base in Northamptonshire, “very cold, very wet, very muddy”. [17 Dec 1944]; - Photocopy of hand-written letter regarding arrangements to maintain his payments to NALGO, the Library Association and his Superannuation.[7 Jan 1945]; - Air mail letter. Includes mention of his assignment to the signal Platoon, and his base in Greece, near Athens. Notes the friendliness of the Greeks towards the British. Met Mr Setchell from Mid Bedfordshire District Council, a Lieutenant in a different Company of the same Battalion (5th) Sherwood Foresters. Notes that: “Jerry appears to have tried to ruin Greece economically and financially, and prices are really fantastic.” [23 Feb 1945]; - Letter describing the warmth of the weather and the lighter side of life in the army, especially the comfort of the billet, but remarking on how much he misses England. Comments that the war news is good, and that he hopes Mr Clelland will soon be released [Prisoner of War in Germany] [14 Apr 1945]; - Letter describing the journey through Italy from Taranto, Naples, Rome, Florence and Bologna on the way to Eberstein, Austria. Especially liked the town of Udine, as, “ after the rest of Italy it was spotlessly clean. The girls were extremely pretty and almost looked English.” At Eberstein notes that the beer is very plentiful. Mentions that the likelihood of leave is improving. Requests some German grammar books. Pleased to hear that Clelland had returned home.[2 July 1945].

item

Carlton, John W,
Clark, G H,
Setchell,
Clelland

CORRESPONDENCE, Deputy County Librarian, lieutenant, Second World War, armed forces, 5th Battalion Sherwood Foresters, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Cairo, Alexandria, Bedford Modern School, Middle East, Northamptonshire, NALGO, Library Association, Greece, Greeks, Mid Bedfordshire District Council, prisoners of war, Germany, Italy, Austria