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Sends Crook a letter that he received from the war office regarding Crook's release from the Army.

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.

Expresses regret that John Anthony Crook, employed as a temporary full-time assistant master at Gillingham County School for Boys is a prisoner of war. Asks for information in order to update his Teacher's Service Book.

Thanks Crook for his support in trying to achieve publication of his book on Emperor Gallienus by the Oxford University Press. The attached papers (19 pages) include the Table of Contents and the original note from Hector Monro to Crook asking for his support in getting the book published; they also include notes from the OUP's representative JK Cordy. The letter from Bray expresses his disappointment that the book was rejected for publication by the OUP.

Regarding John Anthony Crook's release from the Army at the request of Cambridge University.

Note to Crook, with an enclosed copy of a letter to Koumoulides from the Master of Fitzwilliam College, Professor J.C. Holt, (1 page) offering him a visiting Fellowship. It is sent to Crook for his eyes only. He indicates that he would prefer a place at St John's College and asks Crook what is the likelihood.

Refers to the nomination of A. Blix and suggests not to continue with his application. Blix's biographical sketch is attached (24 pages).

Reminds his former tutor of his shortcomings as a student, but informs him that despite his lack of academic prowess things have worked out well. He looks forward to seeing him in May.

Jongman has been elected a research fellow at the National Humanities Centre in North Carolina between September 1988 and May 1989. He likes Crook's idea of a small get-together of ancient historians from various European countries. He suggests that 'property and property transfer' might be a suitable topic for such a meeting.

Note to Crook that updates on his family and describes a trip through Germany which includes mention of Josef Deifel's (1790-1864) monument. As a soldier in Napoleon's army, Deifel wrote of everyday life in wartime. His writings were locked away, since they met opposition from the military. A map showing their route through Germany, a page of photographs and a note in German (1 page) are attached.