Encoded for for the Veterans History Project, October 22, 2020.
All letters in the Ellsworth Dewitt Hill collection were digitized.
The following letters were transcribed from the handwritten originals by Veterans History Project staff. No alterations to this transcription has been made, although spelling errors are indicated with [sic]. Any special emphasis (i.e. underlining) is presented *between asterisks*.
May 1, 1944
Dear Barbara, Nancy and Florence-
Because yesterday (Sunday) was such a perfect day, and taking full advantage of it, I missed out writing my weekly dispatch to any of you, so that accounts for the compound salutation above. Of, to be in England now that spring is here, must have been thought of by an Englishman on just such a day as yesterday. Such days of course are so rare that they accordingly seem far more wonderful than they really are. But be that as it may, I was up and away at the break of dawn. I’m about one hour train ride was down in Kent to a little place called Edenbridge. I was told that this place by a Mrs. Fisher- Rowe, an English lady who works at one of the Red Cross clubs. A typical
English professional horseman. Tall, skinny, and hard bitter on the surface, about sixty years old.The stalles are built in a square, with straw thatched roof and red brick wall. The paddock is all cobbled. Hir own house is about two hundred feet from the stables. He has about seventeen horses, mostly Hunters. About ten o’clock we started our ride. We rode over to Winston Churchills' estate but didn’t stop for tea. We were back at the stable about one o’clock and sat down to a lunch of roast beef with Yorkshire pudding. I dozed in the sun for an hour or so. Then a bit more riding, but mostly on the course. They have a lot of water jumps and hedge jumps. Sam March, that’s the owner and I hit it off well, and now I have a standing invitation to stay right there at his house any time I can. I actually will take advantage of the offer, but don’t expect that there will be much opportunity now. Anyhow it is the most idyllic place imaginable, and I was glad to find it. (Today)
Today I received a letter from each of you. They were mailed on the 17th of April. Last week I had a letter mailed on the 19th which was received on the 25th. So you will see that there is no order to the system, but letters are coming there regularly. So far I have received four cartons of cigarettes. The reason my letters are not received as quickly as I receive yours is no doubt due to the routine of sensorship. The portals you did’nt get you never will, as they were from a place that is very hush hush, and Therefor though they were very picturesque, were not sendable.
For the first time since my arrival I heard Margie Brats played. But you would only recognize it- the seemed to by plating it in waltz time or something- by paying the most careful attention.
I was sorry to hear about Warren Ripley, and I wrote a letter to Joe. Warren of course was sort of an [?] lad, though he should
Made and probably did make a good a good marine.
So it now seems that Dana wont be called eh? Well lets hope it stays put that way. To be emotionally on a gaid of uncertainty must be upsetting to say the least.
I have seen Harry Palmer just once. We ran into each other quite by accident. He is with the Red Cross in Cambridge, which is hardly in my camping ground. Through Arvill Black, I learned that Timmy Hitchcock was killed in a plane crash, and later I saw it announced in the London papers. Black married Tommy Hitchcocks sister and used to ride with the Meadowbrook hunt. Probably this is no news to you for no doubt it has been published in the papers in the States, as well as here.
Within a few days, almost any day now, I expect to get a transfer and will have a new A. P. O. number which I will send to you as soon as possible. The new assignment will be most interesting and exciting. There may be an interlude (when)
when you might not hear from me as often as you have been recently, but that is usually the case when a change is made.
When a and if you see Ellery give him my best wishes. I amfeeling in the pink and there is’nt any that I can think of at the minute that I need. But regards to the Carroll family and with lost of love to you all.
Dewey.
P/S- No. I don’t want to lighter.
Major E. D. Hill- AUS
Supreme Hqt Allied Exp Force
A.P.O. 757
rec’d May 8
Mrs E. D. Hill
76 Fourth Street
Garden City L. I.
New York.
U.S.A.