Sent by:Sam Ashley
Sent to:Bryan Seymour
Date of letter:8 January 1943
"This is an awful business. Thank the Lord all yours are under your wing."
I have many letters that my dad Bryan Seymour, was sent. He had four uncles serving in World War 2. One was a prisoner of war in Stalag XVIII-A in Austria. He was the brother mentioned in the letter.
This letter is from my Great Uncle Sam Ashley MBE who was serving in the Middle East in the H.A.A. Regiment. He was awarded a Bronze Star Medal.
Transcript:
My dear Bryan,
Your lovely Airgraph dated 14.12.42 at last reach me and I was pleased, you bet I was as I had not had any mail for a week but last night along came a big lot and there was such a lot for Uncle Sam. I must say that your letter was written very clearly and well. I am so pleased to read of your success in the exams at school, you will soon be top of the class. Your mummy, daddy and Uncle Sam are very proud of you. Good show keep it up sonny boy and if you keep on trying like the spider you will soon win a scholarship and that we will be a great help and saving to your mummy.
I hoep you are looking after her and helping with the housework and things because by your photo you must be a big boy now, yes a starling did tell me about you being a naughty boy, but now the little birds says you are a very good boy so that is alright. Please remember me to mummy daddy and every one give Aunty Edie a great big kiss for me and tell her how much I miss her, tell Granny Seymour that I will write to her soon and I do hope that all is well.
We all hope to be home by next Xmas and have all those lovely times again together, you of course will be a big man and will be able to come long walks across the fields with me. Good night Bryan do not forget your prayers every night and always think of mummy's brother in them and if you can get a small one in for me please do so, lots of love and kisses from Uncle Sam. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
My dear Clara and Bert,
it was good hearing from you again and I am glad to read that all is well. Things here are much the same though you can see that I have changed my address, though we are still in the same place. I have lots of friends already.
I had lots of mail from Edie and was ever so pleased to hear again from you all. How is Bert getting on in the H.G. Has he done any more shooting I should love to be with him and have a drink at the old dog.
I was sorry to hear about Lord Aspley. Alec Comley sent a letter of sympathy to Lady Aspley. This is an awful business. Thank the Lord all yours are under your wing. I will write you a long letter soon if you should want a photo of me I have send a lot to Edie. Please ask her for one.
I do wish you a very happy and safe new year and may we all be together soon please God. Remember me to all your family and many thanks for all you are doing to help end this terrible war. Will write again soon. Sam
Contributed by:Kate Williams
Back to list
