1947 17th June. Nesté to Boy

17/6/1947

Thank you

Thank you

Boy you

(Written on the outside fold of the letter.)

Monday

Beloved Boy,

Let me love you a little for a while- I do all the time but sometimes it just bubbles over and then I have to phone or write to you and share my feelings with the man they are meant for—

Could you try and forget that I was moody and nasty again on Sunday evening-- I cant explain and when I think how I love you and how sweet you are to me I think I must be mad!

I am dreading the day that I might lose your love or you mine—surely it need not happen—

Please dear god don’t let it happen!!

Ever since I can remember Ive always got what I wanted, when I wanted it—I’ve never had to wait for what I want so badly before—I have to this time, I know because of its being worth waiting half a lifetime for. But I could have a blackout—during which I forget how precious to me is the prize I win and how small the price I have to pay; TIME.

Remember what I said (about loving you always) Always—no matter what I do – I'd always afterwards have a rude awakening, only to find that its you who have my heart and soul.

AMNESTE

How well I live up to this name!

1946 24th April. Nesté to Cape Times

Chartleigh Hotel

Beach Road

Three Anchor Bay

24^th April 1946

....

No. 3889

P.O Box 248

Paarl

Sir, to reply to your advertisement in the Cape Times of the 18^th instant for an Accounting Machine Operator, I hereby apply for the position.

I have had fifteen months experience on these machines and hold the National Cash Register certificate. I am seventeen years old and passed Senior Certificate examination at the Clanwilliam High School in 1944. Kindly Favour me with perticulars regarding salary and commencement of duties.

Hoping that this application will meet with your favour.

Yours Faithfully

Amneste Nortier

.....................................................................................................................................................

(This fragmented half-letter I found written out three times; once in pencil, once in full with some mistakes as above, and once with just the two addresses, but differently laid out. All folded together and without an envelope. My gran was obviously nervous, a trait which I have surely inherited!)

1944 30th November. Clemency to Nesté

Miss Neste Nortier

Clanwilliam

Cape

30^th November 1944

...

Johburg Monday

My Dearest Nuxi,

I have a slight headache again tonight but now, when I feel one coming I quickly lap up some of Dad’s (soets) and that prevents me from being laid up. In any case I’d better get rid of this one as Tessa is here now and I cant very well afford to get ill.

Ive been wanting to write you for ages but with Tessa here I really don’t find much time.

I suppose you’re in the think of exams and swotting like mad. One consolation for you is that this time with every subject you write you can say ‘never again!’. I’m quite sure you’ll get through with a minimum of effort, as usual! In any case, Im thinking of you and holding thumbs all the time.

Nuxi, about this Cape Town business. Don’t let that woman make a skivvy out of you and when you let her ‘do’ you don’t let her overdo it and then turn you into one of those penny-a-hundred painted dolls she sees all over the show. But I don’t suppose you ever will, I only don’t want you to think its smart or modern. Much better to look natural.

If you don’t like it say so. You can even come and take a years course in hairdressing at the tech here if the worst comes to the worst. I'd love you to come stay with us.

Ai Nuxi, you don’t know how sorry I am that we are not in Cape Town any longer so that I could have looked after you. You know you were my first baby and I love you more than I can ever let you know, so please be careful and look after yourself and do whatever you think is right—only that always.

With best wishes for a happy future

Clem

1942 26th November. Boy to Suk and Sonny

Mr. and Mrs. Sonny Anders

“Texas” 2^nd Avenue Paarl

Cape Province

South Africa

 No. 189281

Gnr. Boy Grundlingh

1^st Arti Tank Battery

1^st Arti Tank Regiment SAA

U..D.7.M.E.7

To A.P.O Durban

26 November 1942

Dear Suk and Sonny,

Thank you ever so much Suk for your last three letter cards. Received 2/11, 8/11 and 25/11. Now unfortunately I’ll never be able to make up. The only way to do it is to come home. And if one listens to all the talking and rumours we imagine ourselves on the boat already.

I returned from Cairo yesterday and I’m sorry to inform you Suk that I couldn’t find the badge you asked for. You see, Stan Freedman bought the last one for Marie and I do not even know what it looks like. The first one I sent home to Marie I think I bought in Palestine, I’m not quite sure.

