Acting Corporal Thomas North

> Thomas North: general experience.

"I killed a snake the other day. It was under my bed."

	This page: general experience.
	Includes inventory.

From Thomas North's ID card

Thomas North was born in 1924 and joined the RAF for training in Blackpool and Scotland before his posting to Burma. He was a member of No. 3 Repair and Salvage Unit operating in the front line and recalled with great affection serving alongside a Ghurka unit.

We were not fortunate enough to be able to meet Thomas or tape-record his experiences. However we have a close link with Beatrice North, his widow, who kindly supplied us with details of Thomas's service and generously donated an impressive collection of Thomas's photographs and artefacts, including a travel chess set, Japanese silk flag and a knitted W.A.A.F. doll with its accompanying pattern. The doll was knitted by Thomas's sister and mother and it travelled with him wherever he went. His sister also sent a fruit cake to Burma for Thomas's 21^st birthday. Unfortunately it was soaked by a bottle of Dettol which broke in the parcel, but the cake was eaten regardless!

2202538 LAC. NORTH
No. 3 RpS.U.
R.A.F.
India
22/12/44.

Dear Margie and Bee,

Well Christmas is almost here and still Jerry isn't beaten and doesn't look like being for a little while to come. Remember what they were saying when I left Blighty, that Jerry would be finished by Christmas, what super optimists everyone were. Never mind we'll finish this little business out here and then we'll come and finish your war for you. By the way I am no longer in India but it's obvious where I am although we're not allowed to say. Gee we're givin those little yellows merry hell, and they'll get it a lot hotter yet.

Well hows the 'Castor Oil' going on, have you sampled any more lately. I am surprised at you Marge, fancy doing a thing like that, I bet it was a shock to Mum as well as yourself.

By the way they tell me that you had a bit of a fling with a Yank. I thought you have been once bitten twice shy.

23/12/44

Well it's another day to Xmas and we had a bit of bad luck today. I went into base to collect the liquor and there was no beer for us. But I managed to get my bottled stuff so our tent will be OK. I think someone is going to see if they can get some tomorrow from base again. It may be in tomorrow.

We brought the cake and nuts and a load more food back with us so we won't starve. Far from it. We're having a game of football with the RAF regiment tomorrow. I don't know how we shall go on as there are only a handful of fellows to pick a team from.

How is your romance going of or going on 'Bee'. Is Jim still in Italy or has he managed to get home for Xmas.

I'll bet your excited if he's home. I had a letter from Mum and an Xmas card from Mrs Langland. I think you remember Pete don't you. He came to Notts one week-end way back. Well he's home for Xmas and tell Mum that Aurther Fairey is also home. He has been in Canada for about 3 years the lucky dog. That makes me the only one of three of us that isn't home for the reunion. Still there'll come a day. I hope.

We have had some blighty summer weather here just lately and its absolutely wizard.

Well I think that's all for the present.

So Cheerio

Hoping to met soon

Tom

A letter to Margie and Bee

Transcript

A typical Japanese bath

A travel chess set with pieces made from slivers of painted plastic located in slots in the board

Knitted W.A.A.F. doll and knitting pattern

	This page: general experience.
	Includes inventory.