This is the original translation from 1945 of a letter written in Dutch sent to my father Sam celebrating the peace. In my father’s words this family helped him while fighting in Holland during WW2.
The second letter, below, was a keepsake of my fathers – he said it was from his buddy who joked in the letter about shaking the Germans hand that had wounded him.
Transcript:
[Letter 1]
Hansweert
Mai 14th 1945
My dear Sam,
Long time ago you were here and much has happened since you have left Hansweert.
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.
Sam, when you get this letter, will you please try, to reply me, then I have your letter translated,-
When you have the occasion, will you write to me?
We shall be very gald to get a letter from you. I wish to be remembered to George and Railf.-
I received a letter from Railf's wife. I was very glad about it.
Teheresia has become a very nice child. When you are able to come over and see us as soon as possible, for we all long to see you, Railf, George and yourself.
The girls' cloaks are finished now, but I do not know if I can send them to England.
Sam, I have to close my letter now. With kindness regards from John, Tannie and the children, Maatje, Saartje, Corry and John and the girls, Suzan and Tannie and Teheresia.
I await a reply
Cheerio Sam.
[Letter 2]
1.8.45
Dear Sam,
You will wonder who is taking the liberty of writing to you so I had better introduce myself & tell you that I am sending you a few lines at the request of my husband. I am now Jeanne Palmer & have been for 4 weeks & 4 days & Alf uses me for his secretary in my spare time by giving me the job of writing to his various friends. I did not have the pleasure of making your acquaintance when you visited Sheffield whilst Alf was in Lodge Moor Hospital but hope to meet you some time soon.
It was a great pity that you could not get up here for the wedding because we had a marvellous time. The reception was held in the Church Hall & we had one hundred guests sitting down to tea. Thanks to the efforts of my mom & daddy we were short of nothing. After tea we played the usual games - musical chairs etc - until the dance band arrived at 7 o'clock. From7 o'clock until 10.30 pm we had dancing.
We went to Blackpool for our Honeymoon & had a super time. Perfect weather & food. In fact we had everything that we could wish for. Alf's mom & dad, his two sisters & his younger brother stayed with my parents for a week after the wedding & they think Sheffield is a grand place. His brother Jim, who is in the D.L.I. was the best man but he only managed to get down here from the Friday night until the Sunday afternoon.
Alf received his discharge from the Marines 5 weeks ago & is now leading a normal life once more. He is not working yet but hopes to be very shortly.
His eye is greatly improved and does not appear to trouble him at all. I know if may sound heartless to you but I'm not very sorry that eh was wounded because otherwise I should never have met him. Alf always says that, although he naturally dislikes Germans, he would shake hands with the one who gave him his packet because it has brought him a lot of happiness. He certainly deserves it anyway (I mean the happiness not the packet).
You say in your last letter to Alf that you will be getting "tied up" on your next draft leave. Well we both wish you all the best & hope that you & your girl will be as happy as we are.
Enclosed is your piece of wedding cake. Sorry it could not be larger but even a huge 3 tier cake doesn't go far when it has to be shared among about 120 people. Anyway it will be large enough to put under your pillow to enable you to dream of the girl you will marry. Did I hear you say it wasn't necessay to put cake under your pillow to do that?
Well Sam, I have heaps to do (my husband's socks to darn) so I will close with very best wishes from both Alf and I.
Yours sincerely
Jeanne Palmer
P.S. You will receive a photo of the wedding when they are ready. J