Will you please tell Eileen that I visited the British war cemetery at St. George’s, just outside Cairo. I met the caretaker and he took me to her brother’s grave. I had some flowers put on and then took some snaps. They are putting on flowers every Sunday now until the end of December. It was my second last day of leave so I had not enough money left to arrange for flowers for the year 1943, else I would have done so. But I have the address here and will fix everything when I get back. The snaps I could not have developed.

Phanie I have not seen for a week now. I think he went over to Palestine. Spent a lot of time in Cairo with Gordon Wells-Blake. He is an old friend of the de Villiers. Went to Claridges hotel one night to a dance given to us by the WAAF and met a captain there who knows you and Sonny. I’m sorry I couldn’t remember his, perhaps I had a drink too many. We had lots of fun though and enjoyed ourselves thoroughly,

Cheerio Suk and Sonny,

Love to you both and a kiss for Angela and Margaret.

Your loving brother,

Boy. 

1942. 22nd November. Boy to Len

No. 106459

Sgt. Len Grundlingh

No. 5 A.L Section

Att 43SGDU

Swartkops Airstation Pretoria

....

No. 189281

Gnr. Boy Grundlingh

1^st Arti Tank Battery

1^st Arti Tank Regt. SAA

UDF WE7

To A.P.O Durban

26 November 1942

Hullo Len

You have us- (quarter of page cut out) –

Thank you so much Len for your last letter card received 8/11/42. I’m going to write very few letters from now on.

Now it is up to you to try and fit in your home leave with ours. Nothing is definite of course but I really have the feeling that if they are going to take us home at all it will be either before or shortly after Christmas.

I think the best you can do is to try a fortnight in January.

Just returned from ----- yesterday. Had a marvellous time. Doug Low who is now an Lt. spent most of the evening together. Had supper with Lt Pete Slabbert one evening. He knows you…. (faded text).

He’ll be getting his second trip soon and ask me to convey his regards. Also met a Van Tonder fellow. He is now with Jack Uyster’s Regiment, the 77B’s and he also asked me to convey his regards to you.

Thanks too Len for those books. But please don’t send any more books or parcels. I think you can even cut out the writing.

The fighting was not too ----, we did our share and then the tommies took over and started chasing the Hun . Now we are in a base camp near (Bruslia?) having a well earned rest.

Cheerio Len

En ek hoop ek sien julle binne kort.

Boy.

Nortier Family Tree

Grundlingh Family Tree

1942 11th June. Boy to Parents.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Grundlingh

Anchor House

Suider Paarl

Cape Province

South Africa

(written on back of letter) Mug for shaving, gloves for Angela.

No. 189281

GNR (Gunner) Boy Grundlingh

1^st Arti Tank Battery

1^st Arti Tank Regiment SAA

UDF, ME7, Co APO (Company of Army Post Office)

Durban, 11^th June 1942

Dearest Mum and Dad,

Those sweets I received the other day was absolutely the tops. Gee, we really enjoyed it. I must thank all those who helped making and packing them. Thanks too mum for all those books, they arrived just in time. Also received three (Outspanes?) from Jack and three Paarl Posts. Did Mrs. Vicky send me six letter cards? I know the little book is from her, but Phanie tells me that his letter cards were in that little book of Mrs. Vicky. Please thank her for that little book and also for the cards, if it is from her.

After two months I again met Phanie yesterday morning. It was quite unexpected. We went down the line a few units to fetch over rations. On our return journey I asked the orderly driver to stop at Phanie’s H.Q. hoping that he might be there. He was there alright, but we could only chat for a few minutes and exchange some letters. I am hoping to go down tomorrow for a few hours to chat to him.

The evenings are getting hotter and we sleep less, so last night we put our heads together and wrote a letter to Anne Shelton of the BBC asking her to sing to us on the Forces Favourites Programme.

Received a letter card from Pietie yesterday but I must answer Marie’s first. 

We are having such a lazy time and the weather is simply perfect. In fourteen days we’ve had dust only one day and a cool breeze is always playing from the see.

Cheerio Mum and Dad, I trust that you are both happy and in good health.

