Letters to Loved Ones

"It's heartbreaking to enter the public shelters. Mothers and children looking so pale, wanting to sleep and all saying why don't we bomb Berlin?"

"Nam and I have sent you a little cash for xmas. Let's how we will all be together before another."

"We left London in 1939 and we never went back to London again, not that we had a home to go back to: it had been bombed to the ground."

"I have done a little more work this week - okay no wise cracks - but the WAAF do work occasionally but up in forties section they really are hard at work"

"The houses were all lit up, with their wirelesses in the open windows, playing the same musical programme, and decorated with fairy lights in V-shapes, etc, between flags. . It really was pretty, and I thought Rosemary might remember it for always."

"Yes, I'll do the canteen every day eleven o'clock till one. Delighted, my dear, too delighted."

"Just a short line from Vienna. We have been here two days owing to the weather. The hotel on the front is where I am staying. Bags of comfort etc."

"Your 'special friend' Sgt Hudson of the Grenadier Guards has asked me just to send you a line and lots of love. Do not worry too much my dear. I have every reason to believe that he will soon be much better"

"My darling it has been perfect knowing you. Thank you for everything."

"I am now going to find all my red, white and blue things so I'll be able to dress up in good style."

"We got the first news last night & with no vino available there was no hilarity"

"I was grateful for those four hours that we were fortunate to have together"

"It's now here. Germany radio this afternoon says it is over but nothing official has come through yet by BBC. Churchill is expected to make a speech and everyone is going to be mighty pleased about things including me."

"Glad to hear the wife is a little better and that the children are alright, wish I could see Ann at the seaside"

"Well Mother, what sort of Christmas did you have at home? As for me, I had a good dinner and two pints of beer."

"Blimey what a job it must be to get grub, ammo and a million other things up to the front, but of course you don't need me to tell you all this as you must know it for yourself."

"I'm now in a most magnificent hospital in Belgium in a very comfortable bed with crisp white sheets and pale blue Whitney blankets. Real live nurses, some quite attractive ones too, tending to our wishes."

"I received your letter and air-mail card and I am sorry to hear you have had the usual English summer. The climate here is perfect, with the sun shining every day."

"We go from Bangkok to Rangoon by air, perhaps tomorrow then home."

"I expect you have been having plenty feasting on occasion of the peace. We are hoping my boy, you will be as soon as possible at home."

"The barracks are quite pleasant but the officers' mess is a frightful place."

"The spirit of the Kelly was magnificent to the end and everyone of her Ship's Company behaved in accordance with the highest traditions of the Royal Navy. I felt that this knowledge might help to comfort you in your great sorrow."

"3 more planes shot down by 607 before 0700 hrs. Many more warnings. Had dinner with Mde. Méresal. Very enjoyable. And delicious wine and champagne. Weather still excellent."

"The celebrations went off alright in London last week and are still going on this week."

"this letter leaves me still smiling and hoping this war will hurry up and finish so as I can get home once again."

"I'm glad that you are making Mummy happy, always do this my little sweetheart because she is the most wonderful woman in the world."

"It was nice getting below in the dry and warm, and the hot soup was good"

"What sort of celebrations did you have? Pretty good by all accounts. I would have done anything to have been home for the great occasion."

"Make no mistake - this is the most important day of your life & of the world"

"I had a feeling that I'd like to do that scene all over again, making a sort of little speech thanking you two for all you have done for me, just as I had planned to do."

"Mother and everyone have the flags and brass band ready for your return."

"Someone so vital as old Peter is no more - but he's at peace before us and will happy waiting for Pam to join him one day."

"Our dreams have certainly come true, the nightmare is over and I am on my way home!"

"I thought the top of the house was in, we could hear all the dirt falling in the yard."

"Eating all I can get which is not very much in fact we are nearly feeding ourselves."

"This is the story for your birthday. I am so terribly sorry that I can't be with you and mummy."

"You will be pleased to hear I am a good girl in school and I am trying very hard with my lessons"

"Well Glad darling what does it feel like to be a Mummy, what do you say pet, a load off your tummy and a greater load on your mind, never mind sweetheart I hope to be home before long and be able to give you a helping hand,"

"A year ago today, dear Iris you and I were married and, in so doing, you gave me the happiest hour of my life."

"What a contrast to the scene of the morning of the 9th Sept 43. The sea crowded with ships of all types. The LST's with the bows open on the beach like huge whales disgorging instruments of death, thunderous noises from the Naval guns, beach officers shouting their orders through megaphones, men running forward, some never to return."

"That, darling, takes us to the beaches & to-morrow I will tell you about France & the life we are living."

"We heard the incendiaries coming down, one outside the garage again, and someone came in in hysterics saying Mac's place was on fire"

"As you can imagine even though the war is over there is ten times as much work to do what with cleaning and straightening things up"

"Below me singing in progress, outside singing, everywhere happiness. Pity it is, in so many cases, a drunken happiness. I am thinking of you all in England. I bet London is full of flag! Is there a Czech one fluttering from our windows?"

"My sweetest darling little girl. I am just writing this letter to you before setting out on the great adventure."

"its like ordinary times here. never mind the war will soon be over"

"I'm very well thanks, cheerful too. Hope to be back in Blighty soon. Imagine it - I'm on the water-waggon - me!"

"We had quite a big ship in Saturday taking fellows back home, it was a grand sight to see all the lights on, and everyone cheering, and singing and ships hooters blowing as she put her nose out towards the happy journey home"

"Don't worry about me for I will be all right I will be waiting for the day when I can walk back in 43 and see you all there."

