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Research Document #4 |
A Letter To Gallagher |
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document is provided on this web site as a matter of general interest
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This
letter to Gerald Gallagher, Officer-In-Charge, Phoenix Islands Settlement
Scheme, on Gardner Island, was received several months after his death in
September 1941. We found it in his official file in England in November
1998. The letter may provide clues to Gallagher’s personal and family life
which may assist us in tracking the recipient of his personal effects. These
may include other letters, and an album of photographs. We can't help but
wonder if he took pictures of the bones he discovered in 1940.
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The
Boys' College at Blenheim Palace [?] tem. Horsington
House nr
Templecombe Somerset Nov.
15th
[My]
dear Gerald, Goodness
knows when this letter will reach you, or if you have ever had any
of mine! I have not written for a long time though. Of course we are
indulging in a war so posts are more than ever delayed. You will notice
my address! The gov't took a fancy to the buildings of both Boys'
[and] Girls Colleges. Turned us out! So we are in 3 different houses
in Somerset--and it is dismal and depressing to a degree. This is
a hamlet--miles from anywhere. I have had to shut up my bungalow but
shall return to it for holidays. Just pray we can go back to Malvern
before long. Actually, the gov't are not in the buildings after causing
all this upheaval! Stables are carrying on with seven horses "up" and there is even a little |
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hunting.
Harry was called up and Jim is doing other work in Malvern at present.
And only Jack at stables with Ted. Molly is busy with Women's Air
Force and goes to Worcester daily--Mary goes also. I forget if you
know that Mary's father died just before last Xmas-- and Mr. Hill
about last Easter, so both these girls are on their own, Molly still
in "Batsford" and Mary has a bungalow on Malvern Common near the golfhouse.
I am very homesick here and simply loathe it. I do miss the horses
so. I heard you were in hospital suffering from tropical boils--I
do hope you now are all right. I wonder if you hear much war news.
This is a strange war. Hunting was going to be so good this season--plenty
of new horses. Some new customers. It does seem too bad. We talk and
think of you so often. It will be marvellous when you get home leave.
I see you arriving with a long beard!! Cheerio--all the best. Love
from
Ruby
Margetts |