With lots of love,

Your loving son,

Boy,

1941, Christmas. Jack Bester to Boy's Parents.

Mr. and Mrs. J. Grundlingh

Main street

Paarl

South Africa

Western Desert

Xmas 1941

Wishing you all a very merry xmas and may all your boys be back home with you early in the new year and all the Huns up here knocked out! It won’t be long now.

I had a long chat with Boytjie a while ago- I’ve never seen him look fitter than he is at present.

About a week ago I played in a Rugby match against the Arti and nobody else but Fanie played opposite- me at center- Glo vir my hy kan hard tackle, ek is somar nou nog styf! He is a picture of health and gloriously sunburnt.

Both Boy and Fanie are okay- you need not worry about them.

My kindest regards to you all

Totsiens

Jack Bester

No. 61550

Major J. B Bester

½ SA77 Bn

2 S.A. Inf. Bde.,

U.D.7, M.E.7

1941 31st January. Boy to Parents

Pte Boy Grundlingh

189281

Headquater Company

10 S.A.7.A.

C.o Army P.O

Durban

31^st January 1941

Dearest Mum and Dad,

Thank you heartily for the nice parcel. We came back yesterday, after having another crack at the Italians. This time we are not allowed to mention anything- sorry. All I can say is that we are attacking on all fronts.

The day before we left I received the following letters. One from Suks, Marie, Mrs. Perold, Lilla and from Daphnie Alcock, Port Elizabeth. That was on the 24^th. Today I received one from Lilla again and from Rem, together with your parcel.

I wonder whats happened to my Paarl Posts. Im about 8 short. Please thank Suk and Marie for their letters for the time being and they must be patient because it is impossible to answer their letters at the moment. Please tell Mrs. Perold the same.

This morning we checked up on our trucks, filling up and cleaning. Ready for the road. Then I boiled some water to wash any dirty clothes. “Ek sit nou hier soos ‘n “Kaalgatperske” want die klere hang oor ‘n bos”.

Tell Suk that I met Claude Morton the others day.  Do you remember him? He was a friend of Leslie Baker and used to come up to our house. He left Boys High in 1922. He sends his best regards. Then I also met a Hudson chap from Paarl and again Willem Albertyn.

Did you enjoy your stay at strand Mum? Talking about the strand. I forgot to mention that in my first convoy from port Elizabeth to Pretoria I saw (Nita?) de Villiers in Uitenhage when passing through.

Suk told me about Mr Goldberg and I am sending off a note today to Mrs Goldberg.

Afraid I’ll have to end now as I have work to attend to. Thanks again for the lovely parcel and the letters.

Lots of Love to everybody,

Your Loving Son

Boy

1941 26th April. Boy to Parents

Pte. Boy Grundlingh

189281

Headquater Company

10. S. A Field Amb

C.o Army Post Office

Durban

26/4/41

Dearest Mom and Dad,

Here we are once again on the point of moving forward. We are all very restless nowadays, and only want to advance and keep moving. In other words, we are keen to finish the job.

I have only one free hour this morning. We are drawing water from a well, so we have to wait and hour because we stirred the water and so dirtied the water.

We have had plenty of rain lately but last night crowned everything. Never have a heard thunder and seen lightning like that of last night. Doug and I were comfortably sleeping under a canvas with only an occaisional drop on my face.

Yesterday lundhtime we had stake and jelly. We bartered two Italian rifles for a young ox. One rifle being ours we could have first pick. We tried to obtain some eggs yesterday so that we could have bacon and eggs this morning for breakfast. But we couldn’t. They issued a 32 oz. tin of canned bacon to six chaps.

They day before yesterday I received only one letter from Nelly. Please thank her for it and the snaps. I posted a letter to them sometime back. Yesterday I received a parcel from Lil containing canned fruit, blades,  (Graphic?) salts and two handkerchiefs. Also another Paarl Post but no letters. Today we are having canned fruit and jelly, I made some last night.

Phanie was here a few days ago and we managed to write quite a few letters together. I think we wrote to Suk, Len and Jackie. Two days later he arrived again but nice and tight. I had quite a job to keep him quiet here near the hospital. He slept on my bed and went up to his camp the following morning in an ambulance. He was here again yesterday afternoon for just a few minutes and informed me that he wrote to you the previous day.