"Well I just heard Mr Churchill's speech at 3pm and I suppose you were listening to it as well."

"I wish so much that this day I were with you both & Mummy, still we have those lovely days to come & we are happy indeed that this day is with us"

"events have moved rather quickly these last few days n’est-ce pas? Not that the long-awaited end has come unexpectedly"

"God can't allow these dispicable criminals to cause so much misery, such unnecessary misery and sadness for much longer."

"We are all like a lot of old women as regard to talking trivialities and as far as rumours - we lap any up!"

"I don't no how much to thank you for your help the morning I got hit but I shall always remember you for your great deed."

"There were anti-royalist parades by the communists in Brussels, but otherwise all rejoicing, fireworks and guns fired by resistance people. Dancing in streets, girls kissing us, etc."

"Let's hope it's over soon. It's bad enough for us at home here but what must it be like for all you chaps."

"Never try and appease a bully, it just doesn't work."

"There were millions of people at Trafalgar Square tonight. I felt as tho' I were a person in the books I've read about the last war. People sang and shouted and smoked and wore ridiculous red, white and blue hats."

"I have just sent you a telegram with the news you have another son and can't he yell!"

"I am still looking for 'Hitler' but he keeps running away, soon I will catch him up and you know what I will do to him."

"Soon the air was filled with flying bullets from Messerschmitts, it didn't last long owing to the appearance of Spitfires but believe me it was warm while it lasted"

"Well darling the way in Europe is over at last. I remember I used to say that when it was I would get drunk. This is honest sweetheart I never touched a drop, but I said a prayer and thanked God for his kindness and guidance."

"Your letter received this dinner time, a shock to hear you had joined up."

"I can't grasp that I'll have you home soon, that all this slaughter has ceased, we pray God, for ever."

"I am alive and well and hope the same of you. Surely you will already have started working in the garden"

"My word we did have a time of it and poor old Exeter is in a sorry state."

"I've done a number of trips and I have been lucky so far but like a game of cards your luck can't hold out."

"Happy Birthday from North Africa"

"We were promised that we would be home for Christmas. Unfortunately they didn't state which year."

"I think we shall soon be home now, most of the Germans would be glad to give in now, and I don't expect we shall let them give in until we are ready, they have pleased themselves too much."

"Well I suppose you know that I'm a POW now and believe me it's a very dull life so I hope you'll write to me now and again."

"I should not have gone as far as I have without her and her wonderful pluck to carry on against the odds of my illness"

"It is nice to be able to have something from different parts of the world. Places where we at home will never visit."

"I’ve not the faintest idea on what I’ll do after the war – at least I feel entitled to be cynical about many things"

"What a fearful blitz a week last Saturday and the result was that all trains, buses, underground, railways etc. had been stopped from our end - the City was absolutely closed to traffic and East Ham is a long way"

"I cannot tell you very much excepting to get yourself out in the sunshine and enjoy yourself more than you do"

"It is like nothing on earth out here at times, what with the heat and sandstorms it makes you feel as though you could lay down and fade away for good"

"I am deeply appreciative of the gifts and letters that have reached me from you and thousands like you."

"Happy returns of your Birthday darling. Let's hope and pray that we shall spend the next one together in peace."

"Of all the flowers I send you, not one can compare with you the sweetest flower of all."

"Thank you for doing your ABC on Mummy's letter. You are a clever girl."

"Our tent is called "Hello Kitchen" but it ought to be called The Zoo, we've had all kinds of animal life in it."

"In a few days' time my four years in the Army will be up, and in about six weeks' time my three years overseas. However, perhaps by this time next year they will have reduced the period of overseas service, so if I can't spend Christmas at home this year, I'm hoping for next."

"I have been through a terrible chapter in my life and I would sooner be dead than go through it again."

"I'm having a swell time here."

"Tonight I shall pray that He will grant my prayers and give soon the happiness of being together for all time"

"Although we are far apart in the flesh, we shall be with you in spirit at Christmas."

"Cheerio and Keep Smiling"

"Out here we see some lovely things but not as good as dear old England"

"I shall never forget the sound of a hundred voices echoing over the countryside with the words 'Jerusalem' and 'Hosanna to his Name'. I never want to hear anything more beautiful."

"Tell him to have a one for me we will have one together next Xmas"

"Excuse our appearance in this photo. It's pretty dusty in town"

"I'll think of you, No matter where you are, If it be near or far, I'll think of you."

"As I had nothing to do I thought I would write to someone."

"Best wishes"

"I'm glad nobody wants me to go on a parade for Victory. I'm content just to know that it's all over and be very thankful."

"By the time you get this Christmas will be well over, I think it is going to be a very quiet one with the two of you away"

"Are you still keeping up your dancing lessons? I hope you'll soon be teaching me the latest steps"

"The news came through that 'Monty's' army had accepted the surrender of the German army. You'll be in bed now but what a nice surprise for you when you wake up!"

"It won't be long before we throw the hun into the sea and so clear this place up a bit"

"Just before the end of the War the Germans marched us out of the camp towards the West in the direction of the advancing British and American troops and away from the advancing Russians. After a couple of days the German guards vanished and we were left to our own devices. Eventually I met up with advancing Americans who took me to Regensberg."

"PS When you get a life jacket treat it as your best pal. I shouldn't be here now if I hadn't had one."

"I am getting quite fit playing rugby etc, there is little else to do except read. I fear this life will make me incurably lazy."

