WW2 period letter

Interesting 4 page letter from KE Bailey 7610027 REME with Coldstream Guards, North Africa Campaign

Fascinating letter written in June 1943 by Ken Bailey to his sister in London, this letter marks the total Allied victory in North Africa. Ken details his role as a motorcycle mechanic with the Light Aid Detachment attached to the 3rd Battalion Coldstream Guards, noting he completed the entire mine-laden journey on a motorbike. He reflects on his service from the start of the desert war in 1940, explicitly naming his involvement in Wavell's Rush (Operation Compass) and the Battle of Mareth, before participating in the final drive into Tunis. The letter explicitly mentions the enclosed German tunic badge, which he cut off an enemy uniform during the fighting. He notes the physical letter itself is written on paper confiscated from a German officer. He closes by reflecting on the graves of his fallen comrades while awaiting his unit's next deployment.

The mentioned German tunic badge is included in the lot.

Comes with original Active Service envelope, postmarked Field Post Office 20, June 5th 1943

Condition as photos - note that the pictures of the badge have been censored by me to comply with eBay’s guidelines!