Transcription:

Dear Captain Rollo,

Many thanks for your letter of the 3rd. of September. I must apologise for the delay in replying but we have been up in Worcestershire looking at same of the houses where the Enock's ancestors lived between 1600 and 1700.

First of ell, I was in "O" Battery, the Rocket Troop, and I was indeed sad when they were reduced to being R.A.. 2nd. Field Regiment. But I have kept in touch with my particular pals in it (some of whom live in Dorset) by correspondence and by attending R.H.A. Association Reunion Dinner at Trowbridge each spring.

When I wrote to you I was only concerned as to whether or not the Battery would like a copy of the manuscript. From the last few words in your letter the answer seems to be Yes. I will certainly send them a copy (when it is finished) and would be glad if you would tell me the address to which it should be sent.

As regards publications, I have already approached severval publishers and they are unanimous in saying that the material is excellent and unusual, are "impressed by the honesty, the detailed accuracy, and the warmth and sensitivity", and that I "have more then adequately paid tribute to the courage, generosity and enduring friendship" of the French people concerned in my escape.

However, they all say, in their different ways, that the book would not be commercially viable because it contains no sex, only one violence, and only a background love interest. They add that it is for this reason only they are unable to undertake publication of an "otherwise compelling and very human document".

So, some time ago, I abandoned the idea of publication.

But just recently an old prep. school friend of mine came to live nearby -- we had not seen each other since 1915 -- and he and his wife have become much published author and authoress. They have both read the book and agree that the material is excellent and so good that the absence of sex, violence, and 'lurve' would not stop publication provided the first part is re-written in a more up to date way. (After all the expressions and explanations of events 36 years ago are not good enough now.)

I have already re-written the four first chapters as a sample for their criticism and they have passed with flying colours, so I am now going on to complete the re-write, which later on means merely altering a word or two here and there. They have also given me the name of a suitable agent who will try and place the book, and all in all future publication seems to have some possibility.

I will keep you advised when the manuteript is finished and, on second thoughts, will send it to you, and if you deem it advisable perhaps you would pass it on to The Rockets.