Author: Don’s Diaries

The RAF
Don served in the RAF from 25^th April 1943 to 6^th May 1947.

After his 6 weeks basic training at Cardington, he was sent to No 7 Radio School South Kensington to be trained as a Radar Mechanic. In March 1944 he was transferred to Servicing Echelon Lasham Hampshire where he seemed to move around between various squadrons, but mainly with 107 Squadron and 305 Squadron (A Polish Squadron). He was sent to Epinoy France with 305 squadron in November 1944. In August he was posted to 6021Servicing Echelon, Melsbroek, Belgium. He remained with Squadron 21 until his release from the service, including 2years as part of B.A.F.O. (British Air Forces of Occupation in Germany) based at Gutersloh.

Editors Note – Information on the structure of the RAF and the Squadrons Don was attached to can be found below.

The first mention in the Diaries of being called up is on 6^th January 1943 when he just noted that he has to register on Saturday, and on the Saturday he simply stated the time he registered and that he had ‘put down for flying duties.’

Saturday 12^th February 1943 he had his medical.

He spent 3 days at No 2 Recruits Centre, Cardington from 20^th April 1943. He puts in a large amount of detail about this 3 day assessment. He did not like the process, or the food, and was disappointed to be turned down for Air Crew but was allocated to RDF Radio Direction Finding later know as Radar. On the last date he noted his number is 1876276 A.C.H. Redhead.

His RAF Record of Service (ROS) details that on 26^th April 1943 he was enlisted to The Reserve and sent home until called forward for training. (Editors note more information can be found on the RAF Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR) under the section on the RAF structure below)

Between the assessment and being called up, he made the most of playing in his dance band and spent a lot of time with friends and family going to the cinema and shows. Although he wrote very little in the diary’s about how he was feeling, he did note he felt “rotten” when he had to say goodbye to everyone at work on his last day. I was also interested to learn that often even complete strangers would slip money into his pocket when they heard he was “going up” into the forces. Link to 15^th May 1943

The information in his diary was very muted for the day he left home on 18^th May 1943. His formal Record of Service (ROS) notes he was posted from the Reserve back to No 2 Recruits Centre, and then 2 days later he was posted to No 2 Recruits Centre, Skegness for his 6 weeks basic training.
From this time, his letters home contained lots more interesting information. Letters were obviously extremely important to him and his family, and there was much consternation when the post was delayed. It is also evident that between them they are trying to play down any dangers and privations each are suffering to try to stop too much worrying. The letters make it very clear that the doodle bug bombs were particularly nasty. Many parcels are sent between Don and the family including sending food, newspapers, music, and much else besides and his mother often still did his washing!

During his first 6 weeks in the RAF he clearly did not like square bashing, unnecessary rules and awkward officers, but he was pleased how fit he became and detailed many good times with the guys he was billeted with. Lots of inoculations are mentioned both in the letters and diaries. He also almost immediately started night school.

His ROS records that on 1^st July 1943 he was allocated to No 7 Radio School South Kensington, London. However the Diary details that Don was delighted to be sent to London Northern Polytechnic, Holloway Road, Islington Class 12C for his electrical training.
The ROS whilst normally very detailed just records South Ken, but his diary notes that he moved there in December that year. He had very comfortable lodgings in Islington and was able to go home almost every weekend and some evenings and was therefore able to continue playing in his dance band. The course ended in December that year and he passed “about 5^th” in the class. Half of them were sent to Bolton and he was again delighted that he was sent to South Kensington for further technical training, arriving on Wednesday 22^nd December. Don was very pleased that he was in the military band on Alto Sax and he was home from Christmas Eve until Monday 27^th December. He passed out as AC2 on Wednesday 1^st March 1944 and was posted to Hartford Bridge Hampshire.

However, when he was due to leave he got dysentery and was in St Marys hospital for 8 days. He was allowed home for 1 night and then had to make his way to Hartford Bridge but when he arrived he found 3122SE had moved to Lasham. Don finally arrived on Saturday 18^th March. The RAF records his hospital stay and that his unit was No 3122 Servicing Echelon, Lasham Hampshire from 8.3.44. He discovered he was in TAF2 and “it looks like we are in 2^nd front”. (Editor’s note further information on the RAF structure below) Almost immediately he was put into the advance party for going under canvas. It did seem a little disorganised as he wrote that some days they seemed to put down more tents than they put up. He was also very angry about how the officers were being treated much better than the men. Link to 28^th March 1944

Amongst Don’s memorabilia were two photo albums of photographs taken during his RAF years, many of which are reproduced below. As appropriate Don has been circled in red.
It seems there were some good officers however, as by the end of the month “Chiefy” had put him down for a GH course at Swanton Morley in Norfolk as he thought he would be fed up with tent life. He was there for 5 days which he thoroughly enjoyed. This was formally No1508 Blind/Beam Approach Training Flight Swanton Morley.

Don was back at Lasham on 8^th April 1944. On the 7^th April his unit had been renamed No 6107 Servicing Echelon Lasham Hampshire, along with Swanton Morley. This is the first mention of 107 Squadron. At this time Don had a few weeks of various bouts of ill health mainly pain in his leg, a sore arm and many nose bleeds which necessitated many trips to SSQ which I presume was the section sick quarters. The nose bleeds were to feature off and on for the rest of his life.

In July he was posted, with two of his pals, to No 6305(Polish) Servicing Echelon, Lasham, the first mention of 305 Squadron, still based at Lasham. Until 305 Squadron moved to France in November, there was a lot of ‘toing and froing’ with some short temporary postings back to 107 Squadron and moving between Lasham and Hartfordbridge.

During July 44 there was a lot of bomb damage at home, and on 23^rd September 1944 there was a tragic plane crash at the squadron.

October 1944 it became clear they would be posted abroad and on 12^th October 1944 Don wrote his will and sent it home to be opened if necessary, which I found very moving. After much toing and froing packing up and preparing to leave he finally flew in a Dakota to France near Epinoy on 19^th November 1944 which he found very exciting. He remained with 305 Squadron until being posted to No 6021 Servicing Echelon, Melsbroek, Belgium on 5^th August 1945.
Upon arrival in France, Don immediately went out to see the night life in the nearby town of Douai and discovered a café with a live band where he soon struck up a friendship with some of the musicians, Mr & Mdme Coupez.
He often played at the café and they were delighted to hear new music which had not been available to them during the war. He also enjoyed many meals with the Coupez family and other locals. Music was very important to him whilst abroad and he was thrilled when he saw the Squadronaires.

On 18^th December there was a tragedy on the base when 2 Marauders crashed ‘killing 10 blokes’, during the clearing up Don commented “Thank goodness I didn’t go as a navigator after all”. The German advance was also getting close to them, and arms had to be carried at all times.

Christmas Eve 1944 he enjoyed a very good Polish meal at the 305 mess supper. The entertainment in general seemed to be better abroad, he noted how much he enjoyed the Gang Show No 5 on Boxing day. He was also active in trying to start a 7 piece band and dancing lessons. In March he won tickets to the England – Belgium football match in Brussels which he greatly enjoyed. He then had tea at the Malcolm club* and an ice cream sundae in a parlour, a tram ride and finally saw several English news reels in a News Theatre.

Malcolm club* The clubs were named after a gallant young Scottish Wing Commander, Hugh Malcolm, who had been awarded a posthumous V.C for operations over Tunis. The first Malcolm Club opened in Algiers during 1943 and they soon increased in number with clubs in locations all over the world. The clubs provided not only food but also books, wireless, comforts and a cheery atmosphere in which aircrews could relax. Airmen regarded these clubs as their own

In early January 1945 the MO admitted him to the SSQ for a few days with tonsillitis, he was let out at 10am on the Sunday, had lunch at camp and was then told they were going to dinner with the Pianist in the café band. He had a wonderful meal but could hardly move at the end.

In January 1945 he passed his LAC and became a Leading Aircraftman. However heavy snowfall made life hard, but it gave him more time to organise the music for the band he was involved in trying to set up. He also managed to arrange for a café to do his washing, but then it was lost, but it turned out ‘Whizzo’ in the end. He also started to play with bands in Douai and Epinay. Another bright spot in January was that some officers who had been at Swanton Morley where he had eaten the best food in the RAF, came over and revolutionised the mess.

I had not been aware until reading it in the diary that leave dates were decided by a numbered draw. Don did not do very well.

1^st May 1945 trip to Vimy Ridge on a Signals organised run.
Then on 4^th May there were wild scenes in the billet as they learnt that the war was over as far as their drome was concerned because the remaining fighting was too far away after all the German forces in NW Germany, Holland & Denmark surrendered and then VE Day on 8^th May was also well celebrated on the drome.

By 17^th May Don was once again considering further EVT (Educational and Vocational Training Scheme) and went to see the education officer before deciding to take the Forces Prelim Examination hoping that the institute of Chartered Accountants would accept it as excusing their Preliminary exam.

In June he went on a 3 day trip to Paris. Lots of good food, sightseeing, entertainment and comfortable beds.
Even after VE day they were various mentions of further inoculations.

July 1945 he finally went on leave, it was a long journey by train and ferry.
He made the most of it seeing family and friends, and his band The Melody Makers, going to the theatre, to Southend, to Laindon etc.
He arrived home on Wednesday 18^th July and after 3 extensions to his leave did not have to go back until 31^st July. When he got back to camp on 2^nd August he knew 107 were leaving but was shocked when he found 305 had left as well. Don had been posted to No 6021Servicing Echelon, Melsbroek, Belgium. Melsbroek is just outside Brussels, and he was part of 140 Wing. 107 were also there so he knew a lot of others.
The group photo above has written on the back “Some of the Boys, Smag, Cpl Jimmy, Jim” and the 3 sitting “Ed, Sgt Mike, Ken”.

Don always had very fond memories of the Polish aircraftmen he was stationed with in 305 Squadron. He often talked of their bravery, hard work and good humour, and how he tried to advise any who discussed whether to go home at the end of the war not to go back to Poland, and how he then lost touch with them. He also often told the story of travelling home on leave and being stopped by an officer who berated him for being improperly dressed because he was wearing a Polish insignia. He of course argued correctly that he would be improperly dressed without it as he was attached to 305 squadron. It was just another example to him of the stupidity and short sightedness of some officers. From that time on he carried the note below confirming his authority for wearing the honorary badge of 305 Western Poland Bomber Squadron.
More photo’s from Melsbroek of various Aircraft
He took trips to Brussels and Bruges in August.
In September they were being plagued by mosquitoes but then were able to move out of tents into a hanger which was ‘wizzo’.

By October ‘45 they got some news about the demob which he was very unhappy about ‘absolutely bloody awful’. Once the war ended Don wanted to be demobbed asap and to get on with his accountancy studies.

Don noted on 13^th October ‘We had a prang on the drome tonight’ which was a terrible loss of 30 lives to happen now.

He was due to go on leave in October but it was put back over a week by a terrible gale. There are some photos with his parents in their garden in Plaistow in November.
However this time he was aware that he would be returning on 15^th November 1945 to Y99 Gutersloh Germany. The billets were good with central heating, but then the coal had not been ordered and they had a few grim days with no heating.

Below are photo’s from November 1945 of Gutersloh and the Radio Club
The Malcolm club in Gutersloh was approved of as was the Adastral theatre for classical music concerts, and he immediately set about trying to set up a band, but he had a miserable 21^st birthday. His family had a little ‘do’ for him during his next leave in March.

Don spent 18 months in BAFO Gutersloh until he was demobbed in May 47. Below are various photographs of this time.
Wing the magazine of 140 Wing, B.A.F.O. (British Air Forces of Occupation in Germany) was first issued Christmas 1945 and monthly thereafter, farewell edition November 1947, when the Wing was disbanded Don had all issues bound into two volumes and they have proved to be a wonderful source of information for me about his time in BAFO Gutersloh. Various articles will be reproduced below.

Wings Vol 1 No 2 January 1946 Article on 6021 Radar Section
Very little information is given about his work but he clearly spent a lot of time on music, shows, EVT etc and also spent a lot of effort ensuring he could partake in all these activities rather than working!. He resumed EVT almost as soon as he arrived in Germany.

Wing’s first edition Christmas 1945 contained an article on EVT
Don was also was very quick to get involved in starting up a band and organising the Christmas Concert, The Mozzy Express on Christmas Eve, which got a good review in Wing Vol 1 No2
By July they wanted to put on another concert and there was a request for talent in Circling Round. Wings Vol 1 No 11
Don got a further mention in the same edition with regard to having to move Billets. REMOVALS
Photo’s of the Billet
The band went fairly well and Don got more into the saxophone and decided to play that instead of piano partly because of a lack of Saxist to play in the band. Wings Vol 1 No 3 . On the same page is a request for help with another Concert Party.
In Wing Mag Vol 1 No 6 May 1946 Don and friends from the band had a letter published in response to some previous criticism. The Band is Heard

Don recorded in his Diary on 25^th May 1946 that he played in the band at a dance and it was ‘A wizard success’. Wing magazine gave a good review in which he was named Wings Vol 1 No 8 and there were 3 letters in letters to the Ed in the same edition – Our First Dance,
Further letters about the dance were also in the next 2 editions Vol 1 No 10 & 11 Our First Dance Again and Dances.
September and October Don seemed to be busy and enjoying playing at dances including the Sargent’s Mess Dance on 28^th Sept and the mess dance on 2nd October. Wings Vol 1 No 15
Don was very pleased to get a letter printed in Wing Vol 1 No 15 19^th October 46 issue regarding the ‘The inside on Jazz’ in response to a previous letter.
Wing Mag vol 1 No 17 November 30^th gives a review of Bandbox in which Don got a special mention for his piano playing.
There was a small mistake in that it stated this took place on 11^th October but Don was on leave at this time but he does mention the event on 14^th November. Then F/O (Flying Officer) Rae gave Don the job of putting together Bandbox 2 for Boxing Day. He was very pleased with the shows reception and Wing Magazine Christmas 46 edition gave a very good review giving Don a mention by name for his piano playing.
On 3rd August 1946 Don noted he had been put on recording inventories of the houses being requisitioned and wrote “Horrible job made us feel a lot of heels when women started crying.” The August edition of Wing Vol 1 No 12 had an interesting letter and response about this “controversial subject”.
Don continued to be unhappy with the demob process and caused upset by contacting his MP Elwyn Jones and on 26^th November 1946 his response caused a “colossal stir” at the base. Demob was a big issue in the Wing Magazine. The first edition contained an article entitled The How Of Release and Resettlement and the second edition contained the article Release?
He kept a copy of a letter he sent to Major Jones on 8^th December 1946 about the demob and clothing coupons – Major Jones Letter.
Don had two weeks leave in early June 46 and was at home to listen to the Victory Parade and saw Gloster Meteor jet aircraft fly over. He also spent some time at the family bungalow in Laindon and took the following snaps.
Not sure why his father was wearing a bowler hat and the cars would have been his brother Walters as he owned a garage. It would appear Don’s father bought the bungalow partly to escape some of the bombing and with a view to retiring there. I don’t know why this never happened, but it was sold soon after the war ended.

In Sept 46 Don was sent to Manston for a couple of weeks as part of the ongoing victory celebrations. He was excited to fly again in a Dak (Dakota) to Manston and was able to spend quite a lot of time at home during this period.

NB interesting article in Wing Victory Number re The Wing at Manston Victory flypast June 46
and photo taken at Wahn waiting to Fly to Manston.
His elder brother Walter remarried on 12^th October and Don managed to get leave for this event.
His second Christmas in Gutersloh was extremely busy. As noted above he was very involved in organising the Christmas Show, Bandbox2, which was very well received. Christmas day Don’s billet won first prize of a barrel of beer in the room decorating competition, they had a cowboy theme and dressed up and had a guitar & voice quartet. They then serenaded the dinner queue. Wing Magazine Vol 2 No 1
He also helped at the German Children’s Christmas Party on Christmas Eve.
17.1.47 Don went to the RAF Vocational Advice Service VAS at 2 Group. He found the test interesting and the adviser’s report detailed he would be good as Barrister, Accountant, Solicitor or Senior Admin Grade Civil Servant. Advisors Report below .
Wing Magazine had an article about Vocational Advice
The following photos were taken in January 1947
Wing Mag Don had another letter published regarding cat calling at the variety shows.
There was a Wing Concert Party show on 23^rd February 1947 which was again well received. In one of the sketches Don dressed up as “Freda the ‘Frat’” inspired by the cartoon Wing Mag. The review was good.
Four days after the concert Don was on his way to the island of Sylt. This turned out to be a bitterly cold “journey through hell”, through a blizzard. He was there for nearly a month which he did not enjoy and probably the highlight was on the second day when he wrote “Went for walk in morning, with Hugh Clunes, over to the seashore. I have never before seen the sea frozen as far as the horizon or seen boats frozen in. Quite a scene of arctic desolation.”

Don was very pleased to get back to Gutterslosh on 23^rd March. This was written about in Wing Mag Operation Sylt.
A couple of days after getting back he went on leave until 15 April 1947 and spent the next two weeks getting ready to leave for good.

Don left Gutersloh on 1^st May 1947, arriving at Hull 2 days later and then on to Lytham for his last 2 days in RAF. He arrived home at 10pm on 6^th May 1947. There was a lot of release paperwork to complete and a lot of ‘waiting around’ that “I got really cheesed, despite the fact that this should be the best day of my life’ Maybe that is why he kept his RAF Service and Release book.
Wing Mag had a piece about his and his friend Reg Abbotts departures.
Don wrote an amusing play about his despair regarding how long his demob took to come around which I found in his letters note book.

He had time off to rest and go on holiday to Southend returning back to the accountancy office on 9^th June 1947.

When on active service Christmas cards were provide to send home. Below are a selection I found Don had kept.
No 8 Malcolm Club was at Gutersloh and Don often visited and kept a few of their magazines. Vol 1 number 1 November 1945 included a brief history of Malcolm Clubs.
Issue No 2 ran an interesting article on Demobbing the Dance Bands, primarily about the Squadronaires which Don loved to the end of his life. The last concert he attended was to see the Squadronaires at the Cliffs Pavilion Southend the year before he died. The Article also mentioned the Skyrockets which Don was very proud of having played with on occasions at Gutersloh.
Hornchurch

Don married Doreen in 1951 and they moved to Hornchurch in Essex (Now Havering) where they brought up myself and my two brothers and lived for the rest of their lives. He was always interested in the history of RAF Hornchurch, and this was often discussed on our walks at Hornchurch Country Park near the old Airfield. There are a couple of mentions of RAF Hornchurch in his diary’s. Amongst his memorabilia I found various books on RAF Hornchurch and below is an interest article he kept on the history of the station. 63 Hornchurch The Battle Front

One important aspect of the ‘brave history of RAF Hornchurch missing in the article is the heroism of Raimund Sanders Draper(27 December 1913 -24 March 1943). He was an American volunteer in the RAF who when his engine failed just after take off did not bail out but guided the Spitfire so it did not directly hit a school beside the airfield. Only one pupil was slightly hurt. In his honour the school was renamed Sanders Draper School in 1973.

Radar

Don’s training at No 7 Radio School as a Radar Mechanic lasted for 8 Months.

Whilst the studying was at times hard, I am sure he enjoyed it and the knowledge he gained was useful for the rest of his life. He also very much enjoyed the night life and playing piano in his Dance Band during this time back in London, not to mention being able to spend a great deal of time at home.

For obvious operational reasons there is not much detail in the diaries or letters but he kept all the exercise books used during his studies and many text books.

Exercise Books

Small red notebook. Probably exam revision notes

Elementary Radio Notes

Internal Combustion Engines notes

Voltage

Radio and Electrical Notebook No.1.

Radio and Electrical Notebook No.2.

Radio Department Northern Polytechnic Notes on Filing

Soldering

RAF Training of Radio and Wireless Mechanics, Final Examination in Technical Electricity 3^rd June 1942 SCAN all 3

Text Books

Handbook of Wireless Telegraphy 1938 Vol 1and 2

Elementary Mathematics for Wireless Operators by W.E. Crook 2^nd edition April 1942

Radio Simplified J Clarricoats 1942

Definitions and Formulae for Students (Radio and Television Engineering( by A.T. Starr 1941

Handbook of Workshop Calculations, Board of Education and Ministry of Labour and National Service April 1942

His interest in Radar continued all his life. Whilst still in the RAF he joined the Radar Association and kept all his copies of The Radar Bulletin, the official journal of the Radar Association from Vol 1 no 1 in March 1947 until through to Winter 1972/3 when it had become Radar and Electronics.

Also amongst his collection:

RADAR A Report on Science At War Published in the United States of America by the Government Printing Office reprinted by HMSO, London 1945

RADAR Radiolocation Simply Explained by R.W.Hallows 1947 Edition.

Contained within this book for the Obituary for Wing Commander Edward Barton

EVT

List exercise books.

Royal Air Force Sketch Book Graph book used for Map construction

Mathematics

English Literature – Don wrote an interesting essay titled “One Law For The Rich, Another For The Poor.”

Economics

English

Geography – Europe (2)

Geography – British Isles (2)

He also kept a number of examples of Forces Preliminary Examination papers.

Don passed his Forces Preliminary Examination in February 1946 64 Exam Results.

Information on the Structure of the RAF and Squadrons Don was attached to.

From Wikipedia

The RAF Volunteer Reserve was formed in July 1936 to provide individuals to supplement the Royal Auxiliary Air Force. The purpose was to provide a reserve of aircrew to draw upon in the event of war. The Auxiliary Air Force, which had been formed in 1925 by the local Territorial Associations, was organised by squadron and used local recruitment similar to the Territorial Army Regiments.

Initially the RAFVR was composed of civilians recruited from neighbourhood reserve flying schools. The flying schools were run by civilian contractors who mainly employed instructors who were members of the Reserve of Air Force Officers (RAFO) who had completed a four-year service commission as pilots in the RAF. Navigation instructors were mainly former master mariners without any air experience. Recruits were confined to men of between 18 and 25 years who had been accepted for part-time training as pilots, observers or wireless operators. When a civilian volunteer was accepted for aircrew training they took an oath of allegiance (‘attestation’) and were then inducted into the RAFVR. Normally they returned to their civilian job for several months until they were called up for aircrew training. During this waiting period they could wear a silver RAFVR lapel badge to indicate their status.

The RAFVR during the Second World War

When the Second World War broke out in September 1939 the RAFVR comprised 6,646 pilots, 1,625 observers and 1,946 wireless operators. During the war, the Air Ministry used the RAFVR as the principal means of entry for aircrew to serve with the RAF. All those called up for Air Force Service with the RAF, both commissioned officers and other ranks, did so as members of the RAFVR under the National Service (Armed Forces) Act 1939.

By the end of 1941 more than half of Bomber Command aircrew were members of the RAFVR. Most of the pre-war pilot and observer Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO) aircrew had been Commissioned and the surviving regular officers and members of the RAFO filled the posts of flight and squadron commanders. Eventually of the “RAF” aircrew in the Command probably more than 95 percent were serving members of the RAFVR.

RAF Organisation

The RAF Second Tactical Air Force (2TAF) was one of three tactical air forces within the Royal Air Force (RAF) during and after the Second World War. It was made up of squadrons and personnel from the RAF, the air forces of the British Commonwealth and exiles from German-occupied Europe. Renamed as British Air Forces of Occupation in 1945, 2TAF was recreated in 1951 and became Royal Air Force Germany in 1959.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/academy/en/articles/art20130702112133719

RAF’s structure

The RAF is made up of one HQ (Air Command), Groups (Numbers 1, 2 and 22) – then stations, wings, squadrons and flights.

A RAF station is a permanent location. Many are aerodromes or airbases and home to one or more flying units called squadrons. Other stations are training or administrative centres.

The basic units of the service are wings, squadrons and flights:

Wings

Numbered flying wings have existed in the past, but more recently they have been created as and when necessary, according to operational demand. An expeditionary air wing (EAW) would be made up of aircraft, crew and support from several squadrons.

Just to confuse matters, wings are also the administrative units of an RAF station. A typical Royal Air Force flying station (not training) has administrative, engineering and operations wings.

Squadrons

The basic fighting unit of the RAF is the squadron. This is roughly the equivalent of an Army regiment.

The shape and composition of a squadron varies according to its role. Most flying squadrons are commanded by a wing commander who oversees around 200 personnel and between 12 and 16 aircraft.

Flights

A squadron is further divided into flights, under the command of a squadron leader. A squadron usually consists of three flights. Two will be fully operational and ready to go, while a third has responsibility for training newly arrived crews.

Air Command

At one time there was a separate bomber command, fighter command and strike command. Now there is just the one, Air Command, which is responsible for all RAF operations.

107 Squadron

From Wikipedia

No. 107 Squadron RAF was a Royal Flying Corps bomber unit formed during the First World War. It was reformed in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War and was operational during the Cold War on Thor Intermediate Range Ballistic Missiles.

http://www.historyofwar.org/air/units/RAF/107_wwII.html

At the start of the Second World War No.107 Squadron was a light bomber squadron, equipped with the Bristol Blenheim. It was one of the few bomber squadrons to begin active operations in 1939, taking part in the attack on Wilhelmshaven on the second day of the war.

The squadron was then involved in the fighting in Norway (April 1940), before taking part in the desperate attacks on German columns during the Battle of France. After the fall of France No. 107 Squadron took part in the attack on German invasion barges.

In March 1941 the squadron moved to Scotland and to Coastal Command and spent the next two months carrying out anti-submarine patrols and attacks on German shipping in the North Sea, before returning to Bomber Command and to Great Massingham in Norfolk.

In August 1941 the squadron’s Blenheim’s flew out to Malta, from where they attacked Axis targets in Italy, Sicily and North Africa. This lasted until 9 January 1942 when the surviving aircraft were withdrawn, and the detachment was dissolved.

In the same month the squadron began to receive Boston bombers back at Great Massingham, and in March operations from Britain resumed. For the next two years the squadron attacked German airfields and transport targets in occupied Europe.

The squadron’s final chance of duty came in February 1944 when it received the Mosquito FB.VI, and began to fly night intruder missions over Germany and occupied Europe. The squadron moved to Cambrai in November 1944, and remained there until the end of the war, still performing its night intruder duties. For three years after the war the squadron was part of the occupation force in Germany, before being renumbered as No. 11 Squadron in 1948.

No 305 Polish Bomber Squadron

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia

The last of the Polish bomber squadrons under Royal Air Force command, 305 Squadron was formed at RAF Bramcote, Warwickshire on 29 August 1940. It was initially equipped with the somewhat obsolete Fairey Battle aircraft, but was reequipped in November 1940 with twin-engine Vickers Wellington heavy bombers. The unit began operational flying in April 1941. Its first mission was bombing of petrol and fuel storage tanks at Rotterdam in the night from 25 to 26 April 1941. Between June 1941 and August 1943 the Squadron was based at RAF Ingham.

In August 1943, the Squadron was moved to RAF Swanton Morley and thereafter ceased its affiliation with RAF Bomber Command; instead, it was absorbed into the freshly formed Second Tactical Air Force, a specialized arm of the RAF that was centered on tactical air strikes on vital enemy targets (such as bridges, supply trains, etc.) in the European Continent.

During this period, 305 Squadron was transferred to No. 2 Group RAF and converted briefly to North American Mitchell medium bombers before adopting the De Havilland Mosquito FB.VI, the aircraft that the Squadron operated for the remainder of the European campaign. Through 1944, the 305 was stationed at RAF Lasham in England and then briefly at RAF Hartford Bridge before moving to the Epinoy airfield in France in November 1944. During the Normandy Landings, the squadron destroyed 13,000,000 litres of the German fuel stored near Nancy, France. The squadron performed its last mission exactly four years after their first, in the night of 25 to 26 April 1945. After the hostilities ended, the Squadron continued to operate in Germany as part of the occupation forces and, after a brief return to England, was finally disbanded formally on 6 January 1947 at RAF Faldingworth, having already given up its aircraft on 25 November 1946.

http://www.polishsquadronsremembered.com/305/305_story.html

HISTORY OF No. 305 (POLISH) SQUADRON
Written by Wilhelm Ratuszynski

As the last of the Polish bomber units, No 305 (Ziemia Wielkopolska) Squadron was formed on 1 September 1940 at Bramcote. All flying personnel came from the 18 OUT located at the same airfield, many of them, members of the 3rd Air Regiment in Poland. In the beginning, the total personnel numbered 23 officers and 156 other ranks. The position of the first CO was given to W/Cdr J. Jankowski, who was assisted by his British advisor W/Cdr J. Drysdale. Operationally, the squadron was attached to the No. 6 Bomber Group.
Just as other forming Polish bomber squadrons, the 305 was equipped with single-engine Fairey Battles. And as the training progressed, the unit was reequipped with Vickers Wellington. This change came toward the end of November. Many new postings arrived as the number of crewmen and personnel had to be doubled. The airfield became too small, and the 305, together with its sister squadron No. 304, was moved to RAF Syerston. The move came on 2 December 1940.
Rather intense training now took place at a large, pre-war aerodrome. The crews were billeted quite comfortably, and theirs rosters crystallized into harmonized cells. This helped them to be much better prepared for upcoming operations over the enemy’s territory. These, on the other hand, came only at the end of April 1941.
Meantime, on 4 April, W/Cdr Kleczynski was given command of the squadron.
On the night of 24/25 April 1941, the squadron took part in operations for the first time. The fuel tanks of Rotterdam were bombed by the RAF, and among scores of British bombers over the target were three 305 Wellingtons piloted by W/Cdr Klenczynski, F/O Jonikas, and F/Sgt Trembaczynski. All three aircraft returned safely, and to commemorate this event, the day of April 25th, became the official Squadron Day.
On May 3rd and the second mission, the unit suffered its first loss. On its way to bomb Emden, the crew of F/O Nogal was shot down over Holland. A week later, the same fate met the crew of Sgt Dorman.
In May 1941, all four Polish bomber units sent crews every time Bomber Command prepared something for the Germans. The 305 crews bombed targets in Germany and France. The end of May was marked by excitement, as the news about German battleship Bismarck spread around, and the crews stood by with Wellington bombed up with armor-piercing bombs.
In June, the nights became much shorter, which resulted in part of the bombing runs flown in daylight. The good weather prolonged and German night fighters made many interceptions. Many RAF bomber crews were forced to ditch, and the 305 flown multiple of the air-sea rescue missions.
The A.O.C.-in-C. Bomber Command and the A.O.C. No. 1 Bomber Group inspected No. 304 and No. 305 Squadrons on 11th June, and H.R.H. the Duke of Kent visited them two days later.
On the night of 13/14 June, the 305 crews took part in a bombing raid against German battleships Gneisenau and Scharnhorst at Brest berths. Six 305 Wellington piloted by W/Cdr Klenczynski, S/Ldr Kielich, F/Lt Zach, Sgt Siemienski, Sgt Lewek, and Sgt Nalota, returned safely to Syerston. But the losses were inevitable. Just like all the other Bomber Command units, the 305 had its share of fatalities. The most painful for the squadron was the loss of S/Ldr Kielich, whose aircraft was damaged by flak over Boulogne and the crew bailed out over the channel. Read F/O Idzikowski’s relation.

It is safe to say that, just like other Polish squadrons, the 305 loaded with exceptionally good human material, and its service with the Bomber Command was not unnoticed. Quite telling is a report of the RAF Swiderby CO’s, G/Cpt Pendred (who by that time familiarized himself with Poles and their novel customs) to the HQ of No. 1 Group, and which mentioned the F/Lt Korbut No. 305 Squadron navigator:
“I forward report in respect of F/O S. Palka, who has just returned from the Specialist Navigation Course held in Canada. I understand that there were 16 officers on this course, two of them Poles. On passing out, one of the Poles was top (F/Lt C. Korbut from No. 305 Squadron), and the other, F/O Palka, was third. You will note that the latter’s report is excellent and provides us with yet another proof if one is wanted, that the Poles are not only enthusiastic fighters but also earnest learners, with brains and capabilities equal if not superior to our own.”
The summer months of 1941 weren’t easy for the unit. The personnel had to get used to strenuous work and… losses. In July the 305 made 48 sorties bombing targets in L’Orient, Brest, Frankfurt-on-Main, Emden, and Dunkirk, and twice on Bremen, Cologne, and Rotterdam. Several aircraft were lost. Fortunately, the PAF reserves at Blackpool Depot were not yet depleted and the replacements were posted promptly. So, just like in any other squadron, the training never stopped.
Meantime, on 20 July 1941, the unit moved to RAF Lindholme, the “Polish” station in York, commanded by W/Cdr Makowski, former Co of No. 300 Squadron. The unit was partially converted to Wellington Mk. II, and then to Mk. IV. The latter powered by air-cooled American Pratt and Whitney Twin Wasp engines.
W/Cdr Kleczynski gave up his command of No. 305 Squadron on August 8th. He was found not longer fitted for the task, having been wounded many times, still suffering from injuries sustained in the Polish campaign in September 1939. W/Cdr Robert Beill replaced him.
On 27 September, the Wellington W5557 returning from operations over Cologne was forced to land. The aircraft fell on a farm near Hatfield Moor, killing four crew members and three civilians.
The end of 1941 was marked by the loss of several crews, the last one on 23 December when the returning from Cologne, Wellington piloted by F/O Golacki, crash-landed in Leicester without survivors.
In 1941 the squadron totalled 284 missions flown in a time of 1480 hours, and it lost 66 airmen killed.

1942, was the year when the Polish Bomber Force hit the enemy very hard, but in return was stuck itself with biggest losses. This resulted from an increase in its operational effort. The 305 was very important part of it.
On the anniversary of the first operational flight, and 24 April 1942, the Polish C-in-C General Sikorski visited the Syerston, and stationing there No. 304 and 305 Squadrons. The celebrations were preceded by a record number of crews taking part in a raid on Rostock. All returned safely and after releasing their entire load on target.
As usual, missions to be flown gained in strength and frequency with the coming of the spring. The first big one was a 1,000-plane raid on Cologne on the night of 30/31 May 1942. Several crews from the 305 took part in it. That month, the unit has begun to fly a new type of mission: mining entries to the German ports. These were difficult and dangerous flights, but the war itself was a dangerous business.
Losses kept coming – usually one or two a month crews lost – as the year progressed. Some of them were more painful.
On 1 June lost was the Wellington piloted by S/Ldr Hirszbandt, OBE. In a citation to his decoration, we read: “F/Lt Hirszbandt has completed 19 sorties over enemy territory involving over 99 flying hours. As a captain of the aircraft, he is outstanding. His determination to reach his objective shows a fine offensive spirit and in his complete disregard of enemy opposition, he displays the courage of the highest order. This offensive spirit, skilful pilotage, and outstanding leadership have set the finest example to all, and have contributed in a large degree to the successes of his Squadron.
“On one occasion, when detailed to attack Hamburg, the aircraft he was piloting was caught and held by searchlight, and heavily engaged by enemy flak. He determined notwithstanding to press home his attack as he was carrying a single bomb of 4,000 lbs. and he, therefore, came down to 8,000 ft. to bomb the target and a direct hit was claimed.
“After the attack, by skilful pilotage, he succeeded in escaping from the searchlights and flak and set course for base. When over the sea in the region of Heligoland, his aircraft was attacked by an enemy fighter, which damaged his aircraft and wounded his rear gunner. As the result of the encounter, which was shaken off by his skilful evasive tactics, his air-speed indicator was unserviceable, one propeller was damaged, his fuel and oil gauges ceased to function and the tail unit, rear turret, fuselage, and main planes were also damaged. His outstanding airmanship alone enabled the aircraft to be brought back to base, and though his aircraft was damaged in the landing, he undoubtedly by his efforts saved the lives of his crew and much valuable equipment.”

On 26 June the 305 Wellington with the W/Cdr Skarzynski on board, the CO of the RAF Lindholm, had to ditch in the North Sea after suffering flak damage. Except for Stanislaw Skarzynski, who became famous for his solo flight over the Atlantic in 1933, a British Navy ship rescued the whole crew.
During the second half of 1942, the squadron continued with maximum effort; the crews and aircraft were slowly depleting and it became harder and harder to send out the same number on missions. The unavoidable losses occurred periodically, but comparing to the previous year, there were many more safe returns in the unit. To replace looses they had to scrape the bottom of the barrel at the Polish Depot in Blackpool.
At the end of this backbreaking year, No 305 Squadron totaled 587 operational flights in 3,273 flying hours, thus more than double of its previous year effort. The unit sustained about the same number of losses, both in aircraft and flying personnel.
The beginning of 1943 saw a lot of new faces in the unit. Several crews from the reorganized No. 301 Polish Squadron were transferred to Hemswell. On January 18, the unit had a new CO, W/Cdr Tadeusz Czolowski.
Soon the so-called “Battle for the Ruhr” commenced, and the RAF’s Bomber Command stepped up its effort to cripple German heavy industry. With that came improved equipment and techniques for its use. In April, the 305 was converted to Wellingtons Mk. X, equipped with two Bristol Hercules 1,675 hp engines. These were much better aircraft to fly and the pilots welcomed the change very much.

In this new offensive, the squadron participated till the end of July, when it was decided to move the unit to the newly created 2nd Tactical Air Force. This was followed by a conversion to light bombers and a reduction of the crews. Meantime, on 22 June the squadron relocated to RAF Ingham only a few miles away from Hemswell. The conditions were quite different at the new place, where the crews were billeted in Nissen huts and the whole personnel was scattered all over the local spots. The airfield itself was a rather pitiful picture but had one big advantage: long, flat, and easy approaches. On 28 July, W/Cdr Kazimierz Konopasek assumed command of the unit.

When the 305 left the Bomber Command its record wasn’t outstanding, but it shows business terms it should be described as a “very solid performance”. From its first operational sortie on 25th April 1941 to the last one on 3rd August 1943, the squadron flew 1,117 sorties and accounted for 1,555 tons of bombs dropped and mines laid. It lost 136 killed, 10 missing and 33 taken prisoner – a total of 179 casualties, equivalent to more than a full operational crew each month for two and a half years. During that time the unit lost 46 planes.
Without aircraft, the unit moved to Swanton Morley (Norfolk), where it soon received North American B-25 “Mitchell”. After a month of conversion to the new aircraft, the unit returned to operational flying. This time its targets were flying-bomb launching-sites, enemy headquarters, and fortifications in the Cape Gris Nez region. The one biggest change for the squadrons was a fact that the missions were now flown in the daytime and with fighter cover. But very few Polish crews flown more the 10 missions on Mitchells, as the word was spread that the unit soon will reequip once again to De Havilland’s wonder: “Mosquito”. During the brief period of flying the American bomber, the 305 suffered only one loss, when on 14 November the aircraft piloted by F/Sgt Anglik crashed during a training flight.

On 19 November the squadron moved to a better airfield at Lasham in Hampshire. Soon after that, the first Mosquitoes were flown in. The change from Wellingtons to Mosquitoes brought inevitable personnel shifting. Needed were pilots of a more aggressive, fighter-style of flying, and those who did not have enough skills and were considered “truck drivers” had to leave. But those who stayed were much gratified. The Mosquito was the very best what the RAF could employ. Because there wasn’t enough of Polish pilots and navigators ready for conversion, the squadron received eleven British complete crews, which formed separate Flight commanded by a British officer. Poles formed nineteen complete two-person crews.
Until the D-Day (6 June 1944) the unit carried out its main duty: Ranger and Intruder operations. By day they chiefly attacked V-1 sites, and by night enemy’s night fighter airfields in France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany in support of Bomber Command operations. Although the squadron never sent many aircraft for one mission, it was rather busily engaged in those operations.

With the start of the Invasion, the 305 stepped up its operations significantly. Just as almost all RAF units engaged, the squadron had to deliver a maximum effort that day. Several crews made more than one sortie. In support of the operation, Polish Mosquitoes targeted railway stations, tracks, bridges and trains, reserve groupings, and forces on their way to the front. Between D-minus-one Day and the end of August 1944, the 305 made over 500 sorties on special missions and in support of the invasion.
As the Allies progressed on the continent, the 305 operations slowly shifted back to the role of harassing Germans elsewhere. On 16 June, lost were S/Ldr Herrick, British Flight “B” commander with the navigator F/O Turski. A German fighter shot down their plane during a Ranger operation in Denmark.
On 11 July the squadron lost two planes in operations, both to the enemy’s flak in France. Only S/Ldr Lagowski, a navigator, managed to survive and evaded capture. After a few weeks, he returned to the unit. On the last day of the month, the W/Cdr Konopasek was rested and W/Cdr Boleslaw Orlinski DFC took over the CO post. He was an almost legendary figure in Polish aviation and one of the unit’s many pilots of advanced age. Orlinski became famous for his record-breaking flight from Warsaw to Tokyo in 1926. Most of the others were well over thirty and with thousands of flying hours. No wonder that the nickname “Flying Blimps” stuck with airmen of the 305. It probably originated from the prewar cartoon character: Colonel Blimp.
Occasionally, the atmosphere of excitement swept the unit, as some special missions were introduced. On 2 August 1944 at dusk, nine Polish Mosquitoes led by S/Ldr Rayski, successfully attacked German Sabotage School at Château Maulny. In another “special commission” sortie, six planes led by W/Cdr Orlinski, destroyed big German fuel depot at Nomexey in France. Although both targets were heavily defended, the squadron suffered no losses.
Worth mentioning is many sorties flown in support of Allied ground troops trying to root out Germans from the island of Walcheren and Zeeland. These German positions prevented the use of the port of already liberated Antwerp. During September, October, and early November, the 305 bombed these German positions by night, lighting them with special flares first.
Unfortunately, around that time, the unit lost several crews, both in operations as well as in training. On 24 September, two Mosquitoes collided in mid-air. One of the crews was British; in another, Chaplain Samulski flew as a navigator. There were no survivors. In November five planes were lost and four crews, two Polish and two British. F/Sgt Haas and P/O Wilczewski managed to reach Allies lines on a badly damaged plane and safely bailed out.
On 19 November, the unit was moved to the continent, and to occupy part of the A-75 airfield at Epinoy, near Cambrai. There, just like all the other RAF units, the squadron operated in very demanding conditions. After fighting mud for over a month, the personnel had to clear the heavy falls of snow in December, nearly daily during the German offensive in Ardennes. All hands on deck were called when on Christmas Eve the squadron took off twice to hamper advancing Von Rundstedt’s army.

The squadron welcomed New Year in a somber mood. On 1 January 1945, the Luftwaffe in a last desperate attack tried to deliver a blow to Allies air forces stationed on the continent raiding their airfields on the early morning hours. The list of targets in the operation “Bodenplatte” included Epinoy. The airfield received several bombs, but the squadron suffered no losses, both in equipment and personnel.
In January five Polish crews completed their operational tours and left the unit. This caused a curious situation when in the Polish squadron majority of the crews were British. Among the non-Polish crews, the one would find a rather surprising number of other nationalities. There was an Estonian, a Norwegian, a Hindu (who got the Polish Cross of Valour), two Canadian crews, Welshmen, Scots, and Englishmen. There were also a few guys from the West Indies.
At the end of February, the 305 took part in the biggest aerial operation (“Clarion”) of the war, when 7,000 allied aircraft attacked defending Germany. The unit sent out sixteen Mosquitoes, which for half an hour strafed targets of opportunity in the area of Bremen-Hamburg-Cologne. The squadron created havoc on the ground but 10 of its planes returned damaged, three on one engine. One British crew was shot down.

From F/Lt Referowski’s DFC, after-mission report we learn that it was an eventful mission. On reaching the target area, together with his No. 2, he patrolled the sector allotted to him, looking for movements, of which none were observed. He then made a very successful bombing attack on a factory three miles NNW of Basbeck, scoring a direct hit on a large factory building. Continuing his patrol he strafed a wireless station three miles east of Basbeck, attacking it three times despite intense and accurate machine-gun opposition, and scoring numerous hits on buildings. He then followed with a successful attack on two barges and a vessel on the river Oste, and strafed an engine with five coaches on the railway line between Basbeck and Stal, receiving intense and accurate light flak, which damaged his fuel tank what resulted in fuel leakage. On his return journey, in the Zuider Zee area, he saw a Mosquito aircraft flying on one engine, and, despite fuel shortage, (which eventually forced him to land short of his base) he turned back to its assistance.
On 1 March the squadron consisted of 25 crews, eleven of them Polish. That month the unit recorded 212 operational flights without losses.
In April 1945 the 305 saw less flying but lost two British crews during Intruder operations. The last operational sorties were flown on the night of 25/26th when six planes operated in the area of Westerland and Flensburg.

During its service with the 2nd TAF, No. 305 Polish Squadron totaled 2310 nighttime and 158 daytime operational flights; dropped 1213 tons of bombs, and spent 360 100 cannon shells. It lost 25 Polish and 19 British airmen. It also lost 35 planes.

© Polish Squadrons Remembered

21 bomber squadron

http://www.historyofwar.org/air/units/RAF/21_wwII.html

At the start of the Second World War No.21 Squadron was a light bomber squadron, equipped with newly arrived Blenheim IVs. Like many bomber squadrons it had a quiet start to the war, but that ended in May 1940 with the German invasion of the Low Countries. No.21 Squadron took part in the costly attacks on the advancing Germany columns, before at the end of May moving to Lossiemouth, to join Coastal Command.

The squadron spent most of the next two years operating as an anti-shipping unit, alternating between Lossiemouth and Watton between June and December 1941, before moving to Malta at the end of December 1941 to attack the vital Axis supply convoys attempting to get supplies to Rommel in North Africa.

The squadron was disbanded on Malta on 14 March 1942, and immediately reformed at Bodney, this time as a day bomber squadron. The new squadron inherited No.82 Squadron’s Blenheims, which were soon replaced by the Lockheed Ventura, but it was not until the arrival of the Mosquito FB Mk.VI in September 1943 that the squadron gained a truly effective bomber. Its first operation as a day bomber squadron was an attack on the Philips works at Eindhoven on 6 December 1942.

The Mosquitoes were used for a mix of pinpoint daylight raids and night raids until February 1945, when the squadron moved to France. From then until the end of the war the squadron flew night intruder missions over Germany, helping add to the “mosquito panic”. After the war the squadron spent two years as part of the occupation forces in Germany, before being disbanded in November 1947.

The Squadron moved to bases in France in February 1945, and then to RAF Gutersloh in Germany in December 1945. It provided courier services between Blackbushe and Nuremberg in support of the Nuremberg Trials before it was disbanded on 7 November 1947.^[2]^[28]

Aircraft
August 1938-September 1939: Bristol Blenheim I
September 1939-July 1942: Bristol Blenheim IV
May 1942-September 1943: Lockheed Ventura I and Ventura II
September 1943-October 1947: de Havilland Mosquito FB Mk.VI

Location
2 March 1939-24 June 1940: Watton
24 June-29 October 1940: Lossiemouth
29 October 1940-27 May 1941: Watton and Bodney
27 May-14 June 1941: Lossiemouth
14 June-17 July 1941: Watton
17-25 July 1941: Manston
25 July-7 September 1941: Watton
7-21 September 1941: Lossiemouth
21 September-26 December: Watton
26 December 1941-14 March 1942: Luqa

15 March-30 October 1942: Bodney
30 October 1942-21 March 1943: Exeter
21-24 March 1943: Methwold
24 March-1 April 1943: Oulton
27 September-31 December 1943: Sculthorpe
31 December 1943-17 April 1944: Hunsdon
17 April-18 June 1944: Gravesend
18 June 1944-6 February 1945: Thorney Island
6 February-17 April 1945: B.87 Rosières-en-Santerre
17 April-3 November 1945: B.58 Melsbroek

Squadron Codes: UP, YH

Duty
1939-June 1940: Light Bomber squadron
June 1940-March 1942: Coastal Command anti-shipping
March 1942-1945: Light Bomber squadron, ending with 140 Wing, 2 Group, 2nd TAF
20/12/2021
The Blitz
Dad, his father and brother Ern kept a black and red memo book similar to the Diaries, in which they listed every Air Raid Warning ARW. Studying this book is very sobering indeed. It details a total of 1222 raids from September 1939 the last one being on 28th March 1945 a short 8 minute early morning warning, which was not even mentioned in the Diaries. The warnings range in length from a couple of minutes to many hours. Sometimes the All Clear AC is not heard. There can be many raids in one day, sometimes up to 6 or 7. Occasionally there is a note of “Guns etc No Warning”.

The Blitz officially was from 7^th September 1940 until 11^th May 1941 but my father’s records show that Londoners suffered Air Raids for a total of 5 ½ years. 3 ARW’s are noted in September 1939 but I presume these were tests. June 25^th 1940 is the next record from 1am to 4am and he notes “Guns in Distance. August 23rd 1940 at 9.30 pm is the first time he notes “Guns etc No Warning”.

The first page of the notebook lists chilling monthly numbers killed and injured from June 1940 to October 1941, and then goes on to list every ARW they suffered. A few example pages are below.
- AWR stats page 1 with Killed and Injured Numbers
- AWR’s page 2
- AWR’s Sept 1940
- AWR’s Dec 1940/Jan 1941
- AWR’s June 1941 to July 1942
- AWR’s 1945
The first year of the diaries barely mention the war, the first mention being conscription for 18-21 year old on 26^th April 1939, and his first comments are recorded on 22^nd May 1939. There is an interesting entry on 18^th February 1940 regarding an Air Raid Precautions demonstration, and the first air raids are noted on 22^nd May 1940 at Margate and Ramsgate. The entry on 24^th June 1940 was written in an air raid at work. The first deaths he mentions are of bomb deaths in Dagenham on 27^th July 1940 and gruesome details of a train machine gunned in Surrey on 19^th August 1940. 23^rd August 1940 is the first entry detailing bombs dropping nearby and details of going into the shelter.

There is almost constant bombing from September 40 until May 41 the most notable entries being,

24^th August 1940

30^th August 1940

15^th September 1940

8^th October 1940

6^th November 1940

29th January 1941

19^th March 1941

Interspersed with the horrific entries above are lots of interesting information about getting on with things during that time . At the height of the bombing his employer agreed part time working so they could get some much needed sleep after nights in shelters, and then he lost his job due to the damage. For a while he continued with his piano lessons until the teacher moved away. A friend of the family moved in with them for a while, when he moved his family out of London. The next door neighbour with a baby was very anxious and spent lots of time with them during Air Raids until she also move away. Dad continued to get library books and go to the cinema when possible and learnt chess with his friend Bert.

He started another job with Guedalla’s Solicitors on 09.12.40 and many entries detailed his difficult journeys to work due to the damage from the raids.
- Tube Map – Front
- Tube Map – Back
He also started playing piano in a dance band during this time and there are many tales of playing at dances.

As the raids became a little less frequent there was much more about music, the band and by 09.03.42 he had joined the Accountancy firm he completed his Articles with.

At the end of The Blitz officially 11th May 1941 Don’s family had recorded 561 raids, but then the number of raids reduced considerably and for the rest of that year there were just a further 14 raids noted. The Diaries record these raids and also that they are continuing to fire watch. The last raid of the year on 14^th December 1942 is noted and that it only lasted 2 minutes and the entry also notes that they heard on the 9pm news that it was a test. In 1942 they note a further 25 raids. There is an interesting entry on 28^th July 1942 about the new Rocket AA’s, but sometimes they are not even mentioned.

In January 1943 the number of raids begins to increase again and on Sunday 17^th January 1943 there is a very chilling entry. Don was playing at a dance on Wednesday 3^rd March 1943 which had to be stopped for a raid which was “Fairly heavy”. The night of Sunday 16^th May and into Monday there were a number of raids and some “Action” but Don still went to the cinema that afternoon. The next day he was in the RAF. The memo book records many ARW’s but it is interesting that the letters sent to him from home play down the raids so he does not worry about them. The first letter to him dated 22^nd May 1943 states ‘We have had several noisy nights but have only got up on one or two occasions’. I also found it interesting that the V1 Flying Bombs called doodlebugs which started in June 44 seemed to cause more alarm than any others.

The last raid recorded was on 28^th March 1945.

These Photographs were in Don’s Collection and I believe they were taken in Ilford.
- Bombed Houses – Ilford
- Harrison Gibson Bombing
- Bombed Houses
An example of one of the theatre programs amongst Don’s artefacts from the time.
- Ilford Hippodrome – Cover
- Ilford Hippodrome – Programe
Below are excerpts from a collection of war time leaflets kept by Don and his family.
- Welcome the War Worker – Front and Back
- Welcome the War Worker – Pages 1 and 2
- Welcome the War Worker – Pages 3 and 4
- Welcome the War Worker – Pages 5 and 6
- Trivia Quiz – Cover
- Trivia Quiz – Page 1
- Trivia Quiz – Name the Author
- The Nation Needs – Pages 1 to 4
- The Nation Needs – Pages 5 to 8
- The Nation Needs – Pages 9 to 12
- The Nation Needs – Pages 3 to 14
- Air Raid Precautions – Cover
- Air Raid Precautions – Contents
- Air Raid Precautions – Introduction
- Air Raid Precautions Issue 2 – Cover
- Air Raid Precautions Issue 2 – Contents and Page 1
- Income Tax Quiz – Front and Cover
- Income Tax Quiz – Foreword
- Income Tax Quiz – What Your Money Buys
- Income Tax Quiz – Post War Credits
- How to Keep Well in Wartime – Cover and Back
- How to Keep Well in Wartime – Contents
- Protect Your Home – Cover and Back
- Protect Your Home – Contents and Page 1
- Light and Incendiary Bombs Pamphlet – Cover
- Light and Incendiary Bombs Pamphlet – Back
09/08/2021
Firewatching
Don’s middle brother Ern was declared unfit for service on 7^th June 1940.

Soon after this the diaries show he became involved in firewatching both at home and at work, along with Don and their father Joseph. Later I was very interested to discover that their mother Florence was also a firewatcher. Many women became involved as the war continued but I had not heard much about this before reading the diaries.

There is an interesting entry on 25^th June 1940 where Don was asked to form a Stirrup pump team and he was very excited about being put in charge of “older chaps”. However a couple of days later he is very put out that Ern has taken it over. As the bombing progresses it is clear that Ern takes his firewatching role very seriously, most likely because he was unfit for active service. There are many entries recording that he was “up all night” or falling asleep on the stairs and on 19^th April 1941 Don writes, “ I reckon he deserves a medal the way he goes on night after night.”

Some of the interesting dates in the Diary include.

31^st July 1940 making bomb with friend for pump demo.

4^th August 1940 Watered garden with the Stirrup Pump

29^th January 1941 incendiary bombs dropped behind house. Info on how all neighbours ran to put them out. Also funny story about Don’s friend Bert stepping in bucket of water.

9^th February 1941 Info on starting up the Street Fire Patrol

9^th March 1941 Mention of Ern putting out Firebombs at the Greengate and that there was a fire watchers meeting at Lister Institute & the watching starts next Wednesday 12^th March. Don’s first watch to be the following Wednesday 19^th March from 2 to 6 am.

19^th March 1941 Don’s first watch. Very heavy raid.

5^th April 1941 Issues around watchers not turning up and Ern stayed up all night.

20^th April 1941 Ern has forms from the A.F.A. for the firewatchers to sign so that they have to do their duty or they will be reported.

27^th April 1941 Firewatchers meeting. Don and Ern got the first helmets as they are Fire-fighters not firewatchers.

29^th August 1941 Ern asked to take over a Section From Dundee Road to Grasmere Road, (probably 3 Jack Area). Fire watching to be made compulsory.

Amongst all the war time memorabilia, I found a very large amount of information relating to firewatching. I will put up what I feel to be the most interesting and will list at the end of this section all that I have. If you would like further information on anything please contact me.
- Don’s ID Card
- Ernie’s ID Card
- Ernie’s Certificate to train Fire Guards
Ern had become a Senior fire guard by 1942 and was responsible for 3 Jack Area.
- Map of 3 Area Jack
He was responsible for the firewatching duty rotas, Record keeping and training and he kept many records and logbooks in beautifully hand written note books, as well as many official letters, memos and information.

Formation of Teams Letter 3 Pages
Letter 14.10.42 Reporting fires during Air Raids
Various Memos and Instructions to Fire Guards
Civil Defence Duties became Compulsory by 1942 Compulsory Enrolment Order and below are some of the notices sent out by the County Borough of West Ham.
Ern had kept a number of portable signs and the Drill for using Stirrup Pump’s.
Below are a selection of leaflets issued by the Ministry of Home Security and the Ministry of Health, and snippets from various Handbooks.
Below is a selection from a number of hand written note books which were used as Fire watching log books and other records.
After May 1941 he seemed to keep all records on individual foolscap pages
Many copies of THE MIDNIGHT WATCH the Broadsheet of Britain’s Fire Guard and Civil Defence Workers, were kept and are available below.
- Midnight Watch No.13 – Front
- Midnight Watch No.13 – Back
- Midnight Watch No.12 – Front
- Midnight Watch No.12 – Back
- Midnight Watch No.11 – Front
- Midnight Watch No.11 – Back
- Midnight Watch No.10 – Front
- Midnight Watch No.10 – Back
- Midnight Watch No.9 – Front
- Midnight Watch No.9 – Back
- Midnight Watch No.7 – Front
- Midnight Watch No.6 – Front
- Midnight Watch No.5 – Front
- Midnight Watch No.4 – Front
Full List of Fire Watching Documents:

County Borough of West Ham , Civil Defence Small red ID cards to certify BLANK is a member of a Fire Guard Party (7)

Hand Written Note Books

Black Notebook recording names on firewatching duty 12.3.41 to 12.5.41

Duty Log Book Tuesday 13^th May to 31^st December 1941

Duties of Fire-Watchers

This log-book must be signed immediately coming on duty.

During Alert periods at least one watcher is expected to be on outside patrol.

10 to 2 watchers are responsible for calling up 2 to 6 men, and on no account must they put book in letter-box or go off duty until at least one of these men accepts log-book personally.

Fire-watchers (and Fire-fighters) not actually on duty must be prepared at all times to render assistance if alarm is given by watchers on duty.

The Following Party-Leaders, with Stirrup-Pumps, are in our Immediate Vicinity

Rota Committee

Collection Committee

Equipment at Post

Ladders

Water butts

Stirrup Pumps

The Midnight Watch (Wall sheet of Britain’s Fire Guard and Civil Defence Workers)

Britain Shall Not Burn!

Issued by the Ministry of Home Security. To be displayed in Fire Guard Posts and Wherever Fire Guards Gather.

No 4 (4))

No 5

No 6

No 7 (2)

No 8

No 9 (2)

No 10 (Midnight Watch in a new form) half the size and no longer a wall sheet but a paper to read at ease.

No 11

No 12

No 13

Many sent to Mr Redhead 3 Jack – presumably the area he was responsible for

Fire and bomb watching formal instructions including:

Mobile Fire Pumps Operating Instructions Worthington-Simpson Limited

Air Raid Precautions Handbook No 13 (1^st Edition) FIRE PROTECTION For the Guidance of Occupiers of Factories and Other Business Premises HMSO 1942

Ministry of Home Security air raid precautions training bulletin No1 HMSO 1940 reprinted 1942

Ministry of Home Security air raid precautions training bulletin No2 HMSO 1940 reprinted 1942

Air Raid Precautions Handbook No9 INCENDIARY BOMBS AND FIRE PRECAUTIONS HMSO 1939 revised 1942

Air Raid Precautions Handbook No11 (1^st Edition) CAMOUFLAGE OF LARGE INSTALLATIONS HMSO 1939

Air Raid Precautions Handbook No14 THE FIRE GUARDS HANDBOOK HMSO 1942

Home Office (Fire Service Department) THE NATIONAL FIRE SERVICE DRILL BOOK third edition HMSO 1942

Home Office THE PROTECTION OF YOUR HOME AGAINST AIR RAIDS Read the book through then keep it carefully HMSO 1938

The Fire Guard’s Pocket Chart including A Table of War Gases – Pictures Diagrams Tables – Compiled by T.M. Ross

Protect your home against fire from Incendiary Bombs with PIONEER fire-resistant Finish A.R. Grade ICI

INCENDIARY BOMBS Instructions to the Public

Fire Guard training

County Borough of West Ham Civil Defence – memo to all member of the Wardens Services and Fire Guard Organisation. Explains structure of Fire Guard Organisation. ER was Snr Fire Guard for post area Jack 3 19425

District Warden, Head Fire Guard Senior Fire Guards, Street Captain, Party Leaders Stirrup Pump Team Leaders.

