"I was asked by the Colonel, for the General (General Erskine) to design several different types of desert rats, so that he could select the one he liked best. I painted a dozen"
I inherited from my father over 300 letters written by my grandparents to each other during WW2.
Bunty Hill
My grandfather Oliver Herbert Hill was the protective troop commander for General Harding, at the opening of the second battle of El Alamein, 7th Armoured Division, or the ‘Desert Rats’.
He was also the letter censor and so more detail is included in the letters than was probably allowed. The attached letter explains that he was commissioned by General Erskine on 23rd October 1943 to design the Desert Rat insignia, to be used on the flash of the returning soldier’s uniforms early 1944.
The letter includes a copy of the design and was sent to my grandmother, who was an aeronautical engineer in Reading.
Transcript:
Letter:
26-X-43
Darling, darling, darling darling; Darling, Oh Gosh, – now how can I put it? Listen most wonderful wench, I am going to tell you something which on no account must you divulge to anyone – well perhaps you may drop a hint to my parents – this is it sweetheart – anybody looking over my shoulder? – No – Come close sweetheart – let me whisper into that shell like ear – Shh! (I will be with you at Christmas!)
That’s the news sweetheart – how do you feel now? Oh Gosh, the time simply drags by doesn’t it. Do you know Bunty mine I have been anything but sane, ever since I heard the news this morning. It is an absolute fact, and barring all accidents I will be with you at Christmas – How long before I do not know. The reason why I ask you to keep this to yourself is because under no circumstances do I want this move jeopardised – and you know how quickly news gets around. Isn’t it glorious darling – I cannot properly appreciate it – and I’m sure that you – now – as you read this letter, are trembling even as I. Darling, darling – darling Y'know sweetheart all day I have been planning what I am going to do when I get home. I will tell you the things I have thought of. To begin with, I expect we will be given a fortnights leave – well, I just can’t think properly about that. Then after – after – what? This is what I intend doing. I am never going to leave you again. I think I will write an application to the General (the chap, for whom I am doing all this painting – more about this later) asking for a job in England, preferably in the Art line – and I think he may do something about it. If he doesn’t I will write for an interview at the War Office – this is sure to have effect, especially as I have been all through the North African campaign, and took part in the Salerno landing. If by chance this does not have effect – I will just lay my cards on the table, and say, “Well what are you going to do about it?” By hook or [unclear] shall we do on our leave Bunty – yes I know that – but one cannot live by that alone, can one – Oh you awful! It’s no use my girl, I just cannot concentrate. – Oh dear – Now listen – here is the latest news on my paintings – how much have I told you – Gosh – Yeh – whew! do love you – You have got lovely breasts – and your legs!! and dear – dear Patricia (I can mention her now can’t I)
Where was I – Oh yes – the paintings. I was asked by the Colonel, for the General (General Erskine) to design several different types of desert rats, so that he could select the one he liked best. I painted a dozen. They were shown to him and he selected one. I then had to do this for reproduction on cloth – it only meant simplifying it as much as possible, I will draw you a rough sketch of it – one moment .... there you are – this is roughly what the flash looks like. I spent a long time on the original, with a much better finish. If you should not recognize this as a rat, remember that it is really a ‘Jerboa’ which we nicknamed ‘Desert Rat.’ As you know, this is the sign of the 7th Armoured Division – Curse this jumping from side to side – Can you read this – Here we go again – Over! This sign will be worn on the right arm of all the chaps in the Div: a Brigadier from Corp is going home to-morrow, taking with him my drawing. They are being made in London. (For our home coming?) The Colonel told me this morning that the General was very pleased with it, and thought it excellent. Now I have to paint one about a foot high, as the General wants to give it to General Clarke, who commands the 5th Army. (A farewell present?) To-morrow I have to go to Napoli – dammit – Naples with Capt: Noble Clark of this Provost Coy: to see what facilities there are for entertaining troops, for soon the battalions are to be allowed in Naples on a day pass (Can you add all these things to-gether little girl? They spell ‘Home’ to me.) Don’t think that I am basing my information on such straws. What I told you at the beginning of this letter is ‘Pukka Gen’, these little things only confirm it. My darling – do love you. Please excuse this horrible letter – I’m too excited to concentrate – aren't you? Gosh – damn YOU!! Why did I type the address on this letter card? Oh well there was a typewriter here – and you know I am like a child with a toy as far as those are concerned – remember when I used to type letters to you from Bovington – how I had the nerve I do not know – I’ve learnt an awful lot about love sweetheart. Oh dear I want an answer to this letter – now – no, the trouble is I want to talk to you – Oh my sweetheart, I am so happy. I must start grooming myself ready to meet you. In the short space of time which I have left, I will even try to cultivate another half jowl, all for you to like. Ooooo... Could kiss you – could.... could. I’m going to kiss you all over when I get home – am – am – see. Going to dinner now, will write another card on return. – Utterly Oliver xxxxxxxxxxxx.
[Side margin]: 27-X-43 7-30 a.m. Sorry dear girl. Had to stay talking in the mess last night. Write this evening xx
ID card:
MILITARY IDENTITY CARD No. M 660507
Surname HILL
Surname at Birth HILL
Other Names (and rank or designation): OLIVER HERBERT. LIEUT:
Unit or occupation: 7th: Armoured Div: Provost
Address
Nationality ENGLISH.
Nationality at Birth ENGLISH.
Second Nationality, if any
Place of Birth: TUNBRIDGE WELLS.
Year of Birth: 1915.
Issued by: [Signature], Major
At: [unclear]
Date: 7-1-44
Signature of Bearer: [Signature]
Visible distinguishing marks
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