No. 7925934. L/Sgt. Greenwood.
‘C’ Sqdn. 9th Battn. R.T.R.
A.P.O. England.
6.6.44 “D day”
Tuesday evening.
Jess dear,
I suppose this really is one of the most momentous days in history, but it has had no material effect upon my existence up to now. Nor have I seen much evidence of the amazing things which are taking place, although the air has been somewhat busier during the day.
Like most people, we received the news of the invasion… or rather the ‘liberation’… via the radio round about 8.00 am. It seemed little more than a fantastic rumour at first, but confirmation was soon furnished. And since then, I have noticed that most people seem to be much more cheerful. Maybe it is a grim sort of cheerfulness, particularly with the troops,… but the changed atmosphere is quite apparent. I think there can be no doubt that today’s events have been awaited and expected for many weeks… and the delay has caused a gradual increase in nervous tension. This has now been dissipated: the suspense has gone, and our taughtened nerves have suddenly sprung back to normal. I know that I have felt this strange sense of relief, even though I cannot think of the future without some feeling of apprehension. Anyhow, there is some comfort in knowing where we stand… and it is grand to feel that we are at last definitely on the way to annihilating Hitler and all the beastliness of which he is the living symbol.
When I think of the enormous conflict taking place not so very far away, I cannot help feeling deeply grateful to those gallant lads who have borne the awful burden of opening this second front. I think it is impossible for any non-participants to visualise the horror of it all, but perhaps we soldiers are better able to appreciate the circumstances than the average citizen.
Later.
I heard the King’s speech at 9.00 pm. Had I not known he was speaking, I would have guessed that we were being addressed by the Archbishop! Still, I suppose there is little he can say without being accused of unconstitutional behaviour:- he certainly remained on safe ground by exhorting us to prayer.
I hope you are not worrying on my account, Jess dear. And I hope you are not jumping to conclusions about my whereabouts. Please be assured that I am well and living in reasonable comfort. I hope you feel as I do about the ‘second front’… it is the beginning of the end, and that means a hell of a lot. Perhaps I will be with you again far sooner than we dared hope even yesterday.
That is all I can manage tonight.
Au revoir… and my love to you both.
Yours always,
Trevy.