Letter from Chief Warden regarding H.E. I.B. and gas demonstration East Ham 21.11.42

Memo to the Senior Fire Guards24.11.42

Revised Method of Dealing with Incendiary Bombs 1 Kilo Anti-Personnel

Addendum to Report Writing – Reporting Fires During Air Raids

Fire Guard Circulars

No 9 31.3.43 memo on Static Water Supplies, Eye shields, Exemptions, Trailer Pumps

War Instruction No 12 21.7.42 3 new types of German Incendiary bombs

Hand written notes on Incendiary bombs, Phosphorus, Oil Bombs and combination H.E. & Incendiary

Map of 3 Jack area

Auxiliary Fire Service How to summon the Fire Service during air raids

Wardens Service Addendum to Report Writing Reporting Fires during Air Raids 14.10.42

Air Raid Precautions Office 12.12.42 Meeting of head and senior fire guards at Holbrook road schools on Tuesday. Film display at Broadway Cinema Sunday 20^th December.

Fire party drill

Home Security Circular – Interval between impact and detonation, Heating of explosive nose, hospitals, final disposal of unignited IBEn and IBSEN

15.01.43 Gas and incendiary bomb demonstration at Hackney Marshes

Supplementary Fire Parties 24.8.42 – info on bombs and firefighting

Ministry of Home Security

1.8.42 Phosphorus and other Bombs Now being Used by the Enemy.

What to do About Gas

Protection of Churches and Similar Buildings against Incendiary Attack.

Issued by the Ministry of Health

If Hitler uses Blister gas – Soap and water will help to bet him

Various Forms and Notices

Lots of Records, .Log Books etc from 3 Jack Area

Arm Band and Insignia

Eye shields anti gas Mk11

Fire Guards and Stirrup Pump signs
27/07/2021
Basic RAF Training: 20th May 1943 to 29th June 1943

Letters sent from home to Don during his basic RAF training.

22/5/43

Dear Don,

We were very pleased to receive your letter this morning. It was indeed a tonic to us all to hear you were fixed up so quickly and sincerely trust you will be happy in your new surroundings.

Bert has told us that Les has passed his medical Grade 1 and he will not be surprised if he does not go to Cardington for his few days in a week or two’s time.

I phoned Doris on Thursday morning, for news. She told me her mother has had her operation and is progressing fairly well and Beryl was quite alright.

Ern Xray appears satisfactory, and he has been advised to get out into the sun etc. He has seen Bennett and will soon be starting on his teeth.

He had a day with Jean at Laindon yesterday, and we all hope to go tomorrow (Tuesday). Our thoughts will be with you as they have been all the time since Tuesday.

We have not received your parcel yet, but as you know everything will be straightened out when we receive it.

We have had several noisy nights but have only got up on one or two occasions.

Ern has seen Marsden about the Piano. Aunt Maud (Ovens) called yesterday for the photos of the wedding and has informed us Stan has gone to Lincolnshire.

How have you arranged about laundry? Anything you send will soon be done and posted back quickly.

We hope the food will continue to be good and that you will enjoy it.

I expect you will soon be an expert in the art of cleaning buttons etc and that the marching etc will soon become a pleasure.

I asked Jean if she wanted to say anything but she thought she would not ask for a black eye.

However, you know our combined good wishes go to you and also hope the time will go pleasantly and quickly.

With all our Love from Mum & Dad

24/5/43

Dear Don,

We were so pleased to receive your first letter last Saturday morning, it was such a relief for it seemed ages since you went but now it is not so bad.

I am glad you are doing your best to make the best of things and that you like your Sergeant, it will help you so much more and how nice for him to be complimented on your marching after only a couple of days.

We are also pleased to know your food is good.

Dad Jean Ern & myself had a nice day at the Bungalow yesterday and Mr Crockett inquired after you and was pleased to know you are getting on ok.

If you have to do your own darning don’t pull the wool too tight in fact leave it loose as it shrinks in the wash.

If you possibly can send your washing home, do so and I will get it done quickly and post it back to you.

Ern and Jean called on Doris Saturday evening and Beryl is still ok and Mrs Keyes was improving.

Beryl was calling Ern, Donald, so Doris said that’s not Donald that’s Ernie so she said Ernie Donald she would have your name in it.

We are wondering what she will say when she sees you in uniform.

It is now 1.30 Monday and your parcel has just arrived everything ok we have also had two letters this morning one first post the other 11.30, so I am hoping you are now feeling much better after your vaccination and inoculation.

We are pleased to hear that you have been able to have a bash on the piano, also that you have met a Clarinet player, we can see you having a band of your own soon.

Yes we have got all the long grass cut at Laindon Dad finished it yesterday so now it will be quite easy each week just to run the mower over it. The potatoes are doing well, also there are some tiny apples on the tree.

Jean and I were able to bring home some lovely yellow and blue Iris from the three beds in front of the bungalow, also some Roses and lupins, I have taken some to Floss this morning and she was so pleased.

I will pass your enclosed note on to Bert when he comes home this evening.

Well Don I think this must be all this time as we want to get your parcel away. Dad will be writing later, so with love and best wishes, and may the best of luck be with you in everything you have to do.

I remain your loving mother xxxxxxxx

26/5/43

Dear Don,

I received your letter of the 24^th this morning, and I hope by this time you have received the parcel and found everything ok.

We are pleased to hear the food is good and trust it will continue so and that you will have plenty of the things you enjoy.

I expect you are going through it during the early part, but stick it out cheerfully, and I hope soon, the rough time will be forgotten.

I am glad you feel no ill effects from the inoculation.

I am sending the book you require, the enclosed letter came this morning. I am writing this at the shop as I want to get it posted early, so mum can say a few words when I get home dinnertime.

I cannot write a long letter with so many interruptions, but I felt I did not want to wait till tonight I know you will understand.

I am now just off home to dinner and shall pass this to mum to continue with the best of all wishes.

From Dad.

Dear Don

I was so glad to hear from you again this morning, and to know you are feeling o.k. now, after inoculation.

I hope you have received your parcel by now, with Ern & my letters.

Aunt Lilie called again last night (Tuesday) to know how you were getting on, she was very pleased to hear you were taking things cheerfully and that you are having good food.

All the best Son From your loving Mum

27/5/43

Dear Don,

Replying to your letter of the 25^th which we received this morning, I am very glad you have adopted a philosophic attitude and I trust the off days will be few and far between.

I trust you have had no ill effects from the toe, I suppose you report any little mishaps, in case of complications.

Don’t worry too much about the drill book, you will be surprised how it will all come to you, and after a few weeks you will look back on these few weeks as a little nightmare, and then will soon be forgotten in the studies that you will be best fitted, I shall be more than pleased when the next 3 or 4 weeks have passed.

I suppose you will make the 40 fags do for the week especially during training, so as to keep your chest and lungs free.

Have noted your remarks about allowances, I shall let you know at once, if we hear anything.

Ern has been to hospital this morning, and the Doctor said he can go back to work.

I rang Walter, to inquire after Mrs Keyes and she hopes to be out of hospital next Monday. Also he told me Doris would be coming here this afternoon.

We do not know if Albert has left Gib yet, I think Ern is going to write him per Air Mail.

Doris, Beryl & Jean have just arrived, and I have given them your address, I expect they will be writing you.

Ern has found another tin box (for Soap) he is going to enamel it, to save it going rusty, and I will send it to you later on.

I hope you sleep comfortably, now you have found your ideal way of making a bed, I know you will keep cheerful & happy, although this period of strenuous training is no doubt a bit trying, I feel sure you will derive great benefit, and have a brighter outlook very soon.

I hope you have received parcel etc and anything else you require, you have only to let me know, and I will see you get it.

I think this is all this time, so wishing you all the best, and sincerely hoping you will keep fit & well. All our love, and kind thoughts from Mum & Dad.

P.S. Jeans nephew (Freddie) has been called up for the army and has to go to Colchester next Thursday.

31/5/42

Dear Don,

We were pleased to hear from you this morning (Monday) and while I was sorting out the music you require, your parcel came at 10.30.

I shall be unable to give Bert your message as he went away for his holiday yesterday (Sunday).

Your mum washed the handkerchief immediately they arrived and am returning them together with four (4) others, two (2) of them you can dump after using them.

Well Don, I am at home this week, we will be going down to Laindon on one or two days I shall be in the City today, and shall post your music from there, hoping you will receive it quicker.

We had a fine day at Laindon yesterday. We arrived there in a lovely storm, but it cleared up as we started from the station and turned out very warm.

Ern has started work today.

Has your toe got alright? And are you feeling fit and well?

By the way, would you like your rubber shoes sent on.

I checked the things in parcel, and everything was alright.

I think this is all this time. Wishing you all the best. Love from Mum & Dad

1/6/43

Dear Don,

We were pleased to receive your welcome letter this morning.

I trust you have received parcel o.k. that was a quick job your mother washed & ironed the Hankies while I was writing your letter, and as I was going to the City, I thought I would post it at Fenchurch St. so I expressed it to save keeping you waiting. You mentioned 18 pieces & the other two, but to give you all you required totalled up to 21. I have received another one from Chappels “Take the World Just As You Find It” & “I’ve heard That Song Before.”

Now for the rest of my programme yesterday, I had to go up the other end, and when I came back I called on Doris she told me she had written you, and also her mother is now out of hospital, and is going along fairly well.

Mum & I hope to go to Laindon tomorrow (Wednesday) and return Thursday evening.

We are very pleased to hear you have got over the weekend, I expect you look strange with your new haircut, what a save in Brylcreem.

Now as regards washing, if you are not satisfied with the RAF, send it home.

I will see about some more labels etc when I get back to work next week.

I am glad about your shoes but let me know when you want another pair sent, don’t wear them too long without being repaired.

As regards Ern & the Hospital, I think myself he has been worrying, and the Xray has seemed to satisfy him, also now he knows the inside trouble was due to his teeth, he seems much more cheerful.

I take it you wanted the pyjama trousers returned.

Ern will give Jean your message as regards Freddie.

How did you enjoy your dip in the sea? Does it please you now it is discontinued?

I am glad you did not require any dental treatment and I hope your chest & lungs are ok.

Let me know if you run short of cash or anything else you require, it will make us happy to know you are not short of anything you may require.

I suppose by now you have got plenty of pals, and that you are able to enjoy yourself in your spare time.

It seems a long time since you went, but to receive and send letters, helps things considerably.

We all hope you will keep fit & well and that the time will pass quickly & pleasantly.

Joyce told mum a letter came for Bert, but they won’t be able to forward it, as they haven’t got his address.

The weather today is very changeable, and I am glad we put off going to Laindon, today.

What sort of weather are you having?

I am going to work next Saturday afternoon as that is the busiest time, they are very pleased with my suggestion and I shall have a day for it when you come home.

I know Ern will be pleased to read your very interesting letter when he comes home tonight.

I think this is all at present so will conclude with our usual kind thoughts and much love from Mum & Dad.

2/6/43

Dear Don,

We came down to Laindon today (Wednesday) by the 11.10 from Barking, and found your letter waiting for us.

No doubt by now you have received the parcels, and you know we are only spending a couple of days here.

In the first place, the weather had not been too good and in the second place we guessed you would be requiring music etc, so it has all happened for the best.

We will be returning tomorrow (Thursday) evening.

On Monday I had to go up the other end, and on Tuesday the weather was rough we only got as far as Green St in the afternoon for a little shopping. Today we have not been able to do anything in the garden as it’s been raining best part of the time and is very windy.

Well Don we were very sorry to learn you have been queer, and sincerely hope you have completely recovered.

No doubt it is reaction of the last few days.

We trust you had a fairly easy time of it Monday evening and that you found a soft job.

You will be pleased to learn your bookkeeping certificate has been found, mum came across it while she was looking through some books in the desk this afternoon. You will remember I told you it would turn up. I thought it would be down here, if not, with my other papers etc in the safe at the shop.

It is now 10.30 and we are going to bed, hoping for a fine day tomorrow.

Thursday Morning

Today has opened fairly good, but still windy. Mum is cleaning up the Bungalow, while I am busy outside, but before I start I am getting this posted off.

Well cheerio & all the best love from Mum & Dad

4/6/43

Dear Don,

We were very pleased to hear from you this morning and as regards your letter to Laindon, which we received when we arrived at 10 o/c everything seems to have gone according to plan.

We got home last night (Thursday) about 10 pm. Both days were not too good as regards weather, but we were able to have a good clean up and also I managed to disentangle your scotch gold ball, after a couple of hours? Now we are looking forward to the time when you can get it in a tangle again.

I trust the envelopes I have made will be useful for the music & stationery, and we both wish you luck for your audition tonight. I am glad you are able to cheer yourself up with the music, and I hope you will continue to have good times.

Also, it pleases us to learn you are ok. (chest etc) and hope you are not feeling any ill effects from the vaccinations.

Mum received your allotment this midday post (3 weeks) 21/- this, pending a call from the authorities, shall let you know result after the calls.

I should imagine you are getting quite handy with the needle, what with making beds etc you should make a good wife.

My week off is nearly ended, as I told you I am going in tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon, it has been a pleasure to have the time to answer your letters immediately they have been received.

I note your remark re washing, you can rest assured this will be returned at the earliest.

Anything you require, do not hesitate to send for.

Many of the neighbours etc have made enquiries about you, I saw Mrs Donovan the other day, she tells me Len is still waiting to be called up.

I think this is all at present so will say Cheerio & much love from Mum & Dad.

7/6/43

Dear Don,

We received your letter this morning and parcel just before dinner time.

Mum wondered where your socks are, do you do them yourself or send them to the laundry.

The things seem very nice and we hope you are comfortable in them. We will try and get them off to you tomorrow.

I hope things will continue well with you and that everything will go ok for Wednesday, and we sincerely hope you will get the luck to be posted to South Kensington.

How are you getting on with shaving etc? can you get blades in the NAAFI.

Ern will probably be starting on his teeth this week, he is going to have a top plate and the bottom will be scraped & cleaned etc.

We all went to Laindon yesterday, it was not a bad day just one or two showers, and both mum & I done sufficient work in the garden to make us tired.

Ern expects you have received Jeans letter by now, he is remarking your things where they have gone a bit faint, and mum will see to the buttons.

Now as regards the linen bags you require, can you give me the size you require, do you want them made similar to a pillowcase, with a draw string.

We shall then know how much linen to get, so as we can have them ready whenever you want them.

I started work today, after breaking myself in Saturday afternoon, so I was unable to answer your letter till I got home this evening, last week I was able to answer them directly we received them, but I know you will understand this.

Well Don, I think this all this time, as I want to get this off tonight.

The parcel I hope to get off tomorrow, dinner time which I trust you will receive ok.

Wishing you all the best

Much love from Mum & Dad

8/6/43

Dear Don,

Many thanks for the letters this morning, and also for the kind remembrance of the 8^th.

I am writing this at the shop as I want to get the parcel off when I go home to dinner. So please excuse pencil.

You must show better form when next you are on the putting green

I suppose the show you went to made a change in spite of getting you there under false pretences.

I hope to let you know soon about the Gov’t allowance, mum has had a note to the effect they will be calling today.

Ern found some timber in the shed at Laindon on Sunday, so I suppose that will be a start towards the gramophone.

I cannot suggest anything about a crease for trousers unless you are allowed to put them under your mattress at night.

I will see about suspenders and RAFVR papers * and am sending the book on badges, Ern thinks there may be some more added since this was published.

I am afraid this is all I can stop for now, having so many interruptions.

Well Cheerio, & all the very best, hoping you will receive parcel ok.

Much love from Mum & Dad

P.S. Let us know how the collars suit, will you want them stiffer?

*are the enclosed papers what you want?

10/6/43

Dear Don,

I hope you received your parcel and found everything in order.

As regards the RAFVR papers, I did not have much time to sort out, but I hope you found what you required, & what you don’t want you can send back.

You see, mum wanted to post your parcel on Tuesday afternoon, as she was going out Wednesday, to Orpington with Doris to see Mrs Keyes (who by the way is looking & feeling very much better) at Ethel & Fred’s House.

They had a very nice day out, but it was marred by Beryl injuring two of her fingers, I don’t think it is as bad as they first thought.

Doris took her to the doctor this morning and when I rang her up she told me there was nothing to worry about and hoped they would soon be alright.

If you should get in touch with a wireless operator, who came to Skegness just over a week ago Eric Newman of Fowey Avenue Ilford you can mention a Mrs Bates of Fillbrook Rd Leytonstone told me. He is a young fellow about 22.

Re your allotment, mum had a visitor on Tuesday, and there will be no Government allowance, the 21/- she has received, will have to be worked out the 3/6 week ratio. I just tell you this, as I thought you would like to know, anyway this will be put by for you. How are you going on as regards expenses? I shall be pleased to at any time, you want any cash.

I sincerely hope you are feeling fit & well and have got quite used to your duties, and do not find anything irksome.

We did not go to Laindon today as I felt too tired so I thought I would have a rest. Perhaps we will have a couple of days this weekend.

Mum has sent the enclosed which she knows you will find useful.

Cheerio & much love from Mum & Dad

P.S. Friday Morning

Have just received your letter. Photos good shall be writing again later. DAD

11/6/43

Dear Don,

Mum thanks you for your remembrance of today also, we were both pleased with the photos and think they are very good.

I hope you soon felt alright after your run. I have no doubt, after a little more training, you will be quite an expert of course, time is young yet.

Bert called this evening to see your Photo and he thinks it is quite good, he told me he has received the music, and he will let me have your part.

I expect by now you have received Jeans letter.

I am very glad you have got the papers you wanted, I was not quite sure which were the ones so I thought you would sort out what you required and return the others for safekeeping.

Mum has duly noted the collars will require a little extra stiffening, and also she will be pleased to do your socks. I suppose you feel more comfortable now your under clothes have been washed, they are certainly a nice quality.

What sort of subjects do they have at the night school.

I hope you have an enjoyable time during wing week, and I hope some good will come out of seeing the W.O. it is a pity you drew the wrong slip, but I suppose this is one of the things that are sent to try us but take it in the right spirit & better luck next time.

Are you able to get boot polish, or do you want us to send your some.

Doris & Beryl came this afternoon and am pleased to say Beryl is quite her old self (full of mischief)

I think this is all this time, and hope you are keeping well & happy.

With our usual kind thought & much love from Mum & Dad.

14/6/43

Dear Don,

Have received your new address and have passed it on to Bert.

I wrote you on Thursday evening (posted early on Friday morning) and another letter on Friday evening, which would go out early on Saturday morning, I hope you have received both these.

We are glad you like your new quarters, and we are proud to know you have passed out, keep your spirits up and the fine determination to master things, will help you considerably.

We hope the training at Laindon will help you with the gardening – what sort of a weekend did you have? I don’t suppose it was much like holiday time, we have just come home from Laindon, we went yesterday morning, Jean & Ern came with us. The weather was fairly good with the exception of one or two showers.

We got home by 9 o/c (trains crowded) and had a lovely downpour soon after we got in.

Both mum & I sincerely hope you will get into the band. I know this will make you happy.

As regards the tie Bert is getting, do you want me to send it on to you.

I have noticed your remark about quick changing. I must show that to Ern when he comes home.

Well Don I feel like bed now, but I simply had to reply to your letter, so as I can get it posted as I go out in the morning.

Trusting you will have a good share of luck in all matters, and trusting you are keeping fit & well.

Cheerio & all our love from Mum & Dad.

16/6/43

Dear Don,

Received parcel yesterday (Tuesday) and am returning today and trust you will find everything ok. What about the bottle, (a bit risky) and you did not say return it. Anyway let me know if you want it.

I have put your papers back in the file (RAFVR)

Beryl, I am pleased to say is going on alright.

I saw Bert and he has given the two pieces of music. (You and the Waltz and I) (Dancing Daisy the Dairy Maid) (There’s a Harbour of Dream Boats) (Taking a Chance on Love) also I have received from Cinephonic one copy “Seven Days of Heaven”.

I expect you have received my letter, detailing the events of the weekend and Jean cannot understand why you have not received hers, she posted it on June 9^th.

Trusting you will receive the undermentioned safely and in good time.

With our usual kind thoughts and love. Cheerio from Mum & Dad.

Papers 4 Hankies vest

Shirt 2 collars Gym Slip

Towel Pyjama trs 1 suspender (Repaired

2 prs sox pants

Have just received your of the 14^th . Am glad you made the best of it during the weekend Dad.

19/6/43

Dear Don,

I am sending the music I have received to date including the two numbers Bert brought over.

Well Don I suppose you are rather glad you have got out of the Guard, and I sincerely hope you will get in the band.

The time is going on and I suppose after the six weeks, things will be easier for you. I hope this will be the case.

Yesterday was a better day, rained best part and it does not look too good for Laindon tomorrow, but we are hoping for the best.

Your black tie is not in very good condition so I will try and get another for you.

I have had the tie (Blue) from Bert and have settled for it.

It is nice to know you had a good tuck in but when you have to wait so long, I suppose you can create an appetite.

Ern has not started having his teeth out yet, he has been waiting to hear from the Prudential etc.

As regards the Photos, Ern has got one, so can you suggest who shall have the other one.

As regards these fabulous? sums of money you are receiving, please do not go short of anything you require, and don’t be afraid to let me know when you want any.

I think this is all at present as time is getting on & must get off to work.

So cheerio and all our love Mum & Dad.

23/6/43

Dear Don,

I am more than sorry at the result of your audition, I can guess how you feel, but cheer up, perhaps it is all for the best, it is quite possible when you get sent to another place, things will be altogether different and you will come into your own again.

Miss Elson wishes to be remembered to you. She enquired after your welfare and I told her about your luck, i.e. the audition.

I hope you are getting fitter & stronger, and that you will be able to keep the pace and I trust you do not get your headaches now.

Ern has received a very cheerful letter from Albert who is still at Gibraltar, he talks about the various kinds of fruit he gets. It just make our mouths water.

I hope the weather has changed for you, the last few days has not been too bad. We had a pretty good day at Laindon on Sunday, but it was a bit windy anyway the sun burned Erns knees.

Yesterday was not a bad day as regards weather but a very tiring day for me and I hope you will not think too bad of me for not replying to your letter at once.

Mum was a bit worried at not receiving your parcel on Monday, so I told her I would delay posting your letter till dinner time today, hoping in the meantime to received parcel.

I think this is all at present, so will conclude with all our love and best wishes. From Mum & Dad.

P.S. have received parcel which shall receive the usual attention and will be returned at the earliest.

23/6/43

Dear Don,

Herewith I am sending parcel which I trust you will receive in good time.

The enclosed I expect you will find useful.

I trust you are keeping fit & well and things in general are going well with you.

I have received from the Victoria, The Smiths & Jones.

How did the Rifle flight go off, I hope you did not get any alerts.

We have had several lively nights since you have been away, but on most occasions we have been too tired to get up.

I had a very interesting letter from my old colleague Mr Wells, who is out in Africa, he always wanted to go abroad but I expect he had had more than he wants, things are a bit easier for him now, and he is wondering what next is in store for him.

I got up late this morning so I have got to get a jerk on.

With all our love & kind thoughts,

From Mum & Dad.

Dear Don

I am very pleased to hear that your flight is on the winning side for the various events, & I hope you do not feel any ill effects from the training, some of the things you get up to would just about suit me.

Well Don keep cheerful and I hope these browned-off feelings are not of long duration.

I hope you have received parcel safely and found everything ok.

Ern has got your gramophone ready. He saw Marsden about a week ago, but he has not been round yet.

When I was in the Broadway on Wednesday evening, I saw the cadets march pass and I am sure I saw Rickey in the ranks, he had got 3 stripes up.

Have you written, or heard anything from the office?

We had a visitor last night “Nick” Powder, he tells us he registered last Saturday, and wants to go in the navy, he wishes to be remembered to you.

Jean will be writing you again, she is sorry you did not receive her letter. She told me one of her sisters-in-law sent a letter with a pound note in it, which got lost, but I think it is always advisable to register cash.

What have you been up to with your socks, do you get them replaced when they are worn or do you get them only at certain times, I mention this in case the darns effect your feet when marching.

Well Don, I think this is all at present and I wish you a happy and cheerful weekend. I see the six weeks will be up on Tuesday, and I hope things will be easier for you.

With love & best wishes from Mum & Dad

28/6/43

Dear Don,

I have today received your letters of the 25^th & 26^th also parcel.

I am pleased you have had a few days easy time, I should certainly like it to continue for you but I know you will take the rough with the smooth in a good spirit.

As regards the posting, I can only hope & pray you will be lucky and get to Sth Ken.

Mr Wells is in the R.A.S.C.

Stan Ovens came in the shop today, and brought a photo of the wedding group, he was going to see his mother and is returning from his leave tonight.

He has been shifted several times, since his wedding. He wishes to be remembered to you and hopes you will be lucky in your posting.

We hope you had a happy weekend.

We were at Laindon yesterday, it was a very nice day, although it was dull first thing in the morning.

I have just got over a very busy time, half yearly stocktaking, at the shop now I can forget it again till xmas.

I have received some more music and I expect you would like to know the titles.

Noel Gay I’ve got you before my eyes

Why say goodbye

Feldman The Lady that Didn’t believe in Love

Partners

Out of this World

Three Dreams

Victoria The Smiths & Jones

Sharp as a Jack

I hope to get your parcel off tomorrow (Tuesday) and trust you will receive it in good time.

I think this is all this time, so will wish you Cheerio and all the best.

Love & kind thoughts from Mum & Dad

After this letter he was posted to South Kensington for his Radar training and was able to go home every weekend and sometimes for a night during the week, therefore there are no further letters from home until 21^st March 1944 when he was posted to 107 squadron at Larkham.

07/07/2021
Active Service in England: 21st March 1944 to 19th November 1944

Letters from home start again as he has now been posted to 107 Squadron at Larkham and is living under canvas. In July he is posted to 304 Polish Squadron and in November 1944 they are sent to Epinoy France. Whilst at Larkham he had regular passes home and also two stays in hospital.

27 Edinburgh Rd

Plaistow E13

21/3/44

Dear Don

Both mum & I were pleased to hear from you and trust you are getting settled.

We hope you got a conveyance when you got to flat.

We received both letters yesterday morning, and I could not reply till I saw Ern.

You will excuse pencil am writing this at the shop so as I can get it posted by dinner time. I know it will seem a long time before you hear. Here is the note Ern left –

Ask Don to make sure about service stripes first (as Civil & forces may not mix) and if haven’t proof on my F.G. papers I shall probably be able to get it.

I shall try and get this in any circumstances. –

I suppose by now you have seen the M.O. We hope you are feeling fit & well, and that you like your new surroundings.

I am sending paper and string.

I trust you will be alright for your passes it will be good to see you again soon.

On Sunday we were going to Laindon, but it rained early in the morning, so we stopped at home, it seemed a very long day and to make matters worse, it turned out quite nice. However, we must take the next opportunity, in case the new ban stops us.

I think this is all this time, so wishing you the best of luck etc and cheerio.

Will all kind thoughts from Mum & Dad

p.s.

just received your letter, with letter for Burt.

27 Edinburgh Rd

Plaistow E13

22/3/44

Dear Don

We were pleased to receive your letter and to learn Monday passed off alright.

I suppose you fancy you are at Laindon on a wet day, now you have got your gum boots. I hope you get the socks, because you will find the heels will wear thin very quickly.

I trust the pleasing thought will become a reality, and that you will retain the stripe on your sleeve.

Mum had a visitor this afternoon none other than Aunt Lillie, who is closing on Wednesdays instead of Thursdays, during the conversation, it was mentioned that Ray, Arthur Ovens pal, is at Kensington. He told Aunt Lillie he saw you in the band and when he told her you was playing the Sax. She thought he was mistaken. He was unable to see you to speak to. She wishes to be remembered to you.

Leslie has been home on leave and is now at Northampton. All at Homerton are keeping well.

I hope the week is interesting, and that the time is passing pleasantly.

Now with reference to this Confirmation business, this has to be considered very carefully. Perhaps it will be as well to say you will have a chat with your people, it is not a matter to be considered lightly, after you have been to the Class once or twice, then have a talk with me, before you take any decision.

Now as regards when you come on leave for your day as much as we would like you to stay the night, I think you should return in the evening.

You know it would mean getting away very early in the morning, and I am afraid it would be impossible to get to Waterloo so early in the morning it would be a great source of worry, should anything go wrong, I know you will understand.

Monday night was a quiet night but last night we had to get up as it was so noisy.

Arnold has been at Cardington for the past seven weeks.

Have you seen the M.O.? Did you get all the cigs you require on Tuesday? Cigs smoking is very expensive although you do not require so many. Hope you received paper etc & reading material.

I think this is all this time and trust you will be able to understand this letter, in spite of mistakes.

Jean is here and sends her best wishes.

With the usual kind thoughts.

Cheerio & all the best from Mum & Dad.

P.O. book to hand 20/5 added.

27 Edinburgh Rd

Plaistow E13

23/3/44

Dear Don

Received yours of the 21^st, and I send you a few lines.

Pleased to hear of your good luck , but I don’t expect you thought much of your thrilling experience in the Dark.

However, I suppose all’s well that ends well, and we hope to get your torch etc by the weekend.

Mum & I went to Laindon today. It was a very nice day and we were able to do a bit, which has made us tired but I think we will feel the benefit after.

Saw Bert this evening, and he will see about the music and he hope to see you fit & well when you come home on Saturday.

Mum says don’t forget to bring your washing. Hope you have felt not any ill effects after the inoculation.

Excuse short letter. Cheerio & all our love, from Mum & Dad.

27 Edinburgh Rd

Plaistow E13

28/3/44

Dear Don

Just a hurried note in reply to yours of the 26^th as you can guess we were as much disappointed as you were not seeing you at the weekend. However we hope it won’t be long before you get your pass.

I have got you notebooks & music, do you want me to send them, when I return your washing?

I trust you have had a fairly pleasant time under canvas and I hope the weather keeps alright for you.

I saw Bert on Sunday & again yesterday he told me he is writing you.

Ray is doing similar work to what you did at Ken. We do not know how Arnold likes the RAF. Perhaps we will be seeing Rose or some of the others, when we will learn more.

Has anything been done about the M.O. or have things passed over. Hope you are keeping well and cheerful.

As you can guess I am writing this at the shop so as I can get it posted quickly.

With all kind thoughts & love

From Mum & Dad.

PS I forgot to tell you Les called on Sunday he is on 7 days leave. He has got his sparks up above the line.

27 Edinburgh Rd

Plaistow E13

30/3/44

Dear Don

Received yours of the 27^th & 28^th this morning, the parcel arrived yesterday (Wednesday) and we got up early this morning so as to get the washing etc back to you.

We are going to Laindon today as we do not know when we will be able to go again, the Ban starts on Saturday, and we are wondering what’s going to happen.

I am glad the weather is good to you during the operations.

I have received from Campbell Connelly “Take it Easy” & “Someday Soon” I think this is the finish (24).

I hope you are making the best of your time, and that you will soon be able to settle down to your ordinary work.

We are still looking forward to seeing you and we hope it will be soon.

Letter enclosed, I expect is from one of the boys.

I have not heard about the notebooks, so I am sending them to you and I hope you receive everything in good order.

Well time is getting on so I must close otherwise I shall be late.

With the usual kind thought & love from Mum & Dad

27 Edinburgh Rd

Plaistow E13

11/4/44

Dear Don

Glad to receive your letter, and to know everything went off alright and that you arrived safe & found your parcel.

I hope things will keep you cheerful it must be amusing to meet these different fellows, who wondered what had happened to you.

I suppose you are now getting more settled in your new surroundings. You must make yourself and comfortable as you can and hope for the best.

Have you got your washing away yet? I will send your pipe in the parcel, as it is so awkward to send on its own, and I trust you will not be inconvenienced by the short delay.

I will see Ern when he comes home, and convey your thanks to him, also tell him about the kit bag lock. Also I shall remind him again about the particulars you require.

He has been a bit queer, and we found out from Jean (on the quiet). I should imagine it is some kind of indigestion, I had a talk with him, and advised him to go to a doctor as it may be his teeth, I must wait till he is in the humour, and have another chat, I have offered to meet any expenses, if only he will do the right thing, it will be better for us all.

Jean came over Sunday afternoon, she has just recovered from measles.

We had a quiet weekend thinking of you and wondering what you was up to.

Monday morning mum & I got up early and caught the 8.20 to Laindon. We were able to proceed to “Highland View” after our credentials had been examined. I will tell you more about this when I see you. We had a very strenuous day and arrived back about 8.30. tired out. We both feel the effects today, but still I have no doubt it does us good.

Jack Reddin has passed A1 & Ron Levin went away this morning. I expect his mother & father feel as we did the first night you went away.

I think this is about all, I know you will excuse mistakes and grammatical errors and we are looking forward to the 22^nd & 23^rd.

With kindest of thoughts and Love.

From Mum & Dad.

27 Edinburgh Rd

Plaistow E13

3/4/44

Dear Don

We were pleased to hear from you and also to learn your surroundings are more pleasant, and that you will enjoy your stay.

I sincerely hope your parcel will be safe at Lasham and am glad to know you had a change of clothing.

I hope it will not be long before you get your 48 hrs.

I have no doubt you enjoyed listening to the classics. I suppose you are able to have a bash now and again.

Leslie Ovens had had a 10 days, he and Doris called last Thursday evening and wishes to be remembered to you.

I gave Bert your address this evening so you can expect a long epistle from him.

We saw Walter etc during the weekend and Beryl is much better after a bad cold etc.

I don’t think I mentioned music in my previous letters. I have Chappels 24/3/44 Thinking about the Wabash?

Could it be you

Campbell Connelly Take it Easy

Someday Soon

I think this completes the 24.

What about leaving the subscription?

As regards Cinephonic I had a letter from them asking particulars, so I had a chat with them on the phone the subs has gone up, so I sent the further P O for 1/- and the matter has been finished.

Tuesday

Have just received your letter and hope to see you soon.

Mum tells me Jack Reddin has got his medical on Friday.

Over and Out.

Cheerio all the best etc Mum & Dad.

27 Edinburgh Rd

Plaistow E13

13/4/44

Dear Don

We were pleased to hear from you, but not so pleased to hear you have been queer with your leg, and hope by now, with the treatment, you are quite fit again.

It is very funny about falling off the paillasse, I wonder if it’s through taking all those pills a few weeks ago, are beginning to take effect.

I hope you will soon get in the band, that will be more your style, I have not been able to get the cloth line yet but will send it along as soon as I can.

Bert called this evening, he will be writing you. He told me he has been out each evening, he said you will know who with.

You will no doubt be surprised to hear Ken Liddeham passed away last Sunday, he has been buried today at Epping after a very impressive funeral service at St Mary’s. Mum went, she told me what a wonderful gathering it was, all sections of the various organisations were represented and the Church was packed.

Doris came this afternoon and sent her best wishes.

Don’t think I have forgotten about the Civil defence business, I am still waiting for Ern to get the dates etc. I am pleased to say he must be feeling more himself now, he is getting back on his food etc.

Mum has be wondering why she hasn’t received any washing this week, are you managing alright.

I think this is all this time. So hoping you will keep fit & cheerful and that we can look forward to seeing you on the 22^nd. In the meantime, all our thoughts are with you

Love from Mum & Dad

Friday Morning

Have just received yours of the 12^th. I trust this leg business is nothing serious.

I hope the spell in the village bucks you up and that you will soon be on your own work.

Cheerio Dad. x

27 Edinburgh Rd

Plaistow E13

16/4/44

Dear Don

I am writing this at Laindon I came down on my own today, it was dull when I started, and when I got to Laindon station it was pouring, so I waited about 2 hours. It eased up a little, and I made my way up to Highland View, and it has not stopped raining yet.

Well I hope you are feeling fit and that things are going well with you.

I have got the doings for your Kit bag, and shall be sending along to you, the cloth we have not been able to obtain yet, but it may be possible next weekend.

Chappell Connelly have returned but they have discontinued sending out owing to paper shortage. From “Sun” I have received I planted a Rose, Mississippi Dream Boat

Lawrence Wright’s sub gone up to 8/- 24 No’s they tell me they owe 2 numbers & the rest will be for 18 so there will be 20 numbers to come from them.

No news yet from the Victoria. There is a trolly bus strike, since 3 o/clock which prevented Ern from seeing Jean last night.

There is a meeting this morning and they are hoping to start tomorrow (Monday) morning.

It appears they are dissatisfied with the summer schedule.

It is now nearly 4 o/clock it has eased up a bit, but too wet to do any practical work so I think the best thing will be to make a cup of tea and try to cheer myself up.

I shall leave about 6 o/clock so shall continue letter when I get home.

Arrived home about 7.30.

Ern is trying to find dates etc and I hope to let you have them soon.

I have received the £4 safely.

How is the leg trouble?

I don’t think there is any more at present. I hope to collect all the things you require and let you have them in a few days.

Well cheerio and all the best from Mum & Dad.

27 Edinburgh Rd

Plaistow E13

18/4/44

Dear Don

I am glad to know you are back on your old job and pleased to learn the leg is o.k.

I am enclosing this with the washing etc, and sundry things your require.

I have not forgotten the dates for the fire duties etc I hope to let you have them soon.

It is a pity the 48 is cancelled. I hope it won’t be for long. I know Bert will be sorry about this, anyway I sincerely hope it will not be long before we see you again.

I know how you feel about 7 days, I know it is difficult to keep cheerful under the circumstances. I expect you all cheered yourselves up in the pub.

Don’t worry if you can’t write long letters I know how it is when you don’t feel like it and have not the time. A short note is just as welcomed under these conditions.

I think this is all at present I am writing this at the shop, as I want to get your parcel away, when I go home to dinner.

Well cheerio and keep smiling. Love and best wished from Mum & Dad

27 Edinburgh Rd

Plaistow E13

20/4/44

Dear Don

Pleased to hear from you and hope we shall see you on Saturday.

I shall let Bert know.

I expect by now you have received parcel and I trust everything is ok.

I herewith send details of the fire service etc and Ern would like the forms back.

Heard from the “Victoria” at last. Yesterday received Whistling in the Light & You’re the Rainbow.

We will have another try for the lyrics this weekend.

I am glad you are making the best of it and that you had a good time in the Naafi.

I have looked through all the papers today but only saw one picture of the Gen. in The Times but read an account of it in the Telegraph.

Shall tell Jean about Monty when we see her. She was here last evening.

Heres’ wishing you the best of luck for the weekend.

Cheerio & all our love from Mum & Dad.

Note enclosed from Ern –

Stirrup pumps from A.F.S. Prince Regent Lane July 15 -1940

It is doubtful if I can get confirmation from the N.F.S. on the date of going for the pump, as they do not now have much to do with the scheme.

This date (July 15, 1940) is actually the time when we had authority for entering etc.

The Rota for fire watching started on 12^th March 1941 and your first duty was on 19^th March 1941 but we were actually available from the time of getting the pumps.

The Forms enclosed, please return.

27 Edinburgh Rd

Plaistow E13

25/4/44

Dear Don

We have received your parcel & letters, and we are sorry to learn you have been queer, and sincerely hope you will soon be yourself again.

I trust this camp business will soon be finished, and that your will get more comfortable quarters.

I have got the book for you and will be sending it in your parcel together with the lyrics.

As regards the NYS I think you have got all the dates possible, Ern turned up all his papers and I was able to check this info with the entries in my diary of that period, so I trust you will be able to straighten things out.

I see you have a very enjoyable? time, getting your hot water. What with the fire lighting, you must be getting an expert in Camp life.

We were more than sorry we did not see you during the week-end, and hope it will not be long, before we see you again.

Both Mum & myself have had a feeling something was wrong, and although you say there is nothing to worry about, we cannot help it, and look forward to your next letter to let us know how you are progressing.

I will close now so as I can get this posted tonight and shall be sending your parcel off tomorrow (Wednesday).

With all kind thoughts & love

From Mum & Dad.

27 Edinburgh Rd

Plaistow E13

26/4/44

Dear Don

In answer to yours of this morning, I am pleased to hear your cold is much better, and hope you soon get the nose alright.

Rest and treatment will probably do this.

Your parcel is being sent this afternoon so I thought I would send this separate as no doubt you will get this quicker and you can ask for it , I trust some kind friend will bring your mail along.

There is some fags & sweets etc and I trust you will find it all in order.

I am glad to know you are in pleasant surroundings and both Mum & I hope you will soon be quite fit.

Could not get a compendium so have sent the next best thing

Be careful with the brown paper we are getting very short.

Just one other thing, don’t heave your pullovers off too quick.

I am afraid I can’t stop to write more now as I am very busy, and I want to catch the 2.30.

So hoping to receive some cheerful news in the near future and with all our love & best wishes

From Mum & Dad.

27 Edinburgh Rd

Plaistow E13

30/4/44

Dear Don

Yours of the 27^th to hand. We are glad to know you are now o.k. and that the feeling of boredom will soon pass.

I hope by this time you have received your mail & parcel and also the treatment you have had has had the desired effect. How about the nose, has anything been done to stop the persistent bleeding, feel you have had a tough time and you are making light of it. I do hope you feel quite well and will soon be quite ok.

I do not know if I told you the Victoria has sent “Something in the Light”, “You’re the Rainbow”. Yesterday “More than anything in the world” & “Just Dreaming”.

Jean sends her very kind regards to you. It looks like being a nice day, and we are just off to Laindon to do some more work, and I thought I would get this posted on the way.

Wishing you all the best of health and luck. All our love

Mum & Dad.

27 Edinburgh Rd

Plaistow E13

1/5/44

Dear Don

We were very pleased to hear you are going alright and trust you will continue so.

Also we hope when you see the expert you will get some satisfaction, I can assure you, it has been a worrying time for both Mum & I and we are longing to know how things will turn out.

I expect you can get a chance to tell them how this business has been worrying you, and the operations you have had.

Tuesday morning.

As you will see my pen ran out, so – am finishing this letter this morning.

I have received yours of the 30^th.

Mum says she hopes the fruit kept alright.

We are looking forward to the result of seeing the specialist and we anticipate the result you require.

Let’s hope our wishes come true. I see you will be sending laundry later in the week. You can be sure it will be sent back at the earliest opportunity.

I saw Bert last night he will be writing you today.

Ern has got the weekly Sketch (6 pages). I will send this in your parcel.

I think this is all this time, so wishing you all the best. Trusting you will keep well and happy.

All our love from Mum & Dad.

27 Edinburgh Rd

Plaistow E13

10/5/44

Dear Don

Received your letter this morning (Wed) and glad to hear you got back alright. It has been a worrying time not hearing from you for so long, but I told mum, not to worry, as I know how things are at present.

It is nice to know you are having a good time but don’t tire yourself too much cycling.

We hope you are keeping fit & well. Have your heard about the M.O. yet?

Jean arrived just after your left on Friday, she was sorry she did not see you, and send her kind regards to you.

Well now I suppose we must look forward to Saturday to see you and I trust the time will pass pleasantly

You did not say what sort of a journey you had back. It was a very rough night here, and we could not go to bed till we thought you had arrived. I told mum I did not think you had rain, as the clouds were coming this way.

I think this is all at present.

So cheerio till Saturday

Love from Mum & Dad.

27 Edinburgh Rd

Plaistow E13

17/5/44

Dear Don

Was pleased to hear from you this morning and to learn you arrived alright, after sufficient excitement for the evening.

Anyway I am glad the bike turned up, and that there was no danger overhead.

Jean came Monday evening, she was sorry to hear about your nose and she hopes it will soon get better.

How has the weather been, at your end it has been very cold & wet here the last couple of days.

You tell me you had a feast, I expect you could do with it, after the weekend and I trust you felt no ill effects, and that you are now fully fit.

I have sent away to F. D. & H, but I have not seen Bert yet as regards the other perhaps I shall see him this evening.

Well cheerio & all the best from Mum & Dad.

27 Edinburgh Rd

Plaistow E13

Sat Evn. 20/5/44

Dear Don

We were pleased to hear from you this morning and glad to learn the inoculations hardly affected you.

Sorry the weather has been so bad for you, but I think it will turn for the better by the new moon.

We are looking forward to seeing you next Wednesday 24^th. I thought you might have had something strong to drink, as you mention in your letter it will be the 18^th.

By the way it was Wednesday March the 8^th when you went into Hospital, and I wrote on that date to the C.O. to inform him and told him the hospital authorities would get in touch with him.

The address was Hartford Bridge, ( probably RAF Hartford Bridge, former name of Royal Air Force Blackbushe, Hampshire)

Mum has got you a metal plate which I hope will suit you.

The music arrived from John last evening (Friday) and Bert has got your other music except 1 piece, which he will be getting later.

I thought I would get this away this evening, as we hope to go to Laindon tomorrow (Sunday).

How are the biscuits going. Would you like some more to take back with you if she can get them.

Well cheerio

All kind thoughts and love from Mum & Dad.

27 Edinburgh Rd

Plaistow E13

30/5/44

Dear Don

Pleased to hear from you. Hope you did not have to walk too far, before getting a lift.

I trust you were able to lie in bed till you felt interested in work.

How does the hot weather suit you? We had a lovely storm here last night.

Mum & I went to Laindon on Sunday morning and stayed till Monday evening, I managed to get a good bit of painting in and other work in the garden, although I feel tired I certainly feel all the better for it.

I found your ticket under the chair by the desk where you were sitting reading, I hope you did not have to pay again.

From the “Sun” I have received The Music Stopped, I saw you first Campbell Connelly (No more subs taken) “Don’t ask me Why” “Blue Bahamas” Tonight Bert (who is on holiday & browned off) brought in from J D&H. “I’ll get by” “Star Eyes” a smashing fox trot he says.

Ern is home today and soon after he left this afternoon Bert called and was mad because he would have liked to have gone with him, he has just left me to go and clean his drums.

Doris has had a letter from her Brother Bert, he is keeping very fit.

I suppose you are now looking forward to your next day. In the meantime keep cheerful.

With our usual kind thoughts and love from

Mum & Dad

27 Edinburgh Rd

Plaistow E13

9/6/44

Dear Don

We were pleased to hear from you, and to learn you got back alright.

Am sending socks as requested and I hope Doris’s letter has turned up.

We have had plenty of rain today, but I trust it has not been too bad for you and I hope it will soon clear up for the sake of the boys in their huge task.

I don’t think there is much else at present, so will wish you all the best and trust you will keep fit and well.

Cheerio & all our love,

From Mum & Dad

27 Edinburgh Rd

Plaistow E13

12/6/44

Dear Don

We both thank you for letter, and best wishes, and sincerely hope by your next birthday things will be very different.

No doubt by now, you have received my last letter containing box.

We were sorry to hear about your arm and hope by now you are quite alright again. We trust the weather will keep fine etc, it seems much better today. It was none too good yesterday when we were down at Laindon, but we managed to get some work in.

The workmen will not be in this week but are making a start next Tuesday 20^th. It is a job I shall be glad to see finished.

Well Don, I hope the present conditions will not rob you of your day and look forward to seeing you again in the near future.

Jean was here yesterday and asked to be remembered to you when I wrote.

Doris & Beryl have gone to Orpington for a few days.

I saw Bert this evening, who came over to make enquiries about you.

I think this is all this time so will conclude with our love & kind thoughts.

From Mum & Dad

Tuesday

Little excitement early this morning saw a plane in flames from the window.

27 Edinburgh Rd

Plaistow E13

17/6/44

Dear Don

I thought I would send you a few lines, we have been wondering why we had not heard from you, the last few days but I told mum, I expect you have been too busy.

We received the parcel mid-day today and you can rest assured it will be sent off early next week, possibly about Tuesday.

Well, Don, how are you keeping, how’s the arm, sincerely hope quite well by now.

We at home are all pretty fit but a bit tired after a couple of restless nights.

Both Mum & I hope to go down below tomorrow, to get a bit of fresh air.

Here’s wishing you all the best and hoping to hear from you soon or better still to see you.

Cheerio and all our love,

From Mum & Dad

27 Edinburgh Rd

Plaistow E13

24/6/44

Dear Don

Glad to hear you arrived back o.k. and trust things are going well with you

We have had a very exciting time this week, but I am pleased to say it has been a bit better today, and I hope it will continue so as we can get some rest.

I see you have had a nice job cleaning the mould away. I do hope none of your stuff has been spoiled and I hope the insects are not troubling you so much.

We hope to go to Laindon tomorrow, Sunday, I don’t want to work too hard, but I know the grass will want doing.

As you know Ern starts his holiday from today. Let’s hope the weather keeps alright, so as he can get around.

Jack Reddin has his papers for an interview, at Romford, next Thursday.

Your washing is all ready, should you require it sent on.

I have received from Cinephonic the first issue since I sent the sub in March. “Sweet as a Song

Keep a Sunbeam in our pocket.

I hope we can look forward to seeing you again during the week, in the meantime we wish you all your wish yourself.

Cheerio and all our love

From Mum & Dad

27 Edinburgh Rd

Plaistow E13

28/6/44

Dear Don

I have just received your letter, and hasten to reply, so as you receive it before you leave on Saturday.

When you reach Waterloo will you make enquiries about the train, and I will try and find out some time to know. Be sure you do this, in case I am unable to find out.

The weather and other things are not too good let’s hope they both change soon. It is not so good for Ern & Jean but they are getting about a bit.

We are glad to hear you had a couple of good nights at the Pictures etc, we saw Walter last night and they are all well.

Well Don, the decorators have been and gone, leaving behind plenty of work for your mother, assisted a little by myself. We are both extremely glad this has been done.

I hope the weather has not made you too uncomfortable this week, and that you are keeping fit & cheerful.

Mum saw Rose yesterday and she told her Leslie has been home on leave, Arnold is still at Blackpool.

I think this is about all, and we look forward with pleasure, to see you on Saturday.

With all our love and kind thoughts.

From Mum & Dad

27 Edinburgh Rd

Plaistow E13

5/7/44

Dear Don

Pleased to receive your welcome letter, and hope the weather will soon change, so as you can get rid of the mud. And also your feet are not giving you any trouble.

I see your next time off is not till Thursday, it is a pity it wasn’t this Saturday, then you could have accepted an invitation to the wedding next day.

The times are not too quiet for us. We have had plenty today.

Mum went over to see Doris this afternoon, during plenty of excitement, but thank God we are all safe.

I have handed over the notes to the PMG, and have written today (Cinephonic)

We had a fair day at Laindon on Sunday, it was a bit dull but the rest we were thankful for.

Chappells have sent -Suddenly its Spring and Jenny.

I think this is all this time as the Bing boys are not giving us any peace. 4 or 5 have gone off while I am writing this, so will say Cheerio, and all the best.

With all kind thoughts and love from Mum & Dad

27 Edinburgh Rd

Plaistow E13

10/7/44

Dear Don

We were pleased to get your letter this morning and am looking forward to see you on Thursday.

I hope you enjoyed your Strawberries etc. it is a pity you did not have the cream

What they have been selling in London, were not fit to buy.

Doris and Beryl came over on Saturday to see Joan married, the weather was very good and the other jokers kept away.

We had a very enjoyable few hours in the evening and it would have been nice for you to have been there to complete the party.

Yesterday, (Sunday) opened out very nice, and we went to Laindon, but it turned out very rough about dinner time, and prevented us from doing any work. We had several of the doodle bugs over, and the crashes shook the place.

Ern & Jean stayed at home, Leyton had another yesterday morning , & Manor Park Custom House this morning.

I hope the worst has passed, the news seems very hopeful.

I have sent 6 months subs to Chappells. I am writing this in the shop, having a few minutes to spare.

We hope you are keeping fit & well.

I think this is all this time. So well conclude with our usual good wishes & love.

From Mum & Dad.

27 Edinburgh Rd

Plaistow E13

19/7/44

Dear Don

Received your letter with enclosure which has been attended to.

Glad to know you enjoyed the strawberries hope we can get some more by the time you are here again.

You must excuse pencil, as I am writing this at the shop in bits.

The buzz bombs paid a visit to the Russel School in Queens Rd ^I yesterday afternoon, so you can guess we had a find old mess to clear up. However we are all safe & sound. (half a mile away)

Walter came round soon after to see how Mum was and then came for me. I packed up at once and got home to help clear the muck up.

I did not have time to answer your letter last night but I know you will understand the delay.

The Cinephonic have sent piano conductor for the last numbers you had, and have asked for another 6 sub I have sent.

I think this is all at present so wishing all the best.

Cheerio & keep smiling

Love from Mum & Dad.

27 Edinburgh Rd

Plaistow E13

31/7/44

Dear Don

We received your letter this morning. It has seemed quite a time since you went back till we heard from you.

We often wonder how the time does go these days, what with the worry, and insufficient sleep.

Sorry to hear you got caught in the rain. We had a slight shower, but the rest of the day was not too bad.

Ern is dealing with the springs, he is at present at home, having been to the doctors, I have just seen Bert he is fed up, and wondered if you could find him a job.

We have had plenty of excitement since you were home, more damage & clearing up to do. 1 o/c Sunday morning, one in the bus garage Green Gate st.

After the clearing up we went to Laindon and caught the early train back. While we were there one came down in Cara Rd. Ern had only just patched up the far light when he had to do it again, both him & Jean had a busy time.

We hope to have Wed & Thursday at Laindon, and perhaps Ern will come with us.

I gave Bert the list for the music.

I nearly missed your second info note at the bottom of the envelope, however I’m glad I found it. I have enclosed the air mail letter is this correct I thought it was 3d for the forces, if this is right?

And you will let me know, I can post your some more: I hope when I hear from you again you will be able to let me know when you will have your next leave.

I think this is all I can think of so will conclude with our usual kind thoughts and Love from Mum & Dad.

27 Edinburgh Rd

Plaistow E13

11/8/44

Dear Don

I received your letter when we got home last evening and the second one this morning. I am writing from the shop hence the paper & pencil, as I wanted to get it posted by dinner time.

I had Wednesday & Thursday off, so we made the best of it, although a doodle bug paid a visit about 1 ½ miles away, about 4 0/c Thursday morning.

I am sorry you had a rush, but glad you caught the train.

How do you feel now, after the messing about, I hope you are more comfortable, and that the plugs have been removed.

I hope you enjoyed your ride in the jeep I suppose the officer took compassion on you

Ern has seen your letter. Jeans place has been blasted on Tuesday & Ern went over to clean up etc. her mother & father have gone to Canvey.

I sincerely hope your hope will soon come true, and that the flying bombs will soon be a thing of the past.

Have you found out what the game of Tombola is? Or perhaps you have mastered it and will soon be an expert .

We are now looking forward to the 23^rd, perhaps it will be possible to have a day at Laindon.

What about your clean clothes, will you be able to manage, or will you want me to post them to you, if you do, let me know what things you require.

I think this is all what with several interruptions, one cannot concentrate on letter writing.

We hope you will keep fit & well and should the other start again, you will know what to do and I trust the M.O. will see his way clear to give you what you want.

With all kind thoughts & love

From Mum & dad.

15/8/44

Dear Don,

Was pleased to receive your letter yesterday and trust the nose is alright and that your feel no ill effects.

I don’t suppose it took you long to learn tombola, but I trust your learning was to your advantage.

I am more than pleased to hear about the band and hope you will now have some enjoyable times..

Bert has got some more music I think there is another one to get, I saw him last night, he is properly fed up, being on holiday, and not able to get away.

Well Don the news is still good and I hope Churchill does not have to pay out too many $1000.

We went to Laindon on Saturday, Jean & Ern came with us, and we came back Sunday evening.

We had a nice time, and the weather was very good, although we can do with plenty of rain, the ground is parched, and the barrels are empty.

Well now for the sad side. Walter phone me this morning to tell me Bert Keyes has been killed. There are no details through yet. He told me he had a feeling something was wrong, on Monday.

As you know Mrs Keyes is down in Wales with Ethel. I feel sorry for the one who has to break the news to her.

I think this is all at present.

So will conclude with the usual kind thoughts & love

From Mum & Dad

29/8/44

Dear Don,

Was pleased to receive your letter and trust things will go OK with you, when you have your next appointment.

I am glad the weather has not been too bad. We have had a little rain both yesterday & today.

We got down to Laindon on Saturday evening, Ern & Jean came and it was a nice day on Sunday. We returned early to avoid the crush.

I saw Bert on Monday evening and settled with him for the music.

I have received from FD &H Sh-don’t make a Sound & Crazy Joe. And from Feldman, Someday I’ll meet you again, Marianne

Jack Reddin has received his papers and is off to Chatham next Tuesday.

Well Don I trust the time will pass pleasantly for you, and we are looking forward to Sept 6^th. And if things keep going as they are at present, I think we are near the end, I can see the Jerrys asking for an armistice before very long.

Mum has heard Stan Ovens is in France.

I think this is about all, so will conclude with our usual kind thoughts and love

From Mum & Dad

2/9/44

Dear Don,

Received your letter this morning and thought I would drop these few lines at the shop to save time.

I hope you will get some satisfactory news from Aldershot before Wednesday so as you will know what to do, and I trust you have not had a return of the toothache.

Mum will see about getting another plate and I hope you manage alright in the meantime.

We hope to go to Laindon tonight till tomorrow evening.

Well Don the news looks very good and I still think it will be over soon.

I have just had a chat with Doris on the phone she returned from Wales yesterday she has been away since Monday. I am pleased to say they are all well.

Hope to see you on Wednesday. So will conclude with love from Mum & Dad

11/9/44

Dear Don,

Was pleased to receive your letter this morning, and to know the “Tuck” was appreciated.

Now to the present I have not received a copy of “Flight” from Smiths yet.

I notice the change in your leave date, Saturday instead of Sunday and it is nice to know you will have another leave again so soon.

We had a nice weekend at Laindon, the weather was glorious and we hope to have a day or two this week. We want to make the best of it before the weather finally breaks.

Bert told us this evening that he had written a short note to you.

I have been very busy all day, and did not get a chance to write, so had to leave it till this evening.

I think this is all this time, & will conclude with the usual kind thoughts & love from Mum & Dad

18/9/44

Dear Don,

Was pleased to receive your letter and to learn you arrived back o.k.

Mum noticed your Silvo soon after you left, but I expect you will manage till you get home again

I notice you had the usual Redheads luck in the sweep, but at the same time it is a bit of fun.

I hope you made a fine job of packing the palliasses and made it more comfortable.

We managed to get down to Laindon before dark on Saturday evening, we had a good night’s rest including the extra hour and the weather yesterday (Sunday) was real good. The empty train was fairly packed when it left Laindon.

I saw Tony Parker this evening he tells me he is at Beason about 3 miles from Lasham. He returns tomorrow (Tuesday)

Well Don, I think this is all this time.

Hoping you will keep fit & well.

With the usual kind thoughts, and love from Mum & Dad

2/10/44

Dear Don,

Was pleased to receive your letter, and that you got back alright also that Ernie had a good time.

There is one thing we are anxious to know, are you in the huts yet? Our thoughts were with you when it turned out so rough on Saturday evening.

We took advantage of the weather yesterday, spending a few hours at Laindon, and returning with some more blackberries, and tomatoes.

By the way, Mum was very annoyed with herself, for not packing you up tomatoes, she thought of it soon after you left.

Arnold Clark was up today instead of coming round last week, he came with his mother this morning, you can bet mum was well pleased, in the middle of washing day. However they left when I came in to dinner, he had got to leave about 5 o/c for Iceland.

Mum will be sending your washing off Wednesday and trust you will receive it, in good time.

Now we are looking forward to the 10^th.

Wishing you all the best and trusting you will keep fit & well,

Love from Mum & Dad.

4/10/44

Dear Don,

I herewith send the following articles together with a key which I presume you left behind .

Towel, 5 Hands (hanky’s) shirt, 2 collars, pyjamas, vest & pants, 2 pr sox.

Best wishes & love from Mum & Dad

12/10/44

Dear Don,

Have just received your letter and can only say we were as disappointed as you were, at not seeing you on Tuesday. What was the reason?

We will try and get the things you require and post them off with the washing, at the earliest.

We were real glad to learn you have moved into billets, and trust you are comfortable.

We saw Len Donovan last week he is on embarkation leave. He said he would call last Tuesday

but he did not do so, I do not know if he was recalled the same as Fred Cantwell.

What’s the idea of doing your own washing, have you got to get domesticated.

The following music I have received since you left last Saturday week.

Noel Gay^II – You were Right

Till the stars forget to shine.

Chappells – Spring will be a little late this year

Since you went away

Lawrence Wright – Walking the floor

My thoughts will be with you

When we dance at the victory Ball

Someone is thinking of you.

I will see Bert and give him your message.

I think this is all at present and I look forward to hear from you again, and sincerely hope it won’t be long before you will be home again.

14/10/44

Dear Don,

Your parcel has been sent off this morning.

I trust you will receive it safely and in good condition.

These are the contents:

Paper Cigarettes

Envelopes (2 packets)

Blades 15 stamps ½ doz

Marking ink soap (for washing clothes)

Pen Soda

Nail Brush tomatoes

Shirt apples

vest, Pants Pears

2 Hands rag for wiping plates

Bert has been unable to get buttons

Well shake ink and wet pen nib before using.

