Christmas cards to the "Echo and Argus" from local men in four zones of war service are hereby acknowledged with cordial thanks and reciprocal greetings. They were very welcome arrivals.

The picture above decorates a card which Corpl. Len Cherry, of Woodland-road. Rushden, has sent from an R.A.F. station in West Africa with "heartiest greetings from an interested reader" and "thanks for the news of Home".

Corpl. Stan Dickens, far away with Paiforce (Persia and Iraq Force), sends a pictorial airgraph "with sincere wishes for a happy Xmas and a reunion with all Rushdenites in the New Year". The picture is of a desert oasis with a camel and a few military vehicles cooling-off beneath palm trees and among cactus plants. No longer "the Forgotten Army" Paiforce submits "Peace on Earth among men of goodwill" as its Christmas message to the friends at home.

From the West Front comes a gay design incorporating the port of Antwerp and the coastal area of Northern France, Belgium and Holland, with the Kent corner of Britain "out of bounds" across the water. German prisoners, tanks, a jeep and two Cupids are all in the decorative scheme. Lieut. W. S. Lee, R.A., is the sender.

Lce-cpl. C. T Smith, R.E.M.E., who fought at Anzio, represents the Central Mediterranean Force and sends an airgraph on which a holly border surrounds a map of the Mediterranean area. Greetings and "lots of good luck" go with this souvenir.

An unknown correspondent who signs himself "Well Wisher" sends a Royal Artillery greetings card from a remote corner of Britain and adds this message:

"May the cauld blast of the Orkneys enter and wish you all the compliments of the season. May I wish the good old 'Echo and Argus' a very happy Christmas and a bright and prosperous New Year, thanking you for all the good reading and more to come".