No. 7925934. Sgt. Greenwood.
British Army Exhibition
British Army Staff
B.L.A. Paris
2.7.45
Monday
Jessie Mine: Today, Mr Boden received instructions to return to Germany – a place called Ibbenburen… and he has left us this evening. The instructions were rather vague, and he doesn’t know whether he is returning to the 9th, or his new unit. But it is probably the latter… otherwise there would probably have been some message for the rest of us. We (i.e. the five of us forming the tank crew) were not mentioned at all, so we are just carrying on at the exhibition. Boden’s departure makes no difference whatever: we rarely saw him, and he did no duties at the exhibition: I think he was sent for a holiday more than anything else.
I shouldn’t be at all surprised now if we have to remain in Paris until the exhibition closes… otherwise I think we would have heard from the unit before now. But I will let you know immediately I hear anything, Jess. I understand that the closing date is July 21st, but if attendances justify an extension, we will carry on.
I have had a free day today and have done a little reading for a change. I tried to see a picture this evening, but the enormous queue put me off. I will try again on my next day off – i.e. Wednesday. I haven’t yet been to any of the French civilian theatres, even though they are all open and seemingly unaffected by the War. My principle objection to these places is the extortionate prices: I hate being robbed. But I would like to visit the Opera House, and intend to try and get a reasonably priced seat.
How is everything at home, darling? I do hope the weather is better – and that you and Barry are getting out a little more. You need more recreation. It seems ironical that I am now enjoying more freedom and entertainment than I have known for years – whilst you – well, I’m pretty certain your life is no endless round of pleasure.
How I wish you were here – Paris would be a different place entirely.
Goodnight, my sweetheart.
Always – I love you
Your Trevy.