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Regarding John Crook's employment as temporary full-time assistant master at the County School for Boys, Gillingham.

Tenders his resignation due to the probability of his being called for National Service and the school's wish to appoint permanent staff.

Accepts John Crook's resignation.

Marks the termination of John Anthony Crook's employment at his school. Furnishes him with credentials should he wish to take up teaching after the war.

Repeats news that he has sent them in an airgraph in the hopes that air mail will be quicker. Announces that he has been in action. Assures them that he is safe and 'washing and cleaning up after a very dirty few days'. Reports that his band has been split up among the companies as stretcher bearers. Cannot mention his location. Apologises that he is 'not in the mood for writing' that afternoon.

Informs them that he is writing to them on Italian paper which he found whilst foraging for medical supplies in Enfidaville. Describes the events of the previous seven weeks and tells them how he came to fight in the Eighth Army: Describes breaking up camp at Kirkup. Details his journey to the North African battlefields by cattle train and lorry. Mentions that he was Orderly Corporal to Headquarter Company during that time. Writes that he travelled via Baghdad; the Transjordan pass; Palestine, where he saw Jewish settlements; the Sinai Desert; Egypt; the Suez Canal; Ismailia, where the band equipment and spare kit was sent to Cairo and the band dispersed across Companies; and Cairo. Mentions that the band had a group photograph taken before they were split up. Complains about the 'unreal nonsense' practiced by the British Army, including saluting and arms-drill. Reports passing through battlefields at Mera Matruh, El Alamein, Sollum, Bardia and Tobruk. Writes that they travelled past Derna, Benhazi, Misurata, Homs, Tripoli, Sousse, Gabes, Medenine, and the Moreth line, before reaching Enfidaville. Reports that at Enfidaville they were sent straight into action. Sends news that his friend Ben M. was killed.

Describes and reflects upon soldiers, including him, relaxing on a beach by the Mediterranean. Refers to correspondence with Mrs Hulbert, Auntie Brierley, his parents and Betty, who has sent him a poetry magazine. Remarks on the engagement of 'the little flower' to 'her queer consort'. Asks whether they will have a double wedding with F and W [Francis and Wendy]. Sends his love to the Arnaps. Asks his mother to write to Willie and Mabel.

Informs Crook that he sent a shortened version of Crook's letters about his journey [from Kirkup to Enfidaville] and his first experience of battle to the Daily Telegraph. Regrets the London Censor prevented its immediate publication. Congratulates him on getting a second stripe. Details the fruit harvest in Kent, and the vegetable harvest on his allotment. Thanks Crook for writing to Francis regarding his wedding.

Thanks them for their letters. Remarks on the heat. Writes that he is learning to swim underwater. Reveals that he has had news that Betty is engaged, having written five weeks ago to tell her that he was not thinking of marrying her. Announces that he has turned down another offer of Officer training, with Major Doulton's approval. Describes his washing day. Hopes that Francis and Wendy's wedding was a success.