This is the last nib for marking, mum has got. Mum was unable to get the paper with Crest but I expect you will make this do.

Well, all the best and I shall be anxious to know you have received parcel, so will look forward to your next letter which I hope tells me you will soon get another leave.

All our love from Mum & Dad

17/10/44

Dear Don,

We were very pleased to hear from you this morning, and I send a few lines in reply.

By this time I hope you have received parcel and found everything ok. You know we will be anxious to know.

We received your parcel yesterday (Monday).

I am glad to know you had a good time in Basingstoke. And we also hope you are keeping fit & well.

How are you getting on with the washing? Mum says she should rather be doing it herself.

Mum also tells me Kinch of Pelly Bridge is in France.

Well Don I hope things will go well with you and that “Good Luck” will attend you on all occasions.

In the meantime you know all our thoughts are with you.

Hoping to hear,(or better still to see you) in the near future.

All our love from Mum & Dad.

27/10/44

Dear Don,

We were very pleased to receive your letter and sincerely hope your cold has now quite gone, and that you are feeling fit.

It is good to know you are with some interesting chaps especially when you can discuss things in common.

I hope it is on the cards that we shall be seeing you in the near future, and if so bring some things home to be washed, Mum says she will be pleased to get them done so as you are able to get them back with you quickly.

I am writing this in the few moments I have to spare so as not to delay the posting, so you will excuse the pencil.

Lots of music has arrived

Victoria } It could happen to you

Swinging on a star

JD&H } It had to be you

Don’t believe everything you dream

We have had some very rough weather, but it was not too bad yesterday and it was the first chance to get to Laindon for a fortnight.

I think this is about all so will wish you good luck & conclude with love from Mum & Dad.

Re nose. If you are still being put off, get to see your C.O. in the usual way & tell him everything i.e.:- that you are not content with treatment, & how it interferes with your work etc & that you would like to see a specialist (if he is unable to satisfy you, ask if you may see a civilian specialist or go to a civilian hospital on your own account to ask advice or receive treatment) brackets my suggestion

Ern.

6/11/44

Dear Don,

We were very pleased to receive your letter this morning and glad to learn you did not have a long distance to walk.

I trust after a good rest, you are feeling o.k.

As regards “Bike” put your home address and tell them to send it carriage Forward, then forget all about it, but joking apart, you might be lucky.

I am glad the tomatoes were alright, mum thought they may have got knocked about.

Mum tells me she saw Dennis Mahony with his dad on Saturday. He is on 14 days embarkation.

We have had a rough weekend, wind and rain, I suppose you have had about the same.

We shall certainly like you to have another 24 hrs, if it is not too much to hope for in the meantime we can only hope.

I hope you have entirely lost your cold and you are keeping fit.

Our thoughts are with you all the time.

Cheerio and all the best love from Mum & Dad

9/11/44

Dear Don,

We were pleased to learn you arrived back ok and that you had an interesting journey.

Bert came up to the shop this morning with Johnnie so as he could have a look at the materials for a suit later on, so I expect he will be coming in again when he has another leave.

We had plenty of rain yesterday, so it put paid to going to Laindon, but strangely enough it has been quite nice today, but very cold, so if it keeps dry for the next couple of days we will try and go on Sunday.

Well Don, I hope the weather is not too cold for you and that your will keep fit and well.

I’m looking forward to another surprise visit next week.

In the meantime, our most kind thoughts & love

From Mum & Dad

Ps our kindest regards to Ernie.

19/11/44

Dear Don,

Was pleased to receive your letter and glad to know you had plenty of time, and I hope you had a comfortable journey.

I can quite understand your feelings the next morning I got that on Sunday mornings when I don’t care if I get up or not.

I have received receipt from Feldman’s, and F.D.& H. have sent:

The Sweetheart waltz

And then you kissed me.

I hope you have had better weather than we have had plenty of rain, but it has turned much warmer.

It is Sunday morning and while I am writing this I am wondering if you are going to pay us a surprise visit as last Sunday, but perhaps it is too much to expect, so we must hope to see you again during the week.

I see in the Stratford Express that DJR paid a visit to Elccas.

The news looks good and trust it will continue so and that the end will soon come.

I think this is all this time, so will conclude with love and best wishes.

From Mum & Dad.

This was the last letter before 305 Squadron was posted to Epinay France.

i: https://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/essex/vol6/pp144-157

Ashburton mixed secondary modern school, Freemasons Road, Custom House, originated as Russell Road board school, opened in 1893. By 1939 Russell Road elementary school had been reorganized for junior boys, junior girls, and infants. In 1932, when the higher elementary school moved to Queens Road, its buildings were reopened as Ashburton senior boys school, but they were badly damaged during the Second World War, and in 1945 those that remained were combined with the buildings of the Russell Road elementary school to form Ashburton mixed secondary modern school. In 1956 this was renamed Lister Tech School.

I: Wikipedia
Noel Gay (15 July 1898 – 4 March 1954) was born Reginald Moxon Armitage. He also used the name Stanley Hill professionally. He was a successful British composer of popular music of the 1930s and 1940s whose output comprised 45 songs as well as the music for 28 films and 26 London shows. Sheridan Morley has commented that he was “the closest Britain ever came to a local Irving Berlin”.

07/07/2021
Active Service France: 22nd November 1944 to 4th August 1945

Letters from posting to Epinay France until 4^th August 1945 when posted to Belgium

22/11/44

Dear Don,

We received your card this morning, and sincerely hope you are now comfortably settled.

Did you receive my letter of the 19^th?

I trust you will receive this in time for the 25^th, and to wish you all the best as you know our thoughts will be with you always.

I see according to the card 138 wing is not mentioned, is this correct? I should like to know, so as we can give the proper address, for the cigarettes to be sent.

We will be anxious to hear from you and hope the stay will be of short duration.

God bless you and keep you safe.

With all our love Mum & Dad.

30/11/44

Dear Don,

Have received yours of the 24^th and very pleased we are to know things are going well with you.

Mum has been unable to procure a new pair of gloves, so she has sent the enclosed, which I hope will suit your purpose.

We are glad to hear about the pleasant evenings and trust they will continue.

We hope the washing day was a success, perhaps you will soon find some kind friend to do it for you.

I expect by now you have received my other letters.

We have had one or two bangs at a distance, and I am hoping they are getting near the end.

Jean came last evening, and she sends her regards, to you.

Also we saw Walter on Monday and told him.

I trust you will continue to find things cheap, and I can trust you to see you get value for money.

Excuse short note this time, as I want to get it posted early, so as you will receive gloves quickly.

With all our best wishes & love from Mum & Dad

3/12/44

Dear Don,

Received letter No3. And very pleased to hear from you again.

I hope by now you have received my other letters papers & Gloves.

Don’t think I have forgotten the phrase book. I am hoping to get it in a day or two, in the meantime I have copied out of an old book one or two things that may be useful.

We are more than pleased to know you are having a good time with the band and trust you will continue to be happy and comfortable.

I will send some more papers tomorrow.

We saw Walter during the weekend, he told us he had heard from you. Doris & Beryl are still in Wales.

I hope the food business and arrangements are more to your liking.

Well Don, look after yourself keep fit and well & remember our thoughts are with you always.

With all our love from Mum & Dad.

6/12/44

Dear Don,

Letter No 4 to hand and right glad to hear from you again.

Enclosed cutting from S.Ex. (Stratford Express)

How did the socks turn out, I hope they were comfortable to the feet.

I am pleased to know you are getting plenty of practice with the band, and that it will keep you in trim.

I saw Bert this evening he is getting the music together and will be sending it on. He told me he had written a short? letter to you.

I hope you will soon be getting your mail more frequent.

After my second letter Dated 27^th you should have the papers from the same date. No3 letter containing Gloves. No 4 Dec 3^rd & papers same post.

I hope you get these in order. I shall continue to number my letters the same as you do.

I think the account in the RAF P.O. is a good idea.

The last delivery of music

Sun – A fellow on a furlong

The Tally song

I hope the Cigs will turn up eventually in spite of having 6305 SE.

Ern received your letter yesterday Dec 5^th.

I am sorry to hear about the rate of exchange, I should only get the things that are absolutely necessary.

It is nice to know you heard the football news. There was a very large crowd at West Ham, it’s a pity they could not do better.

I hope the food position has improved. At least we have got the phrase book after I made enquiries and sent to several places, mum was able to get it at Stratford. I shall be sending a different one a little later and hope they will be of great value to you.

The one I am sending now came from Smiths, it was one she got for a client, but a mistake was made, and should have been a German phrase book.

Mrs Perry made enquiries about you and hopes all will go well with you.

I think this is all this time. So will conclude with Love from Mum & Dad.

NB small newspaper clipping attached regarding the E.L.C.C.A.S. which includes a list of “Forces visitors to the club this week include C and F Brewer T Byatt L pringle A Steadman D Redhead and J Hunt.

13/12/44

Dear Don,

As we have not had a letter from you for the past week I felt I had to write. Your last letter was No4. Received Dec 6^th.

How are you keeping, fit & well I hope.

Well Don, it is getting near the 25^th and both Mum and I hope you will have a happy a time as circumstances will permit. You know our thoughts will be with you it cannot be the same at 27 without you.

I do not think I mentioned your pal Ernie in my letters quite an omission on my part – please convey our best wished to him.

Mum saw Miss Elson a few days ago, and she wishes to be kindly remembered to you.

I saw Bert on Monday evening he told me to tell you he will be getting the music off at the earliest he has been running around for various parts.

There is no further deliveries of music to report this time.

By the way how are you sleeping now, I hope you have not had any tumbles.

No 3 lot of papers were dispatched Tuesday Dec 12. You will find the other French phrase book enclosed.

Now a surprise, we had a card from Fred Wells, I thought you would like his address 14646619 Du/o.p. Wells F. 315/105 A/TK Regt R.A. C.M.F.

I shall be writing to him and shall let him have your address.

I have just received your letter No5. Dated 8/12/44

I am sorry about your mail and I hope by now you have received papers etc.

I expect you are now able to make yourself understood I don’t think it will take you long to pick up a bit of the language.

How about the food problem it grieves me & mum to hear how you are being treated, and I do hope things will soon be altered. Is there no one you can complain to or have you got to go sick.

It is very regrettable that we are not allowed to send eatables to you.

I hope the laundry has turned up. It is very miserable not to be able to have a regular change, and trust things will soon get more settled.

Well Don, I see you have been playing with the band, and I hope you will soon get the music & fix up a band in the airfield.

I am pleased to know you had some English beer it came as a nice change, I shall be glad when we are able to get a decent drop here.

Well Don, I think this is all this time, so will conclude with a list of letters etc so as you can check up.

Nov 22 1^st letter to BLA

Nov 27^th 2^nd

Nov 27 Papers

Nov 29 3^rd letter enclosing Gloves

Dec 3 4^th letter

Dec 4 papers

Dec 6 5^th letter

Dec 12 papers enclosing French phrase book.

13 6^th letter

The following is your list

No 1 dated Nov 19 received Nov 27

No 2 dated Nov 24 received Nov 29

No 3 “ Nov 28 “ Dec 2

No 4 “ Dec 1^st “ Dec 6^th

No 5 “ Dec 8^th “ Today

With all our love & best wishes and I hope everything will soon be as you would like it.

Cheerio Mum & Dad

17/12/44

Dear Don,

I have received letter No6 dated 11^th arrived 16^th and was very pleased to hear from you again. Also many thanks for cards which came the same time.

I am glad you have received gloves and papers and I hope you will get your mail more quickly, no doubt the Christmas rush has put things behind.

I see you had a joy ride on your half day it is a pity it was so cold but I expect you made the best of it, I suppose you are getting well advanced with your French. It is nice to get in with these various people, so as to make the time go more pleasantly and I hope these musical evening will continue.

I can imagine the home of the grandparents it reminds me of the time when I was a boy.

Well Don, have the food arrangements improved. I sincerely hope so, that’s the part that worries me. In whatever way you can supplement this, do so, whatever the cost. Walter was here last Thursday, he says he would like to send some cash if it was possible and suggested he and I could reimburse any expense you are put to, so please do your best to look after the inner man.

Have you recovered from the effects of the football, I am glad you were not on the losing but winning side, and trust you had a good game in spite of the rain and that you did not get cold.

We were going to Laindon today for a spot of fresh air, but were prevented by the weather, wet and very windy.

This time next week, Christmas will be upon us. What a different there will be, just sitting with our thoughts, which you can guess will be entirely with you.

We both hope you will have a pleasant a time as possible and hope to look forward very early in the New Year, to see this terrible business finished, and you will be back in the fold once more.

Jean wishes to be remembered to you. When she comes her first words are “Have you heard from Donald, how is he, remember me to him when you write”.

Doris & Beryl are still in Wales and Walter has gone down to see them this weekend.

Mum is having a dolls house made for Beryl, and hopes to have it ready when they return, it will be a pleasant surprise for her.

We have all seen the one Mr Reddin had made for Betty and we all agree it is a wonderful piece of work.

Mum has made a couple of small puddings and is going to save one for you, so please hurry up home.

I have had a very busy and worrying time at the shop, owing to the shortage of staff, so shall be glad of a few days rest.

I don’t think there is anything else, to report this time, so will say Cheerio and all the best and trust “Good Luck” will be with you on all occasions.

All our love Mum & Dad.

18/12/44

Dear Don,

Your letter No 7 to hand. 14 Dec received 18^th am pleased to know your mail is catching up and hope the papers etc will soon reach you.

We are glad to know the book will be useful and I am sure with a little able help from Angus you will soon be able to master the language. Anyway sufficient to find your way about and to obtain the things your require.

I hope the band will soon be organised to your satisfaction and it is nice to know you had a good laugh at the pictures.

Well Don, how about the trade test we both hope & pray you will be lucky enough to get your L.A.C. and look forward to receiving that letter, which will advise us of your success.

In the meantime keep cheerful and happy.

With all our love and best wishes.

From Mum & Dad

19/12/44

Dear Don,

I hope you receive this in time, but of course times like this, these may be some delay.

However you know our thoughts will be with you all the time.

We have had a letter from Doris and she asks for your address. We are replying tonight.

They are keeping well but I expect Walter will tell us more when we see him.

Wishing you all the best

Cheerio and love from Mum & Dad.

24/12/44

Dear Don,

Was pleased to receive your letter No 8 dated 18^th this morning Sunday Dec 24^th.

You can rest assured the things you require will be sent at the earliest.

I see you are making a job of the washing. Haven’t you been able to get somebody to do it for you? I hope you will soon be able to find some kind friend .

Am glad to know the band is giving you a certain amount of pleasure, I must try and see Bert and see when he sent the music off.

Let us hope you will soon get rid of the touch of indigestion.

I hope you are getting your mail up to date. No doubt the pressure at this time of the year is giving a lot of extra work.

Well Don, I hope you will make the best of it to keep yourself cheerful and happy, you know how we feel at home. This is a Christmas of No’s, no Don, no piano, no festivities. Only memories of happier times, and hopes for the near future, when we can look forward to make up for lost time.

I went to see Walter this morning but he was out, but I hope to see him tomorrow (Christmas) morning so as to ask him to have dinner with us.

While I am writing this Walter has just called in, so we have made him promise to call back for something to eat.

He will be very busy over the holidays.

Mum saw Mrs Donovan who tells her, Len has gone abroad, and she has not heard from him for over a fortnight, since she got the Buff Card.

Len finished his leave and returned just at the time his brother willie came home, after 4 ¼ years, although they telegraphed weren’t able to see each other.

Jean has just arrived and will be staying a couple of days.

Christmas Day.

Well Don to continue my letter we were pleased to receive ours of the 21^st no9 this morning. Am sorry to hear about the mail but trust this will soon be put right.

Glad to hear you have had a certain amount of amusement, it is a pity there was not more of it.

I trust you feel fit after your game of football.

Mum is anxiously awaiting Wednesday so as she will be able to get the things your require.

Walter was here in time to have dinner with us and will try to come back later in the day.

The weather has been very nice & fine the last couple of days, very cold and frosty, but this afternoon it is inclined to be foggy. There is no underground running today.

I trust the weather is kind to you, and that you are making the best of it.

I think this is all at present, and hope you soon receive all yours letters etc.

With all our love and kind thoughts.

Mum & Dad

Ern will be writing tomorrow.

28/12/44

Dear Don,

I have or rather mum has dispatched your parcel this morning, and our only hope is that it will reach you safely and in good time.

As regards the cocoa, sugar & milk have been added which I hope will simplify matters.

How have you been over the Christmas? I hope you have had a decent a time as possible. It has been very cold here for the past week, and I hope it will soon turn a bit warmer.

How is the band going? I trust you are getting plenty of enjoyment out of it.

You remember Ken who came to Laindon with Audrey, he was conscripted for the mines after a few months he got in the army, royal Engineers he is now on embarkation, and expects to go to France.

Well Don, I have now settled down to work after the few days’ rest. I do not feel much like it but stocktaking has to be done.

How is the mail going? I hope you have received all my letters etc. the papers this week are packed in the parcel.

Let us know if there is anything you require and we hope you are able to satisfy the inner man.

We wish you all the best and look forward to seeing you early in the New Year.

Cheerio, and all our love Mum & Dad.

Friday morning 29^th Dec.

Dear Don, I have just had a glance at the Stratford express and see your name in ELCCAS news re Christmas greetings.

All our love Cheerio Mum.

1/1/45

Dear Don,

I must start off with the best of good wishes for 1945 and luck for the trade board test.

I have received today, your letters 10 & 11 and very glad we are to hear from you.

Thank you for greetings from France. And no doubt Mum will be seeing Miss Elson to give her your regards.

I am glad you are getting all the letters etc, although some are late if I do not get a letter for a few days I like to get another one off. I feel I cannot wait to get one to reply to. My thought are always with you and I must write every few days.

I hope you soon hear from Freddie it is certainly strange that you should have sent a card to his home.

I trust you will continue to have some enjoyable times, and that the band instruments will soon arrive.

Another thing that pleases mum & myself is the food situation, hope it continues to improve.

We would have liked to have had a look at you xmas eve but was glad you had a good time.

I am glad you had “Silent Night” I was thinking and talking about you when Bing Crosby sang it Xmas eve.

Dear Don, I hope it won’t be long before you -can enjoy your pudding.

It is very nice reading about the trade board, I can trust you to hold our own, and I sincerely hope you will be pleased with the result. I shall be very anxious to know.

You were certainly up early xmas morning, I think the last time you got up so early was when Father Christmas left something in your stocking.

I should certainly like to see the weather turn warmer, for all our sakes it has got me down, as a matter of fact I am spending today in bed that’s why I am writing this in pencil but I hope to be back in a day or two, I can assure you there is nothing to worry about.

Cheerio & God bless you

Love from Mum & Dad

5/1/45

Dear Don,

We were very pleased to receive our letter no 12 yesterday 4^th , and glad to know you have received cigarettes. The next lot should go about next Monday the 8^th, these perhaps will not take so long now the xmas rush is over, as soon as I hear you receive them, another lot will be sent.

I am more than pleased to hear about the band, Bert came in last night, and we arranged the music, and I hope to see him tonight, to get the other parts you want, and you can rest assured they will be sent off first thing in the morning.

I hope by now you have got the envelopes, and other things, which were sent off Dec 28^th.

You will notice there are several Pl’s which came today & yesterday. I have kept them separate with the others since you left.

Walter called yesterday and he told us you had written to him.

I am pleased to know you have made Epinoy happy, and we all wish you every success with the band, and we look forward to hear how you are going along, and also the result of the Trade Board.

The parcel will be sent as per address

MUSICAL PARCEL

To be collected by B8 Wing

To C/o S.F.C.O.

Flying Control

RAF Station

HARTFORD BRIDGE

CAMBERLEY, SURREY

Rose came to see mum today, she tells us Arnold is home for 14 days. He was home about ½ an hour when he was greeted by a bang that frightened the life out of him. We had several yesterday so mum asked Rose how Arnold liked his salute, he said he would rather be back in the Army, it has been a bit quiet today.

Jack Reddin went back yesterday. Since my last letter I am pleased to tell you, I am going along alright and as I told you, there is nothing to worry about.

I should certainly like it to turn a bit warmer, for all our sakes.

I hope soon to hear you have got the music alright and I shall send the darning wool etc in a day or two.

Dear Don, Bert has just been in. Sweet & Lovely is out of print at present, he will be writing you, he can explain better than I can.

With all kind thoughts and best wishes etc from Jean & Rose.

And all our love Mum & Dad.

7/1/45

Dear Don,

I have received our letters 13 &14 dated 2^nd & 3^rd. They came on Saturday afternoon the 6^th about the quickest of any received.

We are more than sorry to hear you are in Sick quarters, and trust by now you are completely recovered.

We will be glad to hear from you again to let us know you are out again, and back to normal.

Now I will tell you about myself. Mum had to send for the doctor on Jan 1^st who told me I had got bronchitis and to stop in bed for a few days. I am pleased to say I am going along alright now and hope to be back at business in a few days.

I see you have got letter 10 & 12. What about no 11. This was posted on the 28^th same day as parcel, which I hope by now you have received.

Mum has told Burt you have received the music, and he was very pleased and said he would write to you straight away.

We are pleased to know you have got pals to look after you.

I had another dig at Ern about not writing, but I think his tomorrow will soon be here. You know what he is as regards letter writing.

I don’t know how Ken managed it but I know he is far happier in the Army.

I hope you have been able to go to your friends in Town today and that you were able to have a good time.

We have had some snow and thunder this morning, but it has changed for the better this afternoon, with a little sunshine.

Walter came and had some dinner with us, and has just left 4 o/c.

As I told you in my last letter the music was dispatched to HB. Yesterday morning, and I hope you will find all your require.

I am enclosing envelopes and darning wool, and hope to have a pair of gloves made for you as soon as the wool comes in.

Mum has been to several shops to try and get the wool.

I should like to tell you Ern has got your watch going, but I will leave it to him to tell you all about it. No doubt this can be sent to you in your next parcel.

Well Don, I think this is all this time, except my thoughts & wishes.

Success to all your undertakings, Good health, and happiness in mind & Spirit.

Cheerio, Regards from Jean etc. & love from Mum & Dad

11/11/45

Dear Don,

It was nice to receive your letter No15 to hear you are ok again, and I trust you will continue to do so.

I hope by now you have received music, and making progress with the band, and that you have caught up with the two meetings, that you missed.

We must have started this year bad what with you being in sick bay, myself bronchitis Mum poisoned finger, quite enough to get on with.

We must be thankful that everything is alright now. I hope to be starting again on Saturday Jan 13^th.

We have been very thankful to Jean, for her useful & kindly help over the weekend. When she came last evening she wished to be remembered to you.

Mum is still waiting for the wool to come in for your gloves. But you can rest assured no time will be wasted in getting them made & sent to you.

I hope soon to hear that you have received your parcel etc.

I think that is all this time so will conclude with love & kindest thoughts from Mum & Dad

15/1/45

Dear Don,

Received letter No 17 today. The last one received No 15 dated Jan 6 and received 10^th. What’s happened to 16?

I am pleased to say I have started work again, and am feeling fairly fit, and I sincerely hope you have got over your attack, and that you are quite well again.

Mums finger seems to be going along alright now.

We will certainly be glad when we hear you have received your parcel (dispatched Dec 28^th) also the parcel of music that was sent as per instructions on Jan 6^th.

As regards papers I usually pick these up on Monday evenings and mum posts them on Tuesday morning.

As regards the Cigarettes, I do not know how long these take, they were supposed to go off last Monday 8^th that is why I like to know directly you receive them, so as we can make another lot.

No 14 letter contained darning wool and envelopes. Let us hope you received all these, and that I shall soon hear to say they have all turned up. Both Mum & I will be relieved.

Burt has been queer with the flu the last few days but I am pleased to say his mother says he is much better now.

I have receive from Feldman – Bye Bye So Long For Now

Hello Mom

The following received since my last list to you, have been enclosed in the parcel.

Noel Gay – Sing a Song of Tomorrow Today

Bonnie Babies

Victoria – The Happiest New Year of all

No One Else Will Do

Texas Polka

Chappell – Come Out Come Out wherever you are

As long as there’s music.

How’s the band going?

Everything according to plan what?

How is Ernie shaping in his capacity of dancing instructor etc. give him our regards,

There has been a slight change in the weather the snow has cleared away, and it is not quite so cold, but cold enough for me, I hope the change has been extended to your part of the world.

Well cheerio and all the best, and here’s hoping I shall soon learn you have got, parcels, letters, & papers all up to date.

Love from Mum & Dad.

16/1/45

Dear Don,

Have received letter No16 today and am losing no time to let you know.

Mum & I are still waiting anxiously to know if you have received parcel, also music from H B.

We are both glad to know you are feeling ok and sincerely trust you will continue to do so.

It pleases us to know you are making progress with the band.

Mum says she wishes it had been possible to relieve you of that job of darning.

You will be pleased to know I am feeling much better, and after two days at work am beginning to pull up arrears, which make me happier in mind, also the better news we are cheerful, and I hope we can look forward to the end, in the not too distant future.

Another thing to please us, is that the Windows have been put in today, perhaps now we will be able to keep the place warm.

Mr Reddin is getting well away with the Dolls House and we hope it will be ready by the time Doris & Beryl come home, how we wish you could be with us at the unveiling, just to watch the expression on Beryl’s face, but I am afraid that will be left to your imagination.

Mr Reddin has heard from Jack, that he is on the move.

Well Don, I think that is all this time so will conclude, with love and best wishes from Mum & Dad.

Dear Don Jan 17^th

Your registered letter has just arrived as Dad was going to work.

As I had our letter ready to post, I thought I would slip this in.

I know Ern will do his best for you as regards what you want.

I do hope by now you have got your parcel, also your music.

All my love

Cheerio Mum

18/1/45

Dear Don,

Have received all letters up to date, including 19.

We were both pleased to know you have received parcel, in fact as please as you were to receive it.

How’s the Navy practise going?

I shall be very glad when I hear you have received the music I sent to HB.

Ern has got your letter and will attend to it. I hope to let you know something, when I write to you again.

The notes have been paid in to-day, and the P.O. cannot accept the books till March as they are so very busy. I will not forget it when the time comes.

It is nice to know you are making progress with the band and we wish you every success.

I see you spent an amusing afternoon with the snow that pleasure was denied me, so poor old mum came in for that job. I wish I had been well enough to have done it.

Well, let us hope we have finished with the snow, and that the weather does not get too cold.

Well don I think this is all at present so will conclude it wishing you all the best

Cheerio and all our love

Mum and Dad

Ps Jean came last night – she told us Freddie is home on leave from Belgium.

That will be the time when you get yours.

27/11/44

Dear Don,

We were more than pleased to receive your letter, it was indeed a tonic for mum.

I don’t know if you have received my last 2 letters. One Nov 19^th to HB, and the other on the 22^nd the day we received the buff card. Anyway, the reply to yours is more important.

To keep you up to date with the music I wrote to tell you, I had received an acknowledgement from Feldman’s also from F Dak }The Sweetheart Waltz

} and then you Kissed me

Since then, I have received from Chappells

}where the Blue Begins

} My Wish

Cinephonic }Lovely Day

} if you ever go to Ireland

Lawrence Wright }My Favourite Dream

} The Cockney Rhyming Song

I shall certainly watch the M.M. and look forward to see something interesting. These will all be saved for you.

I shall post the reading matter to you, and also see if I can get an Anglo French phrase book.

One thing I must tell you Mr Marsden came and tuned the piano on your birthday.

Mum has given the order in for cigarettes and I trust you will receive them in due course.

Let me know when you get them so as I can tell how long they take.

Ern got a number of books from the library and has been studying over the weekend. I hope in course of time, it will be worth the time taken. I know you will join me in wishing him luck.

I hope you have succeeded in keeping in bed, I do not like to suggest a safety strap, but perhaps you could swop this with the other chap.

Well Don, I hope you have got used to your surroundings, and that you are happy and comfortable.

I have no doubt you will soon know sufficient of the language to be useful.

We hope you enjoy your food, and that you get it regular, as regards the beer, if it is no better than what we get over here I can’t suggest a name for it.

The rate of exchange seems to be in our favour and let’s hope you have got sufficient for your wants.

We are glad you had a pleasant afternoon, with your chess & Billiards, and also to learn you were able to have a bath, it would have certainly been nice to see you again but perhaps it was not worth the rush.

We can only look forward to seeing you again in the near future, but the greatest relief was to hear from you, and to know you are o.k.. Our only hope is that you are able to keep well and happy, and that our thoughts will be with you always.

I will give your message to Bert when I see him and will keep you updated with all the news. I hope the weather will be kind to you, we had a very wet week last week.

It has opened out a bit better today.

I think this is all at the present so will conclude with all our love & kindest thoughts.

From Mum & Dad

21.1.45

Dear Don,

Have received letters 20 & 21 & was very pleased to hear from you and to know you got the wool in time.

While I am writing this I should like to tell you the knitting class is in full swing, and we hope to let you have socks & gloves in the near future.

We are very pleased to know you are getting your washing done, it will save you a lot of worry and trouble.

I must be more careful in numbering my letters, I see you are well in advance of me. We will keep your watch till you come home, and if you get one over there, I hope you will get good value.

Mum & I will have to look out for “This Happy Breed” and try and see it. It is quite a long time since we went to the pictures.

We were hoping that the change in the weather was going to be more suitable to our requirements but yesterday & during the night we have had a very heavy fall of snow. However I hope you are free of this after what you have had.

Hope you are now keeping fit & well.

Cheerio love from Mum & Dad.

24/1/45

Dear Don,

I have received letters 22 & 23 and the remarkable fact is No 23 is the quickest one I have received. I think it beats your record of my No 16.

I hope you have now got the instruments, and that the dancing classes are well under way.

We were both glad to know the food business has improved and trust it will continue to be up to the standard you require, and hope everything not above board will be stamped out.

We are sorry about that long & ghastly walk, but hope the visit to the town, and the pictures compensated you. We remembered how you liked the walk from the station to the bungalow but that would be preferable now. What say you? Visions of happier days, and of better times to come.

I have remembered you to Jean, who by the way has been helping mum with the gloves etc. these will be dispatched at the earliest.

No further deliveries of music to report.

It is nice to know the weather has improved for you, but it is not too good here the snow is still hanging about.

We hope you had a good time at the pianist’s house, it must be nice for them to have some fresh numbers to play, after so long a period, playing the old stuff.

Well Don, we are preparing a parcel for you, and hope to get it off in a day or two.

Rose came to see mum, and to tell her that Arnold is going abroad.

Well Don I think that is about all this time, and when I get the parcel off, I will let you know.

In the meantime keep smiling.

Regards to Ernie.

& love from Mum & Dad.

27/1/45

Dear Don,

Hope this finds you in the best of health, and that the weather is better than we are having.

It has been very cold and I really don’t like it perhaps it is because I am getting old, and I hope it soon changes.

I am pleased to say our parcel was dispatched on Thursday morning Jan 25^th and we both hope you will receive it soon.

You will find a pair of socks which have been worn, they are a bit large but no doubt they will do you a turn.

The other socks and gloves which are being made, we hope to have ready in a day or two. These I will send by letter post so as you get them quicker than by parcel post.

I have received from Lawrence Wright

   } when We’re altogether Again

  } Dreaming

This is all I have received since I sent the last list.

I hope the band is in full swing now, and that you have got the music and the instruments you require.

As regards Chappells, 6/- 6 months the last I sent them was 7/7/44. I have received 5 numbers up to 5/1/45. Should I send them another subscription, or do they let me know when they require it. I might mention I had 6 numbers for the last sub.

Have you heard from Fred Wills?

Dear Don, as time is getting on for Dad to get to work, he asked me to finish this letter for him and post in the usual way (9.30 collection)

Ern has seen Len & others about your letter to him, but they are difficult to get now, hence the delay. However he will do his best to get them as soon as possible.

We had a letter from Doris in the week and she said she had written to you, so I expect you have received it by now.

Wishing you all the best, I will close with all our love and say Cheerio for now,

From Mum and Dad.

29/1/45

Dear Don,

Today I have received 2 letters 24 & 25 and it is nice to know you have received music and also you have put the darning out, and better still, to know you are having a change each week, and trust things will continue on these lines.

I hope this cold spell will soon pass it is certainly the worst we have experienced. We think of you all the time and we know how you feel.

I trust by the time you receive this, you have had the cigarettes.

I am sending a pair of shorts by letter post, so as you will receive them quicker than parcel post. I shall send another pair in a day or two.

I have tried to get you some new ones, but what I brought home mum knew they would not suit you.

The Socks are nearly finished as you know these have had to be made as you are unable to get other than utility, and they would be no use to you.

I know you will appreciate the delay, but I will send them the quickest way.

Friday morning 8 0/c –

Dear Don,

the Gloves are finished so am sending herewith. I hope you will get them quickly.

That’s all for now so cheerio & all our loveMum and dad.

31/1/45

Dear Don,

Am sending socks & shorts and trust they will reach you in good time and I hope you have received the gloves & shorts sent a couple of days ago.

I sincerely hope the change in the weather has come to stay and that we shall not experience for some time to come, the bitter weather we have had.

We hope you are keeping fit & well and that you are getting well away with the band.

With all our thoughts and love.

From Mum & Dad.

4/2/45

Dear Don,

Congratulations from Mum and Myself on obtaining your L.A.C.

After not hearing from you for nearly a week, we received letters 26,27 & 28 all by one post yesterday (Saturday 3^rd Feb)

Now mum is worrying over a mistake by the P.O. people.

We sent your gloves etc by letter post so as you would get them quickly.

The first parcel they charged 4d the second 10 ½ , both about the same weight, but I know you will understand it is no fault of mums and we trust you have received them both safely, even if you have to pay the surcharge, at the P.O. they think they will go through alright.

You can bet mum will be anxious to know how you got on.

The notes will be attended to as before, and I shall deal with the other when I receive it.

It seems a long time before you get your 48 hrs but I hope you make the best of it, when it comes.

We did not know about Doris’s cousin. Probably Walter forgot to tell us. He did tell us that Beryl was a bit scared when she saw the snow was higher than herself, also they had to dig their way to the car he says it was a good job he was not there otherwise they may have been an accident and he is passed the age for doing childish things.

I bet the ink incident was more than funny, but it was nice to know that nobody received any cuts.

Well Don the better weather is helping things and I should like to convince myself that it is all over, bar the shouting.

I suppose you are now getting on with the rehearsals and by this time I expect you have received the instruments and that you are going well with the band.

I am glad the fatigue was up to your liking.

We would have liked to have been at the concert for your celebrations and am glad to learn you had a good time, especially with the prices for the liquid refreshments, but take a tip from the old man, don’t get too fond of it, I know you will appreciate what I mean.

Please give or best wishes to Ernie etc.

Walter & Jean have been here today and they both are pleased to hear you are LAC and send their best wishes.

I have given Ern your message, he is still trying but I expect he will explain everything to you.

Mum has nearly finished another pair of socks. These are the same yarn as the pair enclosed in your parcel, I know these are not so nice as the all wool, but I expect you will find them useful.

I shall be sending them in a day or two by letter post and we will see there is no mistake this time.

Well Don, I think this is all this time so will conclude in wishing you all the best.

Cheerio and all our love

From Mum & Dad.

6/2/45

Dear Don,

We received letter 29. And was pleased to hear from you.

Herewith I send socks which I spoke about in my last letter.

Rose called to see mum yesterday and told her Arnold has gone to Belgium.

I am glad the snow did not hang about too long it must have been similar to what we had and I join you in hoping that spring will not be a little late this year.

I hope you had a nice time with the Ensa show, and I trust the dance went off alright in spite of being without some of the instruments.

I have had another dig at Ern, but I think according to what he heard from Jean, he has been waiting to let you know all about it.

Well Don I must get this packed up before I go to work so will say Cheerio.

All our love from Mum & Dad

P.S. Rose told mum Ray has gone further afield.

8/2/45

Dear Don,

In reply to letters 30 & 31 they are certainly coming in smart time now and I should like to know that you are receiving mine as quick.

Our weather is certainly a bit warmer but we are now having quite enough rain

I will keep my eye on the MM as regards Chappells.

The latest music received –

J D&H }Shine on Harvest Moon

          } Some other time.

We were pleased to hear about the band but I think you are too modest as regards not being up to standard. No doubt you will all feel much better after another one or two dances.

You must have had a long evening getting back so late but I hope you did not feel too tired in the morning.

It is nice to know you have got a cycle, and I hope it will save you’re a great deal of walking.

I bet you was in a fine state after touring the side roads, trying to remind yourself of Laindon on a wet day. It will certainly make you think twice before you go again.

Mr Reddin has nearly finished the Dolls house (of course you know this is a secret till Beryl comes home) it will probably have to be delayed a day or two as Mr Reddin’s mother is ill and it has meant a lot of running about for him. It will be nice if you get a doll, and if you are able to, I hope it will get here safely.

How we all wish for the time when it is all over, I should like to hear the good news any day now, the quicker the better. So we must keep hoping.

Mr Redding has heard from Jack, he is somewhere afloat.

We were talking about the numbers yours being 53. Jacks is sixty something, perhaps it may not be so startling after all we must wait & see and hope for the best.

Well Don I hope to hear soon that you have got the cigarettes, parcel, gloves & socks.

Jean wishes to be remembered to you.

I think that is about all this time so will conclude in time to catch the 4.30. this being Thursday afternoon.

With all kind thoughts & love from Mum & Dad.

11/2/45

Dear Don,

Was pleased to receive letter No 32 and glad to learn you have received parcel.

We are pleased you like the gloves, Jean knitted them for you, while mum got on with the socks.

I hope the band will go well tonight and shall be glad when you get all the instruments you require.

We are very sorry about the cigarettes we will get another lot dispatched and hope for letter back.

It is with regret I have to let you know of the death of my brother (Uncle Harry) who passed away on the 5^th he had a stroke on the 2^nd and did not regain consciousness, he is being buried on Tuesday 13^th.

We have heard from Albert Ovens, he hopes you are keeping safe & well. He tells us he has changed his job, because he did not have enough to do. Also he hopes it will soon pack up so as he has a speedy return, he has been away two years the 20^th of this month.

I received the Draft yesterday and shall see that keeps the other notes company.

The weather has not been too good here, plenty of rain, I should like to see some nice bright weather now, as I feel sure it would greatly help matters.

Well now conclude with our usual kind thoughts and Love.

From Mum & Dad.

13/2/45

Dear Don,

Was pleased to receive letters 33 & 34 and also to know you have received socks & cigarettes.

We hope the next lot will not take so long to reach you.

As regards tax, what with the post war credit I expect you will get a big percentage back.

We hope you did not catch cold after your soaking.

Mum & I attended Uncle Harrys’ funeral today. Aunt Alice kept up very well considering her age. She is just on 77.

Your aunts Lily & Jess were there, it is over 20 years since we saw them, so you can guess there was some old times to talk about.

Walter came this evening, he told me to mention to you, he has been so busy and has not had the time to write to you.

I expect by now you have received the other pairs of socks.

Well Don, you must excuse short letter, I felt I must write before I went to bed. It is getting late in fact, past my bedtime.

Wishing you the best of luck in all your ventures and hoping you will keep fit & Well.

Cheerio and all our love.

Mum & Dad.

15/2/45

Dear Don,

Have received letters 35 &36. Mum is happy to know you got the socks and that there was no trouble as regards surcharge.

We have not heard from Rose how Arnold is getting on yet, I expect she will soon be calling in.

I think Ray has gone out East somewhere.

Mum was talking to Mrs Sewell this afternoon, she told her she had heard from Stan who says he doesn’t like the mud out there.

He missed the snow, as he did not go till Feb 5. (about).

I hope your weather is keeping good. It has turned foggy here this afternoon, and I don’t like it and I hope we can soon look forward to some real spring weather and to the end of this bad business.

I hope you will get the band up to your liking and that you will soon have everything perfect.

Well Don, my opinion of the gratuities scheme is about the same as yours. It’s a question of take it with one hand and giving part of it back with the other. But I suppose they have got to do some funny things, so as to distract attention from other matters after the war.

Whatever amount you get, it cannot make up for what you have lost, and I sincerely hope you will be able to make up for lost time etc when you return to Civil life.

We had a letter from Doris this morning. She tells us she has sent you a small parcel and we both hope you will receive it alright.

Things have been a bit lively the last few weeks, I expect you can gather what they are like by the reports in the “Stratford”.

There is no music to report. On the wireless yesterday the words came through L.A.C. Donald, Mum nearly had a fit, she thought it was you had picked out a record to be played, who knows perhaps we shall hear your band on one of these days.

How is Ernie these days? Give him our regards.

I will have a talk with Ern if I am up when he comes home. I have spoken to him on several occasions but I hope everything will turn our alright and I expect he will explain all to you.

I am pleased to say mum & I are keeping fairly fit, in spite of old age creeping on and we both hope you are keeping free from colds etc in spite of getting wet.

Well Don I will say cheerio and all the best.

All our thoughts & love from Mum & Dad.

18/2/45

Dear Don,

It is Sunday evening but I feel I cannot let it pass without dropping you a line.

We hope the band is progressing well, and that everything is going along to your satisfaction.

Mum has been busy this evening getting ready for your next parcel.

A further supply of cigarettes was ordered yesterday.

I have written to Albert and replied to his enquiries about you.

Also mum is going to reply to Doris’s letter. I think I told you she has sent a parcel to you, and also she has changed her address which is

c/o Mrs Hobbs, 32 John St, Cadoxton, Barry, S.Wales.

Have you written or heard from Fred Wills?

It looks as if things are getting near the end according to the news.

How I hope so and that it will not be long, so as you can be with us once again.

Hoping you are keeping fit & well.

Cheerio and all our love

From Mum & Dad

Dear Don

I have received letter 37 today.

I am pleased to know you received Doris’s parcel it’s funny I should have mentioned it in my last letter, also about Fred Wells.

It is nice to know you got through the amount of writing you had to do, and I expect you slept well after.

Ern has got some batteries for you and they will be in your next parcel.

I hope in the capacity of band librarian you will be able to get all the music you require. I have only got a few new ones, they seem to be very slow coming along.

It will be nice if your band pal can get sufficient tickets for the jazz gala and I hope you get permission for the liberty wagon.

I am sorry to hear about the missed breakfasts, and I hope you will mend your ways so as to be in time.

On the other hand, I suppose there is a certain amount of compensation for the late nights, especially if they are enjoyable ones.

Well Don, I am glad to know you are getting your mail alright and I trust you will continue to do so.

My next job after this is to get the papers done up, that is my usual Monday night job.

Mum would like to know if you still have to take the digestive tablets, she is hoping the indigestion is much better.

However we are enclosing some in your parcel also some health salts which we think you may like, now that spring does not seem to be late this year.

Don’t be afraid to let us know anything that you would like, you know we will send if at all possible.

Well I think I will conclude with our usual kind thoughts and love

From Mum & Dad.

21/2/45

Dear Don,

Letters 38 39 & 40 arrived today by one post.

It is most remarkable that I should speak about Freddy and that you should write to him, and then get an airmail the day after. We hope he is well.

I am pleased to know the jazz gala has plenty of names. I hope you get the transport and that things will turn out well.

We were with you on shrove Tuesday, no pancakes, but we hope the time is not far distant when we can have the things we want.

We hope you and Ernie had a good time at the Ensa concert.

In reply to 39 I hope the post has got normal for you again.

I hope the band gave you satisfaction on Sunday and I am pleased to learn you are getting a super library.

With reference to Albert and his job if you remember he was a writer but he found there was not enough work to do. I do not know what he is now doing.

Let’s hope the weather continues as you like it.

The French cinema was a bit of a change and it’s a good job there is no smoking.

Well Don your parcel has been posted to you this morning and we do hope you receive it safe and in good time and that the contents are what you require.

I have received from Feldman’s Let the rest of the World Go By and When Irish Eyes are Smiling.

There are evidently two of the old ones.

The music has been very slow coming along, I think I mentioned it before but I suppose I shall get several together.

I think this is about all this time so will conclude wishing you success with the band and sincerely trust you are keeping fit & well.

All our love from Mum & Dad

25/2/45

Dear Don,

Was pleased to receive letter 41 and hope things are going well with you.

It is funny you should mention about the post war credit, after what I said in one of my letters to you.

It will be very nice if you do get it all back.

We are glad to learn of the success of the dance and trust everything will come up to your expectations.

After only being able to expect one delivery of music this month I have now received another two,

viz:- Lawrence Wright – The Basic Language of Love

I’m gonna love that way

Suu The boy Next Door.

This finishes the Sub so I am sending another subscription.

I am glad you understood about Walter, he is full of business these days getting a large fleet together, he told us the days are not long enough for him but perhaps the day will come when he will be satisfied and then he will take it easy. We tell him all about you when he comes. He usually has dinner etc with us on Sundays.

It looks as if things are moving and I often feel the cessation of hostilities on the Continent is not far distant, what a grand day that will be. The fears of the rockets gone, the anticipation of your homecoming, the repairs to the house done, or better still a new one and the visions of better times to come.

We are pleased to tell you the Dolls house is finished and what a picture. Now our only hope is that the war will not delay the homecoming of Doris & Beryl very much longer.

Rose has seen it, and she thinks it is wonderful.

Well Don now I am hoping to get Mr Reddin busy on something I know that will be of interest to you but I cannot say anything about it just yet.

We hope you are keeping fit, and happy, give our regards to Ernie.

By the way how is the dancing instruction progressing..?

I will now say cheerio and conclude with love and kind thought from Mum & Dad.

27/2/45

Dear Don,

I have received letters 42 & 43 and what I can see of it, there has been some speeding up with the post.

We hope the weather is keeping all right for you and hope it will continue so and that the end will be quicker than what we think.

I expect there will be a lot of arguments about the Gratuity System and there may be some alterations.

I suggest there should be one for the old chaps like me carrying on under difficulties and waiting for the boys to come home so as we can have a rest but joking aside I suppose I mustn’t grumble I should feel alright if I had another chest.

Well as regards Ern, I spoke to him last night, and asked him to drop a few lines, and I would enclose it in this letter, or if he would tell me what to say I would write myself, he told me he had started a letter, so I can’t say if you have received it before this.

I am sorry the Jazz gala was not up to your expectations anyway it made a change for you but it would have been nice if you had had an interpreter there.

Now I suppose you have caught up with your reading. I suppose the news in the papers are a bit stale when you get it, but Everybody’s and TitBits I guess are always welcome, when you read the Stratford I expect you can guess how things are.

With reference to the cigarettes the third lot is now on order, as you have had two lots, I am pleased to say none have gone astray.

Directly we hear you have got them, mum orders another lot so I thought you would be able to judge the time in coming.

We are pleased to know you haven’t had to use the digestive tables, and as long as you are not short of them you will not need them.

How’s the Elastoplast? It would be nice to know you are not using much of that, not that we don’t want to send any, what I mean is that you are not clipping yourself about.

We are very pleased about the band, and we hope the leader will get all you require.

Jean is here tonight and of course, she send her usual kind regards.

I think this about all this time so will conclude with love and best wishes from Mum & Dad.

1/3/45

Dear Don,

Was pleased to get your letter 44 and am glad to see these is not much delay in the post.

It is a pleasure to know you have nearly got all the music you require, also the instruments and trust you soon get the tenor Saxophone and the trombone, I guess you enjoyed yourself having a good blast out.

According to my reckoning you should receive parcel about March 4^th or 5^th judging by the time the other took.

Sorry to hear about the film, did you get your money back? And was someone able to explain it all to you.

Now about the pipe, I should sent it home if Ern was able to mend it last time I expect he can do it again or get it down.

Further music to expect : There goes that Song Again

We’ll be Walking together

I think that is all at present, so will say cheerio.

All our love Mum & Dad

4/3/45

Dear Don,

Replying to letter 45 we were more than pleased to hear your received parcel in double quick time.

I expect you had an enjoyable time going over the music you had sent, but it is a pity some of the numbers you required were out of stock.

I think it a good idea to send the music home, that you do not require, as you say it will be better than lugging it around.

When you receive the cigarettes, which I hope will be soon, there will be another lot, and you should receive these about a fortnight after. This will stop you going without too long.

We both hope you are keeping fit & happy, we think that the war cannot last much longer, how we are looking forward, and praying for that day.

Jean & Walter have been here today and wish to be remembered to you.

Well Don I think that is all this time.

With kind thoughts & love from Mum & Dad.

6/2/45

Dear Don,

No 46 received and we were pleased to hear from you again.

I suppose you have done your job of sorting out and numbering and no doubt jobs of that description take much longer than you would think.

Am sorry to hear the dancing classes have fallen through owing to lack of accommodation.

I trust everything went off alright on Saturday and Sunday and you got satisfaction for the time and work you have put into the band.

I suppose you are looking forward to your 48 hrs that won’t be long now. But I must tell you we are looking forward to your 7 days, it seems such a long time since we have seen you, and you know a nice long chat is much better than letters, and we sincerely hope the time will not be long when you are home for good.

Our thoughts & wishes are always with you and will conclude with all our love. From Mum & Dad

9/3/45

Dear Don,

I have received today letter no 48 also the £5.10.00 order.

What’s happened to 47 as I have not received this yet.

I was very sorry to hear about Ernie, and I expect I will be a long time before he makes another slip up.

I suppose you thought of the old man’s old fashioned view, but still it is likely to happen at times like these, and it is a bit of experience.

However, I trust it all ended well and that it won’t be necessary to remind him of what he said.

I have spoken to Ern this evening.

As regards the air activity it has not been too good, plenty of blast in the vicinity. Ern was at the shops all night with Arthur helping to clear up, last Thursday week, March 1st. this was opposite Herbert’s. Last Tuesday another a few streets away behind Herbert’s, it has caused a lot of work and at the same time it has put me behind with the orders about 2 weeks – but I feel since this can’t go on much longer, and here’s hoping the end will be quicker than what we think.

It is nice to know you have got all the music sorted out, also the smoking concert went off well and I hope you don’t get too tired putting all them hours in and the travelling about.

It is a pity you have the transport difficulties.

I will see Bert about the piece of music, I hope he will be able to get it for you.

I have looked through the book, but I cannot find one with the title ‘”My Heart tells me” I wondered if this was part of the song. I will explain this to Bert, so it may turn out alright.

As regards anything being deleted, on one occasion there was a piece cut out, but I took it for HB probably you did not abbreviate it.

The weather has been good the last few days and it is nice to see the progress that can be made.

I shall remember you to Jean when she comes again.

While mum was shopping she saw the nurse who looked after you, and she wished to be remembered to you.

This I think is all for the time being.

Cheerio and all our love from Mum & Dad.

11/3/45

Dear Don,

I received letter no 49 yesterday afternoon.

I still have not received 47. Do you think you have slipped up as a number.

When you send your pipe back I will endeavour to get it repaired, and keep it till you come home.

Sorry to hear about the rain, but I trust it has not interfered with you too much.

I trust through staying in a couple of night the rest has done you good.

The news continues to be good, so hurry up the end.

I am pleased to report the arrival of the following music

Cinephonic } Rosanna

} I’ll Try

Chappell }Any Moment Now

} More & More

}Who said Dreams Don’t come True

}You’re so Sweet to Remember

I expect this will finish Chappell’s so I will get another Sub away during the week.

The doings was pleased to your credit yesterday, and I hope to get your book away this week to be made up.

Bert has been over this afternoon and has made a note of “My Heart Tells Me” and says he will endeavour to get it for you.

Walter was here today and he tells us he hopes to go to Wales tomorrow to see Doris & Beryl.

Mum is hoping to get a parcel ready for dispatch during next week.

We have heard from Doris she tells us she is sending you a parcel this weekend.

Jean paid a visit to Bennett the dentist yesterday she had one tooth out and mum is going with her on Tuesday to have another one stopped.

Ern is sorry he has not written to you but has asked me to let you know he has been unable to get what you wanted.

He has tried several places.

Mum has got you a comb & toothbrush, to put in your parcel, I expect these sort of things come in handy. If there is anything you can think of that you require let us know.

I hope Ernie is keeping his good resolution. Give him our kind regards,

I think this is all this time and will close with kind thought and Love from Mum & Dad.

14/3/45

Dear Don.

Letter 50 to hand. It is quite interesting to know how you have arranged for the two bands: it will certainly give you the chance of having an evening to yourselves.

We are more than sorry to hear about Ernie and sincerely trust it is nothing serious, and that he will soon be quite well again.

What do you think it is? A cold or something eaten that did not agree with you.

We hope you will soon get your glasses fixed up, especially if it tires your eyes being without them any length of time.

I shall be anxious to know how you all are.

I have seen Bert and he has fixed up about the song which by the way is Chappels’ and they are going to send it on to you direct.

I will reimburse Bert when I see him again for the expenses incurred.

I am pleased you have paid visits to other places it certainly made a change for you and trust you will get the opportunity of spending a little time there in future occasions.

Are you able to get up to date music there.

I trust you were not too tired after your stand up lorry journey, but I expect when you finished the day with the band you soon forgot about tiredness.

Mum has seen Mrs Donovan and I am pleased to tell you she has heard from Ron after 3 months, he is in India and thinks he will be there for about three years.

It was hard luck he was unable to see his brother, Mrs Donovan says by that time it will be about 9 years.

It was correct about Chappells they have advised me another Sub is due so I will get it away tomorrow.

We are now busy getting your parcel ready and we hope everything will be to your liking and we hope you will get it in the same time as the last one.

I have seen Walter since he returned from Wales, he tells us Doris & Beryl are quite well, and that Beryl is talking quite broad, he told her nan and grandad have got a surprise for her, when she comes home.

I think this is about all this time, so will now get busy packing the parcel which will be posted in the morning.

Trusting to hear in the near future that you are all well again.

Love and best wishes from Mum & Dad

15/3/45

Dear Don,

In answer to 51 I am pleased to hear Ernie is feeling a lot better, and trust he will soon have completely recovered, also we hope you are keeping fit & well.

It is a pity you can’t get your own glasses repaired and I hope you will soon get used to the RAF pair.

It is a great pleasure to us to learn your leave is on the way. It is quite a tonic to both Mum & myself to look forward to seeing you again. It seems ages since you went away how we can look forward for the letter that will tell us the good news.

I suppose you enjoyed listening to Pierre trying out the solo’s and the pleasure of him playing them so perfectly.

I trust my optimism will be justified and that the end is in sight, the sooner the better for all.

Walter was telling me the other day how Beryl is always dashing to the ice cream parlour. I should certainly have like to have known what she thought of it, the first time she had any.

As regards your book as a matter of fact it is being sent by the same post as this letter and I shall certainly let you know the result at the earliest.

I shall be pleased to get, as arranged for Bert to get, the music you require.

As I told you in my last letter your parcel has been dispatched, I expect we have been unable to get any Ovaltine tablets they inform us they have gone to the canteens so I don’t know if you can get any over there.

Mum has been anxious to know if the top of the parcel was in good condition but I told her I don’t think there is anything to worry about, after the way it is packed. I expect the reason why some go astray is through not being packed properly.

Mum & Jean have been down to the bungalow today to have a clean-up. The had a very nice day for it and they came back tired out. I was too busy to get the morning off this week and if I had caught the train after 1o/c there would not have been much time to do anything, however I hope to be lucky next week.

Jean wished me to remember her to you, both Mum & I thanked her for her kind and able help and hoped she would sleep well.

Well Don I think this is all to let you know this time and will close wishing you all the best.

Kindest thoughts and love from Mum & Dad

18/3/45

Dear Don,

In reply to 52 I note your remarks about the pipe, and I hope we shall have it ready when you come home.

As regards the income tax I do not think there are any other claims. I don’t think there is anything to worry about, I should say the amount you will have to pay will come back in time? by the way of P.W.C. anyway let us hope so.

I expect by now you have been able to make out the list of music you require.

I received no 53 yesterday afternoon, so you are catching up on me, I am glad to know there is no need to worry over No 47, I would not like to think any of your letters went astray.

With reference to “My Heart tells Me” I have looked it up in the index and I find you are quite right, and I trust you have received the copy which is being sent direct from Chappells.

I have seen Bert who told me he arranged for it to be sent last Wednesday March 14^th.

We hope the weather is continuing spring like it is very nice here today..

I think this is all this time hoping you are quite fit, also Ernie. Cheerio all our love mum & Dad.

20/3/45

Dear Don

As you will see there appears to be some little misunderstanding as regards the piece of music. Chappells sent this direct to Bert, instead of you as arranged so he brought it over to me, I was going to enclose it with the papers but I thought you would get it quicker by letter.

Bert has got a lot to tell you, but it will probably be a couple of days before he could get his letter away he asked me to tell you this.

Here is reply to No 54. I will get Cycle repair outfit and will forward at the earliest.

We are glad to learn you had an enjoyable time at the impromptu dance. It’s a good job you got away before the waggon left. I expect it would have meant a long walk.

We hope the St Patricks duty went off alright, and that you had a very pleasant time.

We hope by now you have received cigarettes and that the parcel will soon be in your hands. There is no music to send this time.

Jean has got over her first visit to the Dentist and is now looking forward to going again, she has got to have 9 stopped, so Bennett told her, cleaning etc, so this will mean a fair number of visits.

I will tell her she has your sympathy, the next time she comes.

Perhaps this will make Ern think about having his teeth seen to.

Well Don the weather seems to have changed for the better and I suppose we can look forward to getting out a bit, but what we long for most is the end of this rotten business, and the pleasure of looking forward to the better times that are to come.

If things continue going as they are, according to the news, I do not think it can last much longer.

I will now say cheerio and conclude with all our love from Mum & Dad

21/3/45

Dear Don,

Parcel received for Ern this morning containing pipe.

Herewith cycle repair outfit which I trust is just the thing you require.

I have received this afternoon letter no 55.

It is nice to learn the band is going well, and trust it will continue to do so, for your own satisfaction.

You will see apart from the outfit, there are extras viz:- valve tubing patches and solution but have packed them as you will see for safety’s’ sake.

I hope you get them in good time.

I think that is all.

Best wishes & Love from Mum & Dad

25/3/45

Dear Don,

In answer to 56 we were pleased to learn you received parcel in quick time.

We should like to know you have got cigarettes, there are two lots on the way.

I trust you will soon get used to the glasses RAF style. It is very nice to know your eyes have improved.

Mum & I went to Laindon on Thursday, it was a lovely day, but the time went so quick, there being so much to do. Ern & Jean have gone down today. It is very dull here but it might be alright there. If Ern does the lawn it will be a great help.

We were both tired and stiff when we came back on Thursday, but I feel sure it does you good.

We hope to have a couple of days during the Easter holidays.

Bert told mum yesterday that he is still writing your letter, I should imagine it will be like a book from the library.

I have received the following music

J D& H }No one makes love like you

}The Little Things that Mean So Much

Victoria }Accentuate the positive

}let’s Take the long Way Home

What do you think of the latest news, pretty good eh: Roll on the end.

We hope you are keeping fit & well also Ernie.

When Jean left last night she told me to remember her to you when I wrote.

The old shop looks a bit more presentable now although it will have its scars for a long time.

Herbert’s is going again. We are very much behind with the work, owing to lack of labour. At least 2 months for a suit. This seems very strange to us, after the way we used to turn them out but I am afraid we are all in the same boat but still we must look forward to better times.

I will now conclude with love & best wishes from Mum & Dad.

26/3/45

Dear Don,

I am in receipt of 57 & 58 both received today.

We are both pleased to know you have got your parcels in good condition.

It would be very nice if you were able to be with us going to Laindon but perhaps it will not be long before you are able to do so.

We are very pleased with your stroke of luck and we hope you had a good time and enjoyed yourself. It made a nice change for you.

I expect by now you have received the piece of music I sent from Chappels.

Rose has been here this evening, she tells us Arnold is in Hospital with tonsillitis, she made enquiries about you, and send her best wishes.

It is very nice to enjoy yourself in the sun and I hope you will derive great benefits from it especially after the rough winter you have been through.

I hope they will spread your tax out as it won’t be very nice to be short on pay day. I often wonder who I am working for when it comes to pay day to see the amount stopped but still I suppose I have got to put up with it and be thankful for small mercies.

We heard from Doris today, she tells us she has sent a parcel off and we hope you receive it in good condition and in good time.

Also Beryl is as fit as ever, and concluded her letter with, I am just going to bath her you can imagine how clean she looks, she has been very busy digging in the garden.

How we are looking forward for the war to be over when she returns and sees her present and what will give as most pleasure if you get your leave at the same time.

We still wish you good luck and may it always attend you.

The usual papers are being dispatched by the same post.

Cheerio, and all our love Mum & Dad

29/3/45

Dear Don,

I was pleased to receive no 59 today and we hope the tiredness did not prevent you getting up early enough for your trip to Brussels.

