"I have a lot of jobs waiting for you when you come home. I know you will enjoy doing them for me"
I have a letter dated 27th January 1944 that my Nana Inez Richardson sent to my Grandad while he was a prisoner of war. I think he was in the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers.
The letter was returned to my Nana by the Censor as may Nana had written that she had heard his name given out over the German radio when he was 1st taken prisoner.
My nana tells him that they have had a good Christmas and that she had sent him 200 Players and that she hoped he could swap them for something he made need. Its very upsetting to read as my nana asks if he has received the photos of my mum that she sent as that my mum looks like a little imp.
My Nana ends the letter “please don’t worry Fay and I are quite well and looking forward to your home coming. Take care all my Love Inez and Fay x x x”
Transcript:
[Document 1 - Infantry Record Office - 26.06.1942 - typed with gaps for written detail]
Sir
I regret to inform you that a report has been received from the War Office to the effect that (No) 426784P (Rank) P/L/CPL
The report that he is missing does not necessarily mean that he has been killed, as he may be a prisoner of war or temporarily separated from his regiment.
Official reports that men are prisoners of war take some time to reach this country, and if he has been captured by the enemy it is probable that unofficial news will reach you first. In that case I am to ask you to forward any postcard or letter received at once to this Office, and it will be returned to you as soon as possible.
Should any further official information be received it will be at once communicated to you.
I am Sir Your obedient Servant
[Letter]
Date: Jan 21st / 44
I am glad Xmas passed OK for you. It was quiet here. Fay had a lot of toys again. My boss at work made her a lovely dolls pram & a man that works with Ada made her a little cot. I have sent you 200 fags (Players) I hope it is alright, I thought you could change for something you may need. Have you received Fays Photo's yet I sent them by Air mail. She looks a quiet little girl on them but if only you knew her as I do you'd say she was a lil imp. All here are OK & believe me when I tell you short of nothing. Ada is still keeping fine and John is still home. I still miss & love you as much as ever. I have a lot of jobs waiting for you when you come home. I know you will enjoy doing them for me. I still like my work & feeling better for the company. When you went away I weighed st7-9lbs now I weigh st8-8lb, that shows the food here is still AI. I am waiting for a play to come on the wireless called 'Apointment with Fear'. Did I tell you I had bought a wireless it is grand company. I heard your *name given over the German Radio when first you was taken prisoner*. I must close now. Please don't worry, Fay & I are quite well & looking forward to your home coming. Take care all my love
[Envelope - Returned to sender by the Censor for reason explained in Memorandum enclosed in this cover]
[Documents - invitation and souvenir programme from Welcome Home Dinner]
The Committee of the
R.S.V.P. (on enclosed card by 5th dec)
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