Sends happy returns to mother on her birthday, although he expects the letter will be late; also sends her present of a shawl. His Territorial Decoration (TD) has been announced in the London Gazette. He recently attended a party in Delhi for the American military officers (US forces were beginning to arrive in India). Refers to Jessie Auchinleck as suffering from stress and fears "the public want someone's head on a charger." Criticises Richard Dimbleby's pessimistic radio broadcasts about 8th Army. British have more training catch-up to do than the Germans. [Ridgway is writing after the fall of Tobruk and during the indecisive first Battle of El Alamein. Auchinleck was to lose his command after this letter was written].
Also some further comments on Cecil Tyndale-Biscoe including his approach to missionary work.