Date: November 14, 1942
No. C23 Rank: Gen
Name: R. H. Frances
Address “A” Battery R. C. H. A. first field regt.
Dear Georgia Date 14-11-42
I got your cigarettes a little better than a week ago and was very glad to get them. I’m sorry I’ve not written before this but I’m really having a time as we are going day and night getting to the peak of perfection in training. General Smuts of S.A inspected us a little better than a week ago and he’s not the only one either. But that’s the smallest of my worry as I’ve got the main problem of my life on mind and that’s marriage. I’ve spent months contemplating and now I’ve decided to get married to an English girl. She’s writing to Auntie Kate now. Her name is Muriel Mathie and she lives in Birkenhead opposite Liverpool. Her father’s a boiler maker at the docks and incidentally she’s one of Ray Hollington’s pen pals. I’ve known her a year now and her people treat me like a son. I showed them the triplets and they thought they were wonderful. I haven’t asked permission yet, but I am going to in a week or so’s time and then by the time the Brigadier consents it shall be several months hence. The canteens close so I must close too so be cheerful I’ll write soon. Do the kids know who I am? Give them my love. I’ll send a snap soon as I get some developed.
Bye now
Heaps of love,
Ray Frances