Save the photos for us to have a look perhaps they are not so bad after all.

We are pleased to know you had a good time with Angus and your friends, and that you got away early enough for the waggon.

Ern saw Len Wren the other evening who wishes to be remembered to you, also the usual greetings from Jean.

I suppose the Easter holidays don’t make any difference to you, you have to work just the same.

It is a bit dull and windy today, but we are looking forward to go to Laindon tomorrow (Friday) let us hope it keeps fine.

Everyone you came in contact with now, has one topic, when is the end coming, it certainly looks near. Anyway the sooner the better for everybody.

I received your book back after a fortnight 1.7.2.interest for 1944.

The music to expect from

Sun }Someone to Love

} Gonna Build a Big Fence Round Texas

Friday Morn. (Good)

Dear Don

I was too tired to finish this letter last night, so I had a bath and went to bed.

I am very pleased to say it has turned out very nice this morning. So we are just going off to Laindon. We both wish you were with us .

Let’s hope this pleasure is not long deferred. Our thoughts will be with you.

Well Don, Cheerio and all the best. All our love Mum and Dad

31/3/45

Dear Don,

Today I have received 60 &61, we both think the photo very nice, in spite of what you say and we were very pleased to receive it, but shall be more pleased to see you in the flesh

Roll on that day.

Your description of your trip to Brussels and the football match was very interesting, although I am as you know no football fan. I can imagine how you enjoyed yourself and I have no doubt it was similar to Wembley on cup tie day.

I am glad you have received the practice outfit & the music. I am sorry about the cigarettes and I hope they will soon turn up I trust you have been able to get sufficient for your requirements. I should not like to think you have gone without.

I expect Jean will soon start with Bennetts it is a question of waiting for the dental form to come from the insurance people whose offices are in Caernarvonshire.

As regards Ern, I do not know when he is going to make a start, I think he will be different when this war is finished, I sincerely hope so for his own sake.

I am very pleased to learn you were up in good time on the morning for your trip.

I remember when I was a lad I could not sleep the night before I was going to a Sunday School excursion.

You have certainly seen more than Mum or I shall ever see, and I hope the best of them will keep in your memory and that the worst of them, will soon be forgotten.

You made both our mouths water when you spoke about the ice cream. They have started selling it here, but we have not sampled it yet.

I will have to see what I can get in the way of Dark Glasses is it not possible to obtain a bit of mica to clip on.

I will have a talk with Ern and will see what can be done.

Noel Gay has woke up again with }Scuse my Little Trumpet

}Till all our Prayers are Answered

I think the next turn up will be the last.

This is no 11, so no.12 will equal the 24 no’s which started in April 1943.

We hope to go to Laindon tomorrow Sunday and stop till Monday and we are both hoping the weather will be more kind to us than it has been today. Cold, windy, & showers.

Ern & Jean will be coming with us.

We were pleased to hear you received a parcel from Doris, and we hope to get another one together shortly. We only wish it were possible to send them more frequent.

I think this is about all this time except to wish you all the best, and will conclude with all our love

Mum & Dad

4/4/45

Dear Don,

Thanks for letter no 62 and thanks in advance for parcels which I hope we receive in due course in safe condition.

It is a pleasure to look forward to.

I will send what you require in a few days, Ern is now cleaning it up.

We hope you made the best of your time over the Easter holidays.

We had a fair time although Sunday was cold and dull it meant a rest in the sitting room warm by the fire.

We were up rather early on the Monday morning although we lost an hour, and we were able to do some work on the ground, it turned out very fine, we left Laindon soon after five, and after a struggle we arrived home about 7.30. We had to let one train go we could not possibly get in it, I think everybody went to Southend.

The news is still very good and it has been very nice to be able to sleep at night, without being woke up by the rockets. Let us hope it will continue. I think we have had a good share.

Now both mum & I would like to get the place done up by the time you have your leave. It will not be for the want of trying but if we could get another place it would be much better.

I suppose the band is still going well, anyway I hope it is to your satisfaction.

Have you made up the list of music your require?

Mr Reddin came in to see us last night after his return from Stoke, he says Mrs Reddin is looking forward to coming home, he tells us Pat has started work, he had very rough weather the few days he was there and I think he would have stopped the rest of the week had the weather been good.

Jean has paid another visit to Bennet this afternoon, and as I am writing this she wishes me to convey her kindest regards to you.

Well Don, we hope you are keeping fit also Ernie etc, and we are still hoping to see you soon.

I think this is about all this time so will conclude with our kind thoughts and love from Mum & Dad.

5/4/45

Dear Don,

I write to thank you for the parcel received this morning and am looking forward to receive the other one.

I must thank you on behalf of all, the shades we will leave to the ladies to sort out.

Ern is trying to fix up something in the way of dark glasses for you and I hope to get the things you require away in a few days.

I am pleased to say it has been nice and quiet for the past week and am hoping it will continue so.

We have had enough muck & mess to clear up but I think we can look forward to better times.

Will conclude with best thanks & love from Mum & Dad.

6/4/45

Dear Don,

I have received today the second registered parcel, and I send the thanks of us all.

Mum is delighted with the L.W. and will see that Doris & Jean have the others.

I thank you very much for my present, and also thank you on behalf of Walter & Ern.

Bert was out this evening, but no doubt I shall see him tomorrow to give him the pipe.

Excuse short note but I felt I had to let you know at the earliest of the safe arrival of the parcels.

Cheerio and all kind thoughts & Love

From Mum & Dad.

8/4/45

Dear Don,

Was pleased to receive no 63.

Mum saw Bert yesterday and gave him the pipe, she tells me he was very delighted with it.

Jean was more than pleased with hers and thanks you very much. We are keeping Doris’s till she comes home which I expect will be soon now.

The continuation of the lull and the good news, seems to put a different aspect on things. It is rather dull, and a chilly weekend, so we are leaving Laindon till about Thursday, instead. We are busy today getting your parcel ready for posting tomorrow morning.

We have not heard from Rose yet, if Arnold is out of hospital, but I expect she will soon let us know, we will remember you to Len when he comes round.

You will find a shade for the sun etc in the parcel, the other will be fixed up in a few days, and will be posted separately.

We have just finished packing the parcel and hope you get it safe and in good time.

Mum has spoken about your cigarettes, it is now 7 & 5 weeks since these were ordered, perhaps there has been a hold up somewhere and you may get them both together, I hope so.

Lil at the corner shop is going to mention it the next time she goes with some more orders.

Will now conclude with love and best wishes. From Mum & Dad.

10/4/45

Dear Don,

In answer to no 64. I am sending herewith the book of music you require.

I thought it would be safer like this, than sending it with the papers, these I am sending as usual.

I will see what I can do about the Practical Wireless, shall I send these by letter post or with the papers?

The weather has been fair the last few days but not too warm. I don’t think we have got used to this extra hour business.

We hope everything is going well with you, and you are keeping fit.

Ern is on the job fixing up the doings for your glasses and you can rest assured I shall get them away at the earliest.

Cheerio, and all our love. Mum & Dad

11/4/45

Dear Don,

I have received letter no 65 today, your last few letters have averaged 5 days. 65 has taken 3 days so they are treating me the same as you, but it is nice to hear from you.

It is nice to know you had an enjoyable time last Thursday with Angus etc, and it pleases us to know you have these pleasant times, we did not anticipate times like these, when you first started the piano.

Your description of the pianola is very interesting and the incident of the last war, says a lot for the Huns intelligence, and remarkable forethought of the old lady.

I hope you are getting well away with your French, anyway sufficient to be useful.

I should have liked to see you tossing the pancakes I hope they were as nice as mum makes.

Do you think you will be able to get the musicians badge for the little boy I expect it will please him.

I expect your band will soon be up to your standard after a few more rehearsals and I hope No 2 will follow suit.

While I am writing this I expect you are busy in the band room, getting the list of music ready.

I trust you are enjoying good weather, it seems to have improved here.

There is no music to report this time.

As you will see Ern has fixed things up and enclosed a note explaining things.

Cheerio love from Mum & Dad

13/4/45

Dear Don,

I am receipt of 66 containing list of music required. I have seen Bert and told him of your requirements, so I hope to get these for you with as little delay as possible.

As regards Practical Wireless I have seen Mrs Parry of Plaistow Book stall who tells me they are very difficult to get, she has made enquiries and has been put on the waiting list, however that was not good enough for me, so I have spoken to Bert, who thinks he will be able to get it for you.

By the way, I had a chap in the shop on Wednesday the name of W Clarke, he said he was at Cake Rd with you, he made enquiries at to your welfare and wishes to be kindly remembered to you.

You seem to be having a busy time with the band or should say bands, and the 5 hour show was pretty good going. I expect you get a lot of fun out of it, no doubt you see the funny side of it, with the temperament of the different people.

I had a joke with Bert about the drums, and he told me he had played the piano at the Public Hall.

I told him it is very nice to adapt yourself to do these things, it must be helpful at times.

I hope by this time you have received parcel and the packet with the Sunglasses. I can’t understand the delay with the cigarettes but I trust they will eventually turn up, have you been able to get any over there?

Let us hope the time will soon come, when you are home for good, perhaps quicker than what you think.

It looks as if it is getting near the end.

Jean is with us this evening, and sends her usual kind regards,

I think this is about all so will conclude with wishing you all the best.

Cheerio & love from Mum & Dad

14/4/45

Dear Don

No 67 to hand and further list of music.

You will find the assessment form, is to find out the allowances you are entitled to, so as they can give you a code number. As you say they will let you know soon enough what you have to pay which no doubt will come back to you in course of time via P.W. Credit. Editors note some further info here https://www.taxation.co.uk/articles/2007-11-08-210231-post-war-credits

So I will leave it to you not to worry about it.

I am pleased that the weather agrees with you and trust it will continue a bit longer.

We are hoping to go to Laindon tomorrow (Sunday) so we can do with it being fine so as we can continue the good work.

I put the potatoes in on Thursday and done a bit more of the lawn.

We will bear in mind the 333’s when ordering next time but I still hope you will get the other two lots.

I make the list of music 34 altogether.

I hope Bert will be able to get them all for you and I will send them at the earliest.

I will now say Cheerio and conclude with love from Mum & Dad

16/4/45

Dear Don,

I have today received no 68 and note the music that you require which shall be sent as you wish.

I have received from

Feldman }Too ra loora loo

}lets sing a song

I notice this is one that you want.

I wondered why you wanted me to get the music you already had but can understand now, anyway it is nothing serious if you do have two copies.

When I explained to Bert what you wanted I left it to him to get what he thought you required as you did not say if they were to be P.C’s or Sheet music.

I shall be seeing him presently and we will go through the matter together.

We all went to Laindon yesterday to continue the good work. It was a lovely day and very warm.

Mum had a letter from Doris this morning to say she is coming home on Thursday. She mentioned that she has written to you.

I think you have had an amusing time with the practices but am glad you were able to fix things up and I suppose by now you would like to give practices a rest.

I hope to be soon hearing from you to say you have got the camera etc.

Well Don Bert has just been and we had had a chat about the music and I hope to get as much as you require away at the earliest possible moment.

He says he will be writing you, and he will explain things in his way.

Now I am going to get your papers packed, so as they can go off as usual.

Excuse my finishing letter in pencil as pen has run out.

We both hope you are keeping fit & well. Cheerio, and all our Love, Mum & Dad.

18/4/45

Dear Don,

I am sending all the music that Bert is able to get up to the present, I hope to get the remainder to you as soon as possible.

Bert is writing to you to explain the position.

Hope you get them safe and in good time.

Cheerio. Kindest thoughts & Love from Mum & Dad.

19/4/45

Dear Don,

Replying to 69 I am pleased to learn you have got the glasses etc and have given your letter to Ern.

We were sorry to learn about your cold but hope you have quite recovered. It is a pity about the iced drinks but perhaps a couple of the old time cones would have been welcomed. That will be something to look forward to. I have not forgotten the Practical Wireless, I hope we can get this for you soon. I am sending the latest M.M. try and look after it. I have all the others in apple pie order.

I hope you and your pals can have a good dig at the blatherer, and I shall look forward to seeing a copy of your combined efforts in the M.M.

I posted off your music yesterday morning. I paid the extra to have it sent by letter post, I think this is much safer and quicker and I trust you have received it by the time you get this.

I thought it best to send all we got, and I hope to send the other along, as soon as Bert gets it.

No doubt by now he has written to you, explaining all about it.

He evidently missed you as a guide when he was dodging about getting it.

Jean was here last night she has paid another visit to Bennetts and has had a few drillings, she sends her usual kind regards.

The weather is still glorious, and I suppose it suits you. It is very nice after the rough winter we have had.

It is now 3 weeks since we have had any rockets, it is certainly like living in a different place after the hectic times we have been through and I should not be surprised any day now that we will hear that it is all over, then you can ask for your cards.

Roll on the time when you will be home for good.

I think that is about all.

Cheerio, and all the best, love from Mum & Dad

22/4/45

Dear Don,

As we have not heard from you the last few days, I could not let the weekend pass without dropping you a line.

I sincerely hope you are keeping well, and that you have got rid of the cold you had.

I still have not been able to get Practical Wireless but I have not given up hope.

I shall be glad when I hear you have received parcel, also the music.

I have received from

Chappells } What are you doing the Rest of Your Life

} Don’t Fence me in.

Lawrence Wright }Just a Little While

Mum would like to know how are your socks going.

Rose sends her regards to you, also Jean.

It was a bit dull yesterday but has opened out a bit better this morning.

We are just off to Laindon.

Cheerio & all the best love from Mum & Dad

23/4/45

Dear Don,

I received No 70 today, evidently this had been delayed, but we were glad to know you received Cigarettes & parcel and trust things were alright.

I like your summing up of Clark, these are things that are always remembered.

I do not know if he is in any of the services but will try and find out when I see him again then I can have a good leg pull.

We were sorry to hear about your indisposition and trust by now you have quite recovered.

As I told you in my last letter, I am still hoping to get Practical Wireless.

I look forward to the interesting things you will be able to do after the clearing process of the old school prize.

I think that is all for the present so will now pack your papers.

Cheerio, keep well & happy. Love from Mum & Dad

24/4/45

Dear Don,

Have received 71 today. 70 left the base censor on the 21^st, 71 the 22^nd, so I expect that is the reason for the delay. It worried mum not hearing for a few days, it made her think your cold was worse than you made out but we are pleased to know that was not the case.

I note the music you require and will get it away as soon as Bert gets it.

We will see if we can get you some hair cream, but in the meantime I will pass on a tip Walter gave me. It is Liquid Paraffin, which is very economical, a little goes a long way and it answers the purpose. A small bottle lasts him six months.

I suppose it is nice to get some new clothes, how you are filling out and Mum would have liked to have saved you the trouble of sewing the badges on. I hope you felt refreshed after the Ensa show and that you finished your sewing in double quick time in the morning.

We all put in another good day at Laindon on Sunday. It was a nice day, but Monday turned out chilly. We hope they have not taken the blankets away too quickly.

Doris is still away, and I do not know when she is coming home. I hope that Beryl recognising you so easily in the photo, has convinced you it is good. It has been nicely framed and holds a prominent position.

We are more than pleased to learn your throat is better and trust you will continue to keep fit and well.

I have received from Noel Ray “Downtown East of Broadway”.

This I think completes this issue but I will watch the M.M.

Jean is here now, she had another visit to Bennetts this afternoon. I have given her your message & thanks. She sends her best wishes to you. We both send our regards to Ernie, how is he? Have you heard from Fred Wells?

Mrs Reddin and family returned home from Stoke, last Saturday.

We would like to get the place done up now things are quieter, although Mum & I have seen into things, I don’t think they will do as much as we would like, but we must hope for the best.

I think this concludes all the news. So will close with our usual kind thoughts & love from Mum & Dad

26/4/45

Dear Don,

Received 72 this morning. 73 this afternoon.

It is a relief to hear you have received the music and at the opportune moment.

I notice that “My Dreams are getting better all the time” is one of Campbells Connolly’s. They are the people, if you remember would not take any further subs, anyway I expect it was a surprise to you to see it in the packet of music sent to you.

I am pleased to say Practical Wireless is on order so I hope it will not be long before you get it.

I hope everything turned out alright Sunday, Monday and Tuesday at the R&Fs Regimental Concert, and that it gave you satisfaction.

We hope you are keeping fit & well and colds and sore throats are a thing of the past.

With all kind thoughts and love from Mum & Dad

29/4/45

Dear Don,

Was pleased to receive No 74 yesterday and trust the concerts went off ok.

Mum ordered the 333’s yesterday, and we hope you do not have to wait so long as last time.

The change in the weather is not very nice after the nice spell we have had, this morning it is cold, but I hope it will improve as the day moves on. We are catching the 10.15 to Laindon.

Doris & Beryl came home on Thursday, she rang me up yesterday, made enquiries about you and said she would be seeing us on Tuesday.

We both hope you are still keeping well and that news will hasten your return home.

Kindest of thoughts & love from Mum & Dad.

30/4/45

Dear Don,

Was pleased to receive 75 and to learn all about the concerts. We are pleased to know they went off well, and trust you will receive the satisfaction for the amount of work you have put in.

Also I should like you to be successful in getting the comedians & singers for our show.

We went to Laindon yesterday but it was very cold, we managed to do a bit, and at this time of the year every little bit counts. We hope it is not too cold for you, and that you are warm enough at the night, it is really too bad after the spell of nice weather we’ve had.

I have given your letter to Bert and also told him about the tune you require “Together”.

He hopes to let me know about “Practical Wireless” tomorrow. He tells me they will close down for a couple of days when V.E. is announced.

I feel I should like to wait till it is all settled, so as to know it will not be long before you are home, then we can celebrate and have something to be thankful for.

I hope your assumption of the San Francisco Conference* will come to pass, that should hurry things along.

I am sending your papers as usual by the same post.

Walter came today, and we let him into the secret by showing him the Dolls House.

He thought it was smashing, and he thinks Beryl should be a little older, to take care of it.

We are hoping to see her tomorrow and we are looking forward to watch her when she sees it.

How we wish you were to be with us, but still that pleasure, I sincerely hope will not be long delayed.

We were having a chat with one of the RAF fellows in the train and it cheered Mum when he said he didn’t think it would be long before you came home on leave.

Our thoughts are always with you.

I will now say cheerio keep well. All the love from Mum & Dad.

*United Nations Conference on International Organization

From Wikipedia,

The United Nations Conference on International Organization (UNCIO), commonly known as the San Francisco Conference, was a convention of delegates from 50 Allied nations that took place from 25 April 1945 to 26 June 1945 in San Francisco, California, United States of America. At this convention, the delegates reviewed and rewrote the Dumbarton Oaks agreements of the previous year. The convention resulted in the creation of the United Nations Charter, which was opened for signature on 26 June, the last day of the conference. The conference was held at various locations, primarily the War Memorial Opera House, with the Charter being signed on 26 June at the Herbst Theatre in Civic Centre. A square adjacent to the city’s Civic Centre, called “UN Plaza,” commemorates the conference.

3/5/45

Dear Don,

Received No 76 and I shall be very pleased when I see you sitting listing the pile of music you have received.

I notice you are all fixed up for socks, otherwise mum would have been pleased to have made some more.

We hope the weather was good for your day off and trust you did not catch cold through getting wet.

When you pay a return visit for the game of ludo I hope the results will be in your favour.

Doris was here with Beryl on Tuesday and the unveiling ceremony of the Dolls house was very interesting. When Beryl first saw it, it evidently surprised her when we asked her to knock at the door, Ern was ready to switch the lights on this pleased her immensely.

When she saw the inside and the furniture both she & Doris were thrilled. Walter will be calling for it, but Beryl insisted in taking a piece home, and you can guess how anxious she is looking forward to having it in her own house.

Have you any idea when you will be having your leave? How we are looking forward to that time.

The news is getting better every day and I don’t think VE day will be long delayed, we will close down immediately it is announced, and have the following day off.

I suppose you will have some kind of a celebration out there, but the best will be when we can all celebrate together.

Mum hopes to get another parcel ready for you, but she was wondering how long it will be before you get leave.

Doris was very pleased with the scent & powder.

Must now conclude as it is time to get off to work.

Kindest thoughts & love from Mum & Dad.

4/5/45

Dear Don,

In answer to No 77 which I was pleased to receive.

I am pleased to hear Ernie is ok but am wondering why you have not heard from Freddie, perhaps he has gone further, let’s hope you hear from him before long.

There are plenty of people returning now, and there are plenty who would like to return but cannot.

Mum had a letter from Uncle Albert, he knows the difficulty in getting a place, I am afraid it will be a long time before there are houses for all.

We are still waiting for the place to be done, after Mum went to the Town Hall, we had a man call & have a look around. He told her the kitchen ceiling was dangerous and that’s as far as they go.

I went over there yesterday but did not get much satisfaction so shall be phoning them today. We do so want to get ship shape by the time you come home.

Sorry to hear about your weather, it has not been too good this week, and it was not worth going to Laindon yesterday, it opened out cold & dull then finished up with rain from teatime onwards.

We are glad you had a good time at the Waaf Gang Show and we hope you will get sufficient support for your show, but I expect the chief topics are leaves and demobilisation.

I will try and see Bert tonight to see how he has got on with the music etc.

I hope he has been lucky with Practical Wireless. It must seem long to you from the time you first wrote.

There is no music to report this time. I expect this is one of the usual lulls.

The enclosed book has just been dropped through the box, so have lost no time in posting it to you.

All the best Cheerio & love from Mum & Dad.

6/5/45

Dear Don,

Today is rather a sunny day, I fully expected to hear this morning that this would be VE day, as did a great many more.

However, this must be a deferred pleasure.

We had a rough day yesterday, plenty of rain etc and it does not look too hopeful for today.

I expect you are experiencing the suspense out there.

Friday night news gave everyone the impression that things would not long be delayed.

I hope you have received Practical Wireless, and that things are going well with band etc.

We thought we would leave it a bit later in the day to go to Laindon, but the weather is not good enough it is rather a pity as there were one or two things to be done, but perhaps we will be lucky during the week.

I saw Bert this afternoon he told me he sent a long epistle to you yesterday. You will no doubt remember Charlie Lash, Vi’s brother who was taken prisoner at Dunkirk, I saw her yesterday, and she had a telegram to say he is coming home.

Only one PC to report

Chappells }love is my Reason

}We’ll gather Lilacs

I expect this weeks “Stratford Express” will be interesting to you, you will see the near misses we have had.

We have got a lot to be thankful for.

We both hope you are keeping fit & well in spite of the changeable weather.

Well now conclude with love and kind thoughts from Mum & Dad

7/5/45

Dear Don,

I have received 78 today and I should imagine you have had a very interesting time with the Box C. you have certainly seen something and I am glad to know I was somewhere else in 1917.

Everybody is keyed up today waiting for the moment VE is announced, should it be tonight or in the morning Mum & myself Jean & Ern will be off to Laindon for a couple of days away from the excitement. How I wish it was all finished so as we could look forward to you coming home for good. My only wish is that the other job will not take too long.

Bert got the music for me, if you remember Chappell Connelly wrote about a year ago, saying that owing to the shortage of paper they were compelled to discontinue their orchestral club, and returned the subscription.

As regards the “Practical Wireless” Bert got that from the City. I explained in one of my letters Smiths said they were difficult to get and that they would be put on the mailing list.

Both Mum & I hope you will not wait too long for the 333’s and trust you receive them by the date you mention.

I trust the weather will soon be a bit more settled, it has turned much warmer today and it will be nice if it keeps like it.

Beryl is four years old today and Walter called for the Dolls House, he did not know what to get her so he told mum he would take her to the toy shop and let her pick out something.

It is nice to hear about the band, and I have no doubt the four of you enjoyed the applause, perhaps there will be less worry with a four or five piece. Anyway it will keep you in good trim for later on.

My next job is to get your papers done up and post them tonight.

I think this is all this time. So will say cheerio and conclude with love from Mum & Dad.

10/5/45

Dear Don,

I have received today two letters 79 & 80. There has been a two day break in the post, so my last letter dated 6^th May will probably be delayed.

We got the right kind of news on Monday night the first step to the end and I hope the Jap business will be finished soon.

We closed for the two days and spent them at Laindon. It was a bit quieter there than at Plaistow, they were still keeping it up with bonfires, music & dancing when we got home last night.

I have made a note of the things you require and will see about them but I was wondering if you thought it wise to send them in view of your leave which might be quicker than you think, now VE day has been announced.

What are your hopes of getting posted back to England the same as your pal.

I hope it will not be too awkward for you now you have lost your interpreter.

Wishing you all the best.

Love from Mum & Dad

12/5/45

Dear Don,

Was pleased to receive no 81 and would have been more pleased had you been home at this time.

I am more than glad to know you were not at the Canteen celebration, I know you will appreciate it better when you can celebrate in London.

I think we did wise in going to Laindon, it done us more good than staying in Plaistow, I cannot see eye to eye with this business, perhaps I am a bit old fashioned, I know mum & I will feel better when we can get a decent place to live in, and the waste of time lining up for this & that is finished with.

I know only too well how you feel about things but keep cheerful and I sincerely hope that it will not be long before everything is right again.

I will try and get Practical Wireless for you every month.

I shall be going to Fleet St and if necessary to Clapton next Thursday to get the things you require. I suppose these things will have to be declared.

Walter has been here this evening, and he told us that he took Beryl to the toy shop on her birthday and she picked out a nice lot of stuff. So you can bet she has got plenty to amuse herself with.

I hope the weather suits you, it has been very warm today and it looks as if we shall have a fine day tomorrow (Sunday) for our trip to Laindon.

How we wish you had come back with Angus, I expect you miss him a great deal.

We trust you had a good time at the dance in the square.

Well cheerio & keep smiling.

All our love & thoughts from Mum & Dad

15/5/45

Dear Don,

I have received no 82 and I expect you have received my letters to let you know how we spent VE day etc.

You evidently had a fine time, a three day continuous performance, we both hope you had a good time.

I am glad your efforts were appreciated, with the band you got together and I bet your enjoyed your days rest.

I hope to be lucky enough to get what you require on Thursday when I go in the City etc.

I spoke to Ern about the zip fasteners and he would like 2 10” (two 10 inch) one for Jeans handbag and one for himself.

I sent the papers off as usual last night and this week’s Stratford Express should be very interesting to you.

The weather has improved after a boisterous time.

Sunday as usual we went to Laindon, it was very nice till about 2 o/c when it turned very windy, so windy that one of the Poplar trees broke off and fell on the lawn but I am thankful there were no mishaps.

It turned very chilly but the time we left and that is the first time I have been without my raincoat so I shan’t risk that again, although it made me sweat the previous occasion.

There has been 2 local prisoners home, Albert Hughes last Sunday and Harvey Burrows of Tweedmouth Rd today.

I saw Walter last night and he showed me his sports car. It is a batty affair and will have petrol when he can dodge about instead of using his other cars.

He made us smile when he told us he took Beryl out in it and the wind blew her clothes up. Her remark was “ain’t it good”, that was a standing joke on Sunday when the wind was blowing while mum & Jean were working in the garden.

Will now conclude with love and best wishes and hopes for a speedy return home.

Cheerio Mum & Dad

19/5/45

Dear Don,

I have received no 83 and am sorry to learn of the holdup of the mail and I trust by now things have righted themselves.

I have got the wireless parts for you and am getting a parcel ready and will dispatch at the earliest, mum was busy yesterday doing the usual.

I have still been unable to get the hair doings, I have been promised some, and I hope you have been able to manage. Did you try the tip I sent you?

Both mum & I think it very nice of your friends in expressing their appreciation in the way they did, to Angus and yourself and we hope it reaches Angus safely.

You will be pleased to know Practical Wireless is on order for you.

Also I have sent a subscription to Noel Gay today for a further supply of P.C’s.

I am sorry to learn you had all that trouble with the amplifies, it is a great pity that people can’t leave things alone that they do not understand. Also I see the old bike is giving you trouble, I suppose tyres are difficult to get, it is not much fun having to walk with a cycle.

Well Don, I hope you get the wireless stuff ok I shall see that it is well packed, as you say it is a weighty piece of goods for a small article.

We are looking forward to going to Laindon tomorrow, till Monday evening and we hope the weather will continue fine. We have been having dull mornings, and cool evenings but hot during the day.

We are still living in hopes of getting the place done up and we hope it will be done before you come home on leave. It won’t be for the want of trying, both mum & I have been over to Stratford and I am hoping to get in touch with somebody next week.

Hoping you are keeping fit & well, and with all kind thoughts & love from Mum & Dad

22/5/45

Dear Don,

In reply to 84 I was pleased to know you have received my letters although I am sorry to learn you had to wait so long.

I hope you will soon be getting the 333’s.

I will see about getting the patches you require and will post them without delay.

When Mum posts this this morning, she will be posting your parcel, which I hope you will receive safely and in good time. I trust you will find all your require.

I have sent the papers in the parcel perhaps you will get these quicker than the usual way.

What sort of a time did you have over the weekend? You sere always I our thoughts while we were at Laindon, the weather was not too good but we managed to get a good bit of work in, on the ground.

I am afraid there will not be many plums as the frost has got at them and there does not appear many apples at present.

We had a fairly comfortable journey both ways, Jean & Ern were with us.

Jean is getting quite an expert in weeding and trimming the edges.

She told me to remember her to you when I wrote.

Well Don, I am running it pretty close, it is time to get off to work so will conclude with kind thoughts & Love from Mum & Dad.

23/5/45

Dear Don,

I have today received no 85.

Your parcel was dispatched yesterday morning and I hope you get it alright.

Plaistow P.O. would not take it because it was too heavy, so it was sent from Stratford. Although it has always been 22lb limit to B.L.A. they say they must not be more than 15lb. however, I shall be anxious till I hear you have received it.

I hope I have not kept you waiting too long, but Thursday was my only time to get things for you. I thought it would save time and trouble if I got them myself, instead of through the post.

It’s nice to know you can write more freely of your whereabouts, and also I am pleased to know you have more time for other things.

This E.V.T. business may prove to be a boon to you and I wish you success in anything you may undertake. You are wise to make enquiries from the Education Officer, it would certainly be nice if you can make up the time you have lost, and later obtain a position to your liking.

NB Educational and Vocational Training.

I see you had a nice storm, and I am pleased to know you were able to dodge it, and not get wet.

At last some music to report

FD&H }I think of You

}It was Swell While it Lasted

Cinephonic }Joe Rush Illusion

}Lonesome

I think this is all this time so will conclude with love from Mum & Dad

25/5/45

Dear Don,

I have received no 86 today and have told Ern you will try and get the zip fasteners for him.

You evidently are having the same kind of weather as we are, we have just had a thunderstorm, while we were having tea.

Well Don, you have certainly written a very interesting letter, and I have carefully read it.

I am glad you have seen the education officer to have a talk over matters, but in my opinion time is too early for anyone to say what is going to happen, and there is not many who can discuss things with any degree of accuracy, at the present time.

I have no doubt a lot of these things will go altogether different, as time goes on.

Anyway pick up all you can in the way of learning, to your own interests, it will be that brains will count, whether you are an officer or rank & file.

I will leave it to you to go in for what you think best, and I feel sure the confidence I have in you, things will turn out alright.

I think if the Pacific job finishes fairly quick, it will alter the whole aspect of things, and I sincerely hope you will get out much quicker than what you think.

Anyway don’t get too depressed by what you hear, things are not always as black as they are painted, and I hope the time will soon come when you will get a clearer vision of the future.

I have no doubt there is a great number who feel about things, the same as you do, and there will possibly be questions raised in Parliament.

I shall certainly find out what I can, and anything to your advantage I will let you know.

I hope you will be wrong in your calculations of doing another two years, so be optimistic and keep cheerful remember my optimism, as regards the terrible times we were supposed to have, also gas, before the end.

As regards the expatriates, they do not say much, but no doubt, they have suffered.

It was a nice experience for you to go to the service and I should imagine you all had a good time at the party. Evidently, as one night was sufficient for you.

I expect by now you have received parcel, and I trust you will find the wireless parts in good condition.

Also the Cycle repair stuff which I sent per letter post.

I am pleased to tell you I have been lucky in getting a bottle of Brylcreem and will send it in your next parcel.

I have heard from Noel Gay, I have had to send a further 6/4 as the 24 numbers now cost 12/6.

Rose came to see mum yesterday, I was at home, she told us Arnold was in Germany, near the notorious camps at Belson, she is much happier now hostilities have ceased, and says she does not mind how long he is out there, rather than be sent elsewhere.

Stan Sewell has asked Ivy to send him your address as he thinks he is somewhere near you. He has been to Belgium and is now back in France.

I think this is the first letter you have not mentioned the band. I trust everything is going well.

How are you getting on with your French, I expect you know sufficient to be able to get about alright.

Have you heard from Angus since his return to England, and by the way have you heard from Freddie Wells.

What do you think of the election, let us hope whoever are returned, they will get on with something, but I suppose there will be plenty of talk, but what we want is action. Something that will be in the people’s interest, but we must wait & see.

I shall certainly be glad when I can get some of my chaps back, we are so shorthanded, I cannot promise a suit under three months, so you can realise the state we are in.

Well I think this is all at present, but there is one thing I would like to say. Mum & I are still looking forward to receiving the letter saying you are coming home on leave.

Kindest thoughts and love from Mum & Dad.

29/5/45

Dear Don,

I was pleased to receive No 87 together with the enclosure for the Premier Radio Co.

I will go personally on Thursday and hope to get all the things you require.

Don’t worry about the cash, all these things can be settled when you come home. We must wait and see what reaction there will be when the people realize the extent of the cost in the Rations and I think myself there will be an outcry, which will bring some sort of compromise. It seems hard after the years of going without various things and looking forward to a change when the war finished, that the English should suffer and to a certain extent, be the last to be liberated.

We are getting fed up with the place still nothing has been done, so don’t be surprised to get a change of address if we are lucky enough to get another place.

The weather has not been too good, but it was not a bad day on Sunday, when we were at Laindon.

You will no doubt be surprised and sorry to hear of the death of Mrs Crockett’s baby, who died last Friday.

She had grown to quite a nice child of 8 months loved by all it is a great blow to the whole family.

She will be buried next Thursday at the City of London Cemetery and mum hopes to go there to pay her respects.

One piece of music to report

Chappells }He’s the Image of You

}Down our Way

Jean send her usual regards, and we all hope you are keeping well.

Papers have been sent as usual this week, and I hope you found all the others in the parcel for last week.

Cheerio, and all our love from Mum & Dad

31/5/45

Dear Don,

I have received letter 88 and am pleased to hear you have got parcel and the puncture outfit.

The parcel must have had a lot of bashing about after the way I packed and padded it, but mum hopes you got the sundry Comforts alright, especially the things we have waited so long to get.

We hope you will soon get the 333’ and it is nice to know you have received the 200 from Bert, it will be something to go on with.

I have given your regards to Jean, you will be pleased to know the drilling operations with Bennett have now finished.

Your last 5 letters have not been much delayed, here are the dates:

84 May 15 Received May 21

85 “ 18 “ “ 22

86 “ 21 “ “ 25

87 “ 23 “ “ 28

88 “ 26 “ “ 30

We are pleased to hear you had a good day for your trip it must have been interesting to see what was left of the ancient castle, and to remember your school day’s history lessons.

It was a pity it rained so as to spoil the view, I expect you will get some interesting snaps, which in cause of time, you will be able to look back upon.

Aunt Lilie came to see mum yesterday and of cause there was plenty to discuss as we have not seen her since last November.

She says all her folk are well and she is looking forward to Albert coming home.

Leslie has finished his maps and after another leave he will be taking up transport planes.

Harold is in N Africa. How about the wireless business. I have been to the Premier today, and all I could get was the Six Coils together with their respective padders & trimmers.

They have not got the other things at either of their places and advised me to try elsewhere, so I shall see what can be done tomorrow and hope to get all you want.

Also they cannot give me any details for slow motion drives etc but this I will try and find out.

You can rest assured I will not lose any time in getting them away.

Cheerio and all the best, Love from Mum & Dad

3/6/45

Dear Don,

I have received letter no 89 and am pleased to learn you have put in some good work on the Radio and wish you success on your undertakings.

I think I have got all you want thanks to Mum & Ern. After my visit to Fleet St on Thursday, I did not anticipate the running about there would be but I can assure you, none of us mind, so long as you can get everything fixed up.

I have enclosed full explanations which Ern has written out.

The parcel will be dispatched tomorrow (Monday) morning, and I hope you receive it in a better condition than the last one, we will all be anxious to know.

I see you are going to keep the Stratford Express as a souvenir. I am keeping for you, the Daily Express for VE day.

Music to hand –

Victoria }You Moved Right in

} Every day of My Life

Sun }Meet me in St Louis, Louis

}Across the Bridge of Gold

}Candy

}I didn’t know About You

I have put the Stratford Express in the Parcel for packing out and also you will find a comb tucked in the side of the main box, I mention this in case it is overlooked.

We have been able to get a tin of tomato soup Mum thinks you will like this it is very nice. You can add a little water if it is too thick.

We hope you are having better weather than we are it is like April. What with the heavy showers and the cold winds.

We hope you are keeping well and free from colds.

I will now say Cheerio and conclude with love from Mum & Dad

5/6/45

Dear Don,

I have received 90 & 91 about the demobilisation scheme, I have read & also listened on the wireless, but sometimes I think different, when they get the thing going, they will probably speed things up. I hope so, especially when they realise the dissatisfaction there is at present.

I am pleased to know No2 Band is going alright and I trust you will be successful in making it up to a six piece.

It is a pity Angus had such a rough crossing, and I hope when your time comes it will be by different means, and thus keeps things to yourself.

As regards the election, that is a problem, but whoever gets in, I can’t see it being of long duration, it will be a big job to put everything right what with the housing, food problems, treating the service men right and the work for all business.

The weather is about the same as you have had, showers when you least expect them, it was not a bad day at Laindon on Sunday and we did not get very wet getting back to the station.

Now for answering No 91. I am glad to know the rehearsal was a great success and trust your part in the dance on Sunday went well.

I will fix up your music as soon as possible and will see Bert and ask him to get the other numbers you require, and not what you say about the “Special Arrangement”.

Your parcel was dispatched yesterday morning, and I trust with Ern’s note of explanation everything will be alright.

Walter came yesterday and brought Beryl with him, who was very pleased with the flowers mum gave her.

He has got a wireless fitted in the sports car and is now known at the garage as the Musical Box.

The post has just brought No92 mum is pleased to know you have got the Cigs.

I think this letter answers the other part of yours except that I hope the Radio you have made works perfectly.

I must close now as it is getting near my time to be off.

Cheerio & all the best. Love from Mum & Dad

6/6/45

Dear Don,

Am sending the music or I should say some of the music you require.

Bert has sorted them out and has procured 3 numbers, which is all he can get.

He will be writing you to explain about the others and I told him he could explain better than I could.

Mum is glad you have got the cigarettes, and she was wondering if they were 333’s

We are sorry to know your journey to Douai took such a long time but I hope you made the best of it.

I suppose you notice the change of temperament in the people but let us hope it is not for much longer.

Stan Sewell is back in England now, he has had trouble with his ears and after an operation over there he is in hospital at Yatesbury, Wilts.

We are glad to know you can get a lay in on Sunday morning I suppose you imagine it is like old times.

I got your letter no 93 very quickly, and I hope you get your parcel of music at the same speed.

I am posting this separate so as you will know it is on the way.

Jean sends her kind regards, I will now say Cheerio, love from Mum & Dad

9/6/45

Dear Don,

In reply to No 94 Mum & I are glad to know the contents of your parcel were ok.

When I spoke in my last letter about the cigarettes it is strange that you received players, as mum ordered the 333’s and she wondered if you got what she ordered.

Now about the Wireless, which by now I hope you have got. I trust my other letters have explained things and that you have got all you require.

We are more than pleased to know how your playing was appreciated, and that you will be successful in your attempt to oust the one who has hindered your attempts to get started and that your supporters will multiply.

Here’s our best wishes for the R & I dance on Sunday.

I expect by now you have received the music I sent off on Thursday and no doubt you have heard from Bert about the other numbers your wanted. Now for some new music to expect.

Feldman }Sweet Dreams Sweetheart

} How Little We Know.

Noel Gay }We’ve Got Something to Sing About Now

}The Wedding Waltz

Bert brought Practical Wireless over last night for me to dispatch to you. He was off to the other end of Prince Regent Lane and he did not relish carrying the drums, how he wished you were with him to give a hand.

We had a lovely downpour while he was speaking to mum & I, but it turned quite nice for him just as he was going which we were pleased about.

We have not received that welcome letter announcing your leave which we are all looking forward to surely it won’t be much longer delayed.

Ern has asked me to thank you for getting the Zips.

I think this is all this time so will conclude with our kind thoughts and sincerely hope you are keeping well.

Cheerio Love from Mum & Dad.

10/6/45

Dear Don,

In reply to No 95 I thank you for your kind thoughts & wishes, it would have been nice for you to have been home, but no doubt, that pleasure will not long be deferred.

I must have anticipated that, as you will notice in my last letter, and both Mum & I look forward to seeing you again shortly.

I hope you celebrated the anniversary of the invasion by having a lay in, how different from the day that is the day when you returned from your leave.

I am glad you were able to get your bike fixed up and to save you from walking too much.

We hope you enjoyed the Abbott & Costello film, it made it more pleasant not to have seen it before, although it was one of their old ones.

We hope you were not too much distressed being financially embarrassed for a few days, till you get your new money. It is evidently a fine move to check up, there is no doubt there will be plenty who will find they are not so well off as they thought they were.

Mum was sorry about the 333’s She has mentioned the matter to Lil at the sweet shop.

I think this is all at present so will say Cheerio.

Love from Mum & Dad

12/6/45

Dear Don,

Have received No 97. What’s happened to 96. I expect you have skipped a number.

Mum thanks you for your wishes for the 11^th.

We are glad you got the parcel in good condition. And time and more than pleased to know you got all the things that your required.

Go easy with the Brylcreem these are very hard to get but I am hoping to get another one in the near future.

We are hoping to get the place ready by the time you get home, I have had a go at the authorities today and they have promised to do something but I expect I shall still have to go after them till we get some satisfaction.

The weather is still upside down, we went to Laindon on Sunday it was very dull and we were not able to do much.

We want to go on Thursday if the weather is good enough.

I suppose by now you have received the music.

I think this is all at present, so will say Cheerio and the best of luck.

Love from Mum & Dad

15/6/45

Dear Don,

I have today received parcel containing Zips & No96 also no 98. The photos are really good. We are very pleased with them.

We sincerely hope the injury to your finger is not serious and that it will soon be well again.

Mum was sure there was something wrong, not hearing from you for a few days, your letters are a tonic.

When Ern comes home I will speak to him about the slow motion dial, and I am sure he will be pleased with the Zips.

Your wireless now you have got it all complete, is a great source of satisfaction, and worth the trouble taken to get the parts.

As regards the band, I am sure you must derive great pleasure seeing how things have turned out.

I thought you would come out on top. Here’s wishing you the best of luck for the progress of the band.

I suppose Ernie was looking forward to his leave, but how nice it will be when your turn comes.

Our weather is now trying to improve, I had a fair day at Laindon yesterday and we are looking forward to Sunday. I expect Walter will come down. All we want is a fine day.

I have remembered you to Jean as a matter of fact she is here now. She sends you her kindest regards.

I don’t know if you get the time to listen to the election specials each evening. When you listen to how they pull one another to pieces you wonder where you are, and what to think.

I shall be glad when it is all over, and they get settled down to action, we have had enough talk etc.

I think this brings me to a finish and will conclude with our usual king thoughts.

Keep well and happy and get that finger right.

Cheerio. Love from Mum & Dad.

17/6/45

Dear Don,

Replying to No 99 I am glad to learn you have received the music, you will have to blame Bert about Moonglow. I will have to see if I can find the pieces you require.

I will have a joke with Bert when I see him.

What I can see of it you will not get very far with this training business, especially with the class of instructors you have. No doubt there will be a lot of alterations when the thing gets underway.

I only hope everything will turn out to your own satisfaction. You won’t get very far if the subjects are those you are not interested in.

We trust the finger has got alright.

We both hope the band is still going strong and trust the pleasure you get out of it compensates for the time and trouble you have put into it despite all the obstacles that you have encountered.

Do you want me to send you the dial that Ern is getting?

The weather has opened out very nice this morning and we are looking forward to a nice day at Laindon. So will now finish as time is getting on.

All the best, Cheerio & love from Mum & Dad

19/6/45

Dear Don,

Letter no 100 to hand. Although we are sorry to hear about No2 band. We hope you have taken the right decision. I feel sure you have, and that things will turn out as you want them to in course of time.

I know how you feel at the present, and it is nice to express your views, now the war is over, and the services are getting back on a peace time basis. But it is not at all nice to have to suffer for your convictions, so please for our sakes do not show any resentment, which might land you in an unfortunate position.

There must be a great number of you who would like to have a straight talk to try and alter things, least you all seem to be in the same boat, bad as things are now, better times are on the way. No doubt.

To my way of thinking, the heads are alive to the fact of the discontent, so this is just a sample of the firm hand at the beginning to save the discontent spreading.

I only hope I am right in my theory and that you see it the way I do.

Anyway, keep your spirits up and try and look forward to happier times, by still keeping your sense of humour, this as you know will help you and your pals.

Now for some cheerful news when are we going to get the letter telling us you are coming home? You cannot imagine how we are waiting for it.

At the present time we are up to our neck in dust and dirt as the men have started trying to get the place right, this has not been done without dozens of interviews, letters & phone calls but I can tell you better when I see you, all mum hopes is that she is able to get the place comfortable for you so as you can forget for the time being all your little troubles.

Neither of us will be upset if you can obtain your cards.

We had a good day at Laindon on Sunday we went in comfort as Walter having a day off took us all down.

The weather was real good and I can tell you we enjoyed the trip etc. Only one lot of music to repost

Chappells }Saturday Night

}Robin Hood

I think the enclosed cutting from the Express will interest you.

Well Don, I think I must come to a finish, as time is getting on so will conclude wishing you all the best. Cheerio and God bless you. All our Love Mum & Dad.

20/6/45

Dear Don,

Today I have received letter no 101

As regards the remittance your wishes will be carried out.

It certainly looks as if you will soon be home.

I am writing this under difficulties the house is at present like a builder’s yard.

We are getting the kitchen ready to be done tomorrow, and we are doing our best to make the place look respectable for your homecoming.

We hope things are going well with you, and you are able to keep your sense of humour do not on any account show your disapproval of anything that might be said or done.

A colleague of mine told me the same thing happened when the last war finished, they get idea from headquarters which have to be enforced. God help anyone that shows resentment, his life is then a misery to him as they take an unholy delight in chasing him but when you get a group of understanding blokes, it cools down after a time.

So cheer up my lad “Bless Em all”.

I am very pleased to know “Practical Wireless” was interesting to you. I have not seen Bert lately so I cannot tell you when he wrote but I expect you have got a letter before this.

I suppose Ernie is back from his leave. I hope he had an enjoyable time.

How’s the band going? No 2 I should certainly like to hear you have come into your own and that you have received official recognition.

Well Don I suppose I must finish this to give a little hand to the work going on. Mum is properly enjoying herself, but she says it will be worth it, to have a clean house again.

Jean sends her regards to you.

Cheerio & all the best Love from Mum & Dad

22/6/45

Dear Don,

102 to hand. We have not heard the Waaf Gang Show yet but we will watch for it. The wireless is disconnected for a couple of days while the work is in progress.

I am writing this at the shop to save time, the place being packed up.

As I said before we must get the place ready for your homecoming. And I feel sure it will not be delayed much longer after your month of Sundays.

Laindon is looking very nice now, Ern & Jean were down there on Thursday.

We hope to get down next week some time but we will have to wait for the opportunity, I should not like to leave the lawn too bad however anxious you are to do it.

I trust the drills were not too bad and you must keep our eyes skimmed for the ice cream merchants and by the way did you get your hair cut?

Well Don joking apart we are all getting anxious to see you after all this long time and you cannot imagine how mum is looking forward to the letter to say you are on the way.

Will now say cheerio and conclude with all our Love and kind thoughts.

Mum & Dad

24/6/44

Dear Don,

In answer to no 103 we are glad to know your finger has got alright and let’s hope the time is not far distant when you can get your hands back into condition you like them and be used for more congenial work.

We have not been able to go to Laindon today owing to the condition the house is in. Mum thought that by yesterday the work would be more forward but there has been one or two stoppages which has put things behind had the work come up to expectations, mum could at least have got one room ready but as you know she cannot sit idle so she is going to do the usual Monday inside work today. Her most particular worry is that she can get things all clear by the time you get home.

The weather is still very warm and as you say work is very trying. I find it so what with being so short staffed and being so busy then to cap the lot stock taking starts next week, but we must take a cheerful attitude and look forever to better times.

We both sincerely hope you will keep clear of the SP’s so as there is no more rifle slinging etc. to be done. Let’s hope this tomfoolery will soon quieten down.

I am pleased to know you had a decent Sargent in the final a little understanding goes a long way.

I hope you enjoyed your evenings recuperation and with the aid of a book forgot your little worries.

You put your views on the election very nicely and I hope there will be a good Government returned who will see that the service men get a good deal and that the housing question will be started very soon.

Dear Don, we do not want you to think you have been neglected be we have been wondering if we could get another parcel ready or perhaps it would be better if we are able to get any little things together by the time you came home.

Terry Stalker is home on leave he did not come alone, he brought his Belgium wife with him, I am not telling you this, so as you can copy him. I know you too well for that.

How is the feelings between the two bands going? Is no 2 going well and has the outlook brightened for you.

There is no further music to expect.

Jean was here yesterday, she came with the intention of giving mum a hand but things were not advanced sufficient to be enable her to do so.

Will now conclude with our love and best wishes.

From Mum & Dad

27/6/45

Dear Don,

Just a short note in reply to 104 and I hope you get enclosed dial safe.

105 arrived this morning. Progress is being made with the house, but we are still in a great mess.

We are both looking forward to your coming home and I have told the place will be finished in time.

I know you will appreciate this short epistle but I will write you again at the earliest opportunity.

Best wishes and all our love

From Mum & Dad

28/06/45

Dear Don,

Have received no 106 and we both hope you enjoyed your trip to Paris and saw all you wanted to. It will be a nice experience for you, and at your time of life your will have seen more of the world than I have, or ever hope to.

It is a fortnight since the men started in the house and we can expect them for another day or two.

I don’t want to worry you about the mess and trouble, but Mum & I have spared nothing to make the place a bit decent to live in, as it is impossible to get a place anywhere else, and the fabulous prices do not permit us buying.

We hope to have your room ready by the weekend this has been mums’ greatest worry and I feel sure everything will be ready by the time you get home.

Now we can breathe more freely you can guess how we are looking forward to seeing you and to have a talk about all your experiences. Have you had time to keep your diary up to date?

It is nice to know Ernie had a good time and I expect he feels the same as you will when your leave expires. How nice it would be if you could stay in England and be able to look forward in the near future to return to Civy St.

I hope you have received the dial in good condition, this was posted to you on Wednesday morning.

I must now close as time is getting on, so will say cheerio.

Kindest thoughts and love from Mum & Dad.

2/7/45

Dear Don,

I have received 107 and we are glad we shall soon be seeing you, by the time you get this I expect your trip to Paris will be just a dream.

We hope you had a good time sightseeing etc and that the weather was in your favour. It has not been too good here, we had plenty of rain yesterday.

Still having plenty of work to do mum & I were not able to go to Laindon yesterday, I am pleased to say your room is finished and now there is a bit more to do downstairs I expect by the end of this week, they will be finished and I can assure you both Mum & I will be glad to see the men out of the home.

After being tired out night after night for nearly three weeks we will be glad of a rest and then we will start again polishing up etc but we are truly thankful we will have a decent place for you to come home to. All we are now looking forward to is the date.

I am sorry to know the storm prevented you seeing all the film.

I am pleased to report the arrival of the following.

Laurence }The Last Waltz of the evening

Wright } What Could be Sweeter than Dancing Sweeter than Dancing

JD&H }Dreamer Dreamer

}I’m Confessin

} Rum and Le Ho Na Da

} There’s a Tree on a Farm

How do you feel after your trip, not much like work I bet, but I hope the change has done you good, and that you are keeping well.

Jean is here this evening, she sends her usual kind regards, and is looking forward to seeing you in the near future.

My next job is your papers and as the time is getting on, I will conclude with our usual kind thoughts and love.

From Mum & Dad

3/7/45

Dear Don,

We are very pleased to receive your interesting letter No 108 and glad to know you had a wonderful time.

I have no doubt that the time went too quickly but still you will have a lot to remember.

The enclosed letter came today.

I saw Bert today, he said he had not heard from you lately, he is on his holidays, evidently he misjudged the time of your leave.

I see you are having a rest from the band, it is a nice change for you to listen to others, is the feeling any different as regards No 1.

You must excuse short letter, mum & I have got another busy evening but I thought I would write straight away so as not to delay the enclosed letter.

Cheerio, all the best Love from Mum & Dad

PS

Received card same post as the letter.

Dad

5/7/45

Dear Don,

I have received no 109, also Warrant for Cash from the Base Accountant officer which I will keep till you get home. I got the money today, when we went to vote.

I am pleased to know you got the slow motion dial alright and that it was what you wanted.

I hope you feel refreshed after your restful day and that you have made up the amount of sleep you lost whilst travelling to and from Paris.

We are sorry to know the food situation, it’s not too good and sincerely hope there will soon be a change here. You can’t wonder at the going slow and strikes and I should not be surprised if the Government are not forced to make a difference soon in the matter of rationing, we have just about had enough the last few years to put up with.

Well Don I am pleased to say the workmen have nearly finished and I expect them to be out of the house by the weekend, there will still be plenty of odd jobs to do, before mum gets back to her old routine way of working.

It was certainly very nice to get back upstairs to sleep also you will be able to make a fuss of the old feather bed, it will be a welcome change after the top bunk.

We want to try and go to Laindon on Sunday, it will be a change from the dust and dirt, so let’s hope it keeps fine and it gives us a chance to get the lawn done.

It has turned much warmer today, a change after the dull & wet damp of the past week.

I think this is about all this time, so will conclude, wishing you all the best.

Love from Mum & Dad.

7/7/45

Dear Don,

I have received two letters 110 & 111 and I am pleased to say the men finished up this morning, now we can get on and we can say it is now a much better place to be welcomed home to, our minds have been relieved that the trouble and experience has been worth it.

I don’t suppose you relished work after your holiday and I am glad you did not have too much to do.

I hope they soon got the light going.

We are glad to hear of the new canteen and I hope all your requirements are met, so as to save you the trouble of going to the village. You evidently had a good time playing from 7.30 to 10.30 you seem to be kept quite busy one way and another and it is nice to know you had good weather for the sports meeting.

We are looking forward to a day at Laindon tomorrow (Sunday), it will be a change to get into the fresh air after the muck & mess mum & I have been in.

By the same post I am sending a subscription to F D & H.

You will have some indexing to do when you come home, and I hope you will find everything in order.

I think that is all so I will now prepare for a bath.

Kindest thoughts & love from Mum & Dad

10/7/45

Dear Don,

Was pleased to receive no 112 and to learn we will soon be seeing you.

Also it is nice to know about the canteen and that you are able to do your writing and the saving of long walks.

I hope you will not suffer too much from the inoculation, and that it will not cause you any inconvenience.

As I told you in my last letter the men left the house last Saturday, we are now nearly straight there are plenty of odd jobs for mum & I to do but it will certainly be worth it.

You cannot imagine how disappointed we would have been had the place not have been ready to receive you.

We had a nice day at Laindon on Sunday although there was plenty to be done.

Travelling was not too bad, but I can tell you it was much more comfortable when Walter came with us in the car.

Bert came over with the enclosed P.W. so I am losing no time in sending it to you.

It is getting rather late so will say cheerio and all the best.

Love from Mum & Dad

Ps

We have remembered you to Jean, and she hopes we will soon know the date of your homecoming.

11/7/45

Dear Don,

It was good to receive no 113 to learn you will soon be home, that is the best news so far, and what we have been waiting for.

I am sure Beryl will be very pleased with the doll you have got for her, and the hot and dusty journey was no doubt worth it.

It is very strange that Angus had a letter returned, I expect he wondered what had happened to you, it is nice to know he is having quite a good time in England. Is there any chance of you doing the same.

We have been anxious to know if you had heard from Freddie as we have not met any of the people who could have let us know, so I suppose it will mean waiting till you are able to meet his people at Laindon, let us hope things are well with him.

I hope you get your papers etc and also the practical Wireless which have been sent before you leave for home.

Now we must look forward to your next letter confirming the date of your leave.

We hope you have got over the effects of your inoculation.

Will now say cheerio.

Love & best wishes from Mum & Dad.

Leave from 16.07.45 to 31.7.45. On return to France found 305 Squadron had left posted to Melsbroek outside Brussels 140 Wing

07/07/2021
Active Service Belgium: 5th August 1945 to 31st October 1945

Leave from 16.07.45 to 31.7.45. On return to France found 305 Squadron had left posted to Melsbroek outside Brussels 140 Wing

6/8/45

Dear Don,

I have received No1 today, and now await your new address.

We were pleased to hear you got back ok.

The last few days have been very strange and we have been thinking about you all the time.

Mum & I went to Laindon on Thursday to have a clean-up.

We went again yesterday (Sunday) and I am pleased to say we had a very comfortable journey and came back by the empty train at 7.20 the weather was very good.

It is a bit dull and cloudy today.

I have received the following music

Chappells }The More I see You

} I wish I Knew

Noel Gay } The Torrie on his Bonnet

} After a While

Lawrence }Sweetheart of all My Dreams

Wright } You Crossed Your Fingers

This completes the issue for Lawrence Wright and I have sent today another subscription.

Tuesday Evg 7/8/45

Dear Don

It was a great relief to receive No 2 and to know you are settled.

You have evidently covered some ground since we last saw you. We were pleased to know you had a good crossing in spite of it being a bit rough and that you enjoyed it.

So you have lost Ernie, but it is nice to know you are with all your pals.

We hope the weather will be good to you especially while you are in tents and we trust the food will be to your liking.

By the way the doings you got from the FO Woodgarage Rd came in very useful and Huxtable treated mum very fair.

I will give Bert your message.

I bet you had a decent job packing all your odds & ends and I expect you were not sorry when you arrived at your destination.

It is a good job the lorry was late, I should be afraid to think what might have happened had you missed it.

Evidently your bed must have been very comfortable or else you were exceptionally tired..

However both Mum & I wish you well and trust you will be happy and comfortable in your new surroundings.

I must hurry and finish this so as I can get it posted

No doubt it will seem a long time since you have heard from us.

So will conclude to say cheerio all our love from Mum & Dad.

11/8/45

Dear Don,

I have received no 3 and it is nice to know you have had a quiet time and trust it has given you time to sort yourself out.

We both hope you have got settled in your new surroundings and that you are well and happy.

I have seen Bert he has heard from you and asked me to tell you he will be writing in a couple of days, he says some important news in reference to the band.

Ern has signed off today and will be starting work Monday.

Nothing has been done about the bungalow yet.

Well Don what do you think of the news, I think it is as good as over and must certainly bring demobilisation nearer let us hope for the best but time is young yet.

We all had a day at Laindon on Thursday an old pal of mine came to see us, Mr Duck and his wife, we had a very hot journey home.

It looks like being fine for tomorrow.

Mr & Mrs Turner (Uncle Bob) came yesterday with the twins, they are getting quite big boys now they properly enjoyed themselves with Ern & Jean.

Eddie Taser is in India he went a few months ago.

Have you had any news from Freddie Wells?

How are you off for Cigarettes, shall we order some to be sent out to you.

Shall be sending the papers off on Monday evening.

I did not send last week’s as there were no Everybody’s etc and I thought the newspapers would be a bit stale.

We must now get back into our usual routine.

Will now conclude with all kind thoughts & love from Mum & Dad.

13/8/45

Dear Don,

I have received today letters no 4 & 5 and we are pleased to know you have got settled.

I am afraid to think of the possibilities of the atomic bomb but if it shortens the war and saves the lads lives it will have achieved something.

I expect we will hear soon of the finish and then we can look forward to other things, and I sincerely hope I shall be right when I said you would be out sooner than you thought.

Ern will be letting you know soon and as he told you he will be getting proof of the dates etc.

I am glad you altered your mind in not going to Brussels and no doubt it saved you from getting wet.

You are evidently a terror for work and study and I hope the time you have put at it will repay you in the near future.

