Johnny Bevan

My dear Dennis,

So sorry to hear from Joan on the telephone that you had not been very well lately. What a bore and how disappointing. However she said you were recovering so I'm writing to say “well done and keep it up” so that I can persuade you to come and have luncheon at Brooke's one day.

I really have no news but I did have a good bit of luck last week when I got on to a bus in the Kinds Road and found myself sitting next to Neil Gordon Clark.

I hear Ewan Montagu (“Highland Laddie”) has just published a book entitled “Beyond Top Secret U” - I'm told the “U” stands for Ultra and that L.C.S. is mentioned in the book so I suppose I must go and buy it. I'll let you know about it.

Get well quickly please

All my blessings

Johnny

DW's inscription in Ronald Wingate's copy of 'The Young Man Said' (1977)

For Ronald

Whose wit and wisdom made life bearable for us in the fortress basement in the Second World War

With deep affection

From his old friend

Dennis

James Arbuthnott

My dear Dennis,

I have finished “The Time has Come” & found it most absorbing. In spite of the fact that your youth was spent in a much wealthier environment than mine, we had so much in common. We enjoyed exactly the same books & had so much the same attitude towards girls. Then Osborne and Dartmouth corresponded so closely to “Worcester”, although I think the R.N. Colleges were even stricter. Compared to you we were absolutely coddled - servants to look after one's sea chest, make beds etc food first class so different to your description of 'Worcester'.

Some day we must meet and discuss our early lives & compare notes. Anyway the book gave me great pleasure & interest, so I look forward very much to Vols II & III.

Thank you indeed Dennis & for no less than five of your works sent me by Hutchinsons.

Bobbie and I both said you looked flaked out after the party, so we were not surprised you had to lay up for a week or two. I do hope you are perfectly fit again now. You must no longer have these periods of intense exertion both mental & physical. Now you are 80!

Yours affectionately

James

Dudley Clarke

Dear Joan,

I only heard yesterday - from Johnny Bevan - about Dennis's illness. I was so very sorry, and I do hope he is on the mend.

I would be grateful if you would kindly give him my condolences and best wishes for an early return to good health.

With my kindest regards,

Yours ever,

Dudley