Letter from Peter Lamprey to W Gunton

Letter from Peter Lamprey to W Gunton

Peter Lamprey writes that he is not enjoying his life in Scotland away from civilisation and feels that they have all been forgotten.

1941-10-02

Envelope and four page handwritten letter

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ELampreyPGuntonW411002

Inverness
10.45PM
2 OCT
1941

[postage stamp]

[inserted] EXAMINER 2155 51/9911 WB [/inserted]

Mr. W. Gunton.
Machine Room.
Waterlow and Sons. Ltd.
Twyford Abbey Road.
Park Royal.
London. N.W.10.

[page break]

[Reverse of envelope]

[inserted] P.C. 90 OPENED BY EXAMINER 2155 [/inserted]

[page break]

1384535. A.C.2. Lamprey.
Signals [deleted] Office [/deleted]. Section.
Group 14. Headquarters.
Inverness.
Scotland.

Start. Monday.
Finish.. Thurs.

Dear Bill – Gents.

From this far-flung outpost of the empire – greetings. In the wilds of the north there still beats a southern heart but – its [sic] beating bloody slow. I have at last come to the conclusion that somebody has got it in for me and has wished me bad luck. This place is so far from anywhere that if you wanted to buy some beer you would need three days [sic] rations and a compass. Talk about where the hand of man has never trod, even the sea-gulls look lost and follow the trains to get to town. We are billetted [sic] in somebody’s hunting lodge by the looks of it. Why they built it miles from anywhere can only be put down to the fact that money softens the brain – witness E. Hunt. He will be pleased to know that the bright lights – the flesh pots and the debauchery of the cities is now a thing of the past with me, [underlined] but [/underlined], not because I want it to be. The powers that be, have decided I shall rusticate so who am I to argue?

[page break]

I may have remarked in the past that, what I am, I owe to my friends. I now remark, if I owe this load to one of my friends he had better dig a big hole – jump in and pull the dirt in after himself when I get away. By the way, tell Herbert Bud. That this is a lovely course and he wants to get in right away – let them all suffer. They say this life puts hair on your chest – its [sic] more likely to put a bunch of flowers there. Mind you, after a few days I shall probably like it. I’ll be properly balmy [sic]. I am writing this lying in bed and its [sic] so cold the herbert opposite thinks I’m waving to him, he’ll know I’m only shivering when I stop suddenly and freeze solid. The heating in the hut is good, one 40 watt bulb and a couple of hot jokes.

From all reports, by the boys here, I have joined the legion of forgotten men. Once you arrive here they scrub your name out and let you waste away. I expect any moment to run into a veteran who mustered as an air-gunner in the Boer War and got posted here. Don’t forget to let me know if the war ends as I want to do a bit of celebrating. When I think of the pleasures I left behind in civilization I begin to wonder if I ought not to try

[underlined] 2. [/underlined]

[page break]

and curb my adventurous spirit and settle down to a nice little A.C.H. job round about the London district. Thats [sic] if there are any jobs like that left in the RAF.

I missed one or two of the herbs when I called up there last week but they will know it was unintentional and due to the rush I was in. In particular I missed Dave and owe him my appologies [sic] but will see him next time they take my chains off. Also Jack Moloney – I did not get much chance to do a lot of cracking with him but have really plenty to yap about, but it will keep for a few months. Next time I call I hope to miss a few of the smiling faces and [deleted] her [/deleted] hear they are under training in the Orkneys or Shetlands, see how they like it. My heart bleeds when I think of what some of them have to face, it is one pleasure I have got to come at any rate.

There will be none of the nights of romance from now on. Life is real – life is earnest here. Work and sleep ad. infinitum. No more drifting from the Y.M.C.A. to the sports field with a nice WAAF and a nasty mind.

I had a very nice couple of days with the family and came up to London with them but didn’t have another chance of getting to the firm. I should imagine, from what

[inserted] 3. [/inserted]

[page break]

some of the old stagers here say, I shall be a perfect stranger by the time I do see the old homestead again. I’ll more than likely need a guide to take me round London so you can start arranging for it, next time up.

Well theres [sic] not a lot more I can write for the present so with the usual madam I’ll wish you all the best etc. Remember me to the maintenence [sic] etc - etc. Don’t overdo things and start working hard.

Best of luck.

Pete.

P.S. You asked me to get something or other. What was it? I’ve forgotten.

[underlined] P. [/underlined]

P.P.S. I’ll let you know when parcel arrives [underlined] from the wife [/underlined]