Ern is pleased to know the watch is going ok.

We got up early yesterday knowing in anticipation of going to Laindon but it came on to rain and looked very dull when it was too late to go it cleared up and was quite nice for the rest of the day. It was a great disappointment but we will try and go down during the week.

My next job is the papers to pack up, so will say Cheerio.

All our love Mum & Dad.

15/8/45

Dear Don,

At last it has come. We were disturbed in our slumbers at mid-night, by the hooters & bells etc.

Now to look forward to better things, early demobilisation, things to eat and drink, and something to wear.

I hope you will be wrong in your judgement about getting out and I trust I shall lie right when I said it would be sooner than what you thought.

We hope you enjoy your time off. No doubt it will be better than during all the excitement.

I think things will be a little less noisy than VE day this morning it is raining, so I expect it will damp some of those feelings.

It is a question of lining up this morning I question if many will get any bread for a couple of days, and Mum tells me there are no potatoes to be had.

We hope to go to Laindon tomorrow (Thursday) if the weather is kind enough it’s a good job there is some veg down there. Anyway I don’t think we will go hungry during the two days, so I suppose we must be thankful for small mercies.

Shall let you know as soon as I can about the party etc.

Ern has written and is now awaiting a reply.

I have received this morning

From Sun }Who’s to Blame

}Maria Mia

I expect there will be a delay in receiving this as the V day business will put things behind.

The Rinso* will be sent by parcel post, and Mum will give me instructions how to use it, which I will enclose.

I am sorry to hear you will have to do your own washing, but perhaps you will soon be lucky in finding someone to do it for you.

Let’s hope your weather has improved it is not very nice dancing about in the mud.

We both hope things are going well with you and that the time will soon come, when you return home for good.

Cheerio & all the best All our Love Mum & Dad.

17/8/45

Dear Don,

Was pleased to receive No 7 and trust you are getting on well with the EVT papers.

Also we hope you had a good time at Brussels and was in time for the fete.

I will see about getting the paper and let you have it at the earliest.

I think your information list Friday was correct and they awaited the time to announce it to suit themselves.

We did not go to Laindon after all on Thursday, the weather was a bit unsettled and then there was a party in the street for the children, bonfire fireworks etc. The trains were uncertain, so we hope to go on Sunday.

The enclosed is Rinso*, but in an Oxydol box. This stuff is very scarce, but we hope you will make full use of it.

Mum says a little of it goes a long way if you sprinkle it in the water and will swish it round till you get a nice lather.

Have enclosed the books to assist in the packing.

Will close with all our love from Mum & Dad

*From Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia

Rinso is a brand name of laundry soap and detergent marketed by Unilever. The brand was created by Robert S Hudson and originally branded Hudson’s Soap, which was sold to Lever Brothers of Port Sunlight, England, in 1908.

20/8/45

Dear Don

I have to reply to two letters no 8 received Saturday & no 9 received today Monday.

I might mention No9 was in a very ragged state and am pleased to say the contents were intact.

Bert brought over some foolscap paper which he asked me to put in your music case.

I have received from JD& H }Good Night my Wonderful One Good Night

} Can’t you read Between the Lines.

As regards No 3 I hope by now you have received this as Practical Wireless was sent in it.

It was very fortunate for Tony you were able to come to his rescue in Brussels and it is nice to know you were able to get around and do such a lot in a short space of time.

I see the Belgians are getting a rush on to get back to normal and it would be nice to have that spirit over here, God knows how long it will be before we get things to eat and drink and some new clothes etc but I suppose we will have to wait till everyone else is looked after, before we start on our own.

The chief thing we want is to get a move on with the demobilisation especially yours.

The Radio is going alright, we have a changeover now and again Ern has not been able to get the wood yet.

I expect you have received my letter telling you Ern started work. After two days he had the VJ holiday.

We think the photos are very nice and will give Walter his when he calls which I think will be tomorrow and the others I will save for you, as you wish.

When we see Bert again we will be able to show him his rival, I like the musicians rendezvous Charring Cross Rd a nice memento.

It is very interesting your trip to Bruges. Your description makes one feel they would like to go there.

It was a pity you came in contact with a ticket inspector other than the decent type, I doubt if anything like that would happen here, it made the day quite expensive for you, but I suppose it was worth it.

We hope you enjoyed your tram ride, I suppose it is a question of hang on the best you can.

It is also pleasant to know you are away from the garlic odour of the French trains.

We are pleased to hear you have heard from Ernie and I hope you will be as lucky as him in respect of leave.

I will convey his regards to Ern & Bert and please remember us when you write to him.

I suppose you have not heard from Freddie Wells we have not seen anybody yet where we might be able to find out about him.

Rose called to see Mum this evening, she tells us Arnold is in Belgium he has been shifted about a lot. Rose is quite happy about him and would rather him stop there than go out further.

As regards the graph paper is as you will see printed one side only they are in sheets 22×30 so we have cut them in half and rolled them in your newspapers, we also have one spare sheet but should you want more Wilson & Whitworth have plenty in stock, I hope you will receive it safely and in good condition.

I trust you have received Rinso, and made good use of it, No6 letter was in the parcel I mention this as I expect the parcel will take a little longer to reach you.

While I am writing this Mum is listening to “Radar” she is quite thrilled about it, it is certainly the thing that won the war, being one of the great scientific achievements.

I think I will now close and conclude with best wishes from us all & love from Mum & Dad.

23/8/45

Dear Don,

No 10 arrived. Am glad to know you have got no3.

I expect you will wonder why you have got this registered but I thought it would be best.

You will notice that the date which I turned up in my diary was correct, and sincerely hope this will mean a lot to you.

I am having a couple of days off but the weather is rotten, we were going to Laindon today but the weather is not good enough so we are going up the other end to see what we can find.

We were sorry to hear you lost your lay in last Sunday.

I hope you have received the packet of papers containing the graph paper.

Mum was wondering if you are still under canvas, but I have told her that I expect you will be in huts or billets as soon as the weather changes.

I don’t think I have much else to say this time, so will finish in wishing you all the best. Cheerio, all our love Mum & Dad.

25/8/45

Dear Don,

I have received no 11 and I hope the weather will soon improve so there will be no further delay in getting your mail.

Owing to the unsettled weather we did not go to Laindon on Thursday, we had a day up the other end instead.

We went into the Japanese exhibition in Oxford St it was very interesting but should have been better had we been able to stop longer and studies things, but there was too many people and we had to hurry along.

It made a change but as regards shopping it is very difficult to get anything, Mum has been trying to get a pair of shoes since Easter! but there don’t appear to be anything in any of the shops, anyway not the sort she likes.

We are still looking forward to better times, let’s hope they come soon.

We hope to go to Laindon tomorrow (Sunday) if it is fine.

I have not heard anything from the optician yet, I think perhaps it would be better to call and see when they will be ready.

We trust you are keeping well and that the weather will soon be to your liking, so as you can get around.

Cheerio and all our love Mum & Dad

27/8/45

Dear Don,

I have received today no 12. I suppose I shall soon have to put the new initials instead of BLA but I shall wait till your confirm this.

We have had some nice weather the last couple of days and I hope it has improved for you. It is not very nice for you to go out when there are storms about, and it was a good job you had the shelter of the lorry.

We had a nice day at Laindon yesterday, it was very hot . Walter came down in the afternoon.

Saw Bert last night and we showed him his rival and he was amused at the Charring Cross Rd one. He was telling us about a girl at the dance who has promised him some coupons for his pumps. I told him I would let you know and told him to prepare for a bashing when you come home.

I am pleased you had a good afternoon not bad going two cinemas and tea.

It was nice to read the end of your letter and we trust you will be right in thinking your next leave will be by the end of October. It will be much nicer than having to wait as we did for your first leave.

I hope you have received my registered letter containing the information, which I hope will be useful and beneficial to you.

What ho! Medals & chevrons.

What we wish most is for you to get out as early as you can.

There is no music to expect this time and as I cannot think of anything else this time, I will close and get your papers ready for post.

All kind thoughts & love from Mum & Dad.

29/8/45

Dear Don,

I am in receipt of No 13 and pleased to hear you got parcel, although it took long enough and I expect you soon got busy.

It is nice to know you can get most of your stuff washed, and I think it a pity you cannot get it all done.

It is a great shame there is so much messing about with this demobilisation business but I feel sure in course of time alterations will be made to speed up things so we must hope for the best.

I cannot understand why some of the army chaps complain when with a little foresight could see that it was helping them but unfortunately it makes others suffer.

I can’t see you signing anything that will delay your chance of getting out but it is quite possible a lot will in various branches of the services and that in itself will speed the time for others to get out.

I am having a couple of days off expecting to go out but the workmen are here again, this time putting a new roof on, it meant chasing about after them.

It was a good job I was home as it gave mum a chance to line up for necessities and I was here to let Arthur repair a couple of sash cords.

We will look forward to next week we may have better luck when I have another couple of days off.

I hope you are getting your mail more regular now and that the weather suits you.

It is a bit dull her today but I am hoping the rain will keep off till the roof is finished.

Here’s wishing you all the best.

Cheerio all our love Mum & Dad

30/8/45

Dear Don

I have received today No 14 and also one for Ern.

I am glad the mail has speeded up also that you receive the graph paper & registered letter.

It will be interesting to learn how you will benefit by the information I should like to know it will count as service and I hope things will turn out well for you.

We will be looking forward to seeing you again in October, but we hope it will not be delayed by going back in the workshop.

We thank you for Erns regards and trust your combined knowledge will be of mutual interest to each other. I am glad he is enjoying life in Germany.

I will keep my eyes open for the notebooks you require 7 x 10 how many do you require? I have got some 6 ¼ x 4 are these any use to you?

I thought you would notice the wrapping, I smiled at mum when I packed it, I told her I thought you would be interested, he had that bill in the window, Walter told us what a wonderful meeting it was and that they call on him to make a speech.

As you say it all goes to further business, badges on cars and stationery.

I see you find plenty to do what with the wireless & E.V.T. and I sincerely hope the benefits you hope to derive will be worth it.

We have been wondering how the food situation is, and also the sleeping business are you still in tents, I hope you will be in better quarters before the cold weather starts. How are you off for cigarettes do you get allowed sufficient.

There is no music to report, I have not received anything since Aug 19^th. I suppose I shall be getting two or three together.

Have you had any news of Freddie Wills, we still have not been able to see anyone who would be able to let us know. We hope things are alright with him.

I think that is all this time, so will say Cheerio and conclude with love from Mum & Dad.

3/9/45

Dear Don,

I have received today no 15 & 16. It seems that the post is all upside down again.

I do hope you have received no 7 this was written on Aug 20^th and I have no doubt that is the one which acknowledges the Photo etc anyway it is a pity if it has gone astray.

Walter has had his and I have saved the others for you.

Shall let Walter have his letter at the earliest.

We hope you were able to get a day off today for the celebrations in Brussels, mum told me she heard about it on the Radio.

I see you did not waste your time through getting info late after your night duty.

We certainly enjoyed our day at Laindon on Sunday and also again yesterday, it turned out very nice after a wet Saturday night.

Walter came down in the afternoon in his “Junior”* and he was able to take the potatoes and a lovely marrow that we had grown, as we could not have managed to get so many home at one go. Also we gathered some blackberries, they will be in abundance about a weeks’ time when we hope to get some to save for you.

You will now have to go all out to get ready for Civy Street and both mum & I wish you all the best to get the qualifications which will enable you to re-join Hope Agar in a way that will be satisfactory to yourself and in the hope of a brilliant future. With plenty of swotting to do the time will soon pass, and I hope I will be right in assuming you will be back to the life that you want, sooner than what you thought.

I was wondering if it was in the letter (no7) that is missing whether I mentioned about the change to BAOR I said I would still put BLA till I heard from you to change.

I almost forget to mention when mum was trimming yesterday she found a bunch of grapes on the vine, it is surprising how that has come along this year.

I will now close with all kind thoughts and love.

From Mum & Dad.

*Singer Junior car www.singercars.com

In 1926, Singer introduced the 848cc Singer Junior at the London Car Show. The Junior was a very popular car, with Singer selling many thousands of units in various forms, with production after 1927 never dropping below 6000 units per year. …

5/9/45

Dear Don,

I have received no 17 today and see at last you have received no 7. That means you had quite a lot together.

Although delayed I am glad you have got them all.

There was about 40 sheets of foolscap.

As regards Freddie Wells I hope the day will soon be here when you will know all about him and that he will be quite alright.

I do not know what part of Belgium Arnold is in but perhaps we can get his address when his mother comes again.

I suppose it does take considerable time to let the ones whom it concerns most, the change from B.L.A. but I shall continue to put that till I hear from you to alter it.

The weather is still dull here, but I hope it has improved for you.

We are hoping to go to Laindon tomorrow (Thursday) so we are looking forward to a fine day.

I have seen Walter and have given him your letter so I expect you will be hearing from him when he is not too busy.

I have no doubt you are very busy getting on with your EVT papers, and I hope there will be no delay in getting your papers.

It don’t seem as if you enjoyed yourself on the Piano with the station band and I quite understand why you will have a previous engagement another time.

It must have been very difficult for you and I quite agree it must have been hard work.

I hope you had an enjoyable time at Brussels, if it was at the tail end and it would have been nice if you had been there in time to see your pals on parade.

You had good reasons not to envy the chap who had to spend all day getting ready and I trust your luck will continue in getting off those turn outs. I expect the “Battle of Britain” Sunday is one of your Red Letter days, entered in your Diary.

Just one piece of music to expect this time

Sun }I Walked in

}I don’t care who knows it

They seem rather slow, but I expect I shall receive several together.

Well I think this is all this time so will say cheerio and wish you all the best.

Love from Mum & Dad

7/9/45

Dear Don,

I have received No18 today and must say I am sorry about the Cigarettes.

I wrote you early August about them, and again later but you did not say anything and we thought you were getting what you required.

We don’t like to think you are short or think you have been neglected, but I hope you will receive a supply in about three weeks.

I expect it will be Players as they do not send 333’s.

I will get you some unlined paper and will also see about the notebooks 7 x 10 that you want if I am not able no doubt mum will try and get it.

I have been into Wilsons about your glasses and he says I should be hearing from him about Sept 20^th . As regards your sunglasses there is no hope, he told me he had a letter from the B.O.T saying they are all for the Services.

He smiled when I asked what he thought you were in.

He evidently remembered you because he spoke of the clips.

I might mention Bert is now an uncle.

I don’t think there will be any fear of you being put in the slow classes and we both wish you the success you deserve.

I have noticed that your chaps got the biggest cheer, perhaps your chum who spent the day polishing up thought it was worth it.

One more piece of music.

Victoria }June Comes Round Every Year

}Last of this World

I think I ought to let you know the result of the M.M. 1945 Dance Band Poll results.

   Squads 1 Geraldo 2 Sky Rockets 3

This was in last week’s MM and I thought it might interest you.

I think this is all at present so will say cheerio & conclude with love

From Mum & Dad

10/9/45

Dear Don,

I have received no 19 and am sorry to hear the post is delayed again. I was thinking if I put BACR perhaps it will make a difference. Mum suggested I should do this, also the cigarettes will be addressed the same.

We are preparing a small parcel for you which I hope to dispatch tomorrow.

This will include some soap flakes and mum says use it the same as Rinso also a piece of sunlight. Also I will put the papers in to help packing etc writing pads and the exercise book and sundry other articles.

Ern will be writing to you to explain about the screwdriver etc.

I see they expect you to go back a few years for knowledge and I hope you will be successful in your quest when you visit Charring Cross Rd.

Perhaps you will find some information in the library when you are home on leave.

We hope you eventually sorted the mosquitoes and you have not had any more stings.

The weather is not all it should be but we had a fair day yesterday at Laindon it was quite sunny in the afternoon and we picked a fair supply of blackberries in the hopes of making jam etc if we can get the sugar to spare.

We are both looking forward to your leave and in the meantime mum hopes you will soon have better accommodation other than tents.

Well Don we have packed the parcel and it will be sent of tomorrow (Tuesday) morning. We hope you receive it alright and in quick time and everything will be ok.

All kind thoughts & love from Mum & Dad.

11/9/45

Dear Don,

We were pleased to receive no 20 and I hope you are now getting your mail more regularly.

Mum has dealt with the blackberries today, so they will be ready for use any time.

No doubt you have missed the pleasure of picking with us but it has saved you the trouble of picking the splinters etc out of your hands but of course it’s worth it.

I hope the cigarette shortage will be over by the time you get home it has been very difficult to get any for the last couple of weeks.

Ern is now rolling his own.

Anyway I hope your supply will arrive by the time they were promised and in the meantime you receive the parcel.

It will please us to know when the date of your leave is and we await to hear the actual date.

There seems to be plenty of spirit in the speeches on demobilisation at the T.U.C. Counsel I feel some action will be taken to speed things up.

Do you get a chance to listen in?

There was a play on the wireless last evening in it was a flashback about the VE holiday of last May evidently a lot of people thought that there was to be another holiday, the BBC had to make a special announcement at 11am & 11.50 to say it was all a great misunderstanding.

The weather seems to have broken up we have not had much summer this year and I did think we would have had a fine September.

It won’t be long before we have the dark evenings with us and we shall certainly notice it when we have G.M.T. early next month.

I think this is all for the present so will conclude with wishing you all the best and hope your leave time will soon roll round.

Cheerio & love from Mum & Dad

13/9/45

Dear Don,

Have received no 21 and was pleased to hear from you again and to learn you are in the first group, and we both hope the instruction will be right and that you will come through alright.

It will then give you more confidence for the further six months.

We all wish you luck I have now got up to No 2 in the new list of music.

Cinephonic }Old Man Sunshine

} Just a little Kiss Like This.

Also I have sent a further subscription to Victoria.

What do you think of the cigarette business, there is a probability you will be able to get sufficient from the NAAFI at the reduced rate, but of course that remains to be seen, it is a bit of luck I got that order away when I did and I sincerely hope you will get them alright.

Have you heard any more about the Chevrons & medals since you got the certificate from the C.D.?

I have not had any time off this week but I have got a few more days to come which I am spreading out over a period to suit myself. I have been so very busy but I hope it will ease down soon.

The coupon business does not seem to have eased the situation very much, it is strange to me we have done so much the time the coupons have got to last 24 from Sep to April.

Will conclude with all kind thoughts and love from Mum & Dad

15/9/45

Dear Don,

Replying to No 22 I regret it is too late, the notebook was dispatched in the parcel which I hope by this time you have received.

We hope being back in the workshop will not delay your leave any length of time.

I think it will be best to keep the glasses till you get home but of course I shall still have to wait to hear from Wilson.

I think I had better sent to Lawrence Wright I have not heard from them but it appears I have had all the numbers the last I received was on August 2^nd.

No 4 of the new series of music arrived today from

Chappells } Sigh no More

}Never Again

We had a fine view of the planes today while I was home to dinner 25 fighter squadron led by Bader, they came from North Weal and flew all round Barking West Ham and the City etc, no doubt you have heard this was to celebrate the defeat of the Luftwaffe 5 years ago.

We are hoping for a fine day tomorrow to go to Laindon.

I think this is all this time except our wishes for “Good Luck” in all your undertakings.

Cheerio & Love from Mum & Dad.

18/9/45

Dear Don,

I was pleased to receive no16 and that means the parcel cannot be far off.

I shall explain to Bert when I see him, about the letters round about the 5^th.

We are glad to know the mosquitoes have packed up and ceased to make a free meal of you and I hope it is the finish of them.

Ern & I are going to Laindon tomorrow (Wednesday) to bring back the furniture and we are hoping for a better day than you & I had when we took it.

You will be pleased to know the Bungalow will be kept in the family and Walter is looking forward with some good ideas for improvements in course of time.

There will be plenty of your stuff which I shall put together so as you will be able to sort it out at your leisure.

I took the precaution of asking Walter to bring back the records in his Junior last Sunday so I can say they are all safe.

We had a nice day on Sunday although we were busy packing etc but it did not stop us from doing a bit of blackberrying.

I am pleased to say we had a comfortable journey both ways and the train was not too crowded.

It will seem strange when we go next Sunday it will be empty, but we have left sufficient things for our use for mealtimes so it won’t be so bad.

I don’t hear much about your playing etc, I expect you have got quite enough to do getting ready for Feb.

We are still looking forward to seeing you soon and still hope that things are going well with you.

I shall be pleased to hear you have received the parcel and that the cigarettes will not long be delayed.

Cheerio and all our love from Mum & Dad.

20/9/45

Dear Don,

I have received No 24 and hope that the anticipation of the blackberries will soon be realization.

Well Don Ern & I went down to Laindon yesterday to bring the stuff back and I am pleased to say we were very very lucky and everything turned out well.

It had been raining hard all Tuesday night and I had not much sleep wondering if we were going to get up the hill.

Visions of the turn out we had before worried me.

We started away about 10 o/c and got back about 2.45.

Since then Mum, Ern & myself have been very busy adjusting things and we can see you having a nice sort out when you come home.

I am pleased to say there was nothing broken and the records have been returned to their rightful place.

I think I mentioned in one of my letters about the cigarettes and I expect they will be much easier for you to get in the Naafi.

Anyway, we will have to try and see you don’t go short when you are home.

Everywhere you go at present is the one cry! No Cigarettes.

I feel since you will get the supply we sent as Fergusson told me he thought they would be sent off on Monday Sept 11^th.

You have evidently had better weather than we have had, we had plenty of rain this morning, but it is trying to clear up now.

I suppose you are getting darker evenings now with your time we have got our turn to come in a couple of weeks’ time.

I see you had a change from your usual work, but perhaps it made a bit of difference to you and made you fresher to get back to your wireless by being able to make up for lost time.

I expect Ern will be looking forward to the labour saving design you are sending.

I must now close to get on with some more work.

Cheerio & all the best love from Mum & Dad.

22/9/45

Dear Don,

I have received no 25. You seem to have had quite a run on duties and fall in for the chaps that are on leave, but I hope it does not put you behind with your own work.

As regards your four days off perhaps it is a pity you will be unable to get on with your own work on the other hand it may be to your advantage with the extra study with E.V.T.

We are sorry to hear you have not got a better place than an attic and we will be pleased when the mosquitoes cease to trouble you.

I expect it pleases you to have your own pal back and hope you had a good time when you went out together.

I have not seen Bert lately, he seems to have eluded me, but as soon as I do see him I shall explain about the fire! and find out if he wrote to you about that time.

Ern has asked me to tell you he will be writing shortly.

I was hoping to hear that you had received parcel but I told mum I expect we will hear in the next letter.

There is no music to report this time, Chappells have sent for another subscription, which I have sent.

There seems no improvement in the weather but we hope it does not stop us from going to Laindon tomorrow.

It seems that the summer or what we had of it has completely broken up, but we still look forward to a few more fine Sundays, before we have to finally stop going before the dark weather comes.

Well Don I think that is all at present except to say how we are looking forward to seeing you again shortly.

In the meantime, our thoughts are with you and trust you are keeping well.

All the best &cheerio

Love from Mum & Dad

24/9/45

Dear Don,

Have received no 26 but still no news of you having received parcel. Both mum & I do so hope it has not gone astray.

I suppose you got a certain amount of pleasure winning at cards, perhaps it is as well there were no stakes and it prevents anyone being upset at the end of the game.

Have you seen Ernie since your trip to Brussels, did he get lost or forgot the appointment?

We hope you enjoyed the film, also your sleep on the train. It was a fortunate to be called by the time you got to the drome.

Why was it, had you been putting in too many hours or were you extra tired.

We had a fair day at Laindon yesterday and could not grumble at the weather.

It has been a beast today, cloudy, rain & high winds not at all a day to suit mum for her washing.

I don’t think there is much more to add and my next job will be the papers.

Cheerio & all the best love from Mum & Dad.

Dear Don

Have just received no 27 and we are more than pleased to k now you have received parcel.

Roll on 23^rd Dad

26/9/45

Dear Don,

Have received no 28 today and have spoken to Ern about the dial. He hopes to get it on Saturday and I will post it straight away.

As you say Lawrence Wrights took quite a time to reach out as a matter of fact the last sub I sent them was April 1944. Quite different to Chappells I only received 5(+10) copies for the last sub. I suppose this is correct being only for six months.

No5 of the new series from Feldman arrived yesterday

} I don’t Care if I never Dream Again

}From till Two

I suppose you are now finished with the various duties and back at normal . I hope you made the best of it on your days off.

We are glad you received the parcel and I hope you will get the cigarettes early next week.

Mum hopes the doings did not get too stale, as it seemed a long time reaching you.

I suppose the recent hold up will delay your leave a day or two, but no doubt there will be time to let us know.

I still have not seen Bert, have you heard from him since the fire business, as perhaps you have written to him.

See you liked the new Itma show. Mum & I did not think it was so good.

Will now say cheerio with the usual kind thoughts. Love from Mum & Dad.

28/9/45

Dear Don,

Replying to No 29 I am sorry to hear of the holdup of the mail and hope the weather will soon be more settled so as you receive them more regularly.

Let us hope it will not make you leave later and also you will not lose any by being held up.

Ern will be getting the dial tomorrow if he can and I shall get it to you at the earliest.

I quite appreciate you would rather have a new one, in case the one you have glued breaks at an important moment.

We were going to Laindon yesterday but the wireless news of the weather put us off so mum & I thought we would have a trip up the other end.

We had lunch at Oxford Circus, then went to Selfridges. There was not much we could get and as it was so stuffy there we went and sat in Hyde Park for a couple of hours, it came over dull and was very windy and dusty and we got home about 5 both tired out.

No hope the weather will allow us to go to Laindon on Sunday.

Well Don I hope things are going well with you and that you are making progress with the E.V.T. studies and obtain your desire next February.

With all kind thoughts and best wishes, will now say Cheerio, love from Mum & Dad.

1/10/45

Dear Don,

I have received no 39 and both Mum & I are more than pleased to know you have shifted out of the tent.

We hope you will be happy and comfortable in your new surroundings.

We are looking forward to seeing you again and we understand the delays in the crossing will put you back a day or two.

I am sending the Dial herewith, & Ern says there will be quite a lot to discuss about the letter you sent him, but I think he is looking forward to the talk when he sees you.

You know he is a not one for much letter writing.

Mum & I went to Laindon yesterday, it was quite a nice day and we got a few more blackberries I think that is the finish for this season.

Mrs Tanner and the twins came to see mum today, she tell us they hope to get back to Plaistow.

I think I told you they have got to move as the owner wants the house for his son, so they have found a place but it has got to be done up.

Will now get busy with the papers.

Cheerio, all our love from Mum & Dad.

3/10/45

Dear Don,

Replying to No 31 I hope by now you have received papers, I always do them up on Monday evening and Mum catches the 9.30 post from the General, on Tuesday morning.

I sent the Dial with No26 and I trust you have received it safely.

We are glad you have found out what detained Ernie when he was to have met you and also glad to know you enjoyed the film.

Mum saw Fred today and he wishes to be remembered to you.

Bert came in tonight he said he will be writing you, he also told me he is very busy on the demobbing business, it is a pity he is not on the R.A.F. if it were possible to expedite your release.

This is the first time I have seen him for a few weeks, he tells me he has been going up the other end and he says how he wishes you were with him, on these occasions.

We will be very pleased when we hear you have received the cigarettes you ought to have got them by now.

We hope you are making good progress with the EVT papers.

Will close with our usual kind thoughts and best wishes Cheerio Love from Mum & Dad

4/10/45

Dear Don,

Have received No32 and pleased to hear you have got the papers etc.

It is funny you should mention Bert, after my discussing him in my last letter.

I found the book you required and have dispatched it to you per parcel post.

As it was so heavy, I thought this the best method I hope you receive it alright and I good time.

This being Thursday afternoon it gave me a good chance of packing and posting it.

I did not have this morning off, I was too busy, otherwise we might have gone to Laindon, I am rather glad as the weather is not too good. Misty & damp, but we are hoping for better weather Sunday.

It will seem rather strange next week, getting dark so early especially after not returning to normal time for the last few years, but I expect we will get used to it.

I think that’s all this time Cheerio & all our love Mum & Dad

8/10/45

Dear Don,

Today I have received 33 & 34. Both Mum & I are pleased to know you have received cigarettes and after the shortage there has been we hope you are able to get sufficient for your requirements.

I am afraid it is beyond me to express any opinion of the demobilisation business and I know you can tell how I feel about it.

I have faith in you that you will not think too loud or express anything that might lead you in trouble and I do certainly think some other method will be tried in the near future, especially as the authorities must know the temper of the hundred who want to get settled in Civil life.

I do think there should be some kind of voting for those who wish to keep in the service but I am afraid that number would be too small to suit them so everybody has to suffer.

I see you are going to Germany. Both Mum & I hope you will be fixed up in comfortable quarters and we both trust that the weather will not be too bad this coming winter.

I shall feel glad when I hear you have got the dial and also I should like to hear you have received the book before you get on the move.

We are looking forward to your leave as much as you are especially as it means a change and that you can forget the things that upset you for the time being.

I trust you are making good progress with your evening occupation and the results in course of time will be to your satisfaction.

Bert has been queer and had to be home few days. He is much better and wants to get back to work. He had to forgo an engagement last Saturday

Mum & I went to Laindon yesterday, it was a very nice day but getting dark early it made it seem so late coming home.

Well Don, I think this is all so will say cheerio, keep cheerful and hope for the best. All our love, Mum & Dad.

11/10/45

Dear Don,

I have received No 35 and I hope you have now received 26, with which the Dial has been sent.

Your best wishes have been conveyed to Ern for the 4^th.

I am sorry I did not make myself clear about the Fred, but you were right in guessing Fred Gillam.

We can quite understand how you feel and we know how much better it would be if you had your liberty and was back in Landon to go where you liked.

I sincerely hope the picture of life in Germany you have painted will be altogether different when you get there and that you will find ways & means of making the time pass pleasantly.

We are all looking forward to seeing you soon.

Albert Ovens & Joyce came to see us yesterday, he has been recalled a day earlier from his leave and he thinks it may be for demobbing.

During his leave he & Joyce are having a full time trying to find a flat getting home together & also finding a job. The prices for different things are very frightening and the gratuities are not made of elastic.

I have received from Lawrence Wright } I could Never Tell

} Goodnight Till Tomorrow

Also a piano copy “Dearest of All”. I have enclosed their letter as I think it will interest you.

Bert is now back at work. Ern is finished at Barkingside and is hoping to get something local.

I think this is about all this time, so will say cheerio and conclude with all kind thought & love from Mum & Dad.

12/10/45

Dear Don,

I have received no 36 and I shall be pleased when I hear you have received no 26 containing the dial.

I do so hope it has not gone astray, I sent it letter post thinking you would get it quickly. I expect the book would take a day or two longer being sent by parcel post.

We both hope the move will not be delayed too long but just long enough to make it convenient for your leave.

You will be pleased to know I have got your glasses I received a card this morning saying they were ready.

I hope the EVT papers are not too trying for you and are not causing you any undue worry and that success will be yours at the end.

We both hope you are keeping well and are looking forward to seeing you again

All our love, Mum & Dad.

P.S. I had to send the enclosed, I thought it very funny Dad

15/10/45

Dear Don,

I was pleased to receive 37 and to learn you have received dial.

I see you are having a go at anything that comes along, and I like the criticism, but of course if it is too much brain fog give it the go by. I have no doubt you will concentrate on the things that will be the most beneficial later on.

I suppose after the talk etc with Johnnie, which no doubt made a break, it made you fresher to proceed with the EVT studies.

After the enclosed in No 31 the first page of the N.O.W. Oct 14 will amuse you.

Mum & I had a quiet day at home yesterday but will probably be going to Laindon next Sunday weather permitting.

You will be pleased to know mum has been lucky enough to get you some shorts with elastic.

We hope to be soon hearing the date you will be home, in the meantime all the best.

Cheerio & love from Mum & Dad.

17/10/45

Dear Don,

We were very pleased to receive No 38 and to learn it will not be long before we see you again.

It is nice to know you have received the book, and that you have fixed the dial without any mishap.

I suppose if you lose an hour coming over, you will gain an hour going back.

I expect you know by now I have got your glasses.

Ern has not got fixed up yet but I suppose something will turn up for him in due course.

I like your suggestion how to deal with the dockers but I don’t think it will be long before it fizzles out.

One good thing would be to reduce the income tax and let a man have the best part of his earnings.

My idea this is the cause of half the trouble, apart from what is left in your pay packet, everything you buy is taxed. Cigarettes a drink, pictures or a show and apart from grumbling we all have to put up with it. So why worry.

Now a different strain. I have received from Chappells }You Came Along

}All At Once

We must be on the alert when you arrive home, as you won’t be able to use your key.

We have had new locks fitted and I have got a set of keys made for you.

Most of the neighbours have fitted new locks after some light fingered gentry paid an afternoon visit a few doors away and got away with a nice haul.

We are glad you will not have the bother of too much packing & unpacking before our leave.

Now to count the days before we see you.

Cheerio and all our love, Mum & Dad.

19/10/45

Dear Don,

I have received No39 and I think this must be my last till we see you again. The next lot of papers I will save till you get home.

I cannot understand about Practical Wireless, the last one I sent was Aug 11^th.

On one occasion Bert told me that would be his contribution to you, he having ordered it in the City, and naturally I thought he would have sent it to you.

I am sorry to hear that is not so, and as it is so near to your home coming, I think I will leave it to you to discuss it with him and I hope it will be possible to have the others so as you can follow up the article you are interested in.

I am sorry to hear about not being able to finish your wireless, and I trust it will be safe in your absence.

It is a pity about the cigarette business and it must be distasteful to smoke other brands than what you fancy.

I will see that I have some players for you when you get home. I really thought it would have been better, and that you would have a plentiful supply of the popular brands.

I hope you are not studying too hard, so that it worries you all these subjects you speak about makes me think you will become a diplomat.

However, I hope you will gain sufficient knowledge to improve your position in life when at last you are free to use your own initiative.

I have reached No8 in the new series of music

F.D&H } And There You Are

} No Can Do

According to the way you receive my letters I should say you will get this about Tuesday or Wednesday, so any further news etc will be discussed with you personally.

Both Mum & I are looking forward to seeing you again, and I will remind you about the key. You can rest assured you will not be kept waiting for the door to be opened.

I now conclude with our usual kind thoughts.

All the best, cheerio love from Mum & Dad.

Sat

Have just received No 40.

I will advise you if I receive parcel by Monday. Dad.

Leave 31.10.45 to 14.11.45 when posted to Y99 Gutersloh Germany

07/07/2021
BAFO Germany: 14th November 1945 to 2nd May 1947
Leave 31.10.45 to 14.11.45 when posted to B.A.F.O. British Air Forces of Occupation in Germany Y99 Gutersloh

19/11/45

Dear Don,

We were both pleased to receive your first letter. It has seemed a long time since last Tuesday, quite different to the time you were home, it all went so quick.

You will now have to make up the sleep you have lost.

We are glad to know you have got fixed up in a fine billet. Mum has been wondering all the time if you would get comfortable quarters. Especially as it has turned so cold. We do so hope you will continue to be comfortable.

Mum went back with the valve on Wednesday and Scott got her one which she went for on Saturday. Ern has tested it and says it is alright. Scott told mum that someone must have swizzled him, I think that is the word he used.

I sent a sub to SAA and have received from them

}Will you Love Me Tomorrow

}Bim Bam Boom

I expect you will soon get used to your new surroundings when you get time to look around and we hope to hear that the food etc is to your liking.

We hope you met your chum whom you went to and that you found your kit all intact.

I think that is about all this time. I will get it posted straight away so as to make as little delay as possible, at the same time I will post the papers.

So will say cheerio and wish you all the best

All our love from Mum & Dad.

20/11/45

Dear Don,

The enclosed to wish you all the best for the 25^th and to let you know we will be thinking of you next Sunday.

Let us hope service life will be just a dream by the time your next anniversary comes round and that we will be able to celebrate without any thoughts of the rationing.

Cheerio & All our love, Mum & Dad.

23/11/45

Dear Don,

We have received no 2 today we thought it was never coming, I expect the fog etc held it up.

We are more than pleased to hear you are settled and we hope you will be happy and comfortable in your new surroundings.

Mum is pleased to hear about the plates, especially as it has settled the washing up problem.

It is nice to be able to go to the Malcolm club but a great pity if you have to walk the three miles, so I have no doubt it will suit you better when you get the Camp Cinema going.

I am glad you have not missed much EVT and that you will soon catch up to the rest, without too much swotting.

I guess you are quite right about the German marksmen and their British counterparts, but I suppose the game will continue over here till there is some business methods used.

Well Don don’t work too hard when your pals go on leave, does that mean you will be on your own?

The weather has not been too good, but mum & I managed to have a day out yesterday, we went by underground and cheated the buses, it is a good job we did with the crowds at the bus stops it made a bit of a change and we got home early.

During the evening Albert & Joyce came. He was sorry he was unable to see you while you were home and he send his regards to you.

Now for the musical side. I have received from

Chappells }} Symphony

} That’s For Me

} Sweet Virginia

}Every Time

Victoria }Just a Blue Serge Suit

}I’d Rather be Me

I think this is all this time, hoping you have received card and good wishes.

Cheerio & all our love, Mum & Dad.

26/11/45

Dear Don,

I hope by the time you receive this the post will be normal again.

I am sorry to hear of the delay.

Today I have received two letters by the same post no 3 & 4

Mum has been to Smiths to enquire about the books you require and I am hoping to get all your require, they have asked mum to call on Thursday afternoon so you can rest assured whatever I get it will be posted off immediately.

I am glad to know the place is now heated and I hope it will be possible to get the hot water at the time you want it.

It has been very awkward here owing to the gas strike, especially today for the washing, there has not been sufficient pressure to keep the copper boiling, it is bad for the mornings, the primer has come back into use for getting the first kettle boiled.

It is also putting us back at the shops not being able to get the work pressed, but I am looking forward to an early settlement.

My idea is that the heavy taxation is the cause of all the trouble when a man can take home what he earns without the big dip for income tax, he will be far happier, but God knows when that will be.

Mum will be far happier, but God knows when that will be.

Mum is very pleased to hear about the laundry as you can guess, it upsets her terribly to see the things you had to wear, we both hope it will continue, so as to save you the worry etc of doing your own washing.

You know by now I have received “Symphony” and shall be sending it along to you. Also “it’s been a long long time” when it comes.

I have gone on with the numbering where you left off.

I am sorry to hear about the promotion business, and I sincerely hope that your luck will change in that direction and get what you are entitled to.

It seems a great pity that you should be penalized for the laziness of the blighters at 138.

If I am unable to get the books by Thursday I will post off the Pyjama coats & music so as not to keep you waiting too long.

It is nice to hear about the supper business, and I trust with the company you have a pleasant time. I admit it is rather quick after your tea, but perhaps they don’t believe in a big supper too near bedtime.

Another thing that must please you, is that you don’t have to far to go to post your letters.

We both hope you spent your birthday pleasantly, our thought were with you.

My next job will be packing your papers so as I am able to post them, with this letter tonight, so will conclude with our best wishes Cheerio and all our love, Mum & Dad.

28/11/45

Dear Don,

I have received no 5 and we were pleased to hear from you.

I am hoping to get the books you require tomorrow and they will be sent off at the earliest.

I expect you find plenty to do now your two pals are missing but don’t work too hard.

How does the weather suit you it has been very cold the last few days and is not at all nice.

It is unfortunate you should have lost your promotion through the unlucky posting but perhaps things will turn out alright but I can guess how you feel about it.

We hope the food and general surroundings are to your liking and will continue to be.

There is no music to expect this time.

Here’s hoping there will be no more delays in the post, so that you will get your mail regularly.

Will now close with our best wishes.

Cheerio

All our Love Mum & Dad

29/11/45

Dear Don,

Have received no 6 today and we were pleased to hear your card arrived at the proper time.

We know it was not a nice way to spend your 21^st and this special celebration must be a deferred pleasure, and we hope when that time comes it will be possible to get the right sort of things to make it a success.

We also hope you will derive a certain amount of pleasure in the production of a Camp Concert which will probably lead to other things.

I am very sorry to say I have been unlucky today as regards the books you require but am hoping to be more fortunate tomorrow when Miss Perry (Smiths) will be in a position to let us know if she has been lucky in getting them. I will let you know as soon as I can.

By the same post Erns letter arrived.

Mum hopes to get a few things together so as we can get your parcel off early next week.

I do so hope we will be able to get the books you want. So as you will be able to have them with the least possible delay.

Cheerio

All our Love Mum & Dad

2/12/45

Dear Don,

I have received no 7. You ask me what it like up the other end , well I must say there is plenty you can waste money on but very little of the things you require at fair value, but we must hope for things to get better.

As regards the books you want, please don’t think you are being neglected, we have had a note from Smiths saying they are being reprinted but there is not much satisfaction in that, not knowing when that will be.

Mum has been all over the place trying to get them. Duncombe’s of Stratford are trying to get them, and she is going there next Wednesday 5^th to see if there is any luck.

I had been holding up the pyjamas and music but have decided to send them off. I will pack them today ready for posting in the morning.

As regards “Practical Wireless” shall I mention the matter to Bert or did he tell you he was unable to get any more.

I hope you will receive the parcel safe and in good time and I hope you will get more chaps to come forward and that you will soon get a good band together and that you will have a successful concert party.

We hope things are going well with you and that everything is with you to keep you happy I your new surroundings.

The weather has not been too bad all the week, but today it is awful dull & wet.

How are you fixed for cigarettes, do you get sufficient for your requirements.

I think that is all at present, so will say

Cheerio

All our Love Mum & Dad

Dec 4/45

Dear Don

I am in receipt of two letters 8 & 9.

In the first place mum & I wish your venture every success.

You must be quite a busy man these days.

Mum wishes it were possible for her to be there without you knowing to see the antics you will be getting up to.

We hope it will lead to other things, and that it will get you out of any irksome duties.

I know you will not let it interfere with your EVT studies.

I expect you did have a surprise when you saw Terry Parker. It seems so strange that after all this time, you should be brought near each other.

I trust if things are tightened up next week, it will make no difference to you and that you will escape the parades.

I am hoping mum will be lucky tomorrow as regards your books, they will be sent off immediately we get them.

Your parcel was sent off yesterday morning, and we will be glad when we know you have received it.

Mum hopes the Collene P. is alright, that was the nearest approach to the xmas sort.

We will be glad when the time comes to have the real thing and make believe only a thing of the past.

I sent all the music I have received up to date but the one you require has not turned up yet.

It seems a long long time in coming.

Shall I send it with the papers when it comes?

This week’s papers I packed in the parcel.

Lawrence Wright have sent today }I’d do it all over again

}Soon it will be Sunday

Also }My Yiddish Momma

}Virginia

I think this is all this time; so will say Cheerio.

All or love and best wishes

From Mum & Dad

P.S.

I have just noticed the change in address

6021 SE

I hope this will not delay other letters & the parcel.

6/12/45

Dear Don,

I was pleased to receive No 10.

I have just remembered I made the date different in my No 8 letter – that only meant the date.

Mum has been able to get my usual paper to write on so no more lined, except if it is urgent.

We are both more than sorry we have been unable to get the books you require, as they are out of print, but we will still try.

What’s the idea getting up for breakfast on Sunday morning it is certainly a change for you, and I hope it was worth it.

I expect all this extra work producing etc has got a lot to do with it. I hope things are going well in that direction.

I see you have turned carpenter, I dare say you can make plenty of improvements to make yourselves comfortable.

Mum was unable to get you a nail file when she was out yesterday, but we hope to get one fairly soon.

I have today received from Feldman’s } The Wish That I wish tonight

} I’ll be your Sweetheart

Walter called today he has got a nasty cold which is very prevalent just now. He is doctoring himself up and getting to bed early.

Things are getting well under way at Wanstead, he has got the phone on and they have nearly got the lights ready.

He will have a very busy Christmas he tells me.

We had some visitors this afternoon, the Turners and the twins. They had been to see a flat that has been found them in Beckton Rd . (much to Aunt Liz’s disgust) but Uncle Bob being handy I expect he will soon make it look alright.

They have been obliged to leave Ilford as the owner wants the house for his son, who has just been demobbed.

Will now say Cheerio, hoping you are keeping fit.

All our Love Mum & Dad

8/12/45

Dear Don,

In reply to No 11. I am pleased to say we have been lucky in getting Practical Wireless, and I expect I will be able to get it each month.

I am afraid it is now impossible to get the back numbers.

Ern thinks it will be possible to get “Outline of English Grammar” during next week.

There is one or two things we would like to know –

How are you fixed for cigarettes and mum was wondering how the Photos turned out.

How did things turn out for the duty mechanic last Tuesday I hope you were up in time and that you were not overworked.

Rose came to see mum yesterday, she said Arnold returned to Germany Nov 5. She was not sure of the address, otherwise I should have sent it to you.

He was coming to see us during the time he was home but on his way he met one of his chums, so he didn’t reach us.

Rose told us Arnold has grown so tall, that she is wondering if you would recognise him.

It has turned very cold the last couple of days and mum is hoping you are able to keep yourself warm and comfortable.

We trust all your arrangements as regards the show are proceeding smoothly and that everything is going to your liking.

I will post off the Practical Wireless with the papers so early as I can.

Cheerio

All our Love Mum & Dad

11/12/45

Dear Don,

We have been wondering why we have not heard from you, the last few days.

We hope things are well with you I have told mum I expect you are very busy preparing for your show.

I hope you will receive the packet of papers alright which has the Practical Wireless. I got them posted early on Monday.

I expect the post will be a bit upside down next week they tell us to post by the 18^th so you can understand we don’t want them to start delays this week.

It only wants another two weeks for Christmas personally I shall be glad when it is all over, we hope you will have a good time and make the best of it.

I hope by the time the next one comes round it can be a time of the real good cheer plenty to eat and drink, things more settled and we are all happier in mind.

This one we will be quiet with our memories and our thoughts will be with you.

I think I will now conclude but both mum & I thought we must write so as it would not be too long without a letter.

Cheerio

All our Love Mum & Dad

13/12/45

Dear Don,

As you will notice today is the 13^th. After a few days of worry and suspense we received No 13 at 12o/c, no 12 & 14 came at 4.30.

I know you can imagine how mum has been feeling, but to hear from you has acted as a tonic to her.

She says the 13^th is her lucky day. I am sorry I enclosed the “Practical Wireless” in with the papers this shall not happen again.

As you know I have tried and also mum to get the back numbers but I am afraid it will not be possible, I only hope I can get then each month in the future.

We are pleased to hear the band is going ahead and I guess you will have plenty to do to get ready in time, and we wish you every success.

It is nice to know you are getting enough cigarettes to carry on with, as a matter of fact Ern has got you some State Express 555’s, I will be posting these to you together with the dictionary and file, by registered post on Saturday, in the meantime, I want to see Bert about the music you want.

As it seems impossible to buy a file I am sending you my one.

I see you had quite a time for your guard duties and am glad you got up in time. I am sorry to hear about your roommate and hope he will soon be out of hospital.

I am glad you got one over the corporal, and I think they should see that the Karmo business did not interfere with the studies.

I am sorry to hear the dump guard did not please you. Perhaps they mustn’t make it too comfortable for you, but as you say is it worth it, but I suppose business methods would not do.

I think it is out of all reason to have to push around as you say and then to hear of the long journeys which must be a sheer waste.

I am afraid I must not express myself in words, as I read on but you know my sentiments.

I am more than glad to hear the weather was not too bad for your nights excursion, I should have liked to have been there to see the hunt, and to have known your thoughts when you found out what it was, anyway I hope you have made up for the sleep you lost.

I hope you will soon recognise the lid and that you will be in a position to give the dirty blighter a good dressing down.

I expect you know where else you would like eyes, but perhaps it will find its way back, after it had been used for a certain purpose.

Both mum & I are pleased to see you are creeping up the group numbers and perhaps after all I shall be right in saying you will got out sooner than what you think, but I hope you will come out when it suits you.

I will send your book up at the end of the year, and when I receive remittance will do as you suggest.

It must have been a surprise to you to hear from Les and to learn what he is going in for. I wonder if he will like it.

I expect your quarters look much better after the great Spring clean and I hope you will profit if any of your kit needs changing.

No14 tells us you have received parcel that news pleases us to know you received it in quick time.

How we would like to have sent a variety of the things that cheer, but we must live in hopes for better times to return soon and that we can enjoy things together and forget the times we have been through.

There won’t be much music to send, but what there is will be sent off early.

In concluding, I must say todays letters will enable us to have a better nights rest, than the last two nights.

Cheerio and may all “Good Luck” be with you.

Kind thoughts and Love from Mum & Dad

15/12/45

Dear Don,

Have received No 15 today. Now for some not very good news.

Bert has been unable to get “It’s been a long long Time”, he has found out it is published by Bradbury Wood but is still trying. Also mum has enquired in all the stores and British Home, hope to have the ordinary song part soon.

It is with regret I have to tell you we have been unable to get the books you require, as they are out of print, but we will still follow it up and hope to be lucky in the near future.

Today mum has posted per registered letter post the Cigs from Ern, dictionary, file & music, and I hope you receive them in a few days.

Now that the Exam is getting near I hope the absence of the books, will not prevent you from obtaining your full marks.

Mum met your uncle Will and he tells her Stan has been on leave and returned last Thursday to Germany, it seems that they are all coming over to you so it will be funny if you come across any of your cousins.

As time is getting close and the post may be delayed we take this opportunity of wishing you all the best and sincerely trust you will be happy this Xmas as far as circumstances will permit and that everything in the show will go off well to repay you for the time and labour you have put in, and when you come home early in the New Year for your leave, we hope to try and make a belated Xmas party.

With those thoughts in mind, mum & I can now spend a quiet time and look forward to making up when you return to the fold.

Cheerio

Love from Mum & Dad

18/12/45

Dear Don,

Just a hurried note.

Am sending song in the hope you will receive it in good time.

Bert dropped it in the letter box so I must see him, to pay and thank him.

All the best

Cheerio

All our Love Mum & Dad

19/12/45

Dear Don,

I have received no 16, and now await the list of music you want sent.

The time is now getting short, but I hope you will receive it by the time you want it.

Ern has sent off the song and I can tell you, we had some fun during the evening it was being got ready.

It is a pity things have been left to only a few of you, a little more quick help would have made all the difference.

Many thanks for card received and we hope your wish will be granted so as we can have a good time as in the old way, without the difficulty of obtaining the things one requires to make this permissible for Xmas 1946.

But to bring things nearer, we hope to make up for this Xmas when you come home in February.

Cheerio All kind thoughts and Love from Mum & Dad

21/12/45

Dear Don,

Have received No17, and I hope the papers have turned up and also your other mail has not been unduly delayed.

What I can see of it you have had a very busy time running about etc but Mum & I will be pleased to hear that everything went well with you over Xmas, and that the show was a great success and that you received your reward in the shape of a prize and something that will suit you in place of the wallop.

I have asked Ern to get the hinges you require and will post them directly I receive them.

Mum has seen that tin foil stuff in the stores, they sell it by the roll, but she has got something similar and has made just a few chains to brighten the kitchen up.

We will both be glad when it is all over, so as we can look forward to seeing you again.

Walter has asked for your address so I expect you will soon be hearing from him.

Cheerio, kind thoughts & Love from Mum & Dad

22/12/45

Dear Don,

I have received no 18 and I hope you enjoyed “Just William” without any interruptions.

We hope you got all your required at the Ensa N2 for your show and that now everything is going smoothly.

We are pleased to hear you have the confidence for Sax playing, and no doubt you will be able to have a change from the Piano.

Now the time is getting near we are thinking about you and the show and trust your efforts will be rewarded.

I have received from Chappells }it’s a Grand Night for Singing

} Love Steals your Heart

I hope you have got the others.

Mum & I are looking forward to a few days rest, after a trying period, what with her lining up here & there and the extra worry at the shop this time of the year. I shall be having Xmas day Wednesday Thursday, going in on Friday morning, so will make the best of it.

Get this over, and we will know it will not be long to look forward to your next leave and we hope better times ahead.

With our best wishes we will say Cheerio and all our love from Mum & Dad.

Trust the enclosed are what you want regret unable to get screws.

23/12/45

Dear Don

I have received No19 today Sunday.

I am pleased to hear you got the papers with the P.W. and I shall send that separate next time.

We will have another tour round to see if the books you require are now in print.

Mum found the Sax sling in your music stool after I had looked in the cabinet and the music case which was empty.

It made me feel hot, thought I was going to be unlucky but all’s well that ends well and I hope you receive it quickly enough to be of use.

I thought of your football in time to send in this letter the papers will go off tomorrow.

We are both pleased to hear the rehearsal went off well and we feel sure the “World Premier of Mossy Express” will be a great success it is a pity it is not broadcast so as we would be able to join in the fun.

Jean has been to tea today and she is very interested in your show and joins in with us in wishing success to your efforts.

Cheerio and all our love from Mum & Dad.

26/12/45

Dear Don,

I have received no20 and both mum & I hope the band was ok and that you had sufficient rehearsals to make the show a success.

We will be anxious for the letter telling us how things went.

We certainly hope you enjoyed yourself in the circumstances.

We had a fairly quiet day. Ern & Jean went to her sisters at Dagenham, and we are expecting them back to tea this afternoon.

Walter has had a very busy time but he was able to come to dinner with Olive, it gave him a chance of having a good rest.

We ran over to the Garage in the evening to see things were going alright then they were able to stay all night. They left soon after 8 0/clock this morning, and they may be seeing us again during the day.

We were up very early for boxing day so after a clear up I hope it will give mum a chance of having a rest, my first thoughts were to drop you a line and get it posted early.

I have seen Bert and thanked & paid him for getting the song.

All I hope is that you have received all the mail to date and that you got the song and the Sax sling in good time.

Will now say Cheerio with kind thoughts and love from Mum & Dad.

29/12/45

Dear Don,

Should there be any delay in the mail blame the post. After no 19 which I wrote early on Boxing day, I found it would not go out till 7am next morning.

We are looking forward to receiving no21 but I expect your busy time combined with the recent gales have delayed matters.

You will no doubt be pleased to hear Doris presented Leslie with a daughter (Valerie) on Boxing day (a nice Xmas box).

The news came to us in a very novel way. This will be saved for your perusal in due course.

The weather has changed to wet and cold. Not a nice day to start week or for Mum, who had a very busy day.

We are anxiously waiting to hear how things went with you over the holidays.

When you get this week’s Stratford Express you will see that your late headmaster has retired.

The news in the paper today has cheered mum a bit, it says RAF double demob rate 140000 to be out in three months.

This ought to bring things a bit nearer for you.

Will close with the best of “Good Wishes” for 1946.

Cheerio, all our love from Mum & Dad

30/12/45

Dear Don,

We are still looking forward to hearing from you but thought I would drop you a line enclosing the F Ball results & Scores.

We hope you are well and keeping free from colds and I sincerely hope we will both start the New Year a little different to last when we were both queer at the same time and I trust the weather will help matters.

As I told you in my last letter we are both longing to hear the results of your Xmas festivities.

Mum is going to have another tour round to see if she can get the books for you.

I do so hope we will be lucky but if not I will pray that it will not make any difference in obtaining the fall marks for your examination.

It will soon be here now and then it will not be so long before you have your leave.

I think that is all this time.

Cheerio, all our love from Mum & Dad

Monday Morning 31^st

Dear Don

We have just received no21 dated 22^nd and must say we were very pleased to hear from you, although we know it is not your fault. Love from Mum.

31/12/45

Dear Don,

A PS from Mum we received 21 this morning.

22,23,24 arrived dinner time. Am pleased to hear your received music and also the band is licked into shape.

I expect you are glad that the show is over, but I feel sure it was worth all your efforts.

What would Mum & I have given to have seen you. I bet you looked a sketch in your get up I hope the Photos will turn out all right.

We are glad you received requested parcel in good time also No15 with the music.

The Officers must have been good sports to put the work in to get the stage ready.

I think the reception you got, made you feel it was worth it and we are more than glad to know it turned out well. You evidently had an appreciative audience.

You should have had one or two lessons from the girls in the art of using rouge, but I expect you will be more proficient on the next occasion.

I liked the title of the finale and thanks were due to the compare for the able way he carried out his duties. I expect it pleased the officers to be thanked for the part they took in it.

I hope you will find another decent chap to act a compere for future shows.

You were wise in locking the door to prevent any rags and I hope you got a decent nights rest.

I am glad to hear you had a better Xmas than last and let’s hope Xmas 1946 will be the best one you have ever had, when you will be able to spend it just as you wish.

Now I have got to 24, I expect you were properly tired after the excitement and turkey supper on Boxing night.

The menu looked good and trust you felt comfortable after getting through that lot.

We were very pleased to hear you got the prize for the original scent, it must have been real good according to your description of it, but I suppose you were pleased to know the others got the 3^rd prize as a consolation.

The dead body, and the aces I recon you looked a grand lot of boys.

The show must have been extra good for the C.O. to want you to have 2 more performances in town.

When this comes off, keep the wallop out of each of the Irishmen, and I hope the chap with a cracked rib and the comedian with the cold will have completely recovered.

Well Don, I expect by now you have received our letter telling you how we spent Xmas and the next thing is to look forward to seeing you again.

We hope you have had sufficient rest to make up all you have lost, during all the excitement, and now the time has come to settle down for the EVT Business and that you will receive your just reward, when the examination comes off.

I have given Ern your letter so I expect he will be writing you.

The weather the last couple of days has been rough, cold, foggy etc, I trust it has been better with you.

Mum & I will not stay up till midnight after a busy washing day and myself busy with stocktaking, bed will be the best idea!

So will now say

Cheerio, all the “Very Best” for 1946 love from Mum & Dad

3/1/46

Dear Don,

I have received three letters from you 25,26,27.

Mum has seen Miss Perry (Smiths) about the books but cannot get any definite time for the delivery. It may be a question of days or months.

I see you have had some better weather and we thought of you being on guard, and we were certainly very glad when we heard from you, that it was not too bad.

It has been exceptionally cold the last few days and to make things awkward both at home and at the shop, there is a reduction in the pressure of gas.

The High ups should have anticipated this sort of thing and released the men for their job. The gas company say they require 600 more men before they can bring more pressure back, it is not a question of not enough coal.

I am glad to know the failing of the lights, are of not long duration.

Let us hope the shows will not interfere with you E.V.T.

I expect I will not be quite the same with one of your stars missing.

I see you have heard from Bert, I think he will be as pleased as we will be, when you get home for good.

I can understand you’re feeling about the increased pay and what it will mean, when it is worked out.

It will be like my Income tax, when we get the 1/- off next April and no post war credit, I shall be about £26 out on the year, but I am afraid I will not let that worry me as I feel I won’t be able to work another winter all I hope is to be able to get through this, I feel I want to stop till some of the others come back.

We are looking forward to you being out, before this extra? pay affects you, but please don’t get unduly worried about the money for your articles, you will find it will turn out alright.

There is no music to report.

I think that is all so will say

Cheerio, all our love and best wishes from Mum & Dad

6/1/46

Dear Don,

Was pleased to receive no28. As regards you thinking you will be out in about a years’ time. I still have hopes it will be sooner, a lot can happen in the next few months.

I hope you have had a change in the weather the same as we have had. It is not so cold now, and I trust the snow shovelling will not be one of your distasteful duties.

I expect the band rehearsals are more to your liking and I trust the new show will be a success.

I have got Practical Wireless for February and will be sending it with my next letter.

As today is Sunday, I cannot get it weighted & also I did not want to keep you waiting too long without a letter.

Have enclosed football results.

Uncle Bob came this morning and has asked us to go round for an hour this evening.

I have received the note for £5- I think you said you wanted me to keep it for you. Unless of course you would like me to bank it for you.

I have sent your book up.

There has been no music sent so I expect later on to get several together.

I shall now close so as I am able to catch the 5o/c post.

We will say Cheerio, all our love from Mum & Dad

7/1/46

Dear Don,

Herewith Practical Wireless and reply to no29.

I expect you have received my letter explaining about the books.

I hope the revisions of the EVT subjects will refresh your memory and that the test exam will prove you haven’t forgotten anything.

We are now looking forward to you coming home on leave, and we hope you will have a pretty good idea of the results of the examination, both mum & I wish you the best of luck and trust you will be grateful in the shortest space of time.

I think I can follow your explanation although it does seem a bit complicated.

I am pleased to hear we can look forward to Radio Luxemburg, it will make a change from the Ordinary Sunday Programme.

I hope you are enjoying the spring like weather and I trust it will continue, so as to shorten up the cold weather period.

Will now say, Cheerio, love and kind thoughts from Mum & Dad

9/1/46

Dear Don,

I have received no’s 30 & 31 and I hope your appreciation & criticism of a well-known author was a first class answer to the question.

