Sent by:Commander Daniel Arthur Pegly Stephens
Date of letter:30 June 1940
"Since I last wrote I see that the Germans have visited the Midlands. Has Birmingham been bombed yet?"
The letter was from my father, Daniel Stephens, to his parents when he was on HMS Sheffield.
My mother gave it to me with many other letters and documents relating to my father’s life. After the Sheffield my father was appointed as Paymaster Sub Lieutenant on HMS Ambrose in November 1943.
I am not sure how old my father was but the photo is marked Dubarry Studios Birmingham. My grandfather was a doctor at Coleshill Hall, near Birmingham.
Transcript:
H.M.S. Sheffield
Dear Mummy and Daddy,
The only news that I seem to be able to give you is the films that I've seen. I hope that you don't get the wrong impression from this, as, of course, I am really very hard worked. However, I saw an extraordinarily funny film the other day ashore with Rex Harrison in it. It was called "Ten Days in Paris". If you get the opportunity I should see it, as it is rather good. I have also seen a version of "Black Velvet" (not a film) with Stanello in Vic Olivers place and, unfortunately, none of the original cast. It was very good, even though there weren't the original cast. Talking of Vic Oliver, do you listen in to "Hi Gang" on Sunday evenings? I think it is one of the best shows of the week.
I had my second pay day to-day. My mess bill came to the terrific sum of £5/5/10 so I only got £1. But in two months I shall we getting £7/10 a month. Then I shall be able to start to save.
Since I last wrote I see that the Germans have visited the Midlands. Has Birmingham been bombed yet? If it hasn't I should think it will be in the near future. What is the nearest place to you which has been bombed.
I am afraid thats all there is to say.
With love from
Contributed by:Caroline Stephens
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