Copy of Typed Letter from Major Antony Brett-James to Lieutenant-General Sir Brian Gwynne Horrocks, recalling his wartime experiences with the 5th Indian Division Signals, while discussing 'what makes a good division'.

3pp., 4to. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper. Addressed by Brett-James in pencil at the head of the first page to 'Lt Gen Sir Brian Horrocks' and with one manuscript correction. The letter begins: 'I do want to say how interesting and worthwhile I found the broadcast discussion last Sunday evening about the factors which make a good division. All that was said was true and most stimulating, but there are a few points which I should like to add. I served for three years with the 5th Indian Division and had the privilege of writing the Division's history after the war.' He discusses the elements of 'common nationality' and 'tradition and reputation'. On the later subject he recalls 'walking into a canteen the day the Division arrived in the Arakan, its arrival a secret still; we had orders to disguise who we were. The officer in charge of the canteen said at once to us: "I don't need to ask who you chaps are. The 5th Indian Division, I reckon." | We looked duly puzzled at this accurate guess, and he went on: "Nobody else out here wears the Africa Star." | I have not forgotten our pride at this incident.' Another factor discussed is 'the contrbution of the Divisional commander himself to the spirit of the Division'. He remarks: 'I have never forgotten the impatient, desperate, and even illegal efforts made by all ranks, British and Indian, to get back to the Division from hospital and reinforcement camp: they felt that the Division was a home from home in a very real sense.' He concludes: 'Speaking personally, I shall always be thankful that a letter came round to the L of C unit I was with in Syria, asking for volunteers to serve with Indian formations in the Middle East. To have fought with any division would have been better than life in a comparative backwater, and to have served in one of the very very few to fight the Italians, Germans and Japanese (I only know of the 9th Australian and the 7th Armoured Brigade who also did, but there were doubtless one or two others) was a source of still greater satisfaction and pride.'