"I was very surprised to receive quite a lot of letters when I arrived"

"WRITE SOON"

"Three years have passed since last we met / But they've not dimmed my love / My thoughts will ne'er let me forget / They're constant as the stars above"

"How did the Germans react when they heard the war was ended? What a come down for them, eh?"

"I've been seeing a fair bit of the world since I left and it didn't take me long to find out that 'there's no place like home'."

"The church bells are ringing out this afternoon. The peals of victory all over Great Britain and Ireland."

"This is my mate and girlfriend, she is making socks for our three girls"

"I have been trying to buy cloth to send to you to make jodphurs"

Celebrating VE Day

"The 14th Makes Them Squeal"

"Friendly salutations from one Belgian friend to Bill"

"Thank you for the books received yesterday. Last evening I lay in bed reading and looking them through, dreaming and thinking all the time of the charming and lovable person who had sent them."

"I expect it is almost as hard for you to have strange children put on to you as it is for them having to leave us"

"Well my girl to be a Prisoner of War is not all honey but Ted can take it and after the War Please God everything will be made up to him."

"I am in the desert. It isn’t so bad"

"My darling, as I send these greetings, even though we are far, far apart, I still have the sweet cherished memories That I keep in the place next my heart."

"My unit is finished with so I expect I shall be going to another one soon."

"Mrs Avis and family gave a tea in the street for the children and afterwards we had a good old sing-song in the street in between the slight showers."

"Couldn’t find any writing paper; can’t find any words; long day it seems, awful long; I love you so dearly, that’s really what I want to say; I adore you."

"At last the day has come, and frankly no-one seems to know quite what to do about it. Last night there were terrific celebrations here, & we were busy with the old beam [searchlight] for a long time."

"I'll be thinking of you when I'm tossing on the waves"

"I shall never be able to repay you for looking after her as you have"

"We had two dustbins in the middle of the room for them to be sick in and all though practically everybody felt and looked terrible, they would crawl out of their hammocks and get across to the dustbins, and though they were emptied and filled up time and again, hardly a one made a mess on the floor."

"I can’t help but say 'We have worked hard for Victory, now its ours, now we must work for Peace.'"

"We have all been under a tense strain waiting every day for news of victory in Europe."

"We listened together to the declaration of war, we should have been together for Victory. How I wish you could have been here to see the celebrations."

"For goodness sake don't worry, everything is all right and I am not hurt at all badly."

"The sights and above all the stench of those early days I shall most certainly never forget, it's marvellous what one can survive."

"Well dad, make hast(e) and come soon so we can go to the pictures"

"I am sending you this little dog, and in return you must take special care of your Mummy until I get home. Because I love her so much."

"the Ministry of War Transport advises us that your son is safe in a North African port awaiting transport home"

"The people of Norway wish to thank you... for your valuable services in helping to restore freedom to our land."

"My darling keep a brave heart as I am trying to do"

"I'm glad you are getting on OK at your school, it's good to know that you are coming out top and in a play, eh, maybe you will be a film star in a few years' time"

"Greetings from the Desert Rats"

"It’s about time I said I love you Jendy – haven’t said it for exactly 10 days."

"I've got plenty of cigs"

"Cowboy novels or thrillers of any kind, sort, shape or nature are always welcome around this camp"

"Well sister as you say it now looks as though this war will soon be over and you can take it from me that it just can't finish soon enough"

"We went to hear the Mayor at the town hall. It was teeming with rain but that didn't stop anybody"

"The news came here through the Post Office and the Lady Mrs Edwards went up and down the village with a bell, calling the people up. We could see flares going up over Holyhead and some searchlights of some ships waving to and fro in the sky."

"Where my heart used to be is an ache that the Medical Officer won't be able to cure - you are the only one who can do that, Angel"

"So when you grumble just think how well off you are, old pal"

"Towards the end of the evening when the free beer had been drunk, the crowd got a bit riotous and pulled the tents down, overturned the tables and broke all the glasses and bottles"

"Overhead, fireworks were bursting in red, green and white. It was like a setting from some fantastic play, it was so dramatic"

"We know the deepest depths of life, nobody in the world can be so poor as we were."

"I'm missing you terribly and praying we will be together soon"

"The RAF certainly do themselves well & seem to get everything they want"

"I’m getting better slowly but I thought I was going to peg out when they brought me in here & the Doctor says it was touch & go with me for a couple of days."

"Mam tells me that you sit up with her at night now so you must be getting a big lad, well keep smiling and look after Mam till I come home again"

"If I am not home for the day darling, think of me the whole time and take courage from the fact that I shall be near you in spirit and praying for you the whole time."

"I'm glad to have the chance of doing something constructive for the war, or what is more important, the peace."

"Yesterday we were all working as usual on the top floor of the Royal Palace when the news spread round like wild fire that the war had ended - it had been picked up from a German Radio Station and the news wasn't really official"

"One thing, I think, which may effect my health or digestion is the amount of rice we are given to eat having it in some form or other for every meal, although I believe it is supposed to do one good!"

"I was pleased to hear the scraps of local news although I never even think about farming now, this job suits me much better."

"He is always talking about when Daddy comes home and I always get him to look at your photo in the kitchen when he talks of his Daddy so that he won't forget you."

"We are in a Palace only lately evacuated by the Germans... by the look of things they cleared out in an awful hurry for things are strewn all over the place - they are most untidy people"

"Thank you very much for sending my compact which arrived this afternoon"

"To my lovely wife Gladys from your true ever loving husband Bob"

"They made a dummy Hitler and Mr Duckles the black and white artist from Blakeboroughs drew his face and they did burn him"

"To My Little Baby: I am longing to see you always / And though I may travel far / I am thinking of you, you only / And my heart dear is where you are"

"Manchester was pretty much the same when I passed through last Tuesday, though more of the rubble had been shifted by fellow members of the rubbish-clearing union to which I now belong."