I have no war news. At this very moment everything seems a bit queit. We evacuate our patients daily and most liking advancing again tomorrow.

Do you remember a Dr Steenkamp, to whom Mrs. Diane Du Plessis gave a cheque for an ambulance down at Paarl. He is our surgeon now and you’ll hear him on the wireless as well. They made a few records here in Afrikaans and I also had to say something.

I was going to wait for Phanie so that he can add a few lines but I cannot.

Lil tells me that Piet is most likely going to Durban and then she, Anne and Peter is going home. That is very nice. We also congratulated Len on his first stripe. You must not forget to send me Piets new address in Durban. One never knows. If at some future date we come down by boat we are almost sure to disembark there.

Nelly mentioned in her letter, a parcel they sent off for me. That I have not received yet but it is of course waiting for me somewhere. I am anxious to receive a few letters though. I am absolutely up to date with my post. To those I couldn’t write I sent postcards of Addis Abeba and Harar and Abysinnia in general.

Well, mum and dad I hope you are both in good health and one of these days ill be back home and then we’ll give it a bang. Lots of love to you both and the family,

Your loving son,

Boy

1941 21st January. Boy to Parents

Pte. Boy Grundlingh

189281

Head Quarter Company,

10SA7 Ambulance

Co Army Po Durban

21^st January 1941

Dearest Mum and Dad,

For the first time since we left Nairobi five months ago, Douglas and I went on a two day trip South, for the first time too we drove ambulances. We evacuated 8 patients 140 miles down the line. It was quite an outing and we enjoyed it thoroughly.

We left Sunday morning, Douglas leading. Our first stop was our previous camp 70 miles down. We made straight for the water tanks and filled our bags with that nice water. We then located a big tree and made coffee.

Our next stop was for lunch while I made the coffee in half a paraffin tin. Douglas and Cohen, the other driver, opened all the tinned food like pork and beans, meat and vegetables, condensed milk, butter and sliced bread. For sweets we had two tins of canned guavas. A very good meal indeed.

Douglas and I enjoyed it the more because it reminded us of home. The only difference though was that we had to take everything out of tins.

Before reaching our destination we had two punctures. The roads are hundred percent better than when we first came up 5 months ago, but the ambulances are very light and more difficult to control than my troop-carrier. I must admit that my troop-carrier is in much better condition than any of the ambulances.

We arrived at the outpost at about 2 o’clock. The boys and one doctor stationed there and the three of us went down to the river and had a beautiful swim. Any amount of palmtrees grow alongside the banks and again I needed my camera. One would never expect to see such a sight. It’s like an oasis in the desert.

After breakfast the following morning we started on our return trip and again had dinner under a nice shady tree. Also had a shave and wash before returning to our camp. Now we are back in camp to wait for our next trip.

Our kitbags turned up the other day and I did some unpacking to see what’s in it. It’s now Wednesday morning half past eight. Just had a shave and intend finishing this letter this morning. Jooste and self was on duty last night and perhaps I can write some more letters today.

Willem-Albertyn came to look me up day before yesterday. They have now also established camp a little way down the road.

Phanie was here yesterday afternoon. They bought some chappies over to the dentist. Unfortunately I did not see him long, I was too busy. But he told me that he only received a letter from Lilla. It’s now three weeks since I’ve had post. We are expecting a post today though.

Our Sergeant Major and nine others went on leave on Sunday. They’ve increased the number from two to ten but it does not alter the fact that if I’m the unlucky one, I’ll get my leave towards the end of this year or early next year.

Like a friend of mine yesterday said, “We just seem to sit still and vegetate, in fact I think I will soon start to take root.”

Afraid I must end now as I have a lot of working to attend to. Please remind Jack about my camera. Lots of love to everyone,

Your loving son,

Boy. 

1941 6th January. Boy to Parents.

Pte. Boy Grundlingh, 189281

Headquater Company

10 M.F.F, Field Ambulance

Co Army P.O

Durban.

Monday 6^th Day of 1941

Dearest Mom and Dad,

Here I am fresh as a daisy again. Just had a lovey clean shave and wash. It is before breakfast and this morning early saw the sun rising. You know Dad, the best part of the day is from dawn to Breakfast.

