"You have a right to absolute liberty of action as an Englishman"
The letter was written by my father to me on the day I was born, 28 June 1945, with the intention of giving it to me on my 21st birthday. It must have been forgotten in the midst of time. Years after my father passed I discovered the letter in a pile old papers I found. It describes the kind of day it was, his situation in the officers’ mess at RAF Sealand near Chester, his description of the cost of life in both world wars, for my freedom and future. There are 6 pages on letter-headed note paper. I found it too emotional to read in full again.
As I am 80 years old on 28 June, and thought I should share.
Transcript:
Printed text on letter: Officers' Mess, Royal Air Force Station, Sealand, Nr Chester. Phone: Connahs Quay 390
28 June 1945
Mr Dear John
May I congratulate you on your 21st birthday? As you will see from the no doubt strange address above I am away from home on your first birthday. But why have I chosen to write you this note to read on June 28 1966? The reason, I think, is this, I often wonder what things were like on the day I was born. Was it fine or did it rain, what did Tobacco and Beer cost, what were people thinking and doing – small things, but I think most people muse on them sooner or later. I have had rather a hectic day. Something went wrong with my eye and I had a minor operation on it – this morning at a military hospital near Chester, and now, in the evening I find it a little difficult to write, for I have a huge bandage over one eye.
Yesterday I got leave for the day for the purpose of getting a job for the day I leave the Royal Air Force and in my modest way, I think it has been successful.
You see we are just recovering from the effect of a terrible war, only a few weeks ago we were celebrating our Victory in Europe, we are still fighting the Japanese.
But to return to your birthday! Oh yes, the weather – cold and cloudy I'm afraid – spots of sunshine now and again. And the price of Tobacco? The only smokeable cigarette costs 1/2 for 10 and Beer? We pay 1/- a pint here, but it costs the RAF less than in a 'pub'.
About 4.30 this afternoon I telephoned a nursing home in Southport and asked how your mother was, the [unclear], a great friend of mine, and the matron were very busy, but a junior informed me that she was all right and asked me to telephone again later. I made the call from my workshop where we make and repair thousands of Radio sets every year for use in aircraft and I could not get another line to Southport, because in these days of 1945, even the use of a telephone wire for a few minutes can be difficult to obtain – but soon after 6pm I got through again and I was delighted to hear your mothers voice at the other end, she sounded fine, of course my spirits were raised a lot to hear her speak. She is a grand little person, and as brave a heart as there is – she told me we possessed a son – and that he was a "noisy customer." That's a good sign, John, because in my world, one had to make ones presence perfectly clear to be even recognised. I suspect that it will be ever thus. Somehow we seemed to know you would be a boy, and at this moment I am certain that you will be a man on 28 June 1966. It may be very "old fashioned advice", but always be a full sized man and care not a damn, except for the few on the earth who really matter.
You are on the very edge of great things at the age of 21. I know you would be frightened to grasp hold of a chunk of what's going – and then life can be grand fun, it does not matter about being "good" in the narrow accepted sense. Please yourself and choose your own life. You have a right to absolute liberty of action as an Englishman – but for Gods sake use common sense and keep a sense of proportion, apart from that the world is yours, and never let anyone take your liberty away – just 26 years ago this month a lot of chaps your age and calibre gave their lives to defend this very thing for you. I refer to the "Battle of Britain" and the events in France a month or two before. And if ever this hard won freedom is in danger, have a crack at wearing a uniform, believe me, it's damn good sport. I suppose you imagine me a rather warlike individual – not a bit of it! If I happen to be with you on your 21st, you will perceive a placid elderly gent – of 59!
Now John, I am going to close this note to you, I hate reading boring letters, and I'll bet you do too! So let me sum up. It is not easy to write to you at this time – 21 years away – I have not even met you yet. The pleasure will be mine on Saturday next – and next week I shall be along often, together with Con your sister. I wish you could appreciate Con as she is now. She is at the chocolate and ice cream eating stage, and often when she goes out she gets into the ditch and gets wet and dirty, you know what kids of 9 are but she's a grand girl and you should get along fine with her.
Have a good 21st. Your owl Dad.
P.S. You really haven't got a name yet my lad. I'm afraid I shall have to inflict "John" because I'm old fashioned enough to think that it should be since it's my name. And the "Emlyn" part? Not a bad name, and anyway the Welsh are grand people.
Back to list