"I expect by now our new baby has arrived and I am wondering whether it is a boy or girl."

"I have been taken prisoner of war in Germany. I am in good health."

"I'm afraid some poor folks will go through it, the planes are not far away and of course may come to us, but I'm not meeting trouble half way, will just hope all the folks I know will be safe and everybody else if possible."

"Dawn harbours surely / East of the shadows. Facing us somewhere / Spread the sweet meadows"

"Searchlights sweep about overhead and there is some gunfire. The streets are deserted and as we get down eastwards and cross Whitechapel Road into Sidney St we can see several big fires going."

"May to August in Wales was four months too long!!"

"Well I'm in the same boat as you for I got wounded in the right thigh on D-Day"

"I do hope and trust that you enjoyed the celebrations darling [...] Anyway, enjoyed them enough for both you and me – I bet you did."

"At night time on deck you can watch the waves breaking past the ship in showers of phosphorescent lights, it is quite fascinating to watch and looks as if the sea was lit up from underneath"

"I only wish I was home with you all my dear little Gerald."

"May God bless you all in this Great hour of Victory to us all in Italy and Europe. P.S. You need to drink all your health with some John Haig"

"Thank you for the pullover, it is just what I wanted"

"Just a line to let you know I am alive and kicking in this dump"

"So this is what you call an A1 group. From the Bomber side it probably is and the Squadron is definitely a good set. But from the point of view of promotion it's terrible."

"Perhaps you will come to Belgium after the war"

"I would like you to send some more stamps and try and send the bikes down"

"We've brought a hun down in a field at Shoreham, and poor little Lancing has had a good old dose of bombs – it's never silent here either at night or day, however everyone seems to walk in the streets just as usual"

"The Yanks do things in style and believe me the food IS good."

"On the road to Mandalay"

"I'm allowed to say that at the moment of writing I'm intact in life and limb and an occasional smile has yet been known to flick across my war-weary face."

"Ever since yesterday I have been probably the happiest bloke on squadron, because the post brought me your photograph enlargement."

"We are still having a fairly good trip, and manage to find plenty of amusement, through we have to make a lot of it ourselves"

"Well darling this has all been about me, and nothing about you. How's the badminton been going?"

"I am very fit and in good health although the climate is very trying indeed."

"Glad you well. I am."

"VICTORY at last! Oh my darling what that word means to us."

"I never thought I could love her more than I did, but I have since found that she is everything in the world to me"

"It is very nice of you to remember me and send me such a nice present."

"I have also two calendars above my charp but as yet no 'pin-ups' or other pictures!"

"I am glad to hear that Roy has started work again and you say that he has not got his teeth yet"

"I am very well, still chasing old Hitler, one of these days we shall catch him and then the war will be over for good and I shall come home to you and Mummy"

"And now sweetheart, one small moan: will you please send each copy of the Daily Mirror instead of missing one or two in between"

"Just a little postcard to let you know I am thinking of you all the time."

"I say thanks to you both with all my heart"

"I had hoped to be with you fate thought otherwise."

"I miss my pint a heck of a lot out here"

"Fancy one of our type houses being sold for 750 pounds – a nice little profit that shows, due to War prices.

"There is still a hope of his quick release but until then don't worry to much as Jerry has a great respect for British soldiers."

"You can imagine me sitting at the bureau in the dining room, with Dash asleep beside me, Elizabeth asleep in her cot. I cannot go out to celebrate and don’t feel I want to without you, but at the same time I feel a little forlorn, and no doubt you can understand it."

"The news was of the surrender of course, and in case you don’t known I ain’t fighting anyone no more; – no more guns; mines, or the other things which have scared the daylights out of me."

"As we happened to be the first three English boys in the town we nearly got mobbed. There was your husband, just plain Mr Billingham, signing the back of peoples photographs for souvenirs by the hundred. We were lucky to be the first lads in two of the most important towns in France."

"I hope you have made preparations for Air-Raids & Black Outs and I hope you are not frightened"

"I treasure my memories of you all as I am certain you will come to treasure yours in the days ahead when all is peace again."

"Believe me Rosa it feels very strange to be in this country after passing through the others where we had a cheery smile and flowers thrown at us."

"I shall write a love letter next time, but I am still waiting for yours, little girl"

"Our castle from the outside"

"I am a prisoner of war. I am fit and well. Hope you are."

"I think that you could have tasted the apple pie that I made for lads yesterday. It was grand darling. I don’t think that I had better tell mum or she will be getting me to cook the dinner when I get home."

"However heavy my heart may be it will always be lightened with the knowledge that there is always somebody waiting for me to come home"

"What a sight them Yankee troops were to me who seen nothing but German soldiers for five years. I believe we all went hysterical, and can you blame us"

"Well Eric, Here’s wishing you a very Happy Christmas and hope before next you will be home"

"It was in the paper dear that the ship had gone down but that's the German Talk"

"hoping that we will see better times later on. Look after yourselves and keep smiling, remember me to all."

"Just a line to let you know I’m still kicking"

"My pal and I are going for a swim today if possible to refresh ourselves a bit"

"Hell Bunny it sure is swell in Florida I wish you all were here"

"News from you of Elizabeth and yourself, the news in fact that she is to be christened Elizabeth Gordon, of which I do approve, has made me feel quite light headed"

"I hope by now you will have realised that this is a proposal. I’m afraid it is not a very good one. For one thing, I’ve never written one before and for another I’m so horribly shy that I simply can’t put down all that I want to say; but I can just manage to say 'will you marry me Margaret.'"

