No 154 HQ 9 Australian Division,
23 October 1942

My darling Myrtle,

It is now 8.40 pm and in exactly two hours time by far the greatest battle ever fought in the Middle East will be launched. I have settled down in my hole in the ground at my …headquarters which are little more than 2000 yards [1,800 metres] from our start line. I have always been a firm believer in having HQ well forward – it makes the job easier, saves a great deal of time, in fact it has every possible advantage and I know of no disadvantage. At the present time I can see and hear all the movements forward to battle positions – it is high moonlight, tomorrow being full moon.

We are on the right flank, which is open, and we have been given a full and responsible task. On our left are Highlanders, New Zealanders and South Africans. Through us will eventually pass the British Armoured Corps. Much further south other British formations will be attacking.

A hard fight is expected, and it will be no doubt last a long time. We have no delusions about that. But we shall win and I trust put an end to this turning forward and backward to and from Benghazi. It is to be a supreme effort to finish this war in North Africa and if successful as we feel it will be, it should have a very material influence on the war.

We have been working very hard on the plans and preparation for some weeks. And now the stage is set. The men are full of determination and confidence. Going round them, talking with them, and addressing them I have noticed an air of quiet and confident purposefulness. That augers well, even though these grand fellows have never once failed to respond fully.

In the preliminary and opening stages of a battle a commander can do little or nothing. He merely waits and hopes. It is only as the battle develops that he can really act. From then on he is a very busy man.

With all the moves and preparations which a prepared battle such as this is involved it is not possible to hide the intention from the enemy, and for surprise we have had to rely on the date and hour, and the place of the attack. We know that the enemy is expecting this offensive and hope that he has with his crew that it is about to commence. We do not think he has. At 9.40 every gun we have opens on the enemy guns, that is called counter battery fire. My adjutant has just called to say that today air photographs reveal that he has moved three batteries to positions previously empty. That is a usual procedure. Had he anticipated tonight’s the night he would have moved almost all his guns, so that information is encouraging.

It is exactly a year ago today since we came out of Tobruk, and I hope that tonight is the start of our return there, not to stay of course, but merely to pass through on our way westwards.

As always you are very much in my thoughts tonight darling. It has been a very happy relaxation to have these few words with you.

God bless you my dear girl and all my love to you.

Your loving husband,

Les.

[AWM 3DRL 2632, Series 1 Wallet 3]