ALS
Notes on letters in Class E received as a result of Broadcast to the Forces on Tuesday, February 20th. by PROFESSOR HILTON.
10.
Ex-Service. Complaint re cooking for R.A.S.C. in hotels, Margate.
13.
Soldier. Good food spoilt by bad cooking, Eastbourne.
17.
Mother. Wireless programme for the Forces as much for Navy as Army.
19.
Re coffee in France.
22.
Soldier boys. Smoking restrictions compared with civilian age.
23.
Will you talk on Margery Bower's book, “The Patriotic Lady.”?
25.
Query re fruitless attempt to join W.A.A.F.
31.
Soldier. Why are we not allowed to wear Balaclava helmets? And why did Chamberlain promise 10 days leave in United Kingdom and we only get nine?
34.
Boy about to register. Will you talk about wartime weddings? “Married to a pension,” says his girl.
35.
Merchantman, having convoyed Canadian troops, has been signed off after the trip and put on dole. Ex-Service.
37.
Mother. 19-year old boy volunteered for air service just before the war. Sent to France. No leave, no training, no notification to parents. Still no leave.
43.
Young soldier, too young for Active Service, wants to go abroad. Why not Egypt or somewhere instead?
46.
Cannot a general scheme be evolved to enable lonely soldiers abroad to correspond with lonely folk at home?
50.
Requires interview re son now in Army.
51.
Why have some men who registered in December been called to the colours, and some who registered earlier have not?
52.
Soldier. Ex-regular. Bombardier. Enlisted. Is under impression should be entitled to former rate of pay.
53.
Plea for more varied cooking from Winchester.
54.
Two boys applied for R.A.S.C. and were put into Infantry. What would happen if they refused to serve in the infantry?
56.
Cannot reservists at home relieve some of their comrades now in France?
57.
Why is it that a few men whose regiments are in France are still left in England?
63.
Query with regard to leave.
65.
Complaint of sanitation at Eckington A.S.C. Barracks. Mother has received no Army pay yet.
66.
What about the lot of the A.A. etc. at home? Should have the same privileges as the B.E.F. No radio, etc.
70.
A word to employers reminding them of promises of old jobs open after the war. “Your job awaits you on your return, and thank you.”
79.
Why should not the trained army of police be used instead of boys? Many army reservists are in the Force.
84.
Re-introduce last war song about Lusitania, “You take the boats, lads.”
86.
Neglect of men in Emergency Reserve of Officers.
87.
Could you talk about P.P.U., Lansbury, Beverley, Nichols, etc., who are doing us harm.
89.
Soldier. Best time for programmes is between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.
95.
Other side of the picture. Evacuated woman does not like to write to the boys and “rub it in.” Has no real home life now.
98.
Soldier. Please make it clear to officers that the men appreciate a friendly word not relating to duty.
104.
Airman's wife complains of lack of married quarters and the high cost of living in town where husband is stationed.
108.
How can T.B. serve his country in capacity where he would not have to stand?
111.
Re Territorial Officers in the last war.
114.
Disabled man gets unfairly heavy job at Jewish firm.
115.
Reminder to the troops that they are in a more fortunate position than the last war More is being done for them.
118.
R.N.V.R. Diabetic. Being made fun of by friends. Why not in uniform?
122.
Soldier. Tell the people that the boys are defending and working hard even if it is without bloodshed.
123.
All members of the British Empire should get the same equivalent of pay.
125.
What could I do should I not be able to join the Air Force?
127.
Die-sinker. Ex-soldier. Three days work, three days Labour Exchange. Been told to expect this indefinitely.
130.
Let decency prevail in the programmes. Quotes George Formby's patter.
132.
A word to the coloured troops. Caution to new officers lest by being wrapped up in their rank they lose the respect of the men.
135.
A word for the silent service.
137.
Reminder to write to prisoners of war as much as possible.
138.
Why the coal shortage?
139.
R.A.F. Reservist. Wants to be attached nearer home.
140.
Why do soldiers in Palestine have to pay postage?
141.
Re Territorial Officers in last war.
144.
Soldier, now discharged, has no work from former employer. Member of National Pigeon Service. Can you help with a job?
147.
Why should re-enlisted reserve classes for Home Service have been sent abroad?
148.
Suggestion for combating air attacks on fishing boats by “case” shot.
149.
Why has boy not had a day's leave yet?
161.
Round robin letters from friends at home to friends overseas.
163.
Re Territorial Officers in last war.
165.
Scheme for sending local newspapers to boys abroad.
167.
Will you talk on the next Peace to the B.E.F.?
169.
Could you drop a line to a soldier in France, from his wife.
171.
Cost of letters from Palestine and duty to be paid on parcels.
172.
Evacuated wife has fallen in love.
183.
Attempt of Ex N.C.O. to join up to train militia useless.
184.
Soldier writes of favouritism and commission
191.
A word to the unheralded heroines, the women folk holding the Home Front.
193.
Unexplained delay in gazetting promotions. (T.A.)