"The day went in a flash and we were all so happy / The streets looked so pretty with all our chains. / We ate sandwiches, homemade biscuits and / Eggless sponge cakes, as we had all saved up our rations / And our Dads and Uncles drank the beer that had saved too. / The older girls danced and hugged the returning soldiers"

"I’m somewhere in England and quite OK."

"If it wasn’t for the occasional crack of a gun there wouldn’t appear to be any war in this part of the world."

"We are and shall always be anxious to do anything to help you and nothing would be too much trouble to do as a tribute to the memory of your son"

"Drank cider. Wore rosette and blue & white & red spotted blouse, short sleeves, my mother had made for me. Loved it."

"I have received three letters from you to-day sweetheart and each one seemed better than the other."

"I felt the whole time that one had read about disasters at sea and no doubt would read about them again, but that it was impossible that such a thing should be happening to me personally."

"We must not lower ourselves to the level of those for whose actions we have had some loathing and contempt. We must bear ourselves as humane conquerors who are trying to set the world on a safer sounder base for the benefit of all peoples."

A drawing of my brother John

"This is an occasion when I must congratulate you both on the happy event, I trust you and baby are quite well"

"Time goes very quickly provided you don't think of much, dear."

"VE Day. No school. Hooray. Went up to London again. Saw Churchill at Whitehall on Ministry of Health Building. All the H.o.P. was floodlit. Didn't get in till 1.30am"

"I am so glad you could come to the station to see us off, I saw you waving on the embankment for a long time, I wanted to get out and join you there, so much."

"I’m glad you enjoyed yourself victory night and that you took the children out."

"I know you think Hilda is a nice girl and I am sure you will agree she is the right girl for me"

"It was a lovely day yesterday and we sat quietly in the garden still unable to realise what had happened [...] Then Churchill spoke and we knew it was really true."

"The flag-decked streets the dense crowd throng, And now and then take up a song: / 'Rule Britannia,' some such strain ; / Then comes a pause-they cheer again !"

"I can almost picture myself in the near future, meeting for the first time my only treasure, you, darling. Keep tight hold of me, for I’m sure to faint"

"I knew that I couldn’t see you again for several years at least and that something told me that you’d forget me and start anew more easily if I didn’t write."

"I’ll never never leave you again dear only for a few hours perhaps and then I’ll come home to you in the evening. And in the summer we’ll have evenings in the garden surrounded by the work of our hands and the happy laughter of our children."

"The next day the entire unit had organised sports, a football match and then we went to a bathing lake and boated and swam and felt as if the war was really over."

"Still miss Mummy dreadfully"

"All is well here with me"

"I would like you to know how much I and the boys of the Squadron sympathise with you in your terrible anxiety and hope that even yet we may hear news of John’s safety."

"He passed the flag without saluting so the British escort officer yanked him back by the collar, and after he saluted"

"Isn’t it wonderful now knowing that we have come to the end of those five gruesome years and we can almost begin to sit back. But I can’t imagine life ever feeling the same again as it did pre-war. Expect it will be the same as after the last, which you know more about than I do, and I can’t picture it as being too pleasant."

"Goodnight dear heart, sweet dreams, may all you wish for soon come true"

"I couldn't very well stay out of the army - I had to help somehow. If people are being bullied by someone, any decent person would take a hand trying to stop him. And joining the army means taking the risks involved, so though I'm afraid at times, I pray I'll be brave enough to do my share."

"Menu: Collaborationist Soup"

"Others who were more fortunate and my own age had such a good war that I shall not recognise them for medal ribbons and would not dare to speak to them on account of their rank!"

“I wonder if you’ll manage a turkey for Christmas”

"Soon as I finished this letter we had 3 hours warning and they was dropping flares. I believe it was Bristol that was getting it hot"

"Mother, may I go out dancing?"

"Mrs Gliddon"

"I expect the avenue looks very funny with all the railings down"

"Once again I am behind barbed wire after having been free for 4 very good months."

"Never mind, my sweet, this won't last for ever and we have quite a lot to look forward to, haven't we, when the war is over"

"Christmas 1944"

"We will have larks again"

"I'm writing this to you on one of the most important days of both your life and mine"

"Give me Yorkshire any time"

"Just before it was really day light they started moving towards the beaches - Honestly it was a great sight - never to be forgotten. We actually could see the boys land a fight, it really was a grandstand view and I feel proud to have had the opportunity of seeing it."

"This is an awful business. Thank the Lord all yours are under your wing."

"Cheerio and all the best and a speedy return home"

"I'm doing alright Honey so you've no need to worry about me Dearest."

"I have heard from Auntie Millie that my cousin George has died “for his country” though it will be interesting to note in future years exactly what he did die for. I have the red flag hanging in my office upstairs. No one has said a word against it since I made from a screen cover weeks ago."

"Having a day with naught to do / but celebrate – 'twas V.E. 2"

"Since I last wrote I see that the Germans have visited the Midlands. Has Birmingham been bombed yet?"

"Elsie could you send me a small cake and I'll send you the money for it"

"We missed all the VE day celebrations owing to the fact that we were at sea, but they have given us a very sincere welcome here and the general air of festivity gives us a good idea of what things were like at home."

"The cross on the front of the card is where we are"

"The Russians are doing well, aren’t they?"