Also I should imagine the band rehearsal is more to your liking, than a parade.

Mum & I thank Ernie Marshall for his greetings and we reciprocate them.

I think the paper business is the longest you have been kept, the news must be a bit stale! But I suppose the articles are interesting.

It pleases us to know you are getting up for breakfast especially now it is worth it.

I trust the pad etc will be to your liking.

I suppose you are trying to get Walters set ready by the time you come home on leave.

We hope you are keeping fit and that your weather is to your liking.

It has been a beast of a day here. Rain & very windy after a fair spell of decent weather, I suppose we must not complain anything expect fog & snow.

Cheerio for now, all our love from Mum & Dad

12/1/46

Dear Don,

I have received today no32 and I hope by now the post has caught up.

The first piece of music for this year arrived today from

Feldman }Rose of Santa Luzira

}Now We’ve Seen it Through

Now perhaps there will be a steady flow.

It was unfortunate to cancel the half day after having the little realisation and I hope you were able to make up for lost time for your E.V.T.

When you have your leave will you be entitled to the extra 3 days for Xmas. It will be very nice if you get it.

I would have posted this tonight but I thought I would leave it till Sunday morning. So as I am able to enclose the football results.

I hope by this time you have received P.Wireless, also the pad, envelopes & darning wool.

Will now say

Cheerio for now, all our love from Mum & Dad

14/1/46

Dear Don,

Was pleased to receive no 33. It has now turned very cold, quite a change after what we have had, let us hope it is not going to last long.

I hope it is a case of, it pays to advertise and that you will get the deserved effect in more support for the band.

I will put the fiver away, and while on the subject you’re a/c has been increased by 37/2 I received the book back today.

As regards opening an account with the Westminster it is quite simple.

It is a question of being introduced by a customer and the amount of deposit. We will have a chat about it when you come home.

You will find the P.O. offer facilities similar without any additional cost to you.

I am glad to hear you have been able to look at your service documents and I hope you can see it in your heart to forgive Smithy, especially if things turn out as you wish.

Both Mum & I are certainly pleased to hear that there will be signs of preparation and hope you get there before the little Hitlers.

Here’s wishing you the best of luck when you see the Boss.

I have been sent a proxy paper (Service Register), it would probably had to be used if poor old Will Thorpe had not resigned at the General Election.

Mum went to the Church last Thursday morning, it was a very impressive service with all the local celebrities there. You will find the account in the Stratford Express when you receive it.

Also mum has marked off in the club news about Leslie.

I think that is about all and my next job will be to pack the papers so as they can go off in the morning.

Cheerio and all the best love from Mum & Dad

17/1/45

Dear Don,

Today I have received no 34 and glad to hear you have received Practical Wireless.

Bert has been queer with the “Flu”, mum heard he had started to answer your letter so now you will know the reason of the delay.

I hope you have made up for lost time with your E.V.T.

Now as regards the bet I do so hope you will win it, not so much for the amount, but to show your strong will and I have no doubt by the end of a fortnight you will see the difference in health and pocket.

Perhaps in course of time you will be able to explain this to Ern. I have given up hope of trying to convince him it is just a sheer waste of money that might be useful in the future.

I don’t know where I should be had I continued to drink the same amount as I did before the price went up.

Well enough of this preaching, how are things with you. How is the band etc and what about the new show.

I suppose you are looking forward to the exam, the time will soon come round. Both Mum & I will be thinking about you and wishing you luck.

We are longing to hear if you are on the way to promotion it will certainly be nice for you especially the increase of pay.

I hope I have not kept you waiting too long for a letter. I was going to write last night but somehow I thought I would hear from you this morning and then reply to it this afternoon and post it straight away.

I hope the weather is not too cold for you it is very cold here but it is dry and Mum & I will be glad when it gets a bit warmer.

Cheerio & all the best, all our love from Mum & Dad

18/1/46

Dear Don,

I have received today no 35.

I omitted to tell you in my last letter that Mum saw Miss Elson who made enquiries about you and wishes to be remembered when we wrote you.

Today I have received from Noel Gay }Let’s Keep it That Way

}I Shall Never Forgive You

I have carefully read your letter and quite appreciate all the difficulties you have to surmount and I do sincerely hope it will come out alright, and that you will get the promotion you are entitled to.

I admire your stand and perhaps the resignation from the band might help to straighten things out but on no account show any resentment or let the Sgt think you are upset in any way.

Sticking to E.V.T. and the anticipation of successful results will certainly repay you in the end. Keep cheerful and I am confident you will have a laugh in course of time.

It is with great regret we learn you will not be home as early as we thought, but we hope the time will pass pleasantly for you, which will make the time seem shorter.

Mum hopes to get a small parcel for you during the next few days.

I am very pleased you find this no smoking business is going to be a walkover; and I can see them paying up next Friday, but don’t go starting to make up for lost time: what!

Walter was pleased when we told him we expected you home in a few weeks. So now we shall have to tell him how things are with you and that he will have to wait a bit longer for his wireless.

We have had a slight fall of snow this evening and if we are to have any more, let us have it quickly and get it over in the hopes it will be a bit warmer.

I hope you will be free from snow so as you will be spared the broom & shovel.

Will now say Cheerio and wish you all the best.

All our love from Mum & Dad

20/1/45

Dear Don,

Herewith I send football results, and also the list of music received yesterday.

Chappells }It Might as Well be Spring

}Nancy

FD&H }Too Bad

}That Feeling in the Moonlight

}I’ll Fill Your market basket

}Eleven Sixty PM

It is terribly cold and foggy today, they told us on the wireless last night was the coldest night this year.

Mum & I do so hope you are able to keep yourself warm and comfortable, seeing the pictures of the snow in Berlin does not tend to cheer her.

Mum is preparing a small parcel for you and I hope to pack it tomorrow, ready for posting Tuesday morning.

I will enclose this week’s papers with it.

Also there is a tablet of snowfire in case your hands get chapped, and a bottle of calamine lotion packed with an old towel which might help you to piece out with the substitutes you are now using.

I saw Ron Lewin yesterday. He tells me that Bert has got to stop in bed till Tuesday.

Not being able to go to football yesterday this upset him more than anything.

Will conclude with best wishes and Love from

Mum & Dad

22/1/46

Dear Don,

I am pleased to have received No36.

Your parcel was dispatched this morning and I hope your receive it alright and in good time.

From enquiries made today I am pleased to say Bert is much better and was able to get up today.

I am more than pleased with the result of stand you took; and that the resignation was only for an hour.

I sincerely hope the flights will be of short duration but sufficient to finish the one or two jobs you have to do then all things will work out, how you want them to.

We will keep our eyes open and should we be able to get the spare collars we will get a couple for you. I have not seen or heard anything about them, up to the present and shall like to hear the story when you get home.

Well Don, it is getting near to Friday and I hope you will have surprised your pals with your will power. I shall be anxious to hear the result.

It is getting near to 9.30 and I hope both you and I will be able to listen to “Just William”.

Will now say Cheerio, all our love from Mum & Dad

24/1/46

Dear Don,

I have today received no’s 37 & 38.

I expect you have received my letter explaining about the proxy form.

As regards a by-election I do not think at present that would make any difference as you know the constituency has always been a labour stronghold.

I do think when a leader is away for a considerable period a deputy should be appointed.

I expect a good many members are receiving letters from members of the forces on the demob question and I am still of an opinion that things will be speeded up.

I expect you have read the article in Everybody’s on the writing to M.P’s.

Well Don the exam will soon be here, I am sorry to hear you are not exactly looking forward to it but I feel sure everything will be alright, I expect you have got a bit fed up with so much swotting.

I am glad to hear there was not too much snow. It is just a little better over here but still very cold.

So you were able to see a really good show on your not to forget outing, anyway it must have been a break from working hard and putting all the hours in E.V.T.

We have noted your remarks re Radio Luxemburg and will try and find it to see what it is like.

I saw Bert this afternoon and he tells me he is much better as a matter of fact he came in on Wednesday afternoon to have a chat with Mum and the conversation being about you she wondered if your ear’s were burning.

I hope the bet materialised and I feel sure you will tell me you won.

Cheerio and all the best, all our love from Mum & Dad

27/1/46

Dear Don,

I hope by now you have received parcel and that things are going well with you.

The time is drawing near for the exam by the way what date is it please let us know we will be thinking about and we wish you every success.

How did the bet go, I suppose your cigarette bill in the future will be halved.

I saw Bert on Friday evening he is much better, and he tells me the doctor says he must have another week at home.

The weather has turned a bit warmer and we hope it is not too cold where you are and also you are keeping free from colds etc.

It seems so long since we last saw you and we are looking forward to receiving the letter telling us when you will be home on leave.

I have enclosed football results and will now say Cheerio and conclude with all our love from Mum & Dad

28/1/46

Dear Don,

I have today received no39&40 and we are pleased to know you are in warm quarters during the cold spell.

I expect you do not get much time to spare, what with the E.V.T. etc. but I guess you want to finish Walters wireless by the time you come home.

I shall be pleased to put your further remittance in its renumeration resting place.

As regards your statement of pay. I hope it will be straightened out, so as you are not put in debt.

Did you get the music you had on order?

I am pleased to hear the entertainments meeting was successful and that you will get the players you require.

I expect you are now looking forward to the Rhythm Club, it’s no wonder you don’t get much spare time but as long as it keeps you happy that is the chief thing and will no doubt make the time seem shorter. For the time you are to remain in the service.

By the same post I am sending the papers.

Will now say Cheerio for now, all our love from Mum & Dad

31/1/46

Dear Don,

I have received today letters no’s 41&42.

I expect the gale has held the flight up.

Bert has been in this afternoon for a chat, he seems very fed up and I think the only cure for him will be for you to get your ticket.

I am pleased you won the bet. I guessed you would do that alright.

I trust the test exam today will go ok, and I hope you will have a good idea of your chances later on.

I hope after the exam the waiting period will pass pleasantly for you, it seems a long time to wait for the results, so the only thing is I hope for the best.

We are pleased to hear about the band, you must have had a good time and we hope the late hour did not make you over tired.

We wish you all the best for Part II and it is best to take the subjects that will be useful later on and at the same time save the extra work that the further mathematics mean.

I will keep my eye open for Brylcreem and hope to get some by the time you come home.

I am pleased to report further deliveries of music the last couple of days.

Victoria }If I had a Dozen Hearts

}Doctor Lawyer Indian Chief

}Love me

}Love Letters

FD&H }Want you to Know I love you

}Loves Melody

Chappells }Everybody Kew But Me

}I can begin to tell you

I think that is all so will say Cheerio for now, all our love from Mum & Dad

3/2/46

Dear Don,

I will start off by advising you of another piece of music

Cinephonic }Cruising Down the River

}The Waltz That ran Away

In Jan 19^th issue of the Stratford Express. I have no doubt you saw there was a piece missing. I am enclosing that piece herewith and the rest of the story you will read on the first page of this weeks which you will receive in due course (the case being dismissed).

The reason I cut this out was that you should not be unduly alarmed.

Walter has explained to us that it is the outcome of ‘trying to help a chap to make a start, with the result other than anticipated.

As I did not receive a letter from you yesterday, I expect the gale has held the mail up again.

I expect by now you have received parcel.

I hope things are going well with you and the band and the various engagements are remunerative.

I expect you are now looking forward to the exam. Here’s wishing you every success and may all your studying and swotting receive it’s just reward.

Will now say Cheerio and conclude with love from Mum & Dad

Ps Mum suggested I should cut it from this weeks to save time.

4/2/46

Dear Don,

No 43 arrived today, also £4 and glad to learn you received parcel o.k.

Our thoughts will be with you on the 12^th & 13^th and all our wishes for your success.

May you feel that you are well on the way, after seeing the result of the test of the 3^rd.

I hope the guard duty at that unearthly hour was not too irksome, I think the 5 hr shift was a good idea to enable you to get on with the work, I don’t suppose you could have concentrated had you been jumping up every couple of hours.

I think the strike will have some effect in speeding up but of course it must no appear so. I do not know if you heard Mr Attlee speak, he seemed very severe in his attitude, as regards discipline.

I hope you get the matter straightened out with the PO. And I trust they will be able to inform you where the odd £3 gets to.

I quite agree with your other remarks and will leave it at that. It would not do to express myself here and I know you will understand.

I have heard some choice remarks and stories from the various services, I have served who have returned during the last few months.

I sincerely hope you will soon be back in Civvy Street and in course of time your position will be worth the sacrifices of the past few years.

We are still looking forward to the letter giving us the date when you will have your leave.

There is no music to report on this occasion.

The papers are being dispatched by the same post as usual.

Will now say Cheerio, all the best for the 12^th & 13^th love from Mum & Dad

6/2/46

Dear Don,

I have received no44, it came very quickly in spite of not being written, the night of the party.

Anyway I am glad to hear you had a good time and I hope our roommate did not have a hangover the next morning.

I was pleased to hear the result of your test exam, also that you don’t think there is anything to party about. So now I expect to see you get more than 80%. The best of luck to you.

I expect you will be thankful when the bloke comes back and that you will be relieved of the worry about the instruments and music.

Ern has told mum you wanted pipe etc, so she has made up a small parcel which will be dispatched with this letter.

Will now say Cheerio all our love from Mum & Dad

8/2/46

Dear Don,

Was pleased to receive No45 and trust everything is going well with you.

I see you are still keeping busy with other courses, and should you get the extra time off to go to the lessons I hope it will mean that you will be better employed deriving extra knowledge that will be useful later on.

Chappells have sent for a further subscription which I have sent yesterday.

The last sub I sent them was 21/9/45. I thought they were a bit sudden but find they had sent six numbers against five the previous occasion.

I have received today from “Sun”}Here Comes Heaven again

) Chico Chico

I suppose you are now looking forward to the 12^th & 13^th and I hope with confidence.

I will conclude this short letter with all best wishes and love

From Mum & Dad

10/2/46

Dear Don,

Just a short note enclosing the football scores.

We hope things are going well with you and that you are looking forward to the exam with confidence.

I hope you are having better weather than what we have been having.

What with the gales and floods then the gloomy news on the wireless of the food shortages it doesn’t make a very bright looking future but personally I think that something will turn up to cheer things up a bit.

I think the speech of Ben Smith^I is another way of asking the colonies to do something.

It seems strange that only a little while ago the same man was telling us that things might be better sooner than we thought.

Well I can only hope this is the worst of our times and that things will soon alter to give us a more hopeful outlook.

We are still looking forward to seeing you and hope your leave will not be delayed too long.

Cheerio, all our love Mum & Dad

11/2/46

Dear Don,

Quite a large mail arrived today 46,47,&48.

Mrs Neaves came over this afternoon to tell mum that Bert had received a letter from you and will answer it as soon as he is able. As you know he has been on the sick list for some time and had to return to bed Friday evening.

I might mention the flu is very prevalent just now, well I know it with a depleted staff.

Mum & I think the photos are very good.

I see three of your chaps have been posted to Italy. I suppose that does not mean you may have to go.

It would certainly be nice to have 28 days leave, but not if it means you being demobilised later than what you should be.

If everything turns out as you expect you should have a very nice band in less than no time and I have no doubt you are now awaiting the results of the appeal in the Wing Magazine.

It is a pleasure to hear you are getting quite a professional at chess and a tournament will certainly cause a certain amount of interest for you all.

I thought it would get you wondering when you saw a piece of the Express missing but these sort of things do not worry Walter much, as a matter of fact he did not know that it was being heard until someone pointed it out to him.

He has heard nothing further since the result.

I am pleased to hear you have got a chance to take it easy so as to be fresh for the exam. Our thought will be with you Tuesday & Wednesday.

So you have been having some bad weather, I hope there will be no ill effects from getting wet and also I hope there will soon be a change so as not to delay leaves.

Mum will certainly try and get you some dried milk.

I hope it was only an isolated case not having the heat on is unfortunate when you are unable to dry your clothes.

My next job is the papers.

The best of luck to you

Cheerio, all our love from Mum & Dad

14/2/46

Dear Don,

I was pleased to receive no49 and I am afraid I am a little behind in answering it.

I was going to write last night when Walter & Olive came and it got too late, so I thought I would leave it till this afternoon and post it straight away.

I sincerely hope there has been a change in the weather for you and that the floods have all cleared away and that you have got the boiler house in going order. It must have been incredible for you to get your shaving water etc ready.

I hope our thoughts & wishes for Tuesday & Wednesday have materialized and the result in due course will be pleased to us all.

The Photos have been ruined and Olive hopes you will still have the negatives as she would like the one of you in the Garden also one of Mum & I together.

It is a pity the bad weather has put the leaves back but we are still looking forward to the time when we will see you again.

Bert is getting up today for a little while.

Well Don I think that is all at present.

With all kind thought and love from

Mum & Dad

17/2/46

Dear Don,

I have received No50 and am glad to hear you have got over the worst part of the exam, it is nice to know a couple of the questions were gifts. It is a pleasure to deal with things that you know something about.

Now we must look forward to the result when I hope it will be all your desire.

It is a great pity that the organisation was not too good and =what with being in the cold all that time I expect you were very glad when it was all over.

We will have to try and keep in mind “Roughly Speaking” and should the chance come we will have to see it.

I must tell Walter about it you must be getting quite a professional chess player.

I suppose it makes a break and keeps your mind alert for other study.

I hope you are having good weather, it is just like a spring day here and I should like it to keep like it for a time, especially after the rough weather we have had.

I am enclosing the football scores and will now catch the 1.15 post.

We hope you are keeping fit & well.

Cheerio, all our love Mum & Dad

Dear Don

Have received No51 and was pleased to hear you received parcel.

The mathematic exam must have been very stiff, according to the paper you sent, but who knows you might come off much better than you anticipate.

I am pleased to hear you have got the heat on again.

I expect Walter will be pleased when I tell him about his wireless.

I suppose you will now be busy on another show, all these different things, EVT, Chess, Band, it makes me wonder what you do in your spare time.

We are still looking forward to the letter which will announce the date of your leave, it seems such a long time since you were last home.

How we are looking forward to the time when you will be finished with it altogether.

Here’s hoping it will be sooner than what we think.

Cheerio & all the Best love from Mum & Dad

21/2/46

Dear Don,

I am pleased to have received No52.

I am sorry to hear about the snap in the set but hope you have overcome them without a lot of trouble.

I suppose you will now be very busy in preparation for the new show.

I hope the new pianist will be up to your standard by the time the show is ready and that you will be able to have your new love, the tenor Sax.

I hope you have got Practical Wireless No45 letter is enclosed. I would not risk this with the papers and I suppose you get it quicker by letter.

The papers have all been upside down while Miss Perry is queer, one MM is missing and I have been after them to get it for me, I am still hoping.

I received 2 stamp books for the same month and when I took it back I explained all about the MM it & also about the bills. I don’t like to pay for stuff I don’t have especially when you have to pay 2- per week for delivery.

Well I suppose things will be as we want them some day.

We must keep hoping. Will close with our best wishes and love from

Mum & Dad

On leave from 23.2.46 to 8.3.46

10/3/46

Dear Don,

Herewith I send the football results, and at the same time hope you had a very pleasant journey back, and without being effected by the crossing.

I expect by now you have settled down and we hope you are feeling fit.

Mum had a surprise visit from Aunt Rose a couple of hours after you left on Friday.

She tells mum Arnold left Hamburg the same morning as your left, he came all the way by boat and did not arrive at Hull, till Monday and arrived home Tuesday afternoon a day and half later than you.

He returned last night and does not expect to be back at Hamburg till Tuesday.

Mum saw him yesterday morning, he tells her he is working in an office 8-5.

Please don’t forget to save the cutting from Stratford Express re Walter.

I don’t think I can add any more except to say we will welcome our first letter to let us know you got back alright.

In the meantime we wish you the best of luck and conclude with love from Mum & Dad.

14/3/46

Dear Don,

We were both pleased to receive letter no 1 to learn you arrived safe and had a nice crossing.

I was pleased to know you were up for breakfast and trust the tiredness from the travelling soon wore off and that you have now comfortably settled own.

It is nice to know things are not so bad as you thought they would be, and that the new W.O. will be all you expect him to be.

I suppose you will now be busy going ahead with the band etc and the time now will pass pleasantly while you are getting ready for the show.

How’s the weather where you are? It has been very cold the last few days, and I hope it will soon turn warmer.

Mum hopes the cake turned out alright and in good condition when you were able to tackle it.

I think that is all except top wish you all the best so will conclude with all our love from Mum & Dad.

16/3/46

Dear Don,

I was pleased to receive No2 and I see you have not lost much time in starting EVT again.

Now you have found out about satisfying the examiner in maths and now we must look forward to hearing you have passed in Maths. So that you will be ok.

It is nice to know things are going your way and I am pleased to hear its suits you to be back in the workshop and I hope things will continue the way you want them.

I expect you are pleased to see the music and instruments arriving and I feel it will not be long before you master the sax.

The first lot of music to arrive since you returned have come from Ena:-

Somebody’s Walking in my Home

A Hubba-Nubba-Habba

Wait & See

On the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe

I think that is all but shall wait till the morning for the football.

Cheerio & Love

From Mum & Dad.

18/3/46

Dear Don,

Was pleased to receive no3, as regards Arnold I think he is stationed at Hamburg but when his mother comes round again mum will find out his address and we will let you know.

I am pleased to hear you are getting on OK with the Sax.

If some of the remarks you and your pals have sent to the editor get published I should imagine there will be some very interesting reading in the Wing Mag in the near future.

Roll on Group 17. Mum will be getting the things you require and they will be sent at the earliest.

I have got the papers ready including news review and I hope you get them in good time.

I was unable to find the memorandum book the music is entered in do you remember where you put it. If not I will enter them as usual on an envelope date and number then so as they can be entered later.

I think that is all at present so will conclude with the usual kind thoughts & love from

Mum & Dad.

20/3/46

Dear Don,

Have received No4 and was very pleased to hear you are getting on OK with the tenor.

I hope you will fix on an appropriate name for your band, something original that will stand out.

I am pleased to let you know Mum got the parcel off to you this morning, she was more than sorry not to be able to include a cake but she hopes to in the near future.

I trust you will find everything in order. I have sent some brown paper & string etc and now hope you will receive it, with as little delay as possible.

Now for the music just received

Feldman} I want to sing a song

} When there someone to say Good Night to

Victoria } Some Sunday Morning

} Masquerade in Mexico

I am having tomorrow morning off and Mum & I hope to go to Laindon, it will be the first time this year, so as you can guess we will find plenty to do.

We are glad to know you have got a nice little job for the next fortnight but don’t get working too hard. Also I hope your memory will be refreshed how you have started going to the Bookkeeping classes.

Will now say Cheerio and wish you the best of luck in all your undertakings.

All our love,

From Mum & Dad

23/3/46

Dear Don,

No 5 to hand. Am pleased with the change in the weather and trust it will continue so.

Mum & I had a very strenuous day on Thursday, and we got home just before 8 o/c completely tired out, as you can guess, there was plenty of clearing up on the ground to do.

The weather was kind till we got home and then the rain came. Friday was an awful day, poured best part of the day, we were still tired, so we had an early night.

It has been quite nice today, but it doesn’t sound very promising according to the wireless.

It must have been quite a change for you to have cycled about the surrounding country and I hope you had a very enjoyable time.

I expect you were tired after the hard going on the bike, and I trust you enjoyed your tea also that you were able to find your way back in time.

As regards writing for the Wing Mag it may be that you did not waste time, no doubt the remarks have been passed by the high ups and that might do just as much good, they must have found out how some of the chaps feel about things.

Let’s hope the battle between the war technical officers, will go on long enough to convince them what a farce it is and that the blokes will come into their own.

We are both pleased to know in spite of the cut in rations you are just as well off as ever you were, and I trust it will bring to their notice the waste that went on.

Now to report more music.

J Duff } Waiting for the Train to Come In

} I’m always Chasing Rainbows

} The Charm of You

} I fall in Love Too Easily

I think that’s the lot except to wait till the morning for the football results.

Cheerio & all the best. Love from Mum & Dad

Dear Don

Have received No6 today, and I hope you get your wish for the spring like weather to continue.

I hope you have received papers. Containing the News Review.

I am packing the second one with this weeks’ papers.

I shall look forward to hear the estimate for the six months. When you find out what they intend to do.

It will evidently be to your advantage by joining the Radio Club, and also it will be nice to look forward to seeing your collection of snaps.

I am glad to hear you have got the extra time for the interesting things you have got to do.

I will show Ern your letter and hope to send the measurements you require and will let you have them at the earliest.

Also, he will see about the wood you are getting.

You will be pleased to know the gold ball you drove into the rough last July has been found when we were cleaning the from last Thursday.

I will now draw to a close as it is getting late. So will conclude with Love and all best wishes from

Mum & Dad.

27/3/46

Dear Don,

I have today received no’s 7 & 8. I am sorry you have not had No4 but perhaps it has turned up by now.

Thanks for photo. I must say it has a very wintery effect, has it been snowing?

I am glad the change in the weather done some good in the way of cancelling parades.

I should have liked to have been with you at the party, I feel sure the champagne would have done me more good than Eric but still I hope he soon lost his hangover.

I suppose the cookhouse bloke now knows what meat balls are, I can imagine what leg pulling goes on.

That was a good joke about the Sergeant’s, and if it is true I should say the first bloke won.

However we will leave it at that.

We shall look forward to receiving the snaps.

We are hoping to continue the good work at Laindon tomorrow and are looking forward to a bit of sunshine.

I can quite understand how anxious you are to get the results of the exam, and I hope it will not be long delayed I will let you know immediately I receive it.

I am still waiting for Ern to give me the measurements you require. I will remind him again if I am up when he gets home.

There is no music to report this time.

I expect you will soon be hearing from Bert. He asked me the other night if your address will still the same.

I think that’s the lot this time, so will say cheerio.

All our love from Mum & Dad.

29/3/46

Dear Don,

I have received no 9 and no 10 containing the photos.

You do not say if you have received no4, so I suppose that has gone astray.

The first thing is to give you the measurement you require which is 2 15/16”.

The second is the music

Noel Gay } I was much Better Off in the Army

} The Songsmith’s Serenade

} Ashley de la Zouch

} Promises

We were pleased to hear you have received parcel so quickly and that everything was ok.

I have managed to get a bottle of Brylcreem and will keep it for you. I am glad you were able to get some decent hair cream for your use.

I think they are a nice lot of snaps and will keep them with the others.

We had a nice day at Laindon yesterday, and you will be pleased to know mum found out that Freddy Wells is safe and sound.

He evidently came home from Italy on leave, just before last Xmas. Mrs Page told mum he stayed with his parents for a few days and then went up North for the rest of his leave as he is now courting, so I suppose all his letters go in one direction.

Well Don I suppose I will say Cheerio and conclude with love from Mum & Dad.

31/3/46

Dear Don,

I herewith enclose the football results.

I hope you are enjoying the good weather we have been having the last few days and should like to see it continue.

I suppose no 4 has not turned up yet.

I think it was this letter I asked you where you put the memo book that the music is entered in as I have been unable to find it since you returned from leave.

It does not matter much as I am entering them on the envelope, I keep the new numbers in and they can be backed up on some future occasion.

What do you think of the new order on Church Parades?

We both hope things are going well with you and that you are keeping fit also that the speeding up will suit you and that you will get out by your expected time.

Cheerio, all our love from Mum & Dad

2/4/46

Dear Don,

I have received letter s No’s 11 & 12. I hope the weather will continue as it is so as you derive the benefit of your early morning exercises.

Bert came in to show us some photos and he told us he is getting up earlier in the morning, what is it? A complaint, as have you realised you were missing the best part of the day. I have no doubt by now others are joining you.

I have asked Ern to call at Seager’s to try and get “The Principles of Business”.

If I am able to obtain this do you wish me to send it to you or keep it for you.

I am pleased to hear you have received No 4.

I have been unable to find the memo book but shall keep a record on the envelope.

I trust the air is clearer with the W.O. and I hope he will guess what you all think of him with the least possible trouble.

How did the party go, I hope you all had a good time and kept sober?

We are saving the golf ball, it does not seem much the worst for wear.

I see you have answered my question. I am glad you had a nice time and I think the cardinal game should be very interesting, we will have to try it some time when you are with us.

I am glad you heard the demob programme and I am still hoping things will turn the way you want them to.

Rose came yesterday afternoon with Arnolds address which is as follows:

14990022 Pt Hutchinson. A.

26 Billet

609 L/R Mil Gov Det

B.A.O.R.

Aunt Lilie came last night so there was plenty to discuss after not seeing her for so long.

Uncle Bob has just come he tells us Eddie is home and demobbed.

I better finish now as I wanted to get this posted tonight together with the papers.

Please forgive me for being a few hours late.

Cheerio, all the best all our love from Mum & Dad

4/4/46

Dear Don,

I was pleased to receive no 13 and I will tell Walter about the wireless the next time I see him.

Evidently you have got a big job in front of you and I should imagine it will be a Saper set when it is finished.

You will not have much spare time with all the jobs you are getting on with.

I have asked Ern to see about the pipe for your pal and as regards the book Seager’s will be able to let Ern know in a day or two if they will be able to obtain it.

I think a piece of black Silesia will be the ideal thing for your speakers and I will let you have it soon.

As regards your P.S. as I have said before I can now see you will be out by the time to suit yourself, and I sincerely trust everything will work out that way.

We are having another trip to Laindon today, we certainly must take advantage of the good weather.

Will now say Cheerio, and conclude with our usual good wishes & love from Mum & Dad

5/4/46

Dear Don,

I have today received No 14 and are sending links which I hope is the pair you want.

I was unable to get the Silesia so have sent a piece of linen which I expect will answer your purpose for your speaker.

It will be a nice change for you to play the organ and I feel sure you will make a success of it.

I am pleased to hear you are keeping up your early morning exercises, I expect you will soon have a crowd with you.

Has the dog decided he had enough for one morning or is he now a regular?

I have seen Walter and told him about the set.

Mum was wondering if you have seen Terry Parker as he is not demobbed yet.

Now the demobbing business is getting under way, no doubt you will have to speed up with the Cabinet making and Radio building so as you will be ready if you finish up earlier than what you expect.

Ern has got a pipe it is not a briar I think its beech wood. Cost is 3/6 but worth 5/-

I am sending this during next week in a parcel mum is hoping to get ready.

I regret to say Seager’s have told Ern that The Principles of Business is out of print but mum is trying further.

I think that is all at present so will say cheerio.

All our love from Mum & Dad.

7/4/46

Dear Don,

Was pleased to receive no 15 and I hope you have received no 13 containing the links & the linen for your speakers.

I have received from

Chappells }Paris in My Heart

} It’s only a Paper Moon

I have spoken to Ern about the sunglasses and shall ask again at Wilsons so will hope for the best.

I am glad you enjoyed the Camps dramatic Society’s first venture. Will this be something else for you to go in for.

Now you are getting the chaps back from 138 I hope you will be able to have your review ready by the time you would like it.

I suppose by now you have thought as a good name for the band.

Mum went to Duncomb’s for your book and they are going to let her know on Monday if they are able to obtain it.

Enclosed are the football results and in conclusion we hope everything is going well with you.

All our love from Mum & Dad.

8/4/46

Dear Don,

I have today received No16 and regret after mums visit to Duncomb’s she has been unable to get the Book.

There has been a change in the weather here, it is quite cold & cloudy a great difference to the weather we have been enjoying in the past few days.

I hope you enjoyed your first Symphony concert, and I shall not be surprised if you want to go again.

Let’s hope you felt much better after a nights rest, I can imagine it was not very comfortable getting roasted in the cockpit.

Mum is now getting a parcel together and this will be posted in the morning.

This week’s papers will be packed with it.

I hope the Pipe will be to your pals liking – also I shall be pleased if you receive it as quick as the last one. Here’s hoping for the best.

You will no doubt remember the little lady in Clive Rd (Hetty).

Mum met her on Saturday, and she made enquiries about you, and wished to be remembered when we wrote.

Will now say Cheerio. All our love from Mum & Dad

10/4/46

Dear Don,

In reply to No17 I expect you know that the pipe was included in the parcel which I trust you will receive with the least possible delay.

I suppose you are getting well away with the wireless sets.

I should imagine you went to the Symphony concert as a critic, your description of it shows the keen interest you had. It is a pity you missed ”Finlandia”, I trust the other part made up for it, I hope the next one you go to you will be able to reach there I time for the beginning.

It was very interesting to hear Daltons Budget Speech last night, it all sounded very nice, but I am afraid there is very little to benefit us at present.

One thing, it won’t be so expensive to die.

I see the post war credits will be paid out in the autumn, to men over 65 & women over 60. Myself being just turned 60, I suppose it will mean a year or two to wait. My saving will be about the amount of P.W. credit we do not get, so it brings it to the same thing.

Anyway we must just hope for the best.

I hope things are going well with you and you are getting well ahead in all your undertakings.

I hope soon to receive the result of the exam.

Cheerio, all our love, Mum & Dad

12/4/46

Dear Don,

Have received No’s 18 & 19. I am glad you have received the links, and that the linen will do fine.

I hope the fault did not take up too much of your time and that it has now been put right.

You are evidently going to have a busy time with the band this weekend, and I trust everything goes off alright.

I will let you have the saccharin tablets & bottle as soon as I can, it is a pity I did not know earlier then I could have sent them in the parcel.

I heard on the wireless the V stamps will be out on June 11^th and they will be 2 ½ & 3 d, I will get some for you and also put a couple on your letter & papers.

I notice you got no14 quick now I hope you get this one as quick, especially as your pal’s leave is 12^th which is the day I received your request for P.O.

I have not taken the counter foil off in case he wants to send it away. However, I hope you get it alright. I have made a note of the number etc.

I think that is about all, so will get it posted at once.

Cheerio all our love Mum & Dad

14/4/46

Dear Don,

Just a short note enclosing football scores.

We are going to Laindon today and have run it a bit close.

I expect it’s to do with this extra hour business, it usually upsets me the first few days.

Cheerio all our love Mum & Dad

15/4/46

Dear Don,

Today I have received no 20. I am more than sorry to have to tell you I have still been unable to procure the book you want.

I have made enquiries at Foyles and they say the same as the others it is out of print and do not give any hope of they will be reprinted.

I even asked them if they had a copy in their second hand dept and also I have tried to find second hand book stalls but I can assure you I will not give up hope.

I am pleased to hear there has been a new system for the delivery of mail I usually receive your letters in 3 days.

I am glad the weather is not too bad we had a nice day at Laindon yesterday and I am pleased to say we had a comfortable journey both ways. We hope to go again on Friday.

I am pleased to hear you have got the radio alright it is amazing and I trust you did not waste much time before you found the faults.

You must have given a good show with the band to be booked up again and I hope you and Reg had the major part of the money. Hears wishing you success in your further ventures.

I have packed the papers ready for posting but have sent “Practical Wireless” enclosed with this.

Will now say Cheerio and our best wishes for a Happy Easter. Love from Mum & Dad

17/4/46

Dear Don,

I have received No 21 and I hope that you have received parcel by now.

I have no doubt when the dance was cancelled, you did not waste any time having work to do on the radio.

I am glad to hear the guard duty was spent the way you certainly desired and that you enjoyed the Abbott & Costello film.

Now it is getting near to the holiday the weather has changed it has been quite cool today and finished up with rain this evening.

Walter has been here this evening while I was writing this, so you must excuse this short letter as it is getting late so will say cheerio & conclude with love from Mum and Dad.

20/4/46

Dear Don,

We have today received No’s 22 & 23.

No 23 came about 12 o/c. Mum began to think 22 had gone astray and began wondering if you had received parcel but about 4o/c 22 arrived and put us at ease.

Anyway we are glad to know you received the parcel alright and will tell Ern about the pipe.

We are glad to hear you are having good weather, it has been very nice the last few days and I hope it will continue.

We went to Laindon on Friday we had a busy time on the ground and came home completely tired out, we feel like a couple of crocks today, aching all over, so we will have a rest and probably go again on Monday if the weather holds out.

Well Don, I hope you are in for an easy time when the V parade comes round. We will be like you, not worry about it.

I think it would be better if it was left till the rationing is over and things in general get a bit normal then we would have something to celebrate but I suppose it will suite the mentality of some who will stand for hours waving flags etc and then have a fight to get something to eat and drink so we will leave it to them.

I suppose the time will soon come round for the next exam, so I expect you will get more keen to work the end, so cheer up and go out for it.

I shall be pleased when I get the result of the Feb exam, I was hoping I should soon be able to let you know.

I am pleased to hear you received GCO also we hope the new demob news will bring you home before your next birthday.

I hope you had decent things and profited by the competition in the two Naafi canteens.

Also, it is nice to know you have got the radio fixed up and I hope you have now finished the cabinet it is a pity you forgot your tools.

Now for the details of music that have arrived

April 18

Sun } Oh what it seemed to be

} I miss Your kiss

(I do not know if the Sun have made a mistake, but they have sent the whole orchestration)

FD& H } Seems like old Times

}Please let this be Love

April 20

Laurence }Sweet Dreams to you

Wright } Goodbye to Winter

Cinephonic } Why can’t we be Friends

} Thought you’re in Love with Somebody Else

} I don’t know

} All My Life

Well Don, I think that’s the lot except to wait fill the morning to enclose the football results.

We hope you have had a good time over the Easter.

Cheerio all our love from Mum & Dad.

22/4/46

Dear Don,

We had a day at Laindon today and upon our return this evening we found letters 24 & 25 waiting for us.

I have packed the papers up for you and got the letter ready for the Premier Radio Co awaiting the PO’s which mum will get in the morning, so it will be sent with as little delay as possible.

I have noted the change in not putting 6021 SE.

We are still watching out for the book you want and trust we shall be lucky in getting it for you.

I am pleased you were interested in the poetry and trust you will enjoy the attendees.

I trust you are now well forward with things after the 4 days off.

I think that is all at present, although we are tired out I felt I must write to you before I went to bed.

Cheerio and all our love from Mum & Dad.

24/4/46

Dear Don,

Today I have received no 26 and shall now await the parcel of the radio cabinet in due course.

I got the money away to the premier early yesterday and I am sending you the counterfoils.

I am pleased to hear you made the best of the holiday and I trust you will soon be up to date with the E.V.T.

I wonder if the others succeeded in getting London, it must have been nice to hear something interesting apart from the usual stuff on the air.

We have had another change in the weather it is quite chilly and cloudy. I don’t know if we will be going to Laindon tomorrow the weather forecast on the radio is not very promising.

There is no music to report this time and I am still without the result of the exam let us hope I shall soon be able to let you know.

Will now say cheerio & conclude with all our love

Mum & Dad

26/4/46

Dear Don,

I have received No 27 and have noted you want the 6021 SE put back.

I hope it will not make any difference to the letters I have sent and that you will get them alright.

One lot of music this time

Feldman } Let Bygones be Bygones

} Maybe it’s all for the Best

Let’s hope the new C.O. will meet with your approval it was very unfortunate to have to waste 2 hours clearing up when you could have done something more useful.

I hope he will not worry you too much and if you do leave things about so as they are handy for use, I trust this will be permitted.

We did not go to Laindon yesterday the weather was not good enough but we hope we will be able to go on Sunday.

Ern & Jean, Walter & Olive have just arrived, so I will not stop to write more, so will conclude and say Cheerio.

All our Love Mum & Dad

28/4/46

Dear Don,

Just a short note enclosing football results.

We are just off to Laindon.

I received £4.50 yesterday, which I will put to you’re a/c.

It doesn’t look very promising, but we will hope it will turn out alright later.

Cheerio all our love

Mum & Dad.

29/4/46

Dear Don,

I have received no 28 and I shall be pleased to hear when you have got the transformer.

I shall also let you know the date I receive the cabinet.

What did you think of the Wizard of Oz. Did it come as a change or did you remember it? Mum & I haven’t seen it.

I hope you will save the Wing Mag, I trust it will be worth keeping as a memento.

I am still looking forward to receiving the result of the exam.

I am very pleased to hear things are going well with the band, and trust you have a good time at the farewell party, also the Naafi official opening, and that it will be remunerative to you.

I hope you enjoyed your symphony concert.

I spoke to Ern about the letter. He has asked me to tell you as soon as they are taking repairs again, he will send it up & the other stuff is on its way.

We had a day at Laindon yesterday, it was very dull till after dinner, but it turned out nice in the afternoon but we were only able to do some weeding, the grass being too damp to cut & we caught an early train home.

I think that is all and my next job will be the papers

Cheerio & all the best,

all our love

Mum & Dad.

P.S. Machine parts 9d each.

1/5/46

Dear Don,

I have received No 29. I shall let you know as soon as I received the briefcase. I hope you have got a bargain, it will no doubt be very useful to you later on.

I am glad you enjoyed yourself at the opera it will be nice when things are more settled over here, so as I can see one or too. I have always promised myself that pleasure.

So you are on guard again I trust you will see to it that the band takes priority.

I expect you will arrange that alright.

I am pleased to hear that the weather is good, but you must try and steal a march on the mosquitoes and I trust the muslin will prevent the events of last year, but still keep your camomile lotion handy.

Mum in her travels, watching out for The Principle of Business has come across Advanced Accounts Edited by R.N. Carter F.C.A. and published by Pittman.

It is too heavy to send so we will keep it till you come home on leave.

Ern sent a small parcel off yesterday and mum enclosed the saccharin tablets you wanted. I hope you will get it in good time.

I have received from Noel Gay

} When Alice Blue Gown Met Little Boy Blue

} You Shouldn’t’ve have said

I think that’s the lot at present so will say Cheerio all our love

Mum & Dad.

3/5/46

Dear Don,

In reply to your no 30 I was more than pleased to hear you got the transformers in so quick a time.

Also, it is very nice to know that you did not lose much sleep through the guard duties. I expect soon to hear that you have lost that job owing to band duties etc.

There is no doubt that the William Drakeford mentioned in Harry Greenwall’s book was the same man I was in business with just before the 1914-18 war. He joined the firm I was with in 1911 and formerly was with McDougal’s and Timewells of Sackville St W.

The last time I saw him was in the early 1920’s. I could have joined him again in 1918 but I was just getting established in my present job, so I would not risk it.

It is a pity the farewell party developed into a riot and I trust that sort of thing does not happen again, and I hope you will see to it that the Charge will cover any damage caused.

I suppose you will be unable to replace the music if any of it gets damaged. I know it does not improve the lack of it. I trust the band officers will put things right.

We did not go to Laindon on Thursday as the weather was not good enough but hope to go on Sunday. I expect the grass will be nice & long after the rain we have had.

Mum & I went to the East Ham Palace Thursday evening it was a fair show with Hal Monty. It made a bit of a change as it is a long time since we have been anywhere.

We hope you are keeping fit and may all the luck attend you.

Cheerio all our love

Mum & Dad.

4/5/46

Dear Don,

I have received no31 today.

The Brief Case arrived this morning, in good condition.

It does not seem too bad at all and I shall be very pleased when you are able to use it, for your professional duties.

We are very pleased to hear you will shortly be getting your increase, but I think you would rather be coming out instead.

The influx of the new trainers must be pleasing for it must mean it is getting nearer to the time for demobbing.

I was very sorry to learn about the over sleeping, especially after the early morning business of running etc and I trust this fall from grace is the only one black spot.

However, I am real pleased to know that nothing came of it.

You must be keeping your band up to standard what with the trombonist and then the other two in a couple of weeks.

Well Don, I think that is all this time, and will now wait for the football scores in the morning to be posted before we leave for Laindon.

Cheerio all our love

Mum & Dad.

6/5/46

Dear Don,

Letter no 32 received this morning (very smart)

I shall certainly look forward to the Wing Mags and hope I shall have the pleasure of reading some of your articles.

Now Ernie is back I hope the next few weeks will pass quickly and pleasantly for you and that your leave will not be delayed too long.

I should not worry too much about promotion, if you were promoted it might make a big difference in your work and perhaps that might not suit you. However, I hope everything turns out the way you want it to.

I have not heard yet how long the new conscripts have got to serve, but perhaps what you have heard, may be official.

We went to Laindon yesterday but was not able to do much work owing to the wind and rain. Mum put the beans in and also lime washed the bottom of the fruit trees. It was a pity to have to watch the blossom being blown off.

I am glad to say we had a comfortable journey there & back. I think it was a bit too cold for the Southender’s although I heard someone say that Southend was packed according to the 10 o/c news. When we were waiting on Laindon Station.

I notice you are getting quite a regular for the Symphony concerts, it certainly makes a change for you.

How are you getting on with the new C.O. do you have to keep your room tidy or are you able to leave your parts about as before.

I think that is all, so will pack papers.

Cheerio all our love

Mum & Dad.

9/5/46

Dear Don,

No 33 to hand this morning and a little later the Wood Parcel arrived.

We are glad to hear you received the parcel and will let Ern know.

It is very nice to know you had a good days outing and I hope you will have a nice collection of snaps. It will be something to remember later on and with all the others you will have quite a full album.

Walter brought Beryl over on Tuesday evg., he had taken her to the zoo to celebrate her birthday.

He called again last night on his way to take her home to Orpington, to show us the pram that has been reupholstered & sprayed, it certainly was a very nice job and she was very pleased with it.

I notice you say you had some decent meals at the Y.M.C.A. does that mean your usual living is not all that it should be.

The weather you have been having is about the same here.

Yesterday was a wet and dull day, today there is some sunshine, but it is not too warm.

I hope you have not had any more riotous scenes in your band engagements.

Will now say Cheerio all the best & love from

Mum & Dad.

12/5/46

Dear Don,

No 34 to hand and will now look forward to the third parcel coming.

I am pleased with the success of the rehearsal and hope you will soon be all together again so as you will be able to have the band to your liking.

I don’t think I will make a note of the film “At Dead of Night”, I think mum & I would rather go to a variety show.

I hope you are getting up to date with your E.V.T. and I suppose you are looking forward to the next exam.

I shall be very pleased when I get the result of Feb exam, it seems as if it will never come.

I see there is no football to send this week, so the papers will be sent off as usual tomorrow.

The weather has been very changeable this week, but it has turned out very nice today after pouring of rain during the night.

I hope everything is going well with you and you are keeping fit.

Will now say Cheerio and conclude with love from

Mum & Dad.

14/5/46

Dear Don,

Was pleased to receive no 35.

If what you hear about the tents is true, I can imagine what it is going to be like for you, with all the stuff about you and I think you are wise in getting as much as you can away.

I do hope it is not going to be too awkward for you and I sincerely hope something will be done that will not make your E.V.T. studying too difficult. Let us hope it will not be so bad as the present outlook shows.

One piece of music to report

Feldman’s } In the Land of Beginning Again

} The cocoanut Song

I will go into the matter of the sunglasses and will let you know a little later and also, I will find some brown paper & string and will post to you together with the dried milk.

I expect these room inspections are getting on your nerves with all that cleaning up business for nothing.

Do you think of having your portrait painted if your pals turns out alright?

I expect you can tell my last couple of letters were written in bed, but I am pleased to say the Doctor has told me I can now sit in a chair.

I have had my old complaint back Bronchitis and Congestion and no doubt I was foolish to keep at work so long.

The right lung is now clear, but mum has to continue to poultice the left. The doctor is calling again next Monday to see how I am progressing.

Mum is not too good, and the extra work and up & down stairs does not tend to improve matters.

I hope we can have a bit of a change later on before I got back to work that is, if I do go back.

I am sending “Practical Wireless” separate as you would wish, and the other papers have been posted off to you.

I think that is all and I do hope things will go well with you and that we can look forward to your leave in the near future.

Cheerio & all our love

Mum & Dad.

17/5/46

Dear Don,

I am afraid I am a little behind in answering no 36. Anyway, it’s not too late.

I bet you were pleased when you found the parcel overweight and I guess it won’t happen again.

I will have to see about the Octal valve bases you require and hope to let you have the various things you require shortly.

I shall be glad when I can get out, I shall probably get some idea when the Doctor comes on Monday.

I have received from F.D&H

} Love is a Merry Go Round

} I’m glad I waited for You

} May Love

} Well you Marry Me

Also, a reminder for a renewal sub.

No 37 just arrived and will now look forward to the parcel.

We are more than glad to hear you will be staying where you are instead of going in tents.

Thanks for chocolate. I expect they thought it part of the wood till you mentioned it in your letter.

I think that’s all, and as mum is just going up the road it will be posted without further delay.

Cheerio all our love

Mum & Dad.

19.5.46

Dear Don,

The over-spec’s, I had to get these on chance size, so make sure they clip on right, if you have to bend clip s use two pairs of small pliers holding one side of clip with one pair to take strain from lens. Should your own frames be too thick, (try to judge this before altering over-spec’s) I think it would be better to return them, giving me diagram of your spec’s & actual thickness of frames. Arthur Haffkin the optician in Poplar sent away for them after I gave him as full a description as I could from memory, so I’m hoping I’m not far out. The cost was 10/-.

The 3 OCTAL bases were 1/- each.

It’s just occurred to me if over-specs are not quite right for you, they may do for one of your pals, so save you the bother of returning them, but Haffkin knows the position so he would take them back for another pair.

I’m sorry but up till now I’ve been unable to make cabinet, I think the wood will be alright thought.

I’ve made several moulded leaden soldiers, they turned out very successful, but as I’m short of spare time I’ve had to lay off for a while, I also done a bit of market work on a Sunday which proved very profitable but it really needs a couple of us to make & sell stuff, also wireless parts & even sets. When you come home next time, we can go into it further.

I think dad has already mentioned to you about your pipe, which is now being repaired, this is the first time for about 3 months since we have been able to accept repairs, this maybe because we had genuine briars in at 9/- & 14/- (French make!) & they wanted to encourage sales.

Cheerio for now,

Ern.

20/5/46

Dear Don,

I was pleased to receive your no 38 and also, I am able to tell you I am going along alright.

The Doctor came today and will be coming again next week when I hope he will tell me he will be finished calling and that I can soon look forward to taking mum out, after the worrying time I have given her.

We must see what can be done about a holiday in the near future.

We are both glad to learn things are not so bad with you and it will please us to know you will not be going in tents.

I will tell Walter you have got his wireless done, when I see him.

I suppose with so much to do you would not feel comfortable sitting to have your portrait done, and I have no doubt that attitude would reflect on the finished article.

It is nice to hear you can derive benefit from the lectures and the economic course you are taking must make it interesting.

I have received £4.10.0 which will be put to your credit.

Also on Saturday morning I received a parcel and I must say it was not in a very nice condition so I thought it would be as well to let you know what was in it then you will know if anything is missing.

Contents, 3 toothpastes, 3 films, 2 combs, 2 jars hair cream, 4 khaki, 1 white handkerchief, 1 transformer.

With this letter mum is posting a parcel to you. So as you will know what to expect I am sending the following:- coffee, 2 H milk, 1 soap, Pot paste, saccharin, brown paper & String and the ordinary weekly papers.

(Cake Paper, sunglasses & 3 Octal basis) Ern has enclosed a letter about these.

I hope there will be sufficient brown paper and string for your requirements at present.

Mum is very sorry she was unable to send the usual Cake but hopes to make it up later on, we both know you will understand. So will now conclude with our usual kind thoughts.

Cheerio all our love

Mum & Dad.

22/5/46

Dear Don,

I have today received no39 & 40 both together, and from Chappells

} Put the Blame on Mame

} Amado Mio

Although it is nice to have the extra pay, I expect you are thinking of all the important part, getting out in six months.

I only hope for our own sake it will not be deferred longer than that.

I shall put the Photo of the leave boat with the others.

I am pleased to let you know I am going on alright and hope to be getting out by the end of this month.

Now that Grange has started the outings, it will be a nice change to have a trip to Brighton, Margate, or Southend. It will suit us very well as they will be calling at the Broadway to pick up.

It will certainly make a break till things get more settled.

I am glad to know you derive a certain amount of pleasure from the Symphony concerts.

It pleases both Mum & I to know you avoid the aftermath of the demob parties and I don’t suppose the others feel too clever when they come to their senses.

I am sorry to hear this so called victory business is giving you extra work, what I can see of it, it seems to be upsetting the demob plans for a few weeks, by putting things behind, but I am pleased you will be able to keep up your EVT plans by seeing that the time is not wasted.

Well Don, I hope you will soon get the parcel and that you will find all you want in it, and I can assure you it has been no bother.

I shall be looking forward to the next parcel that is coming and will let you know as soon as it arrives.

We thank you for the chocolate which was very nice, and it is nice to know the parcel had not been tampered with. I only hope we got all the things you sent that was in the parcel, we received in such a bad condition.

I should imagine by your description that Walter will be very pleased with the set you have made him.

I am getting this posted straight away and I am sorry there has been any delay in receiving my letters.

We both thank you, for your kind enquiries a to our health.

Cheerio & all the best, all our love, Mum & Dad.

24/5/46

Dear Don,

I am pleased to reply to No 53 & enclose football scores.

I am glad you still have the negatives and shall let Olive know when we see her again.

What I can see of it your time must be well occupied, I don’t expect you have much time to yourself.

It is a great pity so many gales etc are putting the leaves back, it seem you will be getting less leave than what you thought, but surely it cannot be delayed long now.

Mum & I are still hoping it will be soon.

You will notice the victory celebrations are fixed for another important day June 8th.

I don’t know what we are going to celebrate with, unless it is to give thanks for the shortage of everything and the difficulty of obtaining the necessary things.

I think things are getting worse, instead of better but I suppose we must still hope and not get morbid and trust the better times are not too far distant.

Here’s wishing you all the best and trust you are keeping fit & well.

All our Love

Mum & Dad

25/5/46

Dear Don,

I have this morning received no41. I am sorry to hear the mail is not keeping up to date.

The last time I heard from you I got two letters at the same time.

However, I trust I shall soon learn you have received parcel and also that you will know I am going along alright.

I hope the dance goes off tonight ok, and that you will be satisfied with the result. I have no doubt it will please you more to be on the piano.

I thought I would have heard from you yesterday, hence the delay in this letter, but no time will be lost as it will be posted at the earliest.

Yesterday I received from

Victoria } Coax me a Little Bit

} Straight Love

} If I had a wishing Ring

} Tomorrow is forever

I think that is all

Cheerio all our love

Mum & Dad.

27/5/46

Dear Don,

I have received no 42 today.

The parcel I received was in an ordinary cardboard container and I hope there was nothing missing.

I thank you for the knife (very observant & thoughtful of you) and also the handkerchiefs which are useful.

I have just received another parcel, I must say in a better condition than the last.

I presume this is the parcel you found overnight.

I have checked things off and notices there is one bottle hair cream instead of two, one pack of cards is missing, also four packets of sweets instead of five, 5 choc instead of 8. And in addition not mentioned, 1 tin 4 sq. so I suppose these are the things you had to take out.

Both mum & I thank you for the sweets, and she is very pleased with the purse.

The duster & cloths will be very handy.

Will now look forward to receiving the next parcel, I expect the cupboard will be looking a bit bare, but it is just as well to get the things away, that you do not require for your use.

I have enclosed some more labels.

By the same post there was a letter for Ern.

I notice our remarks about the remittances, the others are now producing their 2 ½ % I am very pleased to hear the rehearsal went off alright and I trust your confidence was not misplaced at the dance.

I hope you are having better weather than we have, it has been very changeable and finished up with a happy downpour of rain last night.

It does not look very promising today and as you know it is not nice for mum to have a wet Monday.

The doctor has just been but has decided I must stay indoors another week, owing to the changeable weather, I am pleased to say I am feeling much better.

I shall look forward to next Monday when I hope he will say I can get out.

We shall be in June then, when I hope we will get the weather we want.

My next job will be the papers so will finish this and get it posted.

I expect in the next couple of weeks you will know the date of your leave, I can tell you both mum& I are looking forward to it.

In the meantime, we wish you all the best.

Cheerio all our love

Mum & Dad.

28/5/46

Dear Don,

I have received no 43 and I hope by now you have received parcel.

I was pleased to hear about the rehearsals and I trust the progress will continue and that you will soon be on BFN.

Mum was glancing through the Wings and spotted your name so we were able to read the subject of your combined letter.

I think we have had enough of this changeable weather and shall be very glad when the summer starts.

I like the thought of you sitting at a desk instead of running round aircraft, and I hope it will be sooner than you anticipate. Let us hope that you will soon be filling up your release papers.

The music you sent home and the mags etc I am keeping separate so as you can arrange them at your leisure, when you get home in the 4 sg for your own use?

I hear Stan Sewell was demobbed yesterday but between ourselves, I don’t think it will make much difference only from a financial point of view, him having had so much time at home. It’s a pity you were not so lucky.

Well Don, I suppose I must say Cheerio and conclude with all our love

Mum & Dad.

29/5/46

Dear Don,

No 44 received and pleased to hear you have received parcel. Ern will be pleased about the sunglasses and I will give him your note.

I hope you found everything intact, and that the brown paper and string will be sufficient for your present requirements. I shall have to buy some more when I can get out.

I read with pleasure of the success of the dances and wish you all the best in your future undertakings.

I am with you in hoping that the result of the exam will soon be through it seems an extraordinary long time, I promise you I will write off immediately I receive it.

Although the weather was a bit better mum went down to Laindon this afternoon, she brought back some flowers & eggs which as you can guess come in very handy.

I don’t know what it will be like by the time I can get down, but she tells me the lawn is in a nice state, so it will be best not to think about it till I get down there.

Jean came home with Ern this evening and when I gave him your note he explained to her what was required, and she hopes to get them tomorrow.

I shall post them off as soon as I get them.

Ern is very busy these times for the past fortnight he is at a branch near Mark Lane station, I think he is going to Gt Portland St next week.

There is no music to report this time, I have heard from Cinephonic that another sub is due.

I will get this away tomorrow.

That must be the lot this time.

Cheerio all our love

Mum & Dad.

30/5/46

Dear Don,

No 45 to hand today and I must say we could do with some of the weather you are having except the storms.

It has opened out a bit better today, and I think if it keeps like it, the doctor will say I can get out when he comes on Monday.

I have had just about enough of it.

I have often thought when at work how nice it would be to have a good rest, but I find in due course the inactivity gets you down so you can tell how anxious I am getting to get out and about again.

I shall not be in such a hurry to get back this time (that is if I do go back) I think it is about time mum & I had a bit of a change what with the worrying times and the food problems a day here & there will do us both good.

Your mental feast of home cooking has its tragic side, and we can only look forward to the time when rationing is a thing of the past to the joys of getting what you like and fancy.

The doctor told me to eat what I fancied then in an afterthought said eat what you can get hold of.

I hope you were able to fit up the dance for the SA Canteen and that you will have your other piano session.

Herewith are the Badges etc you want (5/- the lot). I am glad there was no delay so will be posted at once.

Cheerio all our love

Mum & Dad.

1/6/46

Dear Don,

I have just received no46 and hasten to answer it so as you get it before your leave starts.

We are more than pleased to hear you are coming home and I hope when the doctor calls on Monday he will says I am able to go out.

I am pleased there was nothing missing from the last parcel.

I hope the other coming along will be alright.

As this will be my last letter I hope you receive it before you leave and also you get 40, 41 with the badges in.

I note your remark about your letter and will keep it for you also please bring the good weather home with you.

I see you have had a busy time, though the V parade was probably work you could have done without.

I hope the cabinet was ready for you on Friday, it will no doubt please Walter.

It must have been very amusing to watch the Alsatian having a shower bath. I think that’s the lot,

Cheerio and all our love till we see you again.

Mum & Dad.

ON LEAVE

21/6/46

Dear Don,

Both mum & I hope you had a pleasant and comfortable journey back and that you have settled down for the last? Lap.

Our thoughts have been with you since you left, and we shall be anxious to hear from you.

The weather has been none too good the last few days and I have been unable to get out.

It has opened out nice today, so I chanced a haircut the first since I was taken queer. I don’t think there is anything else to report this time so will say Cheerio all our love

Mum & Dad.

24/6/46

Dear Don,

We were pleased to receive your first letter and glad to hear you had a decent journey back.

Both mum & I hope the tent business will be a wash out.

Have enclosed P.O. as requested.

I noticed you have soon started on the E.V.T. How I wish the result of your last exam would soon come along, so as I could let you know.

I hope the transformers will arrive alright.

You can let us know when you get definite news about leaves etc.

I will be seeing Walter and get him to write in good time when he knows the date etc.

It will certainly be very nice if your next leave is the one and I have no doubt at the back of your mind you hope it is.

Mum or I will try and get the soles you want and will post them off at the earliest.

Yesterday started the summer it was a glorious day, so we took advantage and went to Laindon. Mum put in a fine amount of work and my little bit but we had to leave early so as we could catch the empty train at 6.43.