196.
Slater, working only three to four months per annum is on reserved occupation list.
197.
Palestine. C.O. stated that no-one in battalion could send money out to the country.
198.
A.A. Brigades, etc. called “Fire-side soldiers.” Still have to pay full price for cigarettes although on Active Service.
199.
Recalls last war scheme of “adopting” a soldier.
202.
Chain letter.
203.
People grousing at home stating that our men abroad are having a picnic.
215.
Knitted garments to he sent without waiting for bulk dispatch.
220.
Addresses required for soldiers in need of knitted garments.
224.
How to pack a parcel.
226.
Chain letter.
228.
How can Soldier candidate obtain leave to canvas for seat in the House?
233.
Dying wife. Compassionate grounds for husband to be released
235.
Please cut out the joke about Twarp.
236.
Query re soldiers’ allowance.
243.
Could you get message about writing back to home folks in Canada?
244.
Territorial Officers in last war.
245.
Re prisoners of war buried in Germany in last war.
246.
Batteries for wireless sets for B.E.F.
256.
Charges for parcels to France.
262.
Why are Pacifists allowed travelling expenses for appeals.
267.
Young gunner (16) wants to rejoin before 19
268.
Special recipe for Marmalade.
269.
Discharged sailor on difficulty on rejoining. Is son in T.A. entitled to £5: 10: 0.
275.
Why do unmarried wives get increase, and not a dependent widowed mother?
279.
Would like to knit for troops.
282.
N.A.A.F.I. now attached to R.A.S.C. only gets 30/- instead of 34/- as services.
285.
Petrol shortage for lorry collecting scrap.
289.
Why are tradesmen etc not turned to best account in Army R.I.B.A. in R.E.?
292.
Hardships of A.A. Searchlight unit, and poor treatment by public.
293.
Territorial officers’ grievances.
300.
Please give your views on O.A.P.
302.
Server, through ill-health, transferred to another unit. Army. v. T.A.
305.
Free Postage to troops.
306.
Builders Labourer would welcome chance to be trained
314.
Soldier son has not written for 3 years.
316.
Diabetic and difficulty in obtaining correct diet.
324.
Regular Gunner. Views of T.A. promotion.
328.
T.A. has to pay own fare on leave. Insufficient pay.
331.
How to get into touch with Reservist?
339.
How to get boy out of Army who advanced age to go to camp.
345.
General grouses.
346.
Letter and enclosures from Saracens R.F.C.
349.
One O'clock news to be put forward to 1.15 p.m. (valuable extra 15 minutes).
350.
Compassionate leave classed as “Rostered Leave”
352.
Wong “Goodnight children everywhere”. Hurts evacuated mothers and children alike.
354
Disability pension (1914-18) 40/-. Now 32/6 and no family allowances.
355.
Can Carpenter enter Army as tradesman (H.P. for N.C.S.S.)
356.
Complaint from France of treatment by certain N.C.O's.
358.
Volunteer (A.1) for Finland, aged 19.2, rejected as too young. Why?
361.
How to get into touch with son now on patrol vessel.
363.
Please give a reminder to soldier son who does not reply.
367.
Can you talk on the prompt payment of debts?
369.
Boy serving in Palestine now refused Cadetship on account of difficulty of getting home.
370.
How to be sure of getting into R.A.S.C. when called up. (Glasses).
375.
2/- a day a disgrace to England.
377.
Dispel rumours that troops must be made drunk before going out to face dangers.
378.
Re-instate Army Bands. R.N. have retained theirs.
379.
Boy called up. Nerves. Backward. Mother seeks transfer
380.
Heaviness of soldiers fines for black-out offences etc.
381.
Last war officer only now offered post as corporal. Interpreter. (Can it be dealt with?)
382.
Widow. Heavy parcel postage to France.
385.
Territorial and Regular Officers and replacement.
386.
Musical instrument for sailors aboard the Protector.
387.
Young Sq.M.S. (through annual camp) now compelled to become corporal due to age.
393.
In trouble (not mentioned).
394.
Boy promised Signals, now in Infantry. Remedical suggested CP Tommy Farr.
395.
Will you talk on “Chapel St. Thatcham” and Automatic Salesmen?
398.
Enclosure about war, politics etc.
399.
Please forward newspapers to B.E.F.
400.
Please broadcast a word of cheer to the old folk.
402.
Dental surgeon infringed professional etiquette.
403.
Enclosure sample of Coffee.
404.
Gifts sent to the B.E.F. have to be paid for by the men, the money goes to the Mess.
410.
Delay in being called up. Unsatisfactory W.O. arrangements.
412.
Army dependent's allowance.
414.
Dismissal of C3 man from domestic service because he was not helping the war.
418.
How to buy hut for social centre for soldiers.
421.
Worrying about daughters away from home.
423.
Service dependents allowances (London Area)
426.
C.B. for soldiers unavoidably missing train after leave.
430.
Registration exemption.
432.
Does previous income affect pension of Killed in Action.