"It may sound funny to you when I say that I want to go darling, but there are boys out there that haven’t been able to get home for years and they have wifes and families praying for them to be home, it may only be for a short while sweetheart but I will think of you and write every spare minute I have got"

"To daddy with love and kisses from little Georgy"

"Well Darling this is one of the Days that we Both have Been waiting for Now we can look forward to that Big Day of ours to come Darling & Let's Hope its not to far off love."

"Happy New Year darling and may I spend the next one with you"

"I wish I were in England tonight I would particularly like to see London amid its rejoicing as when I was there the blackout etc were in full swing."

"The times I have been able to spend with you have been so very, very pleasant and in that respect I count myself very lucky, as there are many fathers today who have not yet seen their sons or daughters and there are many who never will."

"Believe me, the only mischief we get up to is catching bugs and flies and watching the ants taking them away."

"Roll on good times again"

"I don't suppose you have much time to read Shakespeare these days, but it will help"

"The Germans appeared to have been living in considerable style and having a pretty good time."

"Believe me, it's a wonderful city and the people here treat us as if we were their own sons"

"What a sight I have seen! Huge bonfires in the streets and such merry making! ... I do not suppose anyone will sleep tonight."

"I remember the glowing accounts of 1918 you used to tell us when we were children"

"I hope you don't think me melodramatic Dad, but I think you'll understand"

"Keep these dance tickets as souveniers of V day please. I danced from 8 till 12 continuous"

"Bitter cabbages and macaroni would taste lousy in a wedding cake"

"It was a big surprise to us when they told us the war had finished and how pleased we were"

"This is the kids at their victory party"

"A little discomfort is worth while though I often think that the poor old soldier suffers so many unnecessary discomforts merely because some one has an unusually large sense of his own importance and so little knowledge of human nature."

"I had no sooner left the house when word came over the wireless that the war in Europe was finished and that Tuesday was to be VE Day and Wednesday VE plus 1 day"

"I was asked by the Colonel, for the General (General Erskine) to design several different types of desert rats, so that he could select the one he liked best. I painted a dozen"

“Roy and I have started concert parties on board and we had the first show last night. It was a talent spotting concert and we are holding them for the next three nights”

"We were released by the Americans last Tuesday and since then have been well looked after, it’s good to be a free man again."

"I am keeping quite well, but oh the standing at the shops. hours of it makes me so tired."

"Everyone seems very taken with our babe, and if all the nice things they say are true, he must be a fine little fellow, my darling."

"Wishing you a Merry Xmas and Happy New Year"

"I've entirely lost all track of when I last wrote and what letters I have replied to, but you'll just have to forgive that"

"It seems as though we people who have got to do the fighting have got to sit back and watch you poor devils fight with your backs to the wall, but Bill we all admire you for it, keep it up"

"To wish you many, many happy returns of your double anniversary and hoping that we spend the remainder together."

"You’ll notice the envelope is stamped with a special stamp to mark the occasion of the final ending of the War."

“I was supposed with the help of a pair of binoculars to spot the shells land. I didn’t see anything, but I heard plenty”

"I have a lot of jobs waiting for you when you come home. I know you will enjoy doing them for me"

"Each time I think of the atrocities in the con[centration] camps I wonder where on earth they thought they were heading."

"It's been wonderful being able to write like this, the next best thing to a real chat"

"At long last it's all over, thank God for that... I'll be round for a Victory pint soon."

"We are still miles away from anywhere and likely to go farther still but going in the right direction alright"

"What your life is like I dare not think, but I know you my dear will make the best of a bad job, and try to take as much care of yourself as possible under the circumstances, because you know we are all waiting and longing for the day when you will return."

"We shall all be glad when we hear that the European war has ended but I do not forget that there is another war theatre too."

"I have just been listening to the 9pm news from London and they announced that Munich has been entered and thousands of Allied Prisoners of War have been liberated and now, yes, I’m sure that you were among them and that you too are now free."

"We cannot live without each other and the sooner I can get out of the army the better it will be for us both"

"Today we evacuated a Jap hospital which had our lads in. The sight I will never forget. All very thin with legs as big as my arms."

"I was surprised to come across a big German gun set in a dry ditch at the side of the road"

"Well at last after six long years Jerry has had it, and I would like to take this opportunity of thanking you all for the way you have all carried on without a moan or grumble (except Chas with his income tax, ha ha)"

"I suppose that in England things have been normal during the last few days but out here things have been looking very black"

"With best wishes for Christmas and the New Year"

"I received a letter from Eddie and he told me to keep my head down but it seems I wasn't quick enough"

"I should just like to be sitting down to a nice steak, with plenty of fried onions"

"it may be another 6 or 7 months but the time will soon roll round if you don’t think of it"

"Christmas Greetings 1942: It's in the bag"

"It is heartbreaking that we cannot send you things as you must be feeling very wobbly after such a bad attack - we shall get the things ready and despatch them the moment we get permission."

“I have had quite enough of seeing the great big world, I can assure you and am looking forward very much to getting back to Vera and Tessa”

"What a heaven sent message to hear that you are alive and we hope well. It was wonderful for which we truly thank God."

"Coventry is not the old Coventry any more. The centre of the town is wiped out and every street has, it seems, received heavy damage."

"I hope you are keeping fit and well and still Mummy’s big man and taking care of her while I am away and giving her the love and kisses I cannot give her"

"We saw Henry V when we went up to London, it is the best film I have ever seen, although it is from one of Shakespeare’s plays not even Daddy found it a bit dry."

