Tuesday, 9th - Thursday, 11th February, 1943 - Stan's Last Leave

 After all the preparations through the autumn of 1942, Stan knew that his unit was ready to go overseas.  The time has come at last for mobilisation and, as is customary, Stan has been given 48 hours leave to go home and say 'goodbye' to his family.

As can be seen from Grace's last letter (6 February) he was so determined to see Grace that, had Grace not been able to get to Grimethorpe, he was intending to go to Nottingham instead of going home.  This, clearly, has upset his mother.  However, everything worked out in the end and Grace managed to get to Grimethorpe late on Tuesday.  They both then had to go back to 'work' late in the day on Thursday.

In North Africa, operation 'Torch' was still in process with the Allies pushing on towards Tunis, but the task has not proved an easy one and has been going on for many weeks, with the Allies making progress - but only slowly.  It was important for both sides to continue to send armaments and forces to Africa, not only to replace those lost in the fighting but also to try to build up greater strength.

This cutting from the Aberdeen Press & Journal, dated 5 February, 1943, shows how Allied bombing was being used to prevent supplies and reinforcements from reaching the Axis forces.

I don't know if Stan knows at this point where his unit is being sent and, of course, even if he knows, he can say nothing about this in his letters due to military censorship.

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