434.
Chain letter.
435.
Army allowances.
436.
Low character of George Formby's broadcast.
441.
Twins separated in the Army.
443.
Military exemption.
445.
Reserved occupations and militia treatment.
446.
Anti-Semitic and anti-capitalist effusion
447.
Muddle over coke from Gas Light & Coke Co.
451.
Regional Broadcasting. Troops to hear broadcasts from Home towns.
452.
How can expert assist Army cooking and catering?
TO: The D.G.
FROM: Mr. John Hilton.
At the noon meeting at the Embassy in Paris last Tuesday morning with the Minister (Mr. Oliver Harrie Hardy) in the chair, someone reported verbally that the British Provincial Newspapers were complaining that the recent visit to the Front of British press men had been confined to the representatives of the great London dailies to the almost entire neglect of the Provincial Press.
I said that we had also had information to the same effect, whereupon a discussion took place as to the desirability of arranging a second tour for the British Provincial Press only. A word of caution was uttered by someone against having these tours tread too closely on the heels of one another, and at that point I thought it well to intimate that we might be coming forward with proposals for a visit to the Front by our Regional Officers.
After further explanations and discussion those present (who included Col. Maclise Graham, Sir Charles Mendl, Mr. Philip Carr, Mr. Noble Hall, Mr. Sandford, Mr. Sellon and representatives from the three Services) reached the unanimous conclusion that it could do nothing but good to have a visit to the Front from
both
representatives of the British Provincial Press and the Regional Officers of the Ministry of Information.
They had no doubt whatever that the French authorities, who are especially keen just now upon the French as well as the British war effort being given widespread publicity in this country would welcome the proposal and would gladly arrange all facilities.
I was thereupon charged by Mr. Oliver Hardy to report to the Heads of the Ministry on my return that the project for these visits were warmly favoured in Paris.
It has been understood from the War Office here that the ideal size of party for a visit to the Front was six, and this should preferably not be exceeded. It is, I was told by the meeting at the Embassy, an error, as the French would much rather have a party of 10 or perhaps 11 persons than a smaller party. There should be a period of about a month between the dates of the two visits.
I ventured to suggest that rather than have all our Regional Officers absent from this country at the same time, it would be preferable, and would also be advantageous for other reasons, if each of these two parties consisted of five of our Regional Officers together with five representatives of the Press of their Regions. If this plan be favoured, there would be two parties, each of five Regional Officers and five Press representatives, the one party starting perhaps in mid-May, and the other starting in mid-April.
The arrangements would, I think, be made on the French side by our representative at the Commissariat d'Information, Mr. Philip Carr, but he should, of course, be approached either through or with the knowledge of the French Section of the Foreign Publicity Division at the Ministry here.
It is not possible for Dame Rachel Crowdy to be one of the number of either of these parties in that the French have a rigid rule against women being included in a touring party of this kind. I had already given Colonel Maclise Graham a copy of a note which Dame Rachel had handed to me before leaving, giving reasons why there should be no barrier against her on the score of sex, and Colonel Graham pleaded warmly for a special request to be made to the French authorities on the score of Dame Rachel's exceptional record and status. It was, however, made clear that there was no hope of obtaining a relaxation of the French regulations.
I was, however, authorised by the Minister and by Colonel Graham to convey to the Ministry on my return the wish that Dame Rachel should pay a special visit on the Ministry's behalf to Paris and to the British Sector, and they would personally see to it that every possible facility was given to her.
(Sgd.) John Hilton.
24th February, 1940.
TO: Mr. Ivison S. Macadam.
FROM: Mr. H.B. Brenan.
It does not seem to be quite clear from the attached papers whether it is a visit to the French Army or the British Army which is contemplated. I understand from Major Edgeworth- Johnstone of the War Office that a visit to the British war zone comprises a visit to that part of the Maginot Line which is held by British troops under French command, but that the British G.H.Q. does not organise visits to both the British and French zones, and that separate authority for the latter, presumably from the French Military Mission in London must be obtained.
In regard to a visit by Regional Information Officers to the British zone, Major Edgeworth-Johnstone informed me that it could not take place before April 20th, because visits are only accepted by G.H.Q, at intervals of a fortnight, and there are several Press parties intervening. The composition of a party has hitherto been limited to six, but no doubt, as a favour might be extended.
I think it is only fair to point out, particularly if a visit by a second group of Regional Information Officers is contemplated, that such visits will definitely stand in the way of visits by the British Press and by neutral correspondents. Only one party of neutral correspondents has visited the British zone so far. A second group was to have started last month, but was prevented first by the weather and then by the refusal of the French authorities to accept some of the party. Owing to British Press visits this party has been postponed to the beginning of April, and there is already a demand from other neutral journalists to be included in subsequent parties, all this assuming, of course, that there is no offensive on the Western Front, which will bring all these plans to an end.
I should perhaps add that by fortnightly intervals the War Office really mean three weekly intervals, since a new party cannot start out until a fortnight after the previous party has left France.
