Books "Fictitious Facts": CHAPTER ONE Continued...............

CHAPTER ONE Continued...............

Ted was given a short leave from his overseas posting to visit Rene in March 1945. A few months later after his return overseas to active duty she was advised of her second pregnancy. Overcome with apprehension because the economic strangulation of the war made it difficult to support one child, so she was bewildered and confused as to how she was to manage with two. A boost in faith and felicity was a welcome relief shortly after her second was born; the announcement of the war’s end. Germany made an ‘Armistice’ agreement in May and ‘Victory over Japan Day’ (V-J Day) was in August. But her prior problems coping with one child were exasperated by her interfering mother, who by now, with Ted out of the way overseas had a hold over her and added greatly to her burdens. One was hard, but she found raising two children insufferable under the present conditions and felt she had no other option but to write a series of letters to the authorities asking for Ted to perform the remaining of his military service at home in England. Below are samples of the replies she received;

Record Office,

Royal Air Force,

Gloucester.

20th October 1945

Our Ref: - G3B/1384793

Your Ref:

Madam,

14384793 LAC Scotsdon E. – F.2.E.

Further to my letter of even reference dated 8th October 1945 I have now heard from the Air Officer Commanding in Chief abroad, who has carefully considered your application, but regrets that premature transfer on compassionate grounds cannot be approved.

I am, Madam,Your obedient servant,

(L.W.SMALE) W/O

For Air Commodore,

Air Officer i/c Records,

Royal Air Force.

Mrs. Scotsdon

2 Myra Street,

Abby Wood,

London S.E.2.

G38/28.

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After the disappointment of refusal she immediately posted another letter and once again the reply was dispiriting;

Officer Commanding,

No.62, Squadron, R.A.F.

South East Asia Air Forces

7th November 1945.

To: Mrs. R. Scotsdon,

2, Myra Street,

Abby Wood,

London. S.E.2.

Dear Mrs Scotsdon,

Your letter dated 24th October, arrived to-day. While the application of your husband’s permanent posting home has been refused, all efforts are being made from here to get your husband compassionate leave. I can give an assurance that this application has been passed to the highest authorities and I hope we will soon have an answer, although no one can foretell what the result will be. Transportation and travel are so difficult these days that although many deserving cases for compassionate posting are made, it is impossible for them all to be accommodated.

Yours faithfully

Ad/utant. No.62.Squadron.

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Below is my mother and sister celebrating VE day (Victory in Europe) sometime in May 1945 in England.