The trains were packed going down and I am afraid to think what the return journey was like for a good many.

Ern stayed at home busy as usual and his assistant (Jean) came in the afternoon they were still at it when we got home about ½ past 7.

According to the wireless, they don’t give much hope of the fine weather lasting they forecast rain and storms from this afternoon.

You will notice the stamps on this letter and paper tell me if you get them in a good condition, if not we will save a couple for next time.

Well Don I think that is all. We trust you are well and happy also mum hopes that the soap has made an improvement and will be pleased to know.

Cheerio all our love

Mum & Dad.

26/6/46

Dear Don,

We were pleased to receive letter no 2

This new leave scheme seems to make things more clear so I suppose it will make you more happy if you next leave is only 12 days.

Thank you in advance for the slippers and I hope both pencils will arrive ok in due course.

I see they were soon after you for guard again and they are evidently getting keen with the so called kit inspections and it will make the souvenir hunters a little less enthusiastic.

We are both glad you are not worrying about the tent business, but the others are unlucky if it is to be three months.

I have today received from Feldman’s

} As Long as I Live

} going home

This ends the sub so I will have to get another away.

I saw Bernard Blake today. He wished me to remember him to you.

He hopes to be out in about a fortnight.

I hope soon to be able to get the suspenders etc, so as not to keep you waiting too long.

The weather has been very changeable this week, so will look forward to the next moon for a change.

I went to the doctor yesterday, he prescribes rest & fresh air and the usual poultice every night. I am getting a bit fed up with the inactivity but still I suppose times will change.

Cheerio all our love, Mum & Dad.

28/6/46

Dear Don,

In reply to No3 we all send congratulations on the result of the exam, a copy of which I enclose.

Our weather is still changeable, and I am pleased it was not raining while you were on guard.

I expect when you received this it will make you more anxious to settle down to E.V.T.

I see you have lost your pal (Eric) and I hope you are comfortable now you have got a clock

I hope you had an enjoyable time in the canteen on the piano.

Walter called yesterday morning and invited mum & I to dinner last night, this is the first time we have been to the house, and I must say it is very nice. I think he would be more than pleased if we went to live there. However, mum has promised to give Olive a hand as there will be quite a lot to do before they are married.

The suspenders were the best I could get, and I hope they will suit you.

I hope you get this in double quick time, so I will lose no time in getting it posted.

Well Don we hope you are keeping well and happy and I can assure you the result has been a splendid tonic to mum & I

Cheerio and all the best love from

Mum & Dad.

p.s. to save delay, I am sending the rubbers by the next post.

Dad.

29/6/46

Dear Don,

I have received no 4 pretty quick going and I hope you get my letters at the same speed.

We had a terribly wet night on Thursday and it did not look too good first thing yesterday morning but it brightened up so mum & I went to Laindon, it turned out very nice, and we just got home before it started to rain again.

It don’t seem too bad this morning and I am hoping there will be a change with the new moon today.

I am sorry to hear the weather spoilt your cricket and I hope you will soon have some good games.

I have received from “Sun”

} It Couldn’t Be True

} Loop de Loo

I hope the clock keeps good time and that you get up in good time in the morning for breakfast.

I don’t think I have much more to say this time, so will get the parcel packed and post them per letter post, so as to save a s little delay as possible.

Cheerio all our love Mum & Dad

1/7/46

Dear Don,

Have today received No5. It is strange you should receive No2 & 3 together having been posted two days after each other.

The weather has indeed changed it has been quite hot today, but we have been promised some thunderstorms according to the wireless.

Mum & I are pleased to hear your face is O.K.; and trust it will continue so.

I will let Walter have the parcel when I receive it and explain to him about the scissors.

I see you have got another badge for your collection, I am glad you like it, is it for any special event?

Ray Redding has finished work and will be joining the R.A.F. in about 8 days’ time.

We are hoping to go to Laindon on Wednesday. Aunt Liz will probably be going with us, also a prospective buyer will be coming to view it.

I hope by now you have received no4, this is the letter I wanted to travel the quickest.

My next job the papers, so will say cheerio.

All our love Mum & Dad

4/7/46

Dear Don,

I received No6 when we got home from Laindon last night and no7 came this morning.

Please excuse my lapse in numbering the letters, I think the most important part was to get the special letter away. I suppose Dyer was as pleased as you were.

I will sent another 3d stamp on the next lot of papers which I hope you will receive in good condition.

We had a glorious day at Laindon yesterday. It made a change for Aunt Liz. The party that came to view it and who will eventually have it. Was enraptured with it, I will discuss it more fully with you the next time you come home but will let you have more details in course of time, as you know these things take a considerable time to settle.

The repetition of the atom bomb proceedings was a wash out, and I don’t think we will get much information about it, only a few details they like to tell us.

We had a nice storm during the night plenty of lightening etc and when we got up it was pouring of rain, but it has now turned quite bright.

I wish you luck when you play cricket for the section.

I will do my best to get the pencils you require and let you have them, I know how annoying it must be to waste time sharpening them.

The first parcel to arrive was the transformer, I am pleased to say it was in good condition.

The second parcel contained the slippers with which I am very pleased.

I am pleased you received the suspenders etc.

Now for the new arrival of music.

Noel Gay } Bless You

} Love Flies Out the Window

} My Little Pet Lamb

} in Bed Early

FD&H } Sweet as a Rose

} Paris is Paris Again

} Slowly

} Let it Be Soon

Well Don, I suppose you will now look forward to your next exam with confidence and you know our thoughts & wishes will be with you.

I think that is all so I must hurry to get it posted.

Cheerio all our love Mum & Dad

7/7/46

Dear Don,

We are getting a small parcel together so as it can be posted in the morning. 2 milk, 1 coffee, 2 saccharin, Milk of Magnesia tablets, and the pencils etc.

I got Ern to get them for me and I trust they will be useful to you. They are utility and do not appear to be much good, Ern found the two polished ones (pre-war) and asked me to enclose them.

I hope you will receive the parcel in good time, I have enclosed the papers with it also Practical Wireless.

I met Fred Gillham on Friday he asked me how you were and said he will be writing you. He was pleased to hear the result of the exam.

When I saw Dr Kyndt last Tuesday he asked me if I would like to see a specialist, as this was in my mind, I thought here is my chance, so he gave me a letter to attend Victoria Park Hospital on Thursday. Mum came with me and Walter took us and called for us later.

I must say I was treated very well. I was x-rayed and thoroughly examined. The specialist told me there was nothing to worry about and said he would communicate with my doctor and also promised that the doctor would give me something to do me good so now I am anxious for next Tuesday.

I did not mention the matter in my last letter as I did not want to worry you and I thought it best to wait till I had something definite to tell you.

I received from Chappells yesterday

} Aren’t You Glad You’re you.

} Tampico

I had expected to hear from you yesterday but must now wait till tomorrow. So thought I would write otherwise it seems a long time between the letters.

We hope things are going well with you

Cheerio all our love Mum & Dad

8/7/46

Dear Don,

I received no8 this morning and will advise you the dates I receive your parcels.

I have just finished packing your parcel and it will be posted the same time as this letter.

In addition to what I wrote about yesterday I have enclosed packing materials etc and mum hopes the sundry comforts will be alright.

You will also find 2 fly papers enclosed we are using them at home, they are no trouble just hang them up and in cause of time you will see the uncanny effect it has and we both hope it will save your from being disturbed by the pests.

We have tried to get some more Cold Tar, but Breezes are still without it but have promised to save some should it come in.

I will see Ern about the shoes and will send them in the next parcel.

It is nice to know you are having decent weather and it is a pity they cannot adopt the style of dress to suit the weather I know it must be frightfully hot to be dressed up in the thick stuff.

I note you remark re remittance at the end of the month which will be placed to you credit in the P.O.

I have enclosed a few more labels.

Bert came home yesterday. We saw him in the garden, he was pleased to have heard the good news, I expect his mother wrote and told him of the exam.

He tells me he is having today off.

Well Don, I think that is all this time so will conclude with our best wishes.

Cheerio all our love Mum & Dad

9/7/46

Dear Don,

I have received No9 and shall now look out for the other four parcels.

I am pleased to hear it is a bit cooler for you. It has been very nice the last few days and we hope to go to Laindon tomorrow.

I hope you are looking forward to the next exam with confidence the time will soon come round for it then you will have time to look round and have relief from the studying.

I am glad you got the tobacco away in time. I spoke to Ern about the various brands and he gave me a long detailed list with the current prices.

4 Sq. Green 2/8 Red 3/- yellow (if any Blue 3/-)

Players med Navy Cut Capstain Medium

X almost the same x 2/10

Players Gold Leaf. Flake or Rubbed

2/10 this is milder

Will Cut Golden Bard is2/9 sells well.

Prices are for 1 oz.

He has got some more pencils which I will send with the shoes. He told me to tell you they are similar to the red utility one sent in the parcel, he says the wax ones are actually dearer, but he thinks they are too soft.

I went to the doctors this morning but the report from the specialist had not come through, so it means waiting another week.

Mum & I hope your group will not long be deferred after 46 in September. I can see you out before your birthday.

I shall look forward to the Wing Mags and will keep the books and papers tied up for you.

I have been round to the shop today to have a chat and made one or two other calls so made myself tired, so it won’t be long before I get to bed.

Cheerio & all the best. All our love Mum & Dad

11/7/46

Dear Don,

I was pleased to receive no10 and note your remarks about the slippers.

The weather still continues fine. It was quite hot when we went to Laindon yesterday.

While I was there, I saw the solicitor, and I don’t think this job will take as long as the last and I think it will be finally settled in the City.

I am pleased to hear you are filling your time in and what I can see of it you will be adding to your laurels. Professional dart player and dramatic actor.

Anyway, it should fill the time in for you before your next exam.

We shall be pleased when you get some definite news about the demobbing, so as you can get some idea when you will be out. In the meantime, don’t over work yourself.

Will now conclude with our best wishes and love

From Mum & Dad.

13/7/46

Dear Don,

I have received No11 also parcel containing Soap, sweets, envelopes and sundry books.

Next came Walters parcel and this morning the registered parcel with 2 tins tobacco.

This will keep you up to date with the number of parcels you have sent.

I shall be pleased to hear you have received the parcel we sent last Monday.

Ern said he will be getting the shoes ready so I hope to post them in a day or two.

I have received from Chappells

} Cynthia’s in Love

} Do you Love Me

I expect you have heard from Fred by now, he said he would be writing he told me our letter came while he was on holiday.

I see the weather is keeping nice for you the last couple of days it has been too hot to go out and it won’t be too good for Mum today if there is much lining up to do.

The meat strike has made it very difficult for the butcher this weekend.

I expect when the bread rationing starts it will mean big queues at the bakers what with cutting out the BU’s etc. I don’t think it will please the people at all.

You are wise in getting the socks it will certainly save the coupons later on.

I hope you had something tasty in the Naafi for supper.

When you have read the Stratford Express which I am sending on Monday will you cut out and send back to me the piece I have marked. I should like to keep it £50 for 50 years’ service for a man in Mr H’s position, it certainly makes you think. Mrs Hazell is Alice Staff that was, I expect you will remember her.

If it is a pound a year for services rendered £31 will be a fabulous sum when I pack up but of course I shall have to wait and see what’s going to happen.

Ray Reddin went off on Wednesday morning to Lancashire, his mother has had a card to say she is settling down.

I think that’s about all I can say this time so will get it in the post straight away.

We hope things are going well with you and that you are getting ready for the next exam and we hope the result will be the same as before.

Cheerio all our love Mum & Dad

15/7/46

Dear Don,

In my previous letter, I regret I omitted to express our appreciation for the soap etc. I must say it will be very useful.

Walter came on Saturday and I gave him the parcel.

When we saw them yesterday Olive mentioned that the slippers fit her so when the others come along, I expect the matter will adjust itself.

After dinner we went to Chesham, we had a very enjoyable and interesting drive and got home about 8.30.

We had hoped to go to Margate with them by boat on Wednesday, but the bookings prevented this and we hope to be lucky at a later date.

I tried to book by coach this morning, but they told me they are all booked up till Aug 9^th.

Ern has finished the shoes, so I will be packing them up with the pencils and will also send this week’s papers with them.

You will find the defence medal papers and Ern will be writing you to explain matters.

I have just received No12 I see Walters slippers business has explained itself.

As you say, I feel sure Dr Kyndt will have heard by the time I see him tomorrow.

I am pleased to hear of our success at cricket and I hope you kept yourself cool in spite of the scorching weather.

I would have thought Ern had replied to your letter but will tell him about it tonight. So I expect he will discuss the braces in his reply.

I hope you had your room nice and tidy for the inspection.

I expect by now you have received the parcel and I hope the one I am sending off (shoes etc) will arrive in good time.

I might mention Ern is holiday making this week. Jean came this morning and they have gone out together.

It is very dull this morning, but I hope for mum’s sake it will keep fine you can guess what a wet Monday means for her.

I think we will try and go up the other end on Wednesday and to Laindon on Thursday. I think everything will be settled in a few weeks as regards the bungalow. I will now close with our best wishes. Cheerio all our love Mum & Dad

17/7/46

Dear Don,

I have received No13 and pleased to hear you received parcel alright and trust the flies have ceased worrying you.

Should you want any further supplies of brown paper you can let me know.

I hope you will soon get the parcel containing the shoes.

I am still hoping you will be demobbed before your birthday so they can be as quick as they like after 45 in September.

I am sorry you have not got the same distinction as Eric but perhaps it will be as well in the long run. The time will soon go in spending most of it on E.V.T. and we will all hope for the best in a months’ time.

It is nice to know you will have other interests after the exam in the way of concert parties etc and I hope you will get some fun and pleasure out of it.

The months training of the commercial course in bookkeeping etc will no doubt keep you fresh but I will trust you not to overwork yourself.

I have reminded Ern to write to you and also when I see Walter, I shall ask him if he has acknowledged the parcel you sent him.

Mum & I went up the other end today, it was dull when we started but it turned out very fine except for a shower, just as we were going for some tea.

After looking at the shops etc we had some lunch and then went to the ‘Daily Express” exhibition at Dorland Hall. Fifty years of film. It was very interesting and in one part of it was the earliest picture theatre with the tip up P Seats and a Chaplin film, together with the lady pianist which reminded us of our youthful days quite different to the Odeon’s of today.

If it should turn out fine in the morning, we will be going to Laindon.

Dr Kyndt had the letter from the specialist when I went to see him on Tuesday and the different medicine together with the tablets seem to be doing me good.

We had quite a long chat, but he cannot say how long it will be before I am fit.

Perhaps a few weeks or maybe months but still I feel sure there is nothing to worry about, so I will decide in the next few weeks if I shall return.

There would not be much sense in spending another winter there in the cold and draughts I think I have had enough of that.

I hear Ern & Jean also Bert went to the speedway last night, I expect you would have liked to be with them but still the time must soon come when you will be able to spend your spare time in your own way.

I think that’s the lot, so will say Cheerio all our love Mum & Dad

19/7/46

Dear Don,

No 14 to hand. Also parcel containing slippers for mum for which she thanks you very much.

I am rather surprised to hear you have not heard from Fred after what he said to me some time ago, but I suppose it is just a habit people get in.

Mum has been wondering how things are with you as regards face etc and how you are fixed for Wrights, she has been unable to get any more at present, but has obtained some primrose, should you require some.

I hope the guard duty was not too bad, I expect you won’t be sorry to lose it when the other chaps come back or I suppose it won’t be so frequent.

The weather has been none too good but we were able to go to Laindon yesterday.

It is dull this morning but I think it will brighten up.

You seem to be making a study of the figures per groups and I hope there are sufficient chaps in so as it does not defer your demob. Mum told me that Ray Reddin has asked for his own trade (Electrician) but it means signing for two years. I think that has upset them but in my view if he gets the money it would be a guaranteed job for that period.

Another parcel has just arrived slippers for Ern. This has been opened and examined by customs so I expect Ern will be writing you.

Well Don, I think that is all this time so will conclude with our usual Cheerio all our love Mum & Dad.

Mum has just seen Mrs Donovan, who tells her Len has returned East after 28 days leave and hopes to be demobbed Jan or Feb.

20/7/46

Dear Don,

I have received no 15 and I hope you will find the shoes to your liking, I think Ern made a fine job of them.

The weather you are having seems to be the same as ours, and I think Ern has made the most of it by getting out.

As regards the tobacco Ern sells Murrays & Bulwark. Not the other brands.

He says Murrays mellow (with a pineapple on it) is good but the bulwark is a strong tobacco.

I see you intend having a good clear out and shall advise you as the parcels arrive.

As regards Brylcreem I shouldn’t worry too much as Ern can get it and I use the Valet, but I have got an ever-ready razor which will take the blades you have.

I am glad you are well up with E.V.T. and am pleased to hear the last few tests have been good and no doubt the revision will help you at the final which we all wish you luck.

It is nice to know you did not lose much sleep by having the first shift for Guard.

I have just received two more parcels
1. Stationary, Books, Wings etc & music.
2. Books (all your homework)?
I think you will have enough writing pads to last you some considerable time. I hope they have not cost you too much, as I think by the time you have used them, there will be more on the market and cheaper.

There is no music to report this time. I have had a card from “Sun” for further Sub.

Will now say Cheerio all our love Mum & Dad

24/7/46

Dear Don,

I hope you don’t think I have kept you waiting for a letter too long.

I was going to write yesterday, but now hearing from you, I waited till this morning, and then received two letters no’s 16 & 17.

I am pleased to say there was nothing to pay on Ern’s slippers.

Mum will get the Dye for you and forward it with the soap and we hope the face will keep ok. No doubt, as you say, it will be quite alright after you have been home for a while.

The weather has been fairly good, and today has opened up nice and it looks like being hot, so Mum & I are going to Laindon.

I don’t suppose it will be many more times we will go, as it looks like being settled in the next fortnight. I saw the solicitor on Monday.

I hope you will make the best of the next few weeks with view to the exam and then you can send the other parcels at your leisure.

We will look forward to seeing the crazy photos.

I see you have had a move, we hope you are very comfortable in your new surroundings, it is at least something to be nearer the mess.

I should imagine you are getting used to shifting your stuff about, and I expect you will be glad when you have sent the most of it home.

Well Don, we hope you are keeping fit & well and that your number for demobbing will not be delayed too long.

Will now say Cheerio all our love from Mum & Dad

26/07/46

Dear Don,

I have received No 18. And will pass on the form to Ern.

I am glad you have received parcel alright and that you are pleased with the shoes.

The parcel for Walter has arrived and I will give it him when he calls. I don’t know if you have heard from him, but I will tell him to acknowledge them.

I have received from F.D&H. } the Whistling Hobs

} I’m a Big Girl Now

Now Mum & I wished you the best of luck for the 15^th & 16^th August and trust you will benefit through the nice quiet time you will be having by being on your own, although I expect you will miss your pal.

Mum has been able to get the dye for you, and I will pack it with the soap & papers and send it off next Monday. I think this will be the safest way.

Please read the instructions carefully and mum says use a stick and try and keep your hands out of the dye and we hope you are able to make a satisfactory job of it. This is the best dye & recommended.

The weather is still keeping good, and we had a nice quiet day at Laindon on Wednesday.

Cheerio all our love Mum & Dad

29/7/46

Dear Don,

When Walter came, I gave him the parcel and I asked him if he had written to you. When I found he had not acknowledged the last parcel I told him you would be expecting to hear from him, so I gave him an addressed envelope so I hope now he will find time.

By the way nothing has been mentioned about the money you told me about and I suppose you do not want me to mention the matter to Walter.

Although I do not feel too bad, there does not seem any chance of Dr Kyndt signing me off just yet, so I thought I would send my resignation in, this has been accepted, so was finished up this week, with two weeks holiday pay.

I think they might have spread it out, having the three weeks together cost £9.30 tax whereas weekly for three weeks would have been about 35/- but I shall go in to the matter later on and I think I shall be able to get some back.

I am not expecting anything else but am hoping to hear something in due course when the directors have another board meeting having promised me they will bring the matter of my resignation up but that may take some time.

We had a terrible storm on Friday evening and some of the local shops & houses were flooded out. Mum just managed to miss it and we were having tea when it was at its worst.

I have just received No19 so shall be on the lookout for Jeans slippers and also your remittance which will find its resting place as usual.

We hope you enjoyed your cricket, it seems you made a good show.

I have not had the cutting form the Stratford Express about the 50 years’ service. I hope you have still got it.

I think that’s the lot this time.

Hope everything is going well with you.

Cheerio all our love Mum & Dad

37/7/46

Dear Don,

I have received no 20. Thanks for cutting its worth saving. I shall probably learn my value in due course when my case is brought before the directors.

I have not heard about the films yet, as a matter of fact mum mentioned the matter to Walter last Friday so I expect I shall be able to let you know a little later on.

I am pleased to hear the stamp on the papers was ok.

When we receive The Wing, we will at once look for page 17.

I see you have had some warm weather it has not been too bad here it has not stopped us from going out.

Yesterday afternoon we went to Woolwich to look at the shops etc which as you know meant a sea voyage, which was very nice while it lasted.

The Turners came last night, (they are on holiday) and we have made arrangements to go to Laindon tomorrow (Thursday) together.

I am expecting to hear from the solicitor any day now, so I expect soon that the last visit to Laindon will be to bring the remainder of the things back.

I should imagine Bert has been very lax, he asked me to tell you he will be writing you a little later.

Have you heard from Fred Gillam yet? I have not seen him since I told you in one my previous letters.

I hope you are getting well away with the swotting and that you will be ready for Aug 15 & 16.

Here’s wishing you every success.

Will now say Cheerio and conclude with all our love Mum & Dad

2/8/46

Dear Don,

I was pleased to receive no 21 and also to tell you the parcel for Ern has arrived.

I see your new moving job has caused you a lot of work, I don’t think it would have suited me in the precarious position you had to lie in, and I trust you got everything fixed up alright.

Your letter has no mention you are going to take it easy. It seems to me you find more to do what with being quarter master, postman & foreman.

We had a nice day at Laindon yesterday with the Turners and during the afternoon we had visitors in the persons of Mr & Mrs Springhall, the chap I bought the bungalow from, actually they came to see Crockett’s, but they were out at the time but it gave them pleasure to have a look round and also to bring back memories.

They have given us an invitation to their place at Southend.

It seemed very strange they should come about the last time we would be there, as I have had a letter from the solicitor for an appointment for Aug 12^th to settle matters.

We hope to have a quiet week end it will not be much good joining the crowds over the holiday but we hope to have a day at Brighton with the Turners during next week.

We hop everything is going well with you and that you are getting prepared for a fortnights time and we wish you all the best.

Will now say Cheerio and all our love Mum & Dad

4/8/46

Dear Don,

I have received no 22 and shall leave it to you, to mention the matter to Walter.

I have not been to the shop since I sent my resignation in, although I might have an excuse if I should take the balance of the panel money, but I think I will wait a little while longer.

I have got the form for the return of tax and shall be going to the tax office in a week or two, I think I shall get about £30 back payable by monthly instalments. So, it will be something to look forward to.

I expect by now you have received the parcel so will soon be hearing what sort of a job you have made of dyeing.

As regards the storm, the one as bad as last Friday happened on June 18^th, 1930 the day the shop opened in Barking Rd, also they were flooded out at the Ascot Races. Anyway, we don’t want that to happen too often.

I suppose the New Sterling Vouchers will be interesting and I expect your will have a collection of the plastic discs.

I am sorry you should have clicked again so soon for guard duties and I hope the promise of missing them till after the exam will materialize. I only hope the concert parties etc will relieve you of the guard duties.

I have spoken again to Ern about the forms.

I only hope some that speak of demobbing 53 next March will be wrong and that it will turn out the same as we thought so as you are home and finished with it all, some considerable time before Xmas.

I saw Bert on Friday evening he told me he was getting a letter written to send you.

Eddie Turner & Phyllis with the baby came to see us yesterday afternoon. He is now settled in a job as engineer at Whitfield’s.

I think that’s all this time.

Cheerio and all the best love from Mum & Dad

5/8/46

Dear Don,

I have received No 23. Also Wing mag, and after looking at page 17 both mum and I thought it a very good joke. It would have been more appropriate had it been April 1^st.

Today is Bank holiday I see you are having a good day studying. Mum is getting on with her usual Monday seaside homework, so my best job is to write to you and get the papers away.

I hope you will be able to pull up with the geography so as you will gain sufficient knowledge by the time you require it, for the exam. I am sure the revising will bring it all back to you and I hope you will get the system fixed up so as it will give you the time you require for studying.

It is unfortunate these guard duties keep cropping up when you least want them.

Yesterday afternoon mum & I went to Walters, they both expressed regret not writing to you and hope to in a few days. They have both been very busy and will still be so what we can see of it.

They have got a big job in front of them getting the house straight in addition to the work at the garage.

Everybody have been pleased with the slippers you have sent but Walter is the only unlucky one, I am sorry to say his slippers are too small for him. It is a great pity after the trouble you have gone to but I suppose it is one of those things that cannot be avoided, I told him I would be writing and would let you know.

Ray Redding has been lucky in the short time he has been in the RAF to get four days leave over the Bank Holiday, he is stationed at Yatesbury Wilts.

There is no music to report this time none since July 26^th I expect several will come together when they start again.

I forgot to mention it before but did your coloured pencils turn out alright?

According to the papers we are doing a wise thing, in not going out over the holidays, but we hope to go out on Wednesday with the Turners, and I expect we shall be paying our final visit to Laindon on Friday, except to bring the things back during the next week, after the settlement on Aug 12^th.

Well Don, I don’t think I have much more to say but will wish you all the luck and trust the next ten days will be worth the time you have put in and that the final result will be as before.

Cheerio all our love from Mum & Dad

8/8/46

Dear Don,

I have received No24 and was pleased to hear you received parcel.

I am sorry not to have answered at once, but I know you will understand.

On Tuesday, which was doctors day, I went out with Uncle Bob to London Bridge Station then to Victoria to try to book up for Brighton, but what with the crowds and the messing about we gave it up and finally decided to go to Thorpe Bay on Wednesday.

We were indeed lucky the four of us caught a train from Plaistow at 8.30 & was down there by 9.45. the weather was just right, and we had a glorious day and cheated the Southend crowds and got home about 8.30.

This morning it started raining and looks like keeping on so will have a rest today and hope for fine weather tomorrow (Friday) and then spend a day at Laindon. This will be the last time except to bring the remainder of the things back.

Your letter was certainly interesting, and I guess how you felt with your unpleasant duties. It is indeed a tragedy, but it still makes you wonder what might have happened had it been the other way round. (Editor’s note – with regard to requisitioning houses for married quarters)

You are quite right in thinking the blokes are mad and the majority that go over will be sorry then went and will be anxious to get away again quicker than they went so will all the messing about be worth it.

I hope these experiences you had will soon be forgotten and that your mind will be taken up with the exam etc.

All our thoughts are with you for next week.

Cheerio and the best of luck.

All our love Mum & Dad

10/8/46

Dear Don,

I have received No25 and pleased to hear you made the best of the holiday.

It is nice to know you are getting the extra time for the exam and I hope it will be to your advantage.

Although I read Everybody’s through, I cannot recall the photo but no doubt you were interested.

Now Monty has turned advertising agent, I hope it will be filling the gaps so as it will bring your release nearer. Mum is quite indignant in learning that up to group 49 in the R.A.F. will be released by December.

We both hope it will be a little different to that and I can assure you we are still hoping.

We are sorry to hear about the ants and hope there has been no reoccurrence.

We had a nice day at Laindon yesterday with the Turners.

There was the usual cheerio’s to the neighbours all of them have invited us down whenever we care to go.

The weather kept fine till we got to Laindon Station when the rain came down and continued for the rest of the evening.

We managed to get a taxi from Plaistow so we can consider ourselves very lucky as the usual dog crowd was not in evidence.

It is not very bright today, but I think it will clear up after the early morning rain.

Well Don I think that is all for this time so will say cheerio and you can guess our thoughts are with you for next week.

All our love

From Mum & Dad

12/8/46

Dear Don,

In reply to your No26. We have certainly heard the new demob news and I expect you have received my letter to say how we feel about it.

It must have come as a shock to a good many and I suppose a good many like yourself will try and find a way out.

Find out all you can so as you will be prepared to approach H.A.& Co when you come home on leave and I can assure you mum joins me in hoping something will come of it so as you can get out by the time your first expected.

We can only hope for the best as you say moaning won’t help and showing resentment doesn’t improve matters.

The weather has not been too good it was very windy on Saturday, it was fair yesterday but not good enough to go out.

It is dull & raining this morning and I hope it will clear up before dinner as I have an appointment with the solicitor in Gracechurch St at 2.30 for the final settlement.

I hope you are well prepared for Thursday & Friday and here’s wishing you all your wish yourself.

Any further courses you may take will certainly make the time go quicker and I will leave it to you to deal with matters as they stand now and not overwork yourself.

Will now close with our usual kind thoughts and love from Mum & Dad.

13/8/46

Dear Don,

I have received No27. You seem to be getting the mail in fair time. I am glad to hear you eventually got Practical Wireless.

I will go into the matter of Walters slippers and will let you know in due course.

I was pleased to hear the pencils were alright.

Len Wren who has just been demobilized saw mum and the topic was your group No and the chances of your release. He says take no notice of the talk on the wireless as no doubt it will all be revised.

That remains to be seen but I hope there is something in it.

Anyway, I know you will find out all you can about Class B and I hope with the aid of H.A. & Co things will turn out to your advantage.

After reading the papers I am sure we done right in going to Thorpe Bay instead of Brighton. The rushing about and the waits would not suit me or mum.

We have made no arrangements for going out this week as we are waiting to hear about the lorry to bring things back from Laindon and as you are well aware, we do not want wet weather for the job.

As I told you we went to the City on Monday to settle matters.

Today (Tuesday)it was too rough for me to go out this morning as it seemed a bit better after dinner. I went over Stratford to the income Tax office and I look like getting the whole of the tax back in monthly instalments (1946-7)

Then I went to East Ham Labour exchange with my unemployment card for this I got a receipt but no chance of any refund.

Walter and Olive have gone to Margate by boat today, it was not very promising this morning, but it has turned out better during the day.

Mum & I have got booked up for Margate by coach on the 21^st.

I feel very pleased about you not being tricked by the Naafi, I consider it a very dirty sharp practice trick and I hope the enlightenment has put an end to it without causing you any trouble.

I have just seen Bert, he says he has got bags of writing to do and you will be hearing from him a little later. I expect he is just off to the speedway.

No doubt you have heard about the gas strike, it is causing great inconvenience to everybody, plenty of cafes are closed and we have got to have a fire for cooking. Tonight’s news makes things a bit brighter.

Well Don, I think that’s the lot all the best for Thursday & Friday. Cheerio all our love Mum & Dad

15/8/46

Dear Don,

Today I have received No 28 yesterday the warrant for £10 came which has been placed to you’re a/c.

Enclosed is the DM Form duly signed.

If I see Bert, I will tell him you will write after the exam.

I saw Walter yesterday and am now waiting to hear about the lorry for the return of the furniture from Laindon.

I expect the paragraph you saw in the “Express” interested you, perhaps the same promises will be for you if you should go on tour later but I suppose this sort of work has been held up in view of the exam.

Both mum & I hope the Monty business will be to your advantage, let us hope something will turn up, so as your demobilisation will not be too long delayed.

Our thoughts are with you today & tomorrow and I feel confident there will be only one result.

Cheerio all our love from Mum & Dad

17/8/46

Dear Don,

I have received No29. I see you are the last one to start the exam, so here’s hoping you will be the first one to hear the result.

I expect you are glad the last two days have gone and I am glad you were able to tackle it with confidence.

Let’s hope now you will get more time to yourself and be able to take things a bit easier.

The weather is not being too kind at present and I shall be glad when it changes.

I was able to go out with mum yesterday afternoon to do some shopping and just managed to cheat the rain which came and has continued till dinner time today.

The boat trip Walter & Olive had was a bit rough and they were unable to land at Margate, but they tell me they enjoyed it very much and could not stop eating.

We may be going with them in about a fortnights time. So I hope it will be nice weather for mums sake.

Mum is just going to do a bit more shopping so I will finish so as she can post it. Cheerio all our love Mum & Dad

19/8/46

Dear Don,

I have received No 31. I rather think this should be No 30. As 29 was written on the 14^th & 31 on the 16^th. I mention this as I hope no 30 has not gone astray.

I expect you are glad the exam is over, and I hope the subjects were not too difficult and I hope the result will not take the time of the previous exam.

As you say it is nice to feel the time is your own and you must take it a bit easy. I expect you will find plenty to do in clearing the accumulated junk, but it will save you the trouble of bringing it home yourself.

I trust the tour of service will mean you being posted near home in due course, it will certainly be a step nearer to being demobbed. Then perhaps the turn of events will not be so black, as they now look.

Both Mum & I are trying to hope you will be out this year.

I see the BAOR wishes have arrived, I wonder how soon it will be when some will wish they were back in England again.

The weather is still not too good, rain this morning but I think it will brighten over and as you can guess we are looking forward to a fine day on Wednesday.

I don’t hear much about the band etc but perhaps you have been too busy getting ready for the exam. So now I suppose you will be looking forward to a bash.

We both hope you are keeping well and that the face is not to bad and also the insects etc are ceasing to trouble you.

Will now say Cheerio and conclude with all kind thoughts and love from Mum & Dad

20/8/46

Dear Don,

I have received No32 and a few hours later up rolled No30.

I see you are starting on the band and the concert parties it was strange I should mention this in my last letter.

It is nice to know we can look forward to seeing you again in October, and it would please us if you got a posting in England (near home of course) by that time and be able to stay here till you are demobilised.

I hope you get a good selection of the books you require it is certainly a great advantage joining the book club.

It pleased us very much to know you were well at home with the geography and it would have been nice to know the economies were just as easy. Anyway, I shall have no doubt of the result.

I am glad the DM form arrived alright & I will pass your thanks to Ern.

I had not heard about the Dortmund Tattoo but I hope you will have an enjoyable time there.

We will be anxious to receive the Wing to see the quizzes.

The new leave route will have its advantages in shortening up of a tiring journey and I trust it will mean an enjoyable trip.

The weather is still very dull, but I hope it will brighten up by tomorrow when mum & I go to Margate by coach.

I have not been too good and when I saw the doctor this morning he blamed the weather and told me to get out when the sunshine appeared.

I suppose being critical you thought the band rehearsal wasn’t too good but I am sure you will all be quite alright by the time of the show.

Well Don make the best of your time and don’t work too hard.

I think that is about all this time and I hope you get this quick enough to save you worrying about No30. I am glad I got it and the enclosures will be saved with the others.

Cheerio all our love Mum & Dad

22/8/46

Dear Don,

Today I have received no 33 enclosing photo & negative and note your remarks of parcel of soap.

I trust you got your instruments in good working order, and that getting lost did not delay you to any extent but it must have been certainly better in a wagon than walking and as you said it made a break.

After a 4-week gap I have received from “Sun”

} Surrender

} My Fickle Eye

Perhaps now it will start another run of music coming along.

I trust the new E.V.T. course will be interesting to you if only to give you the opportunity to get away from the section and also to make the time pass more pleasantly.

I suppose our local Post Office took a long time to dispose of the 2 ½ stamps that’s why I am still using them.

We had a very good day at Margate yesterday it was a bit chilly when we started but had not got far out when the sun shone brilliantly and kept like it all day.

We arrived at 12.15 had lunch, and then had a few hours rest on the seats, you took the photos some years back. (Happy memories).

The air made me exceptionally tired, so we did not do much walking about. We left at 5.30 and reached home 8.35.

The seats were packed and there was plenty of amusements.

I am going to see Walter this afternoon to see if he has fixed up the motor for the removal of the things from Laindon, as you know we have got to wait for the weather and mum & I will feel more pleased when this is done.

Our next trip to Laindon will be in another 4 weeks Sept 21^st when we attend the Wedding of Alice Crockett. The wedding will be at Billericay, there will be about 100 guest and busses will meet us at Laindon Station to convey us to the church and return to the reception at Laindon.

We hope to have a few more outing while the fine weather lasts and hope when you are on leave the weather will still be nice. It is quite probable we will have a fine Sep & Oct as we have had the last year or two. So as to build myself up for the winter. Anyway, we will hope for the best.

Well Don we hope everything will go well for you, that will make you cheerful & happy and be able to look forward to brighter times and trust there will be a great alteration in the demob news in your favour.

Cheerio all our love Mum & Dad

24/8/46

Dear Don,

Today I have received No34. Yesterday the Wing came it is very interesting especially when we learn of the articles you subscribe to it. I should not be surprised if you are not assistant editor in the near future.

As I told you the music has made a start again

From F,D&H I have received

Kiss Me Hello

Baby’s Going to Broadway.

I hope the parcels you have sent off will arrive ok and I thank you for the razor blades, also the chocolate etc and shall remember to save the blue box.

The towel will certainly be useful.

I am glad you have sufficient time for reading and the rate you are going I suppose you intend to go through the whole library, I think reading is much preferable to work.

Will being an instructor mean a stripe. Anyway, I hope it will be to your advantage.

I hope you enjoyed yourself at the cinema.

I don’t think there is much else to say this time except that we wish you well, so will conclude by saying Cheerio, all our love Mum & Dad.

26/8/46

Dear Don,

I was pleased to receive No35 and to hear you got some good seats for the Tattoo.

I trust you had an enjoyable time.

The weather is still unsettled yesterday (Sunday) it was quite nice till teatime, then we had storms very near but not local but bad enough to turn the wireless off, for an hour or two.

It has opened out fair today and I should like it to keep fine from now on as arrangements have been made to bring the things back from Laindon on Thursday.

I am sorry to hear the inactivity of being billet orderly made you tired and no doubt you felt better after a bit of radio work and I hope you got your set to go better.

Only another 7 weeks before your leave, it seems a long time since we have seen you but it’s something to look forward to and by that time you may learn more about your demobbing and possible posting nearer home. Anyway, each week brings it nearer the end.

How both Mum & I are looking forward to the time when you have finished with it and nicely settled in your job.

I see the football starts in earnest next Saturday, that means there will be a heat wave, it usually turns out that way.

I think I will try my luck at the points just a little speculation I may be lucky?, being one of those chaps that understands the game so little. So, if you like you can send me a line and I will use it as a stock one each week. This is the one I am using this week with slight variations (Vernon’s) 12221×22111222.

This means I will send 6 lines in each week (the same) and hope for the best.

Do you want me to send you the results off on Sunday the same as I did last season?

I have received my tax a/c’s for the past 2 ½ years it is pretty complicated, but I am hoping to get back about £31 and later on two more P.W. Credits, making four in all. This will probably be paid about 1949 according to what I have read in the papers.

I think that’s about all this time, so will conclude with saying Cheerio, and all the best and trust the next seven weeks will pass pleasantly for you

All or Love Mum & Dad

28/8/46

Dear Don,

We were delighted to receive no 36 and to learn you will be coming to Manston about Sept 5^th and I hope to arrange a trip to Margate during the week commencing Sept 9^th but will let you know later.

As regards the trains from Margate or Birchington you will find a good service.

I have looked up the A.B.C. and just jotted a few down.

Margate Ldn Bridge Chatx Vic

9.0 12.0 12.7

10.0 12.42

11.0 1.23

And several intermediate and eight through the day.

I should not like to think the driving course will put your leave back. I expect with a little practice you will soon be ok.

I see you had an exciting journey to and from the Tattoo plenty of excitement but I am glad you were free from serious trouble.

I am glad you had a nice seat and although parts of the show was a bit tame I shall be pleased to read about it in the Wing.

I expect you felt very fit after a good blow out and a rest.

The trip to England will certainly make a break and at the same time bring your leave nearer, and it is nice to know you are pleased about it.

I shall not be surprised if Bert does not get a day off to come down to Margate.

I expect you will let me know more in your next letter about times etc and you must let me have your new address as soon as you arrive.

It has certainly bucked both Mum & I to know we shall be seeing you sooner than we thought.

We are praying for a fine day for the Laindon Business tomorrow and I will let you know later how we got on.

Will now say Cheerio. All or Love Mum & Dead

Have enclosed paper which I copied from the A.B.C.

31/8/46

Dear Don,

Mum received her parcel yesterday, she is very pleased with it & thanks you for it.

Today I have received No37 & 38 and soon after the letters came, we had another parcel from you containing the hair cream, playing cards etc.

We are pleased to hear you will be over and shall try and arrange a trip to Margate. I will see if Walter can spare the time for a trip, as this will be the only way we can see you, as the coaches leave Margate for home at 5.30.

I will find out what I can & let you know later.

I sincerely hope we will have a nice Autumn and make up for the rough weather we have had.

I hope there will be no delay in getting my letters through going to Wahn.

I see you are leaving on the 9^th or 10^th so perhaps you will be able to get a pass a day or two after you arrive.

I shall pass the news on to Bert.

I am pleased to say the weather permitted us to get the things back from Laindon yesterday and I have been this afternoon to settle matters and hand the keys over. So now that’s all settled mum & I have a freer mind.

The big bed has been fitted up and is now ready for your arrival. So Ern & yourself will be able to have your rooms to keep your stuff in and you can both sort it out at your leisure.

I shall send the papers off as usual this week but will save next weeks for you.

I think that’s about all this time so I must finish in time to catch the 7 o/c post otherwise it will not go out till the morning.

Cheerio & all our love from Mum & Dad

2/9/46

Dear Don,

I am in receipt of no’s 39 & 40. Also parcel received on Saturday. I am replying at once, trusting you receive it before you leave for England.

I trust you have a pleasant time during your weeks stay with your pal.

Now I will wait to hear from you so as I can make definite arrangements and I can tell you both Mum & I are looking forward to seeing you soon.

Cheerio & all our love Mum & Dad

LEAVE

23/9/46

Dear Don,

We were very pleased to receive your letter and to learn you arrived safe it seemed so long since you went back.

I am pleased you are settled down and hope you will make the best of it till the end of the month, when no doubt you will let me know when I am to revert to 140 Wing.

I will get this away at the earliest so as not to keep you waiting too long for a letter.

We have had some better weather since you left but I am pleased to say it cleared up to give us an enjoyable half day at Southend on Thursday.

We did not think it was going to be too good for the Wedding on Saturday, but it turned out splendid and mum & I had an enjoyable time.

It is very dull this morning, but we have been promised some better weather.

Walters wedding has been fixed for Oct 12^th and both Walter & Olive hope it will be possible for you to attend.

I have received from

Feldman } One More Tomorrow

} On Sunshine Day

I hope by now you have received all your mail my last letter was No 41 dated Sept 2^nd and the papers which were posted on the 17^th.

I will get this week’s papers off during the day.

I think that’s about all except to hope the time will pass pleasantly for you and that your leave will not be deferred and that we can look forward to seeing you about the 10^th.

Cheerio & all our love from Mum & Dad

24/9/46

Dear Don,

I have received No 2 and hope you had a pleasant weekend at Gutersloh.

I trust it will not be long before you get back there.

The name of Walters Rd is SEAGRY.

We hope the leave position will remain ok.

I have received from Lawrence Wright the Enclosed so thought I would send it to you. I think that’s the lot this time.

Cheerio & all our love Mum & Dad

25/9/46

Dear Don,

I have received No3 and am glad the trip made a change.

I expect you are getting used to moving about and no doubt you will like it better when you are able to settle down.

As I don’t suppose you will receive this before Sat, I have addressed it 140 Wing and I hope none of your mail gets lost.

Both Mum & I hope your name will be on the new leave list, and that it will mean you being home by Oct 10^th.

I hope by now you have received letters No1 & 2 and also the papers.

I don’t think I have much to say this time there is no music to report.

So will say Cheerio and all the best, all our love from Mum & Dad

28/9/46

Dear Don,

Was pleased to receive No 4 and hope you are now settled at Gutersloh.

When you get to Warendorf I hope the surroundings and conditions will be to your liking and not so bad as you have heard and that the change will not delay your mail.

I will inform Bert of the 140 Wing Address.

We saw Walter on Thursday and the Wedding is fixed for the 12^th at 12.15.

The reception will be at Wanstead school of music (near his garage) from 2 to 10. Any more details I can advise you in due course.

Walter sincerely hopes you will be able to attend.

You seem to be unfortunate as regards lorry breakdowns, but I am glad the return trip was uneventful, and you were back in good time. I expect it was a bit quieter with some of the entertainments being reduced.

It is a pity you did not get the chance to speak to the Archbishop of York as no doubt you could have put it in a nice way as to what you thought of being over there.

I hope some of the others spoke your thoughts.

I hope you will be soon settled down, and have something pleasant to do, that will help to past the time away without being in too noisy a place.

I have to report the music that has arrived from FD&H

} One Night in Old Seville

} In the Moon Mist

} How did I Know

} Love

Terry Parker had a chat with mum & I and he enquired after you and we told him why you were over here just recently .

Well Don here’s hoping there will be no change in the leave and that we shall be seeing you on the original date.

Cheerio, all our love from Mum & Dad

30/9/46

Dear Don,

Was pleased to receive No 5 this morning and to hear you received my letter.

We both hope you will have the luck to be home in time for Walters wedding and we must trust to the Sergeants kindness of heart and we are looking forward to a letter to say this has been made possible.

I mentioned in my last letter that the reception was to be held at the Wanstead school of Music, but it is School of Dancing.

I have no doubt you were absolutely fed up with the six hours in the lavy and I quite appreciate how you felt.

That was a neat trick played on the German Square head for his tiring activities and I hope it caught the right one.

I am glad for your sake the move to Warendorf has been put off especially as it would have meant a monotonous journey when it was time to come home.

Mum & I are hoping to try and find something for Walter & Olive when we go shopping during this week, and we will see what we can do in the matter for you.

We will see what we can find and hope to be able to make suggestions in a future letter.

I saw Bert Saturday dinner time and gave him your message re 140 Wing.

As we thought Rose would be out of the hospital Mum & I went round to see her last evening to see how she was and am pleased to say she is very much better.

She came out last Monday and you will no doubt be surprised to hear that Terry Perkins wife was taken in, to occupy the same bed as Rose vacated.

Terry has told us that his wife has had an operation and is now going on alright.

Rose is attending as an outpatient and is going to the hospital today and will be able to have a chat with her.

While Rose was in the hospital and able to get up she made herself very useful among the patients and the husband of one of the patients made a present to her, a very nice tray in appreciation of her kindness and consideration to his wife.

Aunt Lilie & Doris with baby Valerie came while we were at Rose’s last evening and of course we heard all about the Leslie business and perused all the letters etc. we will tell you all about it when you come home.

But one thing I will say Leslie must have the heart of a stone, to sever his responsibilities, a lovely baby as Valerie is, should have touched him and have given him the power to have gone straight and brought out the manhood in him.

There must be times when he will think, but I am afraid it will be too late, as I feel sure Doris will never be able to forgive him.

We had just returned home last night when Walter & Olive called. They have had a very busy time getting ready for the 12^th and I can assure you all our hopes are centred on you and our combined wishes for your leave to be in time and trust the intervention of the Sargent will fulfil our hopes.

Cheerio, and my “Good Luck” attend you

All our Love Mum & Dad

1/10/46

Dear Don,

I am in receipt of No’s 6&7 and we are both delighted with the news in No 7.

I have no doubt you played well at the Sergeant’s mess just to show your appreciation.

I see you are starting E.V.T. again, it will certainly help to pass the time and I should certainly like the result of the August Exam to come thought while you are home especially as there are not too many taking part.

We hope you will get a posting near home for your two years overseas and that it will mean spending this coming Christmas at home.

We are just off out to have a look round and see what we can find for Walter & Olive.

We would like to let you know Doris is now Mrs Franklin since Sep 7^th, she did not lose much time the decree being made absolute Aug 20^th and it was Mrs Keyes who informed Walter who by the way has told Walter she is disgusted with the whole business.

Well Don I must come to a stop now as time is getting on so will wish you all the best and can assure you we are looking forward to the 10^th and may your release be sooner than you think.

Cheerio, all our love, Mum & Dad

3/10/46

Dear Don,

I have today received No 8 and was pleased to hear that the dance was a success.

Also, I hope you had a good time at the dance last night (Wed).

You certainly had to be a bit nippy last Saturday to do what you did in such a short time.

I suppose this must be my last letter till we see you as I do not expect you will receive it before Monday.

We have carried out your wishes as regards the present for Walter & Olive.

We were out on Tuesday and after looking round Mum and I finally decided on a carving set, and for you we got a case of spoons.

These we considered good value (at the present time) and useful.

As it is usual to give them before the wedding, we had them ready and when Walter and Olive came we gave them to them and I can tell you they were both very pleased to receive them, being the key things they required.

They were both pleased to hear you will be home in time for the wedding.

I am glad you have managed to get your radio going.

We will now look forward to next Thursday (thanks to the adjutant) to seeing you and trust you will have a pleasant journey home.

Cheerio, all our love, Mum & Dad

LEAVE

2/11/46

Dear Don,

We were pleased to receive no1 and to hear you had a nice trip and smooth crossing.

I expect you were pleased to arrive in the evening it gave you a chance of having a good night’s rest after the travelling.

I hope some of the boys will carry on your good work and that you will all benefit by the result.

I trust the rumour is only a rumour and that you will soon hear something definite.

I saw that bit in the Express and I expect it reminded them that it would be nice to have a parade if only for the last time.

I see you have got Walters paper, so it won’t be long now before he receives it.

We are pleased to hear you are not moving, so that will save you a lot of trouble packing up etc and I trust it will not be long before you return to England, the first step nearer to demob and we wish you all the luck.

Will now say cheerio and conclude with all our love from Mum & Dad.

4/11/46

Dear Don,

I have received No 2 I am sure that 19 days was not too long, it is just that it has taken you a bit longer to settle down.

I hope you had some interesting debates at the discussion meeting also after your name goes in I trust it will not be long before you get your posting over here.

The weather has changed considerably, it is quite warm this morning, so I hope you get the same change.

I will get your filament as soon as I can and send it along.

I expect the billet orderly duties gave you a good chance for a rest & read.

There is no music to report my next job will be the papers.

I am creeping up slowly on the football this week 3 more points than last and if it keep on like this I hope before Christmas something will turn up so as I am able to get a decent house and give you and Ern a good start.

I sincerely hope everything will go well with you and that you will be in a position to see the end in the near future.

In the meantime may “Good Luck” always be in attendance.

With all kind thoughts and Love from Mum & Dad.

6/11/46

Dear Don,

Have received no3. We quite understand the vast difference in the two weekends.

I trust you get this soon, especially if it continues to be cold etc.

We hope you have settled down by now and also the time will pass pleasantly for you.

I don’t think I have much else to say , as I am anxious to post this off to you.

We are still looking forward to hear it will not be long before you are posted over here.

Cheerio, all our love, Mum & Dad

8/11/46

Dear Don,

I was pleased to receive no 4.

We had plenty of bangs on Tuesday evening. I had a bonfire, burning up some rubbish etc, but no fireworks.

I see you have received my first letter and I hope the other doings will soon turn up.

I hope you enjoyed the programme of music at the club.

I will give your message to Ern and will mention to Walter about the notepaper.

I have received from “Sun”

} Walter Winchell’s Rhumba

} The Continental Polka.

The weather is very changeable not too good today, but I hope it will not be too cold for you and that you will soon get your fire fixed up.

I think that’s about the lot this time; so will say Cheerio and conclude with all our love, from Mum & Dad

11/11/46

Dear Don,

I received No 5 this morning. Ern got his letter on Saturday so I expect he will be writing you in a few days.

A little better this week with the football, I got eight out of the 14.

I expect you enjoyed yourself so much at the mothers meeting? That it will last you for some time to come.

The Waaf commandant was wise in going by Road, especially when the weather is too bad.

These crashes seem to be far too frequent and it is very sad for the relatives of the victims.

The demob news don’t look too good, but we hope something will turn up for you, through the influence of E.J.

The letters Bert has received don’t seem very hopeful in his case, but I expect he will be writing you to explain his position.

We had a fairly quiet weekend, Jean was here on Saturday and the Turners were here last evening.

I have settled with Bert for the book he got you. “The Campaign in Burma”.

I hope the weather has changed for you, we had a wet Saturday afternoon, it’s not too bad now, a bit dull, but I suppose we must expect that this time of the year.

We hope things are going well with you and that your Cold has gone, and you are now keeping free from them .

Both Mum & I are looking forward to you being in England during the next few weeks, so that you will be able to spend Christmas at home.

Will now say Cheerio and conclude with all kind thoughts

& love from Mum & Dad

P.S. Hope you have got the fire going alright and that you have received Practical Wireless.

Dad

12/11/46

Dear Don,

I have today received no 6 & 7 also Erns’ parcel has arrived.

I am pleased to hear you have got the filament, at the same time I should like the weather to be a bit better than freezing, especially when you are on guard.

Let’s hope it will not be long now before things are settled and you will know what’s going to happen and that you will be lucky enough to get near home.

I will try and scrape some brown paper together and let you have it.

I suppose being in a big parade came as a change for you. I hope it was not too boring.

I see you will be getting quite a collection of badges.

I think that will be all at present, mum is just going shopping so she will post it.

Cheerio, all our love, Mum & Dad

15/11/45

Dear Don,

I have received no8 with cutting but I have no idea if the J.P. of the same name is any relation.

More music just arrived

JD&H } Blue Skies

} Rumours Are Flying

} Blue Twilight

} My Beloved Marquita

I don’t think much of the demob news and I think there will be something done about it.

The letters in the Daily Express ought to wake them up.

The one cry is Get us Out. Let us hope the repatriation will not take too long.

The next time I hear from you, I expect you will be an instructor.

I hope you were able to perform at the camp theatre on Thursday after your practicing and you & Reg gave a good show.

I am pleased to hear you are getting good on the clarinet.

I see you & Reg had a proper excursion on Monday. When mum read it, she said no wonder she did not feel too good on Monday evening, had she known at the time she would have been worried out of her life.

I will be sending the brown paper during the weekend and will enclose this week’s papers with it.

Mum has not been able to get the C- you wanted and to be quite candid she is not sorry. She says it would be a source of worry to her and I feel I must agree with her so I must appeal to you to appreciate our feelings.

Perhaps your pal’s friends might be able to oblige.

Ern was busy writing to you last night.

We had a wet day yesterday, did not stop raining all day and it is not much better today.

I hope you have had a change and it is not too cold for you.

I see in your letter of the 5^th you sent the notepaper off to Walter.

He called here today and tells me he has not received it yet. I hope it has not gone astray.

I think that’s all for the present so will say Cheerio, all our love, Mum & Dad

Nov 18/46

Dear Don

Today I have dispatched a parcel containing the brown paper you require, together with the papers etc.

I have also enclosed the Daily Express I spoke to you about.

In the first place I am glad to let you know Walter has received the papers.

He went for Beryl yesterday and called to invite mum & I over to tea, it is quite a long time since we have seen her, it was when we all went out together to Hastings etc.

She was kept well amused and I expect she was tired out by the time she got home.

I have received the following music,

Chappells } Moonlight Propaganda

} Till Then

Lawrence Wright } Mister Moon You’ve got a Million Sweethearts

} I’ll be Thinking of You

The case you sent has just arrived. I was hoping to have heard from you today but as I haven’t, I thought I would write otherwise you would wonder what had happened.

We hope everything is going well with you.

Cheerio, all our love, Mum & Dad

19/11/46

Dear Don,

I have received no’s 9&10 together today. I expect the gales held up No9.

I am glad you saw a decent film it passes the time better when you see something that you can enjoy.

You must have had a good time at the “Free & Easy” and I expect Reg & yourself will be sought after again, also the dog may make another appearance.

It is nice to know you are getting about a bit and having a decent time at concerts & dinners.

You say the weather has not been too good, just the same at home, just fair yesterday and incessant rain today.

I hope you get the brown paper in time for your requirements.

I am still without the result of the exam, I think perhaps they will let you have it as a birthday present.

Have you heard anything further about returning to England? We hope it will be settled so as you are home for Christmas.

Will now say Cheerio, Best of Luck, all our Love from Mum & Dad

21/11/46

Dear Don,

Greetings, and Best Wishes for the 25^th from Mum, Ern, & Myself.

To mark the occasion we have between us bought you a Ronson lighter and am wondering if I should send it to you or be on the safe side and keep it till you are home again.

I have received No11 this morning. It seems you are having the same weather as we are. I wonder when it will change. Rain day after day, and no chance of getting out.

Walter did not take part in the Veterans Car Race, personally I think he had forgotten all about it I mentioned it to him on Sunday and I should say it was because he could not spare the time.

I shall be pleased to hear all about the Radar Association when you get the particulars.

It is a pity about your last weekend and I hope you have a more pleasant time this weekend. Perhaps we will get a few fine days.

We hope you will be saved the trouble of moving by being sent back to England and I trust that will be during the next few weeks.

Mum went to Wanstead yesterday to see how they were. When we were there on Sunday Walters leg was not too good and Olive had a bit of a cold, but I am pleased to say they were both o.k.

Well Don I must finish up, so as mum will catch the early post.

Cheerio, all our love, Mum & Dad

3 Birthday cards:

Sailing scene from Mum & Dad

Sailboat from Walter & Olive

Woodland scene with cows from Bert

24/11/46

Dear Don,

I expect through the gales the post will be a bit upset.

We all wish you the best for tomorrow and I hope you receive the card on the day.

We have not heard from you since Thursday, but I expect the weather has a lot to do with it, so we could not let the weekend pass without dropping you a ling.

This has been a rather bad week, not one decent day and I have no doubt it will cause a lot of damage and trouble, let us hope we shall soon have a change.

You will be pleased to hear the photos are all finished and look good.

I think the dissatisfaction with the demob news will soon speed things up and I am looking forward to see what Attlee has to say about it.

Heres’ hoping for the best.

Will say Cheerio and conclude with all our love, Mum & Dad

25/11/46

Dear Don,

No 12 arrived today. I expected the letters would be delayed a bit owing to the weather we have had.

Today has opened out a bit better after a wet weekend but I do not think it will be fine for long.

Mum started the washing early and I only hope she will be able to get things dry before another change comes.

Well Don, so much for Jones, I hope when you get the chance of seeing him again, he will see your point of view and be able to give you some satisfaction.

I note your remark about the music and await the visit from Bert.

I expect your celebrations for today will be in a mild form and will be the last birthday in the service and that we can all look forward to brighter and happier times.

Our thoughts are with you today.

Cheerio & all the best.

All our love Mum & Dad

27/11/46

Dear Don,

I am in receipt of letters no’s 13 &14 and I hope now the mail is getting a little more regular.

I hope your room met with the approval of the C.O. after the busy time you must have had getting ready.

I am pleased to hear about your new job teaching and hope it will show a good profit.

You should certainly receive your stripes for a Job like that.

We hope you did not feel any ill effects for the strained back, when playing football and the next time you play have a different result anyway, I am glad you had a good game.

I hope the paper arrived in good time for your requirements and I think you are wise not to have the lighter sent.

After getting the second highest score in the sweeps I hope the third time you will be lucky.

I don’t seem to be able to get more than 16 points but will still hope for the best.

I am glad you enjoyed “See my Lawyer” I think a bit of comedy cheers you up that’s the sort of thing I like.

Walter & Olive were here on Monday evening. I was going to settle with him for the photos which by the way was 26/- but he asked me to leave it, till he sees you as he does not remember if he settled for the paper.

It is nice to know you have had a change in the weather, yesterday was not too bad, quite sunny when I went to the doctors and in the afternoon mum & I had a look round over Stratford.

I have received from Chappells

} If I’m Lucky

} April Showers

I listened to Attlee’s special last night^II, his excuse for the delay in demobilisation. There was not much satisfaction in it and I think the only reason for it that he was forced to make it owing to the unrest that has been going on. Now we must wait to see what the outcome of it will be. It will give the MP’s an excuse when they are approached on the matter.

Anyway, I hope things will turn out alright for you.

Will conclude with our usual kind thoughts and best wishes.

Cheerio, all our love, Mum & Dad

28/11/46

Dear Don,

I have received no 15 and am very glad to hear the parcel turned up although it was very much behind.

I hope you have seen the papers which say what you may send, and what you may not. So, as you will understand mums feeling in the matter.

I expect your next birthday will be the best you have spent when you are free and the memories of the last three have been forgotten.

I am sorry to hear of the poor attendance to your class, but I expect it will build up as time goes on, so as to make it a remunerative pastime for you.

It’s a pity you had such a pretty hopeless weekend, and I hope the coming one will be much brighter for you.

Some decent weather would help to cheer us up. Rain yesterday and today but we have been promised a change for the better.