Being on guard last night I can possibly write two or three letters today. But the same question now arises. What must I write about.

To start with, I received Lilla’s letter, written from Anchor House on the 19^th December, on the 3^rd January. I am glad you all had such a good time. So you can start preparing yourselves for another good time because it won’t be long now before Phanie and self will again join you.

I just ran over to the wireless under a tree next to our “Kaia” and we all rejoiced when we heard that Bardia,  Italian stronghold in Libya had fallen. Lying in my bed at night I usually listen to the news.

There has been a number of promotions at our unit. All our Lieutenants (Sr.) received their 3^rd star. A staff Sergeant became a Regimental Sergeant Major to another unit, while some medical chaps also received some stripes. As regards the M.T’s in this unit, we’ll never receive any promotions for the simple reason that we have no means of proving ourselves and secondly, we have nobody to look after our interests. I don’t want to stay a private and that is why I am applying for a transfer to a unit where I can prove myself.

I went down for Post this morning but none arrived. I made a turn at the “Duka” to buy some canned fruit and Sardines. Going for supplies with my truck the other day I managed to get a lb. of coffee.  Now in the mornings Douglas and self make some nice coffee and enjoy some canned fruit before going to bed. We are not too busy now and the other evening I finished off a book after burning down three candles. Mrs De Villiers sent me up 5 Readers Digest. I must still write to thank her.

Talking of books. Remember I told Jack not to send any papers. But a good substitute is the “Humourist” (?) He can buy them, I think...

(Douglas just came in with truck so I’ll get him some tea)

...at the Patriot store for 2c. Then you can please make a small parcel of the following Dad. Another 2 of those small Canvas waterbags will do me nicely. By the time they arrive the other two should already be perished. A bottle of swan ink and some torch batteries. Then ask Suk to include another book or two of Battleships or rather ask Angela, she knows because she sent me the last one.

Douglas, Friedman and I played “Vanton” (Vang et Un) (21) yesterday and for the second time I cleared them out of cigarettes. Douglass does not smoke and Friedman has a good stock. So I am dishing out my winnings, about 300, to those chaps who are short of smokes.

On Christmas afternoon I went down to Phanies camp. And did we have a feed. Ham, tongue, Christmas pudding, canned fruit, raisins, nuts and a few bottles beer. Unfortunately I had to be back by six to go on duty.

On New Years Day the three  in their time came to visit  me. We then went to the Engineers camp to look up Phil Meyer’s brother Dave, but they’ve moved out. New Years Day is another day we’ll never forget. The previous evening a chap fired a rifle accidentally and did not own up. The result, the whole unit had to suffer by attending parade every two hours with full kit.Our major was good enough the following day, and called it a day. But I think that chappies conscience must still be pricking him.

They are now slowly refitting us. We received our new boots yesterday and mine still pinch like hell. Be alright in a day or two though. 

Garth Howell from Ceres is on leave now and Loutjie, Jooste and self expect to go at any time now. That is if they do not cancel all leave again. 

With Leonard, Lilla, and the lads there you all must have had a good time. Why not? I assure you Mum, you have nothing to worry about.

Will you please thanks Mr. Gribble for his wire, Dad? I’ll try to write to him later. Ask Nellie to wish Aunt Myra a happy birthday for me. It was on the 11^th of January.

That’s the bugle for the cookhouse.

My best regards to everybody and lots of love to you both,

Your loving son,

Boy. 

1941 1st March. Boy to Parents.

Pte Boy Grundlingh

189281

Headquater Company

10 S.A Field Amb

To Army P.O

Durban

1^st March 1941

Dearest Mum and Dad,

At last, and after four weeks of activity, we are now having a few days rest. I sent off a note and a Field card some time back. Hope it reached you. I have much to write about.

