Pte. Boy Grundlingh
189281
Head Quarter Company,
10SA7 Ambulance
Co Army Po Durban
21st 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.
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