Tom Pullen to Violet Hutchings

These letters were given to me by my mother Violet, they are from her brother Tom. She was in Sydenham, London.

Transcript:

[Letter 1]

23/8/42
Dear Vi,

I received your letter dated July with thanks. I know I have not written many letters to you but I do know I have written a few at least. I sent photos to you as soon as I arrived in this country. I was very surprised to hear young [unclear] can swim but dive as well he's certainly come on fast. Tell him I'll race him a length when I come home. You remember the Christmas card you sent me I was in Libya at the time but I got it right on Christmas day and I was very pleased as it was the only one I got. Sorry to hear about Len maybe he is a P.O.W. though. You remember Herbie Hull well I am afraid he is gone as he has been reported missing, believe killed. Don't worry about me Vi I will be alright but I am very glad our Bill is where he is. I have had a few letters from Min she wrote to the war office and they passed it on. I don't know if she is worrying about my safety or not. I don't think so anyway. I am very fit Vi and in good health although the climate is very trying indeed. The sun is like a ball of fire from dawn to dusk. Do I remember our Bills Dive? am I ever likely to forget it. It was stupendous. Poor old Bill we certainly pulled his leg about that. Well Vi I must close so best wishes to you and family and may I be home with you all soon.
Your loving Brother Tom xxx

[Letter 2]

15/10/42
Hello Vi,
Here I am again signing on. I am going to write very often to you now as it is very lonely out here and I long very much for news of home. I am getting on alright although I have had a few attacks of fever since coming out here but they have all been of minor character. Well I am stuck for words but I have got to find something to say I have a good mate Vi Fred Fletcher is his name and he comes from Birmingham and he is a fine pal I like him a lot. We sat listening to the wireless the other night as we don't go out much and we were listening to troops broadcasting about what a fine time they were having on leave in London. You should have heard the boys language but don't worry it was all in Arabic so you wouldn't understand if I told you. Have you still got the old Stirrup [unclear] card in the window, I used to laugh about that, I bet you must be crack firemen in your house now. Well Vi I must close now as I can't think of anything more to say but anyway its a few lines to you and thats everything. I will close now so cheerio and God bless you and all at No 6.
Your loving Brother Tom xxxxxxx

Tagged:
Christmas, Middle East & North Africa

Contributed by:
Sue Garwood

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