Letter : Inspected by the King

Introduction

My uncle, Allan Stoddart died in 2004 leaving a widow, Jean with many happy memories and a collection of war time letters he had written, some photographs, diaries and memorabilia. Allan had wanted to tell his story and maybe he did tell some of it but it was never recorded. Jean has given me his letters and so far I have transcribed those written to my parents, Florence and Bill and a few to Allan’s mother. Using extracts from some of the letters, photographs and memorabilia and information from diaries, a small glimpse of his story is now told. Jean and I understand the site’s terms and conditions.

Allan enlisted in Dundee in January 1940 and was UK based until he sailed on the troop ship, S.S. Almanzora with the 5th Division Signals to India in March 1942. Over the next 3 years, the war took him from India to Iraq, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Sicily (landings), Italy (including Anzio), Egypt, Palestine, Syria, Palestine, Italy, Palestine, Italy, (home leave), Belgium, Germany. The 5th Division moved about so much they were nicknamed the “Cooks Tour Mob”.

This Letter

In this letter to my parents, Allan is making preparations to leave the UK and also describes the day they were inspected by the King.

Letter

2332853
Sigmn Stoddart A
“A” Section,
No.1 Company,
5th Div. Signals,
Home Forces.

12 March 1942

Dear Florence and Bill,
I can’t write you a story despite the fact that I could write enough to make one, out of all that has happened since my last sad letter from old Ireland. My time is limited, and much of it tonight has been spent filling up my black kit-bag with all the things I won’t need on the voyage. Yes, I guess it won’t be long now before we hit the trail, although I have a good idea where the trail leads to, I think it best not to make guesses but to “wait and see”. That’s easy after a couple of years in the army.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Today we paraded in battle order, and along came the King to inspect us. He looked browned off, and as if his face had been liberally supplied with sun-tan. There were one or two bags under his eyes. We were a little browned off too, and my pack was catching me under the armpits and paralysing my right arm. Preparations for the inspection lasted about three days, the inspection lasted about seven minutes. We gave three hearty cheers, and departed on our way rejoicing (in the fact that it was all over).
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cheerio!
Yours aye,
Allan

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