Ill start with the Thankyou’s. Thanks so much for the two nice parcels, especially the one containing the goods you bought at Gribbles. I’ve been waiting for that for 6 months now and I was quite excited when I opened the parcel. Thanks for the lovely waterbags and the books. I also received your letter and Marie’s. Now you must thank Eileen for hers.  Last but not least, the snaps “Ja, Jack en Len lyk soos twee lekker Kérels op die snap, blink knope, blink skoue en als, maar hul sal nie so swakkie lyk as hulle Noord kom nie” At any rate Im glad he was down home to show you what we should look like but Phanie and myself will look very different with our battledress.I’ve lost track of Phanie and their unit altogether. Tommorrow I’m Brigade Orderly and perhaps I can find out where their camp is. It must be in the vicinity.

I can’t give you much war news.  We have given the Italians hell, and once we crossed the Juba River we advanced rapidly, taken thousands of prisoners and any amount of war material. The Radio of course gives an accurate account of our activities.

At present we are at our second port of call. At the previous one our camp was situated about 4 miles from the coast. We went down for a swim everyday and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Our next two camps were on the riverbank and again we were able to swim and wash some of our clothes.

Now we are once again some distance from the sea, nevertheless, we went for a swim yesterday morning from 7-10. This morning a fishing party left at about 5 o’clock. Garth Howell went with them and just think that perhaps I’ll have fresh fish for supper tonight. At 7 o’clock another party left for the Tannery and sightseeing. Its not a big town at all. Much smaller than Frenchoek and mostly inhabited by the Arabs and dirty Somali’s.

I started this letter last night, being a bit sleepy I decided to finish it this morning before 10 o’clock, when all letters must be handed in for censoring. I wrote a five-page letter to (Nics?) but tell him unfortunately the entire letter was censored. Perhaps I’ll try again. Thank Marie for her letter as well and next opportunity will answer some.

I cannot imagine what went wrong with that allotment I made 7 months ago. I suppose it will turn up eventually.

Tell Ernest to send me a snap of the Wolseley. Eileen says he traded both the Studebaker and the Mavis. And hows the V8 going Dad? I wonder whether there’ll be enough petrol in Paarl for Phanie and myself once we get back.

About signing on for overseas and when we’re coming home, I can give no opinion. We simply have to wait to see what happens. You can rest assured though that we must come home first before we sign on for overseas. Then we can talk it over.

You needn’t worry much about sending parcels anymore. What I want now are a few more spools now and again.

It was Lilla’s birthday yesterday and I could not even drink her health. Who said I could not stay without bread for a month. When I get back I’ll be like Lourens de Jager not knowing what bread tastes like.

My birthday is a bit too early but perhaps we’ll be able to celebrate Phanies way down home. That’s all. Lots of Love to every body

Your Loving Son,

Boy

1940 30th October. Boy to Parents

Pte Boy Grundlingh

Headquater Company,

10 M.F.F Field Ambulance

S.A.M.C, U.D.F

To Army P.O

Durban

30^th October 1940. Wednesday

Dearest Mum and Dad,

Gee, maar dit is darem ‘n lekker parcel né. Thanks ever so much Mum and Dad. And Sukey for doing the purchasing. It was really a surprise especially the waterbags, they are really a Godsend. The only snag is that the boys never pass over Kaaia without taking a drink. They’d say: “How’s it Grundy for a sip of water” What can I do but give them some. From tomorrow, our water is again rationed to a gallon of water per man per day. I manage to put on a clean pair of socks every morning. Ek het darem nog nie stink voete nie.

Our “A”Company also arrived here a couples of days ago. I believe they brought even less clothes with them than we did, with the result that they have to wash their clothes overnight. Reminds me of Mrs. De Villiers (whats her name Jerné Broodryk) “Wragtie Mrs Grundlingh jy sal my nie glo nie maar ek was al hulle bladdy klere en trek dit more weer vir hulle aan”

Sorry Mum and Dad just had orders to move again. Everythings O.K and ill continue letter writing as soon as possible with lots of lover to you both, Your Loving,

Boy

1940, undated

Rhodesia Railways Ltd.

82 Main Street Paarl

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Grundlingh

Your son passed through Wankie yesterday and received a warm welcome from the residents here. We danced and sang and they all had tea and sandwiches and cigarettes. They were all looking forward to seeing the falls which is only two hours run from here. Your son was looking very fit and seems to be very happy. I wish him the best of luck together with Wankie residents,

Yours,

Mary T. Caroll