"Keep smiling"

"I wish you could have been out here to see the camels"

"Leah told me all about my Mam and the way she took my place for me - she is a little brick."

"Rosina, life with you would be such fun"

"Some of my companions were reduced to boiled nettles and dandelion leaves. This will give you some idea of the state of hunger which existed. Some days we had no strength to do anything but just lie in bed"

"Mother would you kindly send me a letter or some kind of word you see it his a pretty long time now since I heard from you, if you could send me a few lines I would be very grateful"

"You have a right to absolute liberty of action as an Englishman"

“That is the worst of France, for unless you can talk French you are lost and it is a puzzle at times if you try to carry on a conversation”

"Gosh Darling I do wish you had been here to help me celebrate this great victory. The people have just gone absolutely mad with joy."

"Dear Mummy and Daddy. We was sorry that you had the air raid buzzer and had to go to the shelter."

"Yet deep in our hearts we remember / That when this war is over and won / We'll go back to our folks by the fireside / And we'll know that our job was well done"

"We thank you very much for your kindness in taking us over and to save us again from the Germans"

"The enclosed is just a worthless souvenir but also a memory of the days and nights I toiled in the Libian desert beneath an African sun to try and do my share to rid this world of the Nazi tyranny which threatened you and my children."

"With all best wishes for Christmas and New Year"

"I'm sure I shall find it difficult to recognise you again. How about a photograph?"

"I have seen a good deal of the world since joining up, but still I would like to go back out to see you."

"Apart from all this messing around with different boats, Chelsea get kicked out of the Cup by Aston-Villa."

"On his birthday, while evacuated to Scotland during the second great European War (6th year) from London who is being attacked with flying or stratospheric rocket bombs"

"By the way Jack I’ve just noticed you’re an A.C./1 now. Congratulations old pal. I hope the old Props follow real soon. Cheerio."

"Somebody cares a lot for you / Where ever you are, what ever you do"

"I had to have two innoculations. When I went in to be done he was standing there with the hypodermic needle in his hand and a leering grin on his face and when he stuck the needle in my arm he must have thought he was on bayonet practice or something"

"Am OK. Fondest love for anniversary"

"Starting today there is a twenty per cent tax on all luxuries, such as cosmetics, hand creams, nail polish."

"Grub's about the same but we get a can of beer now. The Teetotallers are very popular but we have a miserable few"

“We flew for four hours over some marvelous scenery including prairie, desert and mountains... P.P.S. Joan [Crawford] thinks you're cute. She said so when she signed your photo.”

"Great news since I wrote last, isn’t it. I went and got very drunk on V.E. night. I didn’t intend to but the pubs kept open till 12 and we kept celebrating till they shut."

"It is a peculiar sensation to be suddenly faced with the fact that when one goes out you haven’t got to be continually checking up with troops on where the bosch are and to believe that one won’t get shot at again - quite a relief! No blown bridges - no mines - no booby traps - an no more nightmares!"

"Kumbhirgram wasn’t too bad once I got used to it, but it took a great deal of getting used to, believe me. When it rained it was hot, wet and sticky; when the wind blew it was cold, wet and sticky; when the sun shone it was blazing hot and stickier."

"I am writing you, just to learn that you are well and safe with the world Topy Turvy, and if I could receive just a card or note that you are well I will be so happy. I was married in London in 1894 and love the city and its people."

"Less than eight weeks to wait for leave - assuming that fate is kind - and why shouldn't she be? We're an awfully nice couple!"

"Since yesterday morning I have been at a ‘Displaced Persons’ Camp, and have had very little time to spare. I have had a very hectic time trying to cope, but they come in in hundreds – all nationalities, and mostly P.O.W.s."

"Colin quite enjoyed seeing all the flags etc but didn’t know what it was all about. I pray God he will never have to see another war but I don’t feel absolutely certain of it and I’ve got an idea who we shall be fighting too."

"I am glad to hear all the goat are alright, send me the photo of you on as soon as you can"

"Actually the news came through yesterday evening about 9.30... At first nobody in the hotel seemed at all excited and one would almost have thought the people in the lounge were all attending a church meeting instead of discussing victory"

"Look after Dennis when Mummy is busy and when you go to school be a good boy and look after yourself and look both ways when crossing the road."

"Well the day we have been working for so long arrived at last."

"I am always anxious for the postman hoping he has a letter from you."

"He came to see me last night here at the hospital, laden with a very impressive bouquet of red roses. Its all very impressive. It may last, but if it doesn’t it will be yet another happy memory of my sojourn in the East."

"I have a confession to make, I have never been to church since we went together last leave. I don't seem to have the heart to go alone."

"The war still seems to be going on fairly well. I hope that we can keep it up. I think we shall. My God what a great day it will be when it ends. I should think everyone would go mad or something."

"It’s surprising darling how quietly this marvellous news has been taken by the troops out here on the whole."

"The old ending to a letter ‘It won’t be long now’ is rather worn out and so I’ll just say. All the very best."

"What a day, I am home at last to Eileen and it is V.E. Day. I am the happiest man alive I should think today."

"I don’t think we have much longer to wait now before all this lot is over"

“I always wish you could be with me when something interesting turns up like this"

“The Second Mate is a very good man, but I don’t think that of the Mate. I think he is crackers.”

"One thing I am very thankful for is that you are not in the great doings in France. You have a very good chance of coming back home, which is more than lots of fellows have."

"I wish I could get a change of scenery. They are keeping me here for another twelve months as a flying instructor, blow my luck."

