I have several letters and telegrams that my father, Edward Daniels (nicknamed Teddy) sent his parents during WWII. My mother recently died and these were among her things.
He was in the 1st Battalion Royal Tank Regiment. He was born in Nov 1924 so was just 19 when injured on 3rd August 1944, a few weeks or so after D-Day, in France (as part of what we think may have been Operation Neptune, trying to secure Caen).
The first letter is a detailed and informative one to his parents of his journey to and first couple of days at base camp (Bovington Camp, near Wareham in Dorset).
In another of the letters (written by the Padre), my father tells his parents he is in hospital but “For goodness sake don’t worry as I’m not hurt at all badly.”
In fact, his tank was blown up and he was left for dead for 2 days. All his other crew members died in the blast. He was very badly injured, losing the sight in one eye and most of his intestine.
We don’t have exact information on my father’s whereabouts in 1944, so would be very interested to learn more about his position.
Transcript:
Formal casualty notification (Army Form B 104—81A):
No. CPR. (If replying, please quote above No.)
REPLY TO THIS CORRESPONDENCE MUST BE ADDRESSED TO THE O.C. CAVALRY & R.A.C. RECORDS AND NOT TO ANY INDIVIDUAL.
[Official Stamp]: CAVALRY & ROYAL ARMOURED [unclear] BARNET, HERTS, 8 AUG 1944
SIR
I regret to have to inform you that a report has been received from the War Office to the effect that (No.) 14410951 (Rank) Tpr. (Name) DANIELS G. E. G. (Regiment) 1st Bn Royal Tank Regiment has been wounded, and was admitted to No 3 Casualty C Station, North West European Theatre of War on the 3rd day of August 1944. The nature of the wound is MINE WOUND ABDOMEN. Placed on the Dangerously ill list.
I am to express to you the sympathy and regret of the Army Council.
Any further information received at this office as to his condition will be at once notified to you.
Yours faithfully,
[signature, unclear] for Officer in Charge of Records.
IMPORTANT.—Any change of address should be immediately notified to this Office.
Letter 1:
No 14410951 Pte Daniels G.E.G.
Thursday.
Well! I have arrived safely. I got into Wool about 6.30pm. I got to Westbury and changed for Dorchester, and I met a man who lives in Rumney, and who used to come home on the bus from Newport with me, so I had a companion as far as Yeovil.
Eventually I arrived at Dorchester and I had to change from the G.W. Railway to the Southern Railway. Some railway it is to, it runs about one train every two hours. I had to wait 1 1/2 hours for the train to Wool. I met a young fellow from Barclays Bank in Stroud. At last I arrived in Wool and had to wait 3/4 of an hour for a bus to Bovington camp.
We arrived here and were immediately taken to the dining hall, and had a real slap up feed and it was delicious. We had boiled potatoes, carrots and steak and kidney pie, and there was kidney in it. Then we had prunes and creamy rice pudding, then we had cake or bread and BUTTER and cheese with tea or coffee. Butter with every meal.
We went from the dining hall to the equipment stores and were issued with only a part of our stuff, consisting of two towels, four pairs of grey socks, braces, two singlets, two pair of short pants, two pair of long pants, two pair of gym trunks, a scarf, a pair of gloves (which don't fit me), a hussiff as Daddy calls it; two wool vests, three shirts, a boot brush, a hair brush, a shaving brush which has a semblance of a scrubbing brush, a tooth brush and a pair of boot laces.
Next we had to go to the food office where we handed in our ration books. By the way, my clothing coupon book, have a look if I've left it in the house, and send it to me if you find it please, and will you please send me a pair of pyjamas as soon as you can. Everybody else has bought some, and these blankets are like the ones we had up the port, and they tickle you when your in bed. And will you please send me that "blow up" pillow which is in the top drawer of the chest of drawers in the middle room, as the pillows here are stuffed with bricks I think.
I think I have given you most of the dope up to now except that we will be here at this camp for 6 weeks and then move to another camp in the same village for specialised training such as wireless, mechanics, drivers, gunners and many other things. This course finishes after 23 weeks.
I went to the pay office, and the corporal asked me if Daddy was earning. I said yes, and he said that you were therefore no dependent on me, but told me that I could make an allotment to you if I wished, so I am allowing you 1/- per day or 7/- per week, I hope that will be alright.
Friday
Got up at 5.45am. Washed and shaved and went over for breakfast. Porridge nice and creamy too, and then liver and onions, and bread and butter and jam. We then went for more equipment, two serge, and two dinim ones. Two pair of boots, canvas gaiters and great coat.
Dinner time now, and we had roast lamb, baked potatoes and cabbage, with baked jam roll and syrup for sweet.
This afternoon we had our injections and at the moment my arms are sore, so I think I'll go to bed.
I will write again soon. Sorry the letter was late, but I've been waiting for the number of my platoon.
All my love
[unclear] Teddy
Letter 2:
14410951. Tpr. Daniels, E.
Dear Mummy and Daddy,
I don't know whether you have already heard I am now in hospital. I am progressing very, very well, and it won't be long before I'm out and maybe back in England again.
You can rest assured that I will let you know when I am, if and when I get there.
For goodness sake don't worry, everything is all right and I am not hurt at all badly.
No time for more now, but will write again very soon. Keep your chins up. Hope to be with you soon.
All my love, God bless you both
Teddy
Written at dictation by your son, by the C. E. Padre.