"One of these days Daddy will be coming home on a big ship to be with you again"

"All the afternoon we were in and out of the house all day watching everyone get ready for the street tea parties, and of course had to join in the fun, dancing and singing."

"When we arrived at Whitehall we joined the crowd, and just by pure luck... Winston passed just by us, sitting on the roof of his car, waving his hat and puffing at his cigar."

"We’re all longing for that day Wallie, when you’re sitting here having a cup of Mum’s tea, still chin up, it can’t be much longer now"

"I cannot spend this Christmas Day / As I would wish with you / So shall we share it dear ones / By silent rendezvous"

"Oh ‘yes’ I could read your letter O.K. I think your writing is improving, which is more than I can say for my own especially on airgraphs."

"We were never meant to go groping through the darkness carrying death to other human beings, it is all wrong really, but at present someone has to do it and I suppose it is those who are fit and adapted for that sort of thing who have to do the job."

"I have just about had a gut full of rotten food, filthy mess decks and officers who are treated like lords and yet treat us like pigs, so as soon as this war is over I shall do my best to get out of this pig sty."

"My pipe is going fine. I only finish early enough to go out about twice a week and I suppose that sitting in the mess watching the other chaps smoking pipes made me take it up."

"Things like this make me glad we did not get married before I left since it won’t be so bad for you if anything happens to me."

"Our crew has been picked to make a film… Of course it has the usual tripe attached to it. The scenes will be "shot" after an actual "op", but we are supposed to enter looking as fresh as daisies, clean-shaven not a hair out of place & a crease in our pants."

"Very many thanks for the parcel of books … they will be most useful in helping to keep the greatest bogey away. That bogey is boredom and I think most of us will be glad when the real thing starts."

"Football. Tiffin. Dinner. Free Bar and Buffet in Cinema."

“Bear up for your children’s sake which we all must try and do although it’s very hard after being bombed out of 2 homes and losing one of your dear ones”

"Look after yourself darling and I hope you like my drawings."

“I shall always remember it - not as one of the happiest days of my life, but as one of the most miserable and depressing. You see, the war’s over and now it’s up to us to show the Germans how smart we can be. So… we have a day of parades and inspections!”

"These two soldiers have got their hats mixed up… be a good boy"

"Two of my mates and myself went to a house ashore yesterday and we had a very good time, egg and chips for supper, as you can tell how pleased I was, also had jelly a few days before - just like home, only you and dad weren’t there."

"We are happy and dear mum we have got a big orchard"

"It is my painful duty to inform you that a report has been received from the War Office notifying the death of :— ALLEN Richard James"

"My darling Baby Jean - the loveliest little baby in the whole world"

"He never failed me, and I can honestly say that he was without Doubt one of my best men, and believe me although he himself may treat it as a mere nothing, you have great reason to be Very Very Proud of him."

"So, cheerio Son. Keep your pecker up as I shall mine and then we shall come through with God's help. You are starting a new page in your life today, so do your best, Clive, you have always been a good lad and I haven't any fears for you."

"I don’t think it would be much use sending books out to me thank you, I don’t have a lot of time for reading most of my time off is taken up with letter writing."

"I will soon be back after this little job is over, think of how you will be able to use your nail varnish to your heart's content without my teasing you."

"Last Monday was the Day of the Great Event when the Russians marched into the camp; then the Americans arrived on Wednesday"

A coconut greeting

“By the time you get this letter, it will be common talk that the invasion is on. At the moment I am writing this on the boat going over to wherever it is we are going to."

“House bombed. Mother in Enfield Hospital. Come to my house. signed Gran”

"Just imagine it - that we are no longer to be targets for bombs, doodle bugs and rockets - There is little wonder that we in this corner of the land have celebrated Germany’s capitulation with joy and merry-making."

"Well, this is it, dearest, and yet I somehow don’t feel just so excited as I did last night. We haven’t done anything very special today."

"Here’s a wish that you can treasure / May it bring a moment’s pleasure / Days are long and hours divide / But ‘joy be yours at Christmastide’ "

"I can’t tell you how I pleased I was to receive that card and to know you are alive and well, it is four months since I have heard anything from you."

"Happy 5th birthday... It will be lovely when you can write proper letters to me. Do you like the bricks?"

"Everything has to be extremely well "blankoed" every night and we are always polishing! Boots, also have to be shining or else it means extra duties."

"Tea was made at frequent intervals with water from the engine boiler, the resultant brew was not exactly nectar but it was hot and sweet and went down quite well."

"It was a fine speech, wasn’t it? I like the dry humour he introduces but thought he sounded very tired"

"Wish I knew what the hell was coming next with this outfit"

"I only hope we get through alright, our home is still safe, we had it terrible on Saturday night we all thought our house had got it but only dust and dirt everywhere. I was up out of the shelter at 6.30 on Sunday morning and soon had it all cleaned up."

"I am a prisoner of war and I am fit and well, trust you are the same at home. Keep smiling"

"I shall go down fighting, my dears. I'm not a hero. But just one of those ordinary guys that is doing a job to try to help end this war, and to help make this country of ours fit for you, and other boys and girls, to live."

"I’m quite sure that all on board here felt a distinct thrill as we crept right into the French coast – close enough to see the church, houses, and details of the district – and being one of the very first on the scene, added much to the tension."

"The sky was overhung with a huge pall of smoke hiding the sun, and it was raining cinders and burnt material."

"Every time I get the blues I just think that perhaps I’m better off than you and I feel sorry for you"

"I've just got two nice tidy little wounds. One in my behind and one in my right leg, and no bones broken. Had 48 hours in Italy and that was enough."