Will now say Cheerio, with all our love, from Mum & Dad

Dear Don

I have today received No’s 16 & 17 only taking 2 days.

I suppose you don’t think much of Attlee’s speech there is not much satisfaction in it.

I am more than surprised with Jones and I sincerely hope things will not get too complicated. You can guess how Mum & I feel about it.

In a way perhaps it is for the best, you had to see the C.O. if nothing had been said you might have wondered what had happened, had you been penalised in any way. With the knowledge of what has been done, it will prepare you, and you will be on your guard if anything further comes of it, I hope I have made myself clear.

Both mum & I will be greatly relieved when you are able to tell us that things have not been too unpleasant for you and that Tom’s attitude will not be hostile to you.

I am confident that you will say and do the right things and I trust in course of time you will be able to let Jones know what you think of him.

I should like to convince myself that some good will come of it and that things will right themselves also your posting will not be long delayed.

I can feel for you with the attitude of “I’m an officer” and I am afraid I should be less tactful than you so on that point I am convinced mum & I will not be unduly worried.

All I hope that good feeling will prevail in the section and that everything will go along smoothly.

We will be anxious to hear the progress of things.

Cinephonic have sent along

} My Rhapsody of Love

} Till We Meet again

The last one I trust will be soon.

Cheerio, & all the best of luck. All our love, Mum & Dad

30/11/46

Dear Don,

Congratulations from us all on passing all subjects. I have just received the result.

Although there was no doubt about it, the confirmation has given us a certain amount of pleasure.

We all hope things are going well with you and that everything will be straightened out to your satisfaction.

All best wishes, Love from Mum & Dad

2/12/46

Dear Don,

I was pleased to receive No 18 today.

I have read it carefully and I have come to the conclusion the result of what you have done will in the long run be to your advantage.

I think you will know by the way the Radar Officer has explained things in a roundabout way you will be best off by being in 53 group especially if it means 54 & up being detained a considerable time longer. It seems so strange that they are hiding the most important facts from you all.

I should imagine there is little chance of 54 & up getting out at any early date.

I can also appreciate the feelings you have about the stripes, it is more like cheap labour but if being without the additional rise in pay helps in the matter of demob it will certainly be worth it.

Perhaps the jackasses when they get to know the real value of their stripes will not be so pleased about it, but you and the other services will understand and if any authority is shown well all I can say is that you and your pals will know how to deal with it. Iknow you will use all the discretion that is needed for the time being and that you will soon be getting to know the date of your posting.

I think I am right in presuming you will not be penalised in any way and I have tried to convince mum it is all for the best.

How’s the classes going, are they increasing and are you getting the satisfaction out of them.

I notice you are adding more to your laurels, so I expect you will soon be an expert typist.

I have seen Bert and have told him of your success in the examination, he was quite delighted also I spoke to him about the Jones business.

By the way he has not spoken to me about the music yet.

I will settle with Walter for the photos and will not mention about the paper.

The football pools are very strange this week (Nov 30^th) I have never seen so many home teams win, I wonder what the dividends will be like. I only got 10 points out of 22. Ern got 11 out of 16.

Walter has started with a dozen lines, I am sending them along with mine, so as to save him the time and trouble.

I sincerely hope something will turn up for me soon, so as it will benefit all of us, to make things easier in the so called good times that are coming.

I hope there will not be any delay in my letters especially as I want you to get No 16 with all speed.

My next job will be the papers.

I will conclude with our best wishes and trust you are keeping fit & well.

Cheerio, all our love, Mum & Dad

3/12/46

Dear Don,

I have received no 19 and I can tell you it has certainly pleased mum & I to hear the outcome of the Jones business has had no serious consequences and that the majority of the boys share your views.

The weather here has been very rough and prevented me from getting out but I am hoping it will be possible to get out tomorrow as we would like to pop up the other end, to have a look round and see if there is anything worth getting. As you know it is the old tradition just before Christmas.

I see you spent a quiet day on Sunday, and I hope you got a certain amount of pleasure out of it.

You evidently guessed right about the speech, the usual twaddle, more amusing to schoolboys than to men, it remains to see how long these so-called reforms, are put into practice.

Anyway, I shall trust you to deal in your own way any matters that may affect you that are not to your way of thinking.

We are hoping that your posting will not long be delayed and that you will be over here in time to have a chance to be home at Christmas.

That would please mum, more than anything, especially as it is so difficult to make up a parcel these days, that is her main worry.

If she makes a cake with the materials she gets hold of, it does not keep nice after a few days.

We think it is about time that things should be altered so as to make life a little more pleasant.

What do you think the chances are of getting an early posting?

I think that’s about all so will say Cheerio, all our love, Mum & Dad

5/12/46

Dear Don,

Was pleased to receive no 20, and also to learn you were the first over there to hear the result. I expect it has made the others anxious.

I think your intention of seeing the resettlement officer will be a good idea and possibly speed matters up.

You have certainly got some good reasons and put over as only you can, may do you more good than you think.

Interrupted training etc, meets your case, and I hope it comes your way to get a substantial grant, to help you attain your ambition

I hope it is not too long before you know how you stand and be able to get in touch with H.A’s, but whatever happens you know I will not let you down.

It is nice to know what you will say about myself and Walter in the event of them making enquires but I don’t think somehow they will do that as the chaps from wealthy families would probably not trouble about availing themselves of these so called advantages.

Anyway I hope things will turn out to your advantages.

I am pleased to say the weather turned out very nice yesterday and mum & I went out. I must say there was plenty of people out and the different places were well crowded.

Mum was only able to get one or two things and I got the chance of one or two sit downs, but it made a break.

There is plenty of trash about and at a very nice price but there are some who will buy anything in spite of the price charged.

We were both well tired when we got home although we did not leave it too late.

It is very dull and foggy today, and not good for going out.

I have received from Feldman } The Stars Will Remember

} if you Could Care.

When your certificate arrives do you want me to send it to you?

By the way I found two nibs on the piano, which I am keeping for you, with your remark of a broken nib, I wondered if you would like me to send them.

Walter came on Tuesday evening, I settled with him for the Photos, he is still wondering about the paper, and did not want to take it, till he sees you, but I made him e take it as per your instructions.

I think that is all at present so will say Cheerio, all our love, Mum & Dad.

9/12/46

Dear Don,

I have today received No21.

The gales etc have certainly upset the post but I hope it will soon right itself, we had been getting your letters pretty quickly.

As regards the grant, I hope you will be lucky in course of time, I read of one case where a demobbed chap had to spend his all to further his studies, but I think it was going to be taken up, so perhaps things will be more settled later on.

I went thought the old papers to try and find it, so as I could let you have it, but I was unlucky. However, don’t worry about these things for the time being.

I see you are going in for the usual xmas doings. I have no doubt it will keep your mind occupied and make you happy although your early posting would be much better.

Perhaps there is still hope you will be home for Christmas.

I am glad to hear your pals have passed the exam.

Ern has had another change, he starts at East Ham today, true it is nearer home but I don’t think it has pleased him.

I don’t know how the post will be next week, I certainly hope there will be no delay the PMG on the wireless advised us to post no later than the 18^th but that may only be to save the heavy rush at the last minute.

I think that is all just now, as I want to post it early.

All best wishes.

Cheerio, all our love, Mum & Dad

10/12/46

Dear Don,

I am pleased to hear by the arrival of No22 that the mail has caught up and trust there will be no more delays.

We are pleased to hear the Jones business is done with as far as trouble is concerned and hope in course of time it will produce some good effects.

I see you are in for a busy time and should you be still over there for Christmas I hope all the trouble you have been put to will be worth it and that the show will be a success.

Also the catering arrangements will be to your liking and that you will not be short of anything. That will prevent you having a good time.

I am pleased to hear you are happy with your classes and hope they will be for your good.

I am sending both papers you can easy return what you don’t require but I thought it might be handy.

I thank you for your thoughts as regards the pools that will be my next job. Last Saturday

I got the correct numbers of 1,2 x’s but not quite in the right order and it was only 14 points out of 25.

However we will press on as Peter Waring^III says.

I hope you are successful in getting your impromptu show ready for Wednesday and that you will be pleased with it.

I have got Practical Wireless and will sent that with my next letters.

We wish you all the best, and hope everything will got will with you, in all your undertakings.

Will now say Cheerio, and conclude with all our love, from Mum & Dad

Dear Don, 11/12/46

I have received no 23. To a certain extent I am pleased to hear you have heard from Jones, and I feel confident you will be able to reply in a capable way.

Do you think he has heard the result and should have written you earlier anyway I hope things will turn out to your advantage.

I presume the rehearsals are now in full swing.

I am pleased to hear you had an enjoyable time at the theatre.

I hope you are having some decent weather, after a fair day yesterday it finished up with a lovely fog, and this morning it is raining and doesn’t look like clearing up.

As promised, I am sending P.W. along also an enclosure from Lawrence Wright and I can assure you that he will not be the only one that will be thinking of you at Christmas time.

We wish you all success and trust the show you are preparing will prove another “Mossy Express”

Will now say Cheerio and conclude with all our love, Mum & Dad

12/12/46

Dear Don,

I have received no24 with enclosures.

Ern & I have studied your additional note and he will go to Jones tomorrow evening.

I will write you directly I have found out how things went.

I do not think there is anything in your letter to Jones that can be taken exception to.

No doubt he will write you again.

You mentioned about the EVT section, to get the job and then apply for the grant. So perhaps the next visit to Agar will give you a better idea of things.

I will keep your certificate when it arrives and put it with the other papers etc I have got.

As regards the parcels you want to send, do you think it would be safer to leave it till after the xmas rush has subsided.,

That is of course if your posting does not intervene.

I am glad a comfortable position and surroundings helped to stimulate your mind and together with your pals you were able to get quite a lot of script etc done.

I expect the time went quickly enough for you all and I expect you were all happy after sampling the contents of the cellar.

I suppose the F/O is not there for a considerable time, but to be isolated and waiting for burglars doesn’t tend to improve the position.

I hope you and the crowd have caught up through being unable to have the rehearsal and that you were ok for the next .

Time is getting short, so you will all have to work hard to make yourselves word perfect for the big event.

I think that’s all for this time but shall write again as soon as I know how Ern got on with Jones.

All the best.

Cheerio, all our love, Mum & Dad

14/12/46

Dear Don,

I have by the same time of posting this, sent off the letter for Jones, as I regret to say Ern was unable to see him last evening and was told he will not be available till after xmas.

I thought I would let you know straight away in case there was anything else you can suggest, or just hope for the best.

The House will be rising on Thursday, till the end of January, so I hope I have done the right thing.

I hope you are getting well away with your show and as I have said before, the best wishes for success.

I have received from

Victoria } Love Again

} Somewhere in the Great Big World.

I see this is the ninth (18 No’s) but on turning it up I notice I paid 9/- for 16 no’s so if I do not hear from them in a few weeks, I suppose I should send them another sub. There numbers are usually about 3 months apart.

I think that’s about all this time. So will say Cheerio, all our love, Mum & Dad

16/12/46

Dear Don,

I have received no’s 25&26. My no 24 explained about Jones letter and I hope you consider I done the right thing and that no complications will arise.

I hope when you have the costume rehearsal the budding stars will be line perfect and be a credit to the producer. Also, I hope “In Town Tonight” will be a huge success.

I am sorry to hear about the band for the xmas show, but no doubt something will turn up to make things turn out alright. Perhaps as time goes on the xmas spirit will bring out some latent talent anyway, I trust you to have a good time.

The line “If I am still here” has set mum & I wondering and it would certainly be a turn up for the book if you had the luck to get home for xmas.

I expect after Wednesday the post will be a bit erratic as that’s supposed to be the last day for posting but of course I shall still continue writing and will hope for the best.

I hope you are not having the weather too cold and that you are able to keep yourself comfortable, it has turned very cold here, but it is certainly better than the fog which was awful last Thursday and Friday.

Well Don I think that is all for this time so will post off without delay.

All kind thoughts and best wishes.

Cheerio, all our love, Mum & Dad

17/12/46

Dear Don,

I was very pleased to receive no 27 and to learn of the RAF’s xmas present to you. (He became a corporal on 15^th December).

Mum will confirm my anticipation of the event, I told her soon after you went back that would be the next thing to happen and we both congratulate you.

We are now experiencing some very cold weather and I was telling mum it would be very cold over there and I see our friend the snow has arrived.

I hope you will now give orders to have it cleared away, without participating in it yourself, as I expect you have memories of previous occasions, let us hope you will be back in England before you experience the winter of two years ago. You will no doubt remember spending the early part of the year in dock, the same time I was home with bronchitis.

I shall not venture out till there is a bit of a change.

I suppose the extra renumeration will help to cheer you up. It will certainly make a difference by the time you get out I shall now look forward to addressing you in your new status.

I expect there will be some certain new duties that you will dislike but it is up to you to stand no nonsense but I know you will know how to deal with any complications that may arise and I know it will not be long before you gain the respect you are entitled to.

I trust there will be no tired feeling in the mornings when you are orderly corporal see that the alarm is set so you will be on parade spick & span at the appointed time, anyway I hope there will be sufficient chaps so as not to have these early turn outs too frequent.

I don’t think any of this business will convince you to sign on for any further service, but only make you look forward to the time when you will be a free man again to please yourself in your undertakings.

I agree with you in hoping that it will not slow up the de-mob business.

I can picture you in the choir at the wedding service. I expect you would have been more at home in a band.

I expect you will find a way out on another occasion.

I am pleased to hear the reading material arrived at the opportune moment.

As we have got to post early for xmas we have enclosed a card which means more than Mum & I can express, but I know you will understand our inner most feelings.

We both wish you everything you wish yourself, although it will be a quiet Christmas, our thoughts will be with you.

God bless you. All our Love. Mum & Dad

19/12/46

Dear Don,

Many thanks for card received and also no 28.

Well my dear corporal both mum & I and the rest of the family salute you.

The post did not arrive till 10.45 am and after listening to the postman telling me he could smell his bacon burning. I hasten to reply.

The snow is falling and has been since 9 o/clock and is laying.

I can guess how cold it is over there, but I hope you can keep yourself comfortable and that there will soon be a change in temperature.

I hope you will soon get a chance to attend to the most important thing that of seeing the pay A/c’s and getting your rise entered in it.

I expect you are all so well pleased, that there is not much thought of leg pulling.

We don’t care how soon you get your posting but please do get it within a reasonable journey from home.

We have not discussed your promotion outside the home circles, as we thought we would wait for confirmation.

I am glad you had the assistance of the tailor to save you the trouble of sewing.

Walter is now having treatment for his leg. He went on Tuesday, so mum went over to Wanstead last night to see how things were.

They evidently put him through it but after he felt great relief.

He has got to go several more times.

It may eventually convince Ern to have some treatment.

How is the show etc going on? Should you still be there I hope everything will got according to plan.

We wish you all the best will now say Cheerio and conclude with all our love, Mum & Dad

22/12/46

Dear Don,

I have received no 30. And we hope the weather will soon change for the better.

It was certainly unfortunate for Bob Dyer and I hope you do not get any further repetitions.

You seem to be anticipating a good round of celebration suppers and we hope you have many happy times.

I am glad the duties are getting well spread over, it will certainly make things easier for you.

Here is a list of music received the last few days.

F.D&H ] Just a Sittin and a Rockin

} I don’t Know Why

Noel Gay } Fuzzy Wuzzy

} California Sunbeam

} I was dancing in Heaven Last Night

} Appy Ampstead

Chappell } Bright Was the Day

} One Two Three

You may receive this during the xmas festivities, anyway I hope everything went off alright and you were not held up by the childish attitude of the band.

Perhaps by now they will have reasons to regret.

Mum is still worrying over the parcel business but I can tell this, she is saving you a small pudding also she has been lucky to get a bit of fat to make a cake so as to be able to send off soon after xmas, If you will still be there

No doubt you will be able to let us know if you have been posted you may be able to find out something definite during the next few days.

No 29 has just arrived. I had begun to wonder why there was delay or whether it was a slip up in numbers.

Well Don I really do not know what to say about Jones, he may just think it answers his letter and may not take any further notice. After all I don’t think there is much harm done, as it only concerns coupons and he might write you again without going any further with it and then end the matter.

As I want to catch the post & save as much time as possible. I will conclude with all our love from Mum & Dad

P.S.

Will write again tomorrow.

Dad

Enclosed with this letter was the following cutting from The Daily Mirror Wednesday, December 18, 1946. I was surprised by few-ness of complaints and large number of men who want to make RAF a career said Mr G de Freitas Under-Secretary for Air, yesterday after a tour of British Zone airfields.

24/12/46

Dear Don,

Today is xmas eve, so thought I would drop you a line. Hoping you have been able to get everything settled for the show, and the good-will season extended to the band.

I expect you have got my No 29 explaining how your no 30 came before your 29.

I trust I made myself clear and the cutting Ern put in you understood.

Ern is trying today to drop you a few lines.

I don’t think I should worry anymore about the Jones letter. There is nothing in it only a suggestion about the coupons, which I think is quite in order.

Surely, they understand that a man requires pyjamas shoes etc and of course, after being in the service so long, these things require renewing and have been renewed before on the family’s’ coupons.

There has been a big change in the weather over here and I hope it is not too cold for you.

I can now tell you I was not feeling too good, when I wrote my last letter to you.

Last Thursday I had a bad night so mum asked the doctor to call, the usual congestion. Poultices & bed.

I am pleased to say when he called today, there was a great improvement and the congestion is considerably loosened and I have been able to sit in the bedroom this afternoon.

As I can assure you there is nothing to worry about. The doctor is coming again on Friday or Sat when I hope to look forward to getting out on a fine day.

I will deal with Victoria during the Weekend and also Noel Gay.

I have received from “Sun”

} Song of the South

} Sooner or Later

} Zip-a-Dee Doo Dah

} Uncle Remus Said

The papers have been sent off and now the xmas rush is over I don’t suppose there will be much delay in receiving the mail.

Mum & I hope you will have had a good time over the xmas and now we shall be able to look forward to you having an early posting and I sincerely hope there will be no more complications arising through lack of tact on Jones part.

I think I will now say “Cheerio” and conclude with all our love and kind thoughts.

Mum & Dad

P.S.

As regards the change in the weather it is quite nice, and we have had a fair amount of sun. so we hope it will pass over to where you are.

Dad

26/12/46

Dear Don,

I received No31 on Christmas day and we all hope you had a nice time.

We will be thinking of you and the show tonight which we hope will be a big success especially after all the work etc it has entailed.

I hope you were lucky so regards the parade and that you were able to keep in the background.

I suppose you now begin to feel the dignity of your position and a happier feeling in obtaining the advantages it brings with it. Now there is no more “Mary Ann” business, sweeping up and emptying the ashes etc and the dirty jobs are a thing of the past and it will be like a new life when you return to England.

Well Don, I am pleased to say I am feeling a bit better and was able to have my Christmas dinner & tea downstairs.

We had a quiet time the four of us, mum, myself Ern & Jean who came in the afternoon after she had had dinner at a big gathering of her relations. As you can guess our thoughts were with you all the time.

Uncle Bob & Arthur Hunt called this morning for an hour.

Arthur has been queer and been away from business for the past week.

The change in the weather is still good and it is quite sunny today and I sincerely hope you are having the same change in the weather and that the extreme cold and snow have departed.

Walter & Olive called Christmas eve and they were sorry we were not able to be with them on xmas day.

We are hoping to be able to be with them next Tuesday when they are having a party for Beryl, they have invited 4 girls & 2 boys from a local home so I am hoping to be well enough to join the happy throng.

Mum has had a very busy and worrying time it has meant a lot of extra work me being queer but I am pleased to say things have turned out well and I hope we will soon be able to get out for a change very soon, so as to cheer ourselves up and make up for the past week.

I will let you know how things progress as time goes on.

Perhaps you will soon hear of your posting, but if it is long delayed, we will try and get a parcel away to make up for the xmas you were unable to be with us.

Well, all the best and may the New Year open out well for you and as time goes on all our wishes & hopes turn out to be all you desire.

Cheerio, and kind thoughts, all our love, Mum & Dad

28/12/46

Dear Don,

I have today received no 32 & 33 with Jones enclosure.

I am sorry you received that letter to remind you and I can only advise you two things,

1. Forget all about it & take no notice or 2 write to Jones, asking him to take no further action and that you will see him when next in England. (He will see your New Rank). Of course, being only a personal matter, which does not involve anyone else I can’t see any complication arising being only confirmed to coupons and I don’t think the matter would reach the other side.

Anyway, use your discretion and hope for the best.

So, you have dropped out of the choir, but I hope the carols went well.

I think my last letter answers the show business. You have no doubt had a proper hectic time and as I said before I hope things went well during the festive season.

Both Mum & I will be pleased to hear how things went.

I hope you were successful in getting the Cpl & Sgt off so as they were able to take part.

Now some home news, we all spend Boxing day, the same as Christmas day, having a quiet & pleasant time. Ern had to go to work on Friday & Jean on Saturday.

I am pleased to tell you I am feeling much better, the doctor called in at 5o/c today and pronounced progress, no more poulticing etc and when I am able to get out in the air, I will get my voice back. It has been a trying time, but it will be very nice to get out again.

The Turners called this afternoon to make enquiries & Walter & Olive came. They were pleased I am getting on & now we are all looking forward to the children’s party on Tuesday.

Mum, in fact, all of us wish it was possible for you to be with us all.

Will now say Cheerio, and conclude all our love, Mum & Dad

30/12/46

Dear Don,

I was pleased to receive No 34. It is evident you have had a good time, and both mum & I are very pleased to hear you did not go short of the good things that go to make the festive season enjoyable.

I have no doubt you had a busy time with the others on Tuesday afternoon, and there was plenty of excitement with the young squareheads but being kids it is nice to know they had a good time.

The Wing Mag staff must have done the thing in proper style, but it is a great pity it should be marred by a gate crasher who was unable to behave himself in the proper spirit and no doubt he got sufficient punishment to remember that sort of thing don’t pay.

I see you were up in good time after the 3am business and I hope you did not feel too bad.

I expect the Church Club xmas party was a little more select and I hope things were very pleasant and that you were quite fit and in good form by the time the show was produced.

We had a fair day yesterday, I thought the fog was going to spoil things for me, but I am pleased to say it cleared away and then we had rain, and milder weather.

In the afternoon Ern & Jean went to the Peoples’ Palace to see the Vic Olivia show produced they had a very nice time, then returned home for tea & stayed the evening.

I think that is all this time, but Mum & I will be anxious to hear if you are likely to be posted soon, as she wants to get a parcel away about the end of the week.

Cheerio, and all the best wishes from Jean etc., all our love, Mum & Dad

Jan 1^st 1947

Dear Don

Have received 35 today. Mum & I are pleased to hear things turned out so well and I hope you were well refreshed by your early night, that is, if you managed to get one.

After all what happened as regards the band etc. I think that some of you must have put that something extra in the show and the great reception you all received must have been justified.

Now I suppose we must look forward to hear how last night went off.

I don’t expect you went to bed too early and I hope you were up in time to start the New Year well.

I am pleased to say yesterday turned out well for my first outing. Walter sent for mum & myself about 2.30.

The children from the Home arrived about 3o/c 8 of them accompanied by one of the Sisters who stayed with them till they went home.

Photos were taken outside the house and flashlights in the house. There was 14 altogether including Beryl and I can tell you they all had a wonderful time.

They sat down to tea about 4 o/c and I think there was about 15 adults to tend to their wants.

You should have seen the eats disappear; it was a sight to see.

After the adults had refreshed themselves the fun & games started. A friend of Walters dressed as Father xmas, added to the gaiety.

There was a large tree to be picked, and all the children were well loaded with toys etc.

We shall be able to explain more fully when we see you.

The children left about 9 o/c and the remainder of us stayed to see the New Year in having a very enjoyable time.

Jean phoned during the afternoon to say she was unable to come as her mother had been taken very ill, so when Ern arrived during the evening, he only stayed a little while and then went off to Leyton. I think it was a disappointment to both of them.

Well Don, I suppose we must look forward to 1947 as being a year of hope and that all our wishes etc will come true and will soon bring all what we have been looking forward to, a reality.

Cheerio, and all our love, Mum & Dad

2/1/47

Dear Don,

I have received No 36 am pleased to say that the weather seems to have improved and I hope you are having the kind of weather that suits you. Foggy weather is my biggest enemy.

I expect you are now able to take it easy after the busy time you must have had, and after you made your uniform look spick & span, I hope you enjoyed a quiet read.

You will have to be busy getting your parcels away, I expect you have collected quite a lot of stuff and you don’t want to have to bring it with you when you get your posting.

I suppose they are tightening things up, by having a customs declaration anyway I hope you get sufficient away so that when you come over you will not be over loaded.

When group 48 is being demobbed this month, it will mean if they get a jerk on that 53 will not be a long way off.

Mum & I hope you have started 1947 well and that in your new position (which I expect you are getting used to) everything will go according to plan.

Cheerio, all our love, Mum & Dad

3/1/47

Dear Don,

I have received no 37 and I hope by now the mail has caught up.

Mum & I hope you have completely recovered from your cold, and that the stuff Reg gets, will keep you free from colds and that you will keep fit, in spite of the weather.

We hope you went to the Watchnight service; I expect you found it a little more restful after the hectic nights you have had during the past week.

It was nice to know you had an interesting evening going back a few years. As a matter of fact, mum wondered if Reg knew Mr Celia the instructor at Aldgate: he is the son of the local grocer.

There are many reunions that have sprung from chats together and friendships that last especially when you have the same points of interest.

It’s a new one to me, to hear they pick all the mad ones for Radar Mec’s, but if that is the case, you had all better start collecting material for a book and add something else to your accomplishments.

I haven’t seen Bert for some time mum saw him last Saturday when he made enquiries about me. I hear he was starting a new job last Monday.

When we see him again, we will mention your remarks, and then I expect he will have a lot to tell you, when he writes.

I am glad you were able to get the parcels away. It will certainly help you later on.

I am pleased to say Jeans mother is a little better.

I am not keeping too bad and providing the fog keeps away I hope soon to get out if we can get some bright weather and to give mum a break after all the extra work & worry my illness has entailed.

Will say Cheerio, and conclude with our best wishes, all our love, Mum & Dad

6/1/47

Dear Don,

I have today received No’s 38& 39. Also one for Ern and am pleased to hear although there was some delay you have received all the letters.

We are pleased to hear of the improvement in your cold and hope you will keep free from colds in spite of the weather.

It is very bitter here and I am afraid you are having it much worse than we are according to the wireless this morning. I sincerely hope it will not be of long duration.

I think your decision of Jones is best to forget it and no doubt you will change your mind as regards. Seeing him when you get home.

I expect you felt good after your snow fight and was quite fit for the party.

I notice you are now close up with the letters and I hope there will be no further delays in spite of gales they have warned us about.

We are pleased to hear about the demob news, and we are hoping you will be out sooner than you think.

I am glad to hear you enjoyed yourself at the party and we should like to know that the next will be your demob party but I expect between the lot of you, excuses can be brought forward, to justify an occasion for an enjoyable time which certainly livens things up and helps to pass the time more pleasantly.

It is nice to know you have not been overworked.

Mum hopes to have a small parcel ready for posting Wednesday morning so I shall leave the papers till then for packing purposes.

There is no music to report this time, I have seen Bert and he admitted he has been lax in writing but will be doing so what with the new job etc he has got behind in his correspondence.

Walter, Olive & Beryl came yesterday he told us he had a very nice letter of thanks from the Home.

Beryl seems to be having a very good time and does not seem anxious to go home although she will have to about Thursday Jan 9^th.

Walter has arranged for Thursday Jan 23^rd to go to the circus and Beryl is certainly looking forward to it. Mum & myself, Walter, Olive & Beryl so we are hoping for a nice bright day.

Jean also was here yesterday, her mother is going on fairly well, she sends her regards to you.

We are glad to think that 1947 looks a bit brighter for you and trust it will prove your best.

Cheerio, all our love, Mum & Dad

7/1/47

Dear Don,

No 40 to hand.

Hope you enjoyed “Carmen” on Sunday.

It certainly means when the lrks arrive, you will all have to stand on your dignity and not let the side down.

Does it mean if they come over for training that your posting will be deferred if that is so I suppose you will be entitled to another leave before you are demobbed.

I expect you would rather be over here training them, if there was a possibility of getting home pretty often.

According to the news you are having some Artic weather. I do so hope you are able to keep yourself warm etc and that your quarters are comfortable.

After I had written to you yesterday, down came the snow and kept on all day, it was quite thick by the evening, today is not much better, I expect it will hang about for a few days making everything uncomfortable under feet.

I have deferred going to the Doctor until conditions are a bit better, I have sufficient stuff to last a few more days.

Tonight, we will prepare the small parcel ready for dispatch tomorrow and we hope you receive it in good time and condition.

You will find the C-mounted with the fruits of your labour in Walters garden when you were home in October.

It will be a little Christmas cheer, a little belated but none the less welcomed.

Both mum & I would have rather you been home to enjoyed it but still the time will soon pass and then we can all look forward to the time when you will be home for good.

That’s all for now.

Cheerio, all our love, Mum & Dad

9/1/47

Dear Don,

The news don’t look too good. The terrible weather you must be having, and I sincerely hope there will soon be a change for the better.

I hope you are able to keep yourself warm and comfortable.

I expect you have heard about the transport workers strike.

If it keeps on any length of time things look like being difficult specially where food is concerned.

I hope the parcel which was sent off yesterday will not be unduly delayed and I know mum will be anxious to hear that you have received it alright.

The weather here has been a bit better today and I should like it to continue.

Walter called this afternoon (with Beryl to say Cheerio) and is taking her home. When mum asked her if she was glad, she said no, and is looking forward to the 23^rd to go to the circus.

He had plenty of toys etc with him, so some will be left at Orpington and some will be brought back for another occasion as they are still staying at Fred & Ethels place, so I expect there is not too much room to play until the other bungalow is ready.

I expect the freeze up and the transport will delay the mail, but we must hope for the best.

I hope the stripes have saved you doing any unpleasant duties, out in the cold etc.

Friday Morning

Have just received No32 am pleased to hear you had a good time at the opera & show and I expect you thought the cold journey was worth it but at the same time I hope it soon returns to normal.

Cheerio, and all our love, Mum & Dad

11/1/47

Dear Don,

I have received No 42 today. The weather has turned quite warm and we have had some rain today.

I hope the cold weather you are having will soon disappear.

I managed to get to the Doctor today, he told me I should be up & down and blames the weather, but I must get out whenever there is a bit of sunshine about.

I got the enclosed calendars while I was out today. I thought you might like them. When I see Walter again, I shall ask him if he is having any printed this year.

Through the strike there will be no meat dinners for Sunday so we shall have to make do with tin stuff. I don’t think it will be of long duration and I expect it will finish without bringing the services out, the position is very funny, if you can read between the lines.

I expect we shall all have our rations by next weekend, together with the extra 5 the present from the Argentine but to me it all seems very childish.

We hope everything is going well with you and that your mail will keep well up to date.

Cheerio, and all our love, Mum & Dad

13/1/47

Dear Don,

Today I have received No’s 43 & 44. I should think the mail has got into a hopeless mess, and I hope it will soon be straightened out.

No doubt the weather conditions have caused it, but it is nice to know none have been lost.

Both Mum & I hope the parcel will not be delayed and that you will find everything in a perfect condition.

Our weather was very nice yesterday till the evening when we had some rain.

Today has opened out very nice and I hope it will keep like it. Monday as you know is the day when the weather makes all the difference and a fine day is just what mum wants.

I hope the weather has improved for you we were sorry to hear the primer failed, and sincerely hope it was not too uncomfortable for you.

We were sorry to hear of the nose bleeding and trust it will soon be put right. Also, the cold & cough is responding to treatment and that you will soon be quite fit again.

The strike position does not seem too good this morning. Apart from the rights & wrongs it would have been much better to have taken the advice of Deakin^IV who was unable to get a proper hearing at Stratford Town Hall yesterday morning. It seemed an organised attempt to have him down. So much for the intelligence of the stricken, it simply means that the public will lose all sympathy for them and in the end, they will struggle back and then realize what fools they are, not to listen to reason. Strikes never did any good and never will.

Ern has had a bad cold all last week, he has taken the cutting you sent so he will be getting some to sample and I hope it will put him right.

It is a good idea of yours to get your teeth seen to, especially if it is going to save time and expense.

Tommy Trinder’s film must have surprised you and your pals the “Old Nicks Players” and it seems strange you had the same idea for “Dear Swifter’s” but of course you know what great minds do.

Mum & I are pleased to hear there is only about 115 days from now, before you are out.

I think you must have had all the samples of weather that is possible, but I hope there will be no more failure of power.

I can quite understand how you feel about the strikers and all the others in the various services who understand what discipline is and as regards Strachey^V I think it is disgusting to be so weak kneed. I was discussing him the other day to mum when he made a statement.

Surely public opinion will prevail before long.

I see you take this new land tax in the same way as I do and it has proved I was wise in getting rid of the Bungalow, it makes you wonder what is going to happen next, it is a poor look out for personal initiative.

So now, if you do not get posted soon, we can look forward to seeing you early in March anyway I trust things will turn out to suit you.

I have just received two parcels. Jeans mother has made a remarkable recovery and am pleased to say I am feeling a little better, subject to the weather and while the fog keeps away. I shall be happy and shall take advantage of any bright day to get out.

I shall be sending the papers in the usual way, but as you see Practical Wireless on its own.

Heres’ hoping everything will go well with you and that you will soon be free from all your ailments.

Walter & Olive were here yesterday, he expects he will have some small calendars printed.

Will now say cheerio.

All our Love Mum & Dad

P.S. Parcel no 3 arrived just as I was going to post this. Dad.

15/1/47

Dear Don,

Yesterday I received parcel no4 and today I have your no 45.

I am sorry to hear of the mess up of the mail and I hope it will soon be straightened out.

Both mum & I enjoy Much Binding, and I must say one or two of the other shows are getting a bit monotonous.

We should certainly like to be in the audience when you produced your new show and would like to see you as Shakespeare. I am sure it will go down well ‘whether they like it or not’. I expect these will be ‘much ado about something’.

Here’s wishing it every success.

I hope the change in the weather suits you, and that you will soon be getting rid of all that mud.

It is a pity you saw the same film twice, but as it was worth seeing it no doubt refreshed your memory.

So, you have got back on the saxophone, I hope the lapse of time did not make any difference to your playing.

We have just finished dinner, quite nice, after odds & ends. Mum got the meat she ought to have had last Sunday.

This strike business seems to be dragging on, but they may come to some settlement. At 1 o/c on the news the delegates were still talking.

I think it would have been better for the strikes to have withheld their union money and refused to pay, action like that would have speeded up matters and the poor suffering public would have been saved a lot of trouble.

I suppose everything will come right someday.

So, we must all still hope for the Best.

I hope you are now free from all our ailments and that you are now fit & well.

Cheerio all our love Mum & Dad

17/1/47

Dear Don,

I have today received no 46 and both mum & I are more than pleased to hear you received the parcel so quickly and to learn it was in good condition.

I trust you will be right, in the way you have worked out the leave and demob, and I think you would rather it be that way.

So now we can look forward to see you early March and during that time you will be able to see HA& Co and I hope make satisfactory arrangements for later on.

Then you can return, full of hope for the future and spend the remaining six weeks far happier in mind and I think that would be better than having to get used to new surroundings in England, especially if you got too far away to get home.

So, here’s hoping the Boss will not raise any objections to this arrangement in spite of the other chap putting his leave back.

It is a pity you had rain after the sunshine with so much mud about.

Yesterday was quite a spring day, and I took the opportunity of getting out, morning & afternoon. In the afternoon I went to Wanstead and walked across the flats and came out at Manor Park. It brought back memories when you & I did the similar walk, I could picture you on the old sand hills and then there was the memory of the evenings at the Golden Fleece.

I am pleased to say it done me good, and I was tired by the time I got home 4 o/c.

I expect you have heard the strike is over, and they are making a start on Saturday, so let’s hope there is the last of the tomfoolery.

I expect they will be anxious to make up for lost time and the money will be useful after being without.

I could not see it being of long duration but at the same time it is upsetting to the public and causes bad feeling.

My only hope is that it will not be long before we get more of the things we need.

You will be able to read the article in ‘Tit Bits’ of the £320,000,000 sickness bill for 1946. Never mind what they say on the wireless about the nation’s health.

I think that’s about all this time.

Cheerio all our love Mum & Dad

P.S. No 47 just arrived.

18/1/47

Dear Don,

I am glad to hear the post has caught up again and trust there will be no further delays.

I trust the improved weather conditions will continue it is certainly keeping a bit better here and has given me a chance to get out although I can’t walk very far before I get tired perhaps that is after being indoors so long.

I see the Government are taking steps to safeguard the Country’s recovery programme against lightning stoppages. I think it is time something definite was done otherwise this sort of think will be always with us, and any forward progress will be a thing of the past

I think the services have made a very good job in getting the food to the shops, I have seen several of the lorry’s delivering at the shops and at some places they had to stay on Thursday afternoon awaiting the arrival of goods.

Mum managed to get a little meat for tomorrow (Sunday) and I expect he will get the full ration by next weekend.

I think it a good idea to get all the different accounts transferred to one, so as you know where you are.

I have sent your book up and shall let you know the extra added to you’re a/c in the way of interest when I get it back.

I hope when you see the O.C. early next month, the important lesson will convince him to let you have your leave to suit you.

There is no music to report as a matter of fact I have received none this year.

I hope the Shakespeare business is progressing favourably also the time is passing pleasantly for you and that you are now keeping fit, no more colds and the nose is alright.

We send our combined good wishes to you.

Cheerio all our love Mum & Dad

20/1/47

Dear Don,

I was pleased to receive no 48 and now I am anxiously awaiting to hear the result of your visit to the vocational advice board.

I should imagine it is like having your fortune told and I can picture how interesting it will be for you and how you will sort it out after the interview.

I am very pleased to hear about the weather you are having and trust it will continue.

I trust you find no difficulty in getting up early so as you can enjoy your breakfast before going to work.

My suggestion of withholding subs instead of striking seems to be the right idea (see cutting).

Also, the heavy taxation which I have always said stopped production, this cutting is from todays “Express”. No doubt some provision will be made in the next budget.

As I said in my previous letter the back rations should be made up quite soon and we could certainly do with a little more variety.

I should like to hear the move could be deferred so as you will not have to take part in it and not be one of the advance party.

I hope you have had a pleasant weekend.

Will now say Cheerio and conclude with all our love.

Mum & Dad

22/1/47

Dear Don,

You’re very interesting No49 to hand, and I hope you have received 41 as it contained “P.W.”

You are quite right, I have received 4 parcels and am now waiting for the 5^th.

I am pleased you are having decent weather, yesterday here was foggy not too bad, but not good enough for me to go to the doctor, so I am going this morning.

Tomorrow is the day for the circus, so am looking forward to the weather being kind to us.

I have received your book back with £2.10.11 added.

As regards your visit to the vocational advice chap, I think you have explained that very fully and I think Mum & I should treat it as confidential.

There is no doubt it has been put in a very diplomatic way the kicks and the pats on the back not being sparred.

Keeping it all in mind you can make the position for your future and avoid the pitfalls and I sincerely hope it will prove a good guide.

I should like to go into the matter more fully, but I think that can wait till we can talk over the matter together.

In the meantime, all the best.

Cheerio all our love Mum & Dad

23/5/47

Dear Don,

Have received no 50 I should like to hear you have got no 41, being as I thought the safest way to send Practical Wireless.

I remember the occasion when Angus Nash was discussed with Olive so now we can tell her where he is and that you will be writing to him.

I suppose you mean these Yugoslavs are disposed persons, are they putting them into uniforms? Anyway it will be nice to know it will save the chaps a few duties.

I am glad to hear Jimmy’s party was a great success. I don’t doubt that the time slips away when you are enjoying yourselves.

You will no doubt miss the March parties should you be home on leave.

I expect you are getting a nice collection of snaps, and the folding camera from Reg will be useful for that purpose.

I am very pleased to hear about the accumulation of wealth apart from being the Root of all Evil a sturdy boot is a nice thing to have by you.

I hope you enjoyed yourself at the cinema.

First arrival of music for 1947.

Chappell } September Song

} Daybreak

Today has opened out very nice. So we are looking forward to a nice time at the circus.

Walter will be here soon after 12 0/c and we are going to pick Beryl up at Lewisham.

How did you get on at the Dentist? Mum has been thinking about it.

We hope the good weather will continue and that you are now quite fit.

Cheerio all our love Mum & Dad

24/1/47

Dear Don,

At last I am pleased to say parcel No 5 has arrived the largest one.

We all had a good time at the circus and I can say Beryl thoroughly enjoyed it all, and she did not miss much during the couple of hours we spent in the Fun Fair after the circus was over, and she fell asleep before we reached Orpington by about 8 o/c.

The first item at the circus was a parade of all who took part, they passed through the arena a very nice start off.

Mum was at her best, I thought there would be various items she would not care to watch, she even watched the cyclist. 80 feet up, cycle upside down with a woman suspended in mid-air by his teeth.

The lions were another item and the thrilling part is where the lion takes a piece of meat from the trainers mouth.

The dancing horses was a sight to see.

Trick riders three girls and five men five horse vaulting, standing jumps and bare back balance.

Six performing elephants wonderful juggling on the wire, Dagenham girl pipers.

A 17 year old British Lad was very good, with his horses they obeyed the traffic lights etc.

This is some of the items and I can say there was not a dull moment.

The weather was not too bad, but it turned very cold in the evening, and coming back from Orpington we ran into a snowstorm, but ran out of it long before we reached the tunnel, and we did not get any snow till about 11o/c.

It is still very cold and I am hoping it does not return to your quarters.

Sat mg. 25/1/47

I have just received your registered letter containing 5 of the best.

My start of this letter replies to query re parcel, and I am pleased to hear no 41 turned up. Also, I see you are now close up with my letters.

Ern has been using that stuff, and I am pleased to say he is much better. He was very queer last weekend, and after a discussion he took my advice and went to the doctor on Monday. A few early nights and treatment has made a big improvement in him.

I am more than sorry to see the bitter weather has returned both for you and myself and I do hope we shall soon have a change.

I see you are getting well away with monopoly, I expect you find it very interesting.

Times like this I don’t suppose you feel inclined to proceed with the new production. What daft pig has started this P.T. with the weather like this. I hope this ridiculous order will soon be cancelled.

I am more than sorry to hear about the food business and I trust the complaints will put the matter right.

You cannot possibly keep fit if you do not get sufficient food. we understand that well enough here. I do so hope you will be able to miss the PT business.

I was very sorry to hear about the unusual parade and I hope the idea was only for propaganda and that the two chaps will not suffer unduly. It is a terrible thing to happen when they were so near to demob and they should have certainly thought twice.

I am very glad you will not have the escorts job.

Both mum & I hope we shall soon hear that the PT has been cancelled and the food conditions will be brought up to a proper standard and I hope for all our sakes you will not think too loud about the conditions so as to prevent any unpleasantness, and I feel sure you will understand how we feel about it.

Heres’ hoping everything will turn out O.k.

Will now say Cheerio and conclude with all our love Mum & Dad

27/1/47

Dear Don,

I have received No 53 and have lost no time in sending the books you require.

I have made them up in a small parcel together with this week’s papers. I thought this would be the best way to send them and I hope you get them as quickly as the last parcel.

I have sent 3 books viz;

Green Room Gags

Evenings at Eight

From the Prompt Call

We shall be glad to hear the temperature has gone up for you, we have had a freeze up and snow for the past few days the sun is shining at present and I should like to think there will soon be a change for the better. I think we have all had our share of the cold weather.

Every night at bedtime mums’ thoughts go to you wondering if you are warm enough and comfortable.

Do you get a chance to have the heater on all night, I told mum I thought you would, and I hope I am right?

I think when you read Joad’s article in ‘Everybody’s’ you will know someone that expresses the same sentiments.

I have held this letter up thinking perhaps No 52 would arrive. However, I expect it will soon be here so will not delay any longer in posting this.

All the best

Cheerio and all our love Mum & Dad

30/1/47

Dear Don,

No’s 52 & 54 arrived today, the two letters numbered 44 must have been a mental lapse on my part, but no doubt you were able to adjust matters by the date.

I am pleased there are no letters missing and I hope by this time you have received the small parcel which was posted on the 27^th containing the books you require together with the papers.

I am sorry to hear of the weather conditions for you and do so hope it will not last much longer.

I have never known it to be so cold as it has been the last few days, and we have had to obtain water from the neighbours and what with the gas pressure you can tell how happy things are.

Let’s hope the news will be right, promising us a change by Friday.

I see you have had your first duty and I can tell how you felt, coming at this time it did and preventing you from having your game and I trust the number of NCO’s will mean that your next duty is well extended.

I hope you made yourself comfortable as possible while you were doing your guard duty.

The COs’ “Good Good” made you think I bet.

I see you are going to have a busy time with the entertainment committee, and I am glad you have found an erk that will probably be useful and I hope things will turn out alright for you.

More music to report –

Cinephonic – The End of a Journey – Each Little Hour

Victoria – That Little Dream got to Shine – Choo Choo Leh Boogie.

This letter will be posted within a couple of hours of receiving yours and I do hope the mail will not be held up any length of time by the weather.

How did you get on at the Dentist, have you had your teeth seen to? We both hope you are now keeping free from colds in spite of the weather and also the nose is alright.

I think that is all at present mum is just going off shopping and is waiting to post it.

So with best wishes will now say Cheerio, and conclude with all our love

Mum & Dad

1/2/47

Dear Don,

I have received No 55. 4 days to come so the mail has not caught up yet.

I expect you have got my letter, telling you about the circus.

In my last letter I mentioned about the dentist, so now we will wish you luck for Feb 6^th and trust you will get fixed up o.k.

I do so hope there will soon be a break in the weather for all our sakes, I think this week is about the worst I have known

I hope your game of monopoly was not interfered with on Wednesday evening and that the script was already for the show by the weekend.

From FD&H I have received

} The Whole World is Singing

} Good Night

} Put that Kiss back Where you Found It

} you see what a Kiss Can Do.

In fact, they have been generous and sent two copies of the last named.

I have heard from Victoria, so will be sending further sub.

I think that is all so will get it posted quickly so there will be as little delay as possible.

Hope everything is well with you.

Cheerio and all our love Mum & Dad

3/2/47

Dear Don,

I hope by now the cold weather you have been having has gone.

After a wretched week a thaw has set in, and it is now raining so you can imagine the slush everywhere, I expect you will have to wear top boots for some time.

We hope you have had a pleasant weekend and that you have been able to get the scripts ready, thus saving any more worries.

No56 arrived while writing this, am pleased to hear you have got the export from the Vocational adviser and more than pleased to hear you will soon be with us.

I think you are well advised to wait till officer returns, and I trust he will grant your request.

I am pleased to hear that you have found some budding talent among the latest arrivals.

Let us hope the mail will soon be normal and that I shall hear you have got the books etc and the most important of all the date when you will be home.

It is a pity you did not enjoy yourself at the dance perhaps it would have been better had you been playing but I suppose it made a break for you.

I hope the various duties are few and far between, and that things are much easier due to the stripes.

Mum is posting this straight away together with the papers.

Cheerio and all our love Mum & Dad

6/2/47

Dear Don,

I have received No 58 and am pleased to hear your mail has caught up.

I have yet to receive 57 but I suppose it will come during the day.

It is a pity about the money, but I suppose you can get some from your pals and I think it would be a good idea if you can get the things you require and the price is right so as to save coupons providing of course if there is nothing extra to pay when you bring them through the customs, so will wish you lick and hope you get a few bargains.

I am pleased the PT is held up and hope you will be lucky as regards losing other duties.

I trust the sketch etc will be a big success.

The bad weather is with us again, but I hope you are keeping yourself comfortable, I don’t think it can last much longer, anyway lets us hope for the best.

Excuse short letter, mum is just going shopping so she will post it.

Cheerio and all our love Mum & Dad

7/2/47

Dear Don,

No 57 arrived today that is about the longest time a letter has taken.

There don’t seem to be much improvement in the weather, I think we have had quite enough snow, and it is certainly time for a change.

That was hard luck about the fire, it is a pity you could not have arranged matters so as to have saved the trouble of moving; but I expect you will soon get over it and I hope you will be just as comfortable.

I expect you are getting quite an expert at monopoly, and it must be very interesting to keep at it so long.

So, we have got to the lined paper together anyway it has got to be used up and all letters are welcome whatever paper they are written on.

I have received from

Feldman } The Jolson Story

} Rock a Bye Baby with a Dixie Melody

At last I have succeeded in getting a bit nearer with the football, and for matches played on the 1^st inst, I received a share of the fourth dividend, the magnificent sum of eleven shillings. I hope this is just a sample to encourage me and that before long the anticipated prize will come my way.

I hope everything is going well, for the show and that the books were useful, and that the other talent is coming along well.

Did you get on alright at the dentist? And are you managing to keep free from colds.

All the best & Cheerio all our love Mum & Dad

8/2/47

Dear Don,

I am sorry to hear about the mail, the same applies this side.

As in my last letter 58 came a day before 57, now no 60 has arrived today, so am now waiting for 59.

The weather here is still very cold and plenty of snow hanging about, what with the anticipated electricity cuts for Monday and factories closing down through lack of coal, things look pretty grim.

I expect you have heard all about it on the wireless.

I hope you are making the best of things, and that you can manage to keep yourself comfortable.

I hope you have had a pleasant and profitable trip to Brussels and that when you return the mail will have caught up.

I am pleased to hear the dentist has made a big improvement also that you are getting well away with the show and I hope as you say it will be terrific.

I expect you will get some more inspiration while on your way to Brussels.

I hope you made a good job of the removable wiring system. It looks as if the pools will be made void today as there is 13 matches off. The promoters are going to decide this morning.

I think that is about all this time except to hope for conditions to improve soon.

Cheerio and all our love Mum & Dad

10/2/47

Dear Don,

No 59 has arrived, so that straighten things out. So, I hope you have now got your mail up to date, it is a pity the weather conditions upset things so much.

I am pleased to hear you have got a much better room and I hope it was worth the trouble of moving if only for a short time.

I expect the officer thought you were martyrs to discipline staying in such a cold room without complaining and I should not be surprised to hear of a reward for such devotion to duty. (please don’t take one too serious).

I am pleased to hear the rehearsals are going well and look forward to hear the result of the show.

I hope you were well pleased with your visit to the music circle.

The visit to Brussels I hope was pleasant and profitable and I am pleased to hear you will be able to send them duty free and it will be nice to know you have been able to save your coupons.

There was a very thick layer of snow, when we woke up yesterday morning but during the day it has thawed somewhat with great weights of snow falling from the roofs.

Bert called during the afternoon, he said he had not heard from you lately, so would we remember him to you when writing again.

It looks like being a very pleasant? Week, with the electricity cuts etc and I cannot see what business can be done in such circumstances and if conditions do not soon improve there can only be disastrous results.

It seems that the “bright future” is a long way off.

Promptly at 9 o/c this morning the juice was switched off then will be till 12 o/c then again from 2 o/c till 4 o/c. so, there will be no wireless during those times, but I suppose we will manage, if things do not get any worse.

It is still thawing, and I hope it will continue so as to clear the snow away, but I hope it will not cause too much flooding, in various parts of the country.

How are things with you not too cold I hope anyway let’s hope there will soon be a change for the better and that there will be a great improvement in the weather and general conditions by the time your leave is due.

Cheerio, and the best of luck, all our love Mum & Dad

12/2/47

Dear Don,

We hope things are going well with you, in spite of the cold weather and I do hope there will soon be a change. I think we have had about enough of it.

Things are very pleasant? In England, as no doubt you have heard and I am afraid to think what it is going to lead to.

I expect the mail has been held up by the conditions, as we have not heard from you since Saturday, so I thought I would write to let you know how things are.

The mornings and afternoons seem very strange with no wireless on. After being used to the various programmes, and it certainly must be very awkward for the people that have electric only, apart from the gas being at low pressure.

We had one bit of luck the coalman brought us three cwt when we were on the last, which was nearly all dust, but I suppose we must be thankful.

One must feel sorry for those who are cut off and are in a far worse plight, I see planes are to be used to drop food etc up north.

I know this letter don’t sound very cheerful and I expect you have had quite enough to put up with lately, so the only thing is to try and be cheerful and hope for the best and look forward to the time when you will be home the brighter weather and the anxious times we are now having to be a thing of the pasts.

Cheerio and all our love Mum & Dad

14/2/47

Dear Don,

We were more than pleased to receive your welcome letter no 61.

So, you received a large mail on your return.

I will kick off with the music

Lawrence Wright } Accordion

} Pretty Little Dirty Face

Both mum & I read with pleasure about the good time you had on your visit to Brussels. We can both imagine what a tonic it would be for us especially after the rotten times we are now going through.

I think perhaps it is as well you did not have your leave for February and now we must look forward to hope times will be better when you get home in March.

It is nice to know you had no trouble with the customs and that you got the things you wanted when you see all these difference things in the store, I quite agree that you could have spent a lot more, but I suppose there must be a limit to what one can carry etc in comfort, and I hope there will be no difficulty in getting the things home. We will respect your wishes re nylons.

What a difference things would be here if our so called heads could make the progress similar to some other countries and I hope the present difficulties are a blessing in disguise and will wake the people up. I don’t think they will get away with it so easily after this lot, everybody now must have learnt what mismanagement means.

I am sorry to hear the weather was so cold for your journey, but I really think there will soon be a change.

We understood how you felt in not wanting to tell us how things were in Brussels, but I can assure you, it gave us a lot of pleasure to know you had a good time and I hope after a good rest you are now feeling fit and looking forward to your show, and the pleasure of knowing your demob is getting nearer.

I am very glad to know that the fire business was noticed in time and that there was no losses as awkward complication.

I can imagine the astonishment of the girl when you fitted up your links, and I expect she wondered if you was going to put the shirt on.

I trust you felt no ill effects of the overindulgence of the fruit & sweets and we thank you for your thoughts and we quite appreciate you would be unable to send any fruit etc home.

I expect it was a jolly tea party and it was a nice round off to have a visit to the cinema in the evening.

Well Don, I think I must now finish up as I don’t want to lose any time in posting so will say

Cheerio and all our love Mum & Dad

16/2/47

Dear Don,

Have received no 62 and I am pleased to see the mail is now not far behind.

We have got over the first week of the bad business and there don’t seem much hope of the end.

It will take a long time to make up and get back to something like normal.

The streets in the evening remind one of war time conditions.

Today it is still cold and the weather conditions on the wireless don’t seem very promising. There will be no MM or News Review for the next couple of weeks and the ordinary papers have been curtailed to war time conditions.

I will send P.W. with my next letter as these always seem longer in getting to you.

I hope to see things get better soon, so as when you get home on leave your will not be inconvenienced by the conditions we are now going through.

We hope you are keeping fit & well.

Wishing you all the best I will now say Cheerio and conclude with all our love Mum & Dad

17/2/47

Dear Don,

I have sent off the papers and after this there will be no Everybody’s, News Review etc for a week or two but I expect you will still like me to send N.O.W. People & Strat Express.

I expect it will seem very strange to both of us and we will certainly miss them.

No doubt it will be very awkward for people who usually have trade & technical journals who count on theses, for guidance and information but I see the daily express is going to publish the important statements from the leading trade papers.

This morning a letter came from the R.A.F. Association.

As the Post Mark was East Ham Ern opened it thinking it was meant for him.

It contained a receipt for membership & badge also a copy of “Flarepath” the official organ of the Ass.

I suppose you sent to them direct. I will keep them unless of course you would like me to post them to you.

No 63 has just arrived, and we were both pleased to hear you will soon be home on leave.

I am glad to hear the weather has started to improve and trust the improvement will find its way here.

I hope you will find enough fun & enjoyment being i/c of the modification party and according to the time (10-man hours) they don’t intend to overwork themselves and it will make a change for you.

What about the show, will that take place before you get home, or will all the trouble taken in practice and rehearsals be wasted?

I am not sending P.Wireless , mum & I thought it would be best to keep it here for you.

I hope the time of your leave will suite you and that the move will be in accordance with your wishes.

Each week now is getting nearer to demob and I hope things will look much brighter in this troubled world by that day so that you can look forward to happier and progressive times when you return to Civy street.

May good luck always be with you.

Cheerio, all our love Mum & Dad

19/2/47

Dear Don,

I have received the duplicate of your gratuity and post war Credit this morning. It is made up as follows;

Gratuity for rank of L.A.C.

29 months @ 10/- mth 19.10.0

1141 days @ 6 d per day 28.10.6

48.0.6

To be credited to PO SB, Book to be shortly forwarded.

I thought I would let you know straight away so as you can check up.

I suppose the remainder will be credited later on, and that will include the higher rate according to your new rank.

I hope the weather is till improving for you it is still very cold over here.

I don’t think I have much else to say this time except to wish you all the best. & conclude with all our love Mum & Dad.

20/2/47

Dear Don,

Today I have received no’s 64 & 65 both together.

It is now snowing again and laying. I really thought we had done with it, so as to give it a chance to thaw and clear away, but it seems you are in the same boat.

I trust everything will be alright for Sunday night, and that it will be well worth the trouble you have been put to.

I am sorry to learn you had such a rotten time in Hamburg; it must have been quite the opposite to the time you had in Brussels.

I expect you will feel quite smart when you are done up in the suit & doings, it will make a decent change from the uniform, and I hope the officers will be able to make up the required number.

It was rotten for you not to be able to get anything to eat except a few sandwiches, but I am pleased you were able to have a good feed, when you got back and I hope you felt fit after a good rest.

I suppose the demob party will be a deferred pleasure.

Last night the kitchen light went wrong, and we were brought back to our early days by using the lamp, it was a good job we brought that back from Laindon. We have phoned to the Elevi Co so I have no doubt we will be ok for tonight.

There was an interesting talk on the Radio last night by Graham Hutton the economist, he discussed the consequences of Britain’s limited manpower resources but I am afraid the people whom it most concerns would not be inclined to listen.

It simply means more and more work and production now, otherwise it will be a very long time before we are able to enjoy any of the things that we had in pre-war days.

Sometimes I think the last couple of weeks will not have been in vain and that it will make people think and I do hope that it has been a blessing in disguise.

Anyway let’s hope things will be more cheerful but the time you get home.

We wish you all the best for Sunday night.

Cheerio, all our love mum & dad.

22/7/47

Dear Don,

How does the weather suit you? I suppose you are having just the same as us.

After Thursday’s snow, when I thought it was the last, and going to clear up, Friday morning it started about 12.30, and kept on all day so you can bet we have nearly had enough.

We have had a garden full for a fortnight.

We have had one day out this year when we went to the circus and I have to pick my mornings when it is good enough for me to go to the doctor.

The necessary shopping is quite enough for Mum to be out and it has meant plently of chasing about to be lucky enough to get the various things that are in short supply.

I am still hoping for a change for the better by the time you came home and we are certainly looking forward to it.

Hope you will have an enjoyable weekend and that the show will be a huge success.

All the best & Cheerio and all our love Mum & Dad

24/2/47

Dear Don,

Was pleased to receive no 66 and I should like to think that you have seen the last of the snow.

The weather here is keeping with the times simply awful and this morning my old enemy the fog has returned.

I am enclosing the receipt and letter you require and have kept your membership and badge & Flightpath.

I hope the show was a success and that it was the best production.

We hope you will hear from your pal during your leave so that soon after your return you will be busy filling in your release papers the same as the other 11 are doing now.

This is the second week the pools have been void, if it goes on like this there will be no chance of getting that first dividend which I require for our mutual benefit.

Did you listen in to I.T.M.A.^VI Tommy send some nice ones over for the benefit of Mrs Mann who called him a Twerp in parliament. I expect you have heard about it.

Reading matter will be very limited the next couple of weeks, with only the papers being sent and I expect you will miss the usual periodicals.

We hope you are able to keep yourself comfortable and free from colds etc and trust that better weather will soon be here.

Will now say Cheerio, and conclude with all our love

Mum & Dad

27/2/47

Dear Don,

I was just thinking of writing, wondering what had happened to the mail when I received No’s 67 & 68 and we were both pleased to read your very interesting letter.

In the first place we were sorry to hear about your cold, but am glad it was not of long duration, probably due to the gargling and sucking tablets and the will to make the show a success.

So, you made your figures correct, it is a pity it did not keep on until the time for demob but I suppose you will be thankful for small mercies by having the extra, due to your stripes.

As you have heard, we have had plenty of severe weather and I see you have had more snow but I am pleased to say after a sunny day yesterday it is not quite so cold so I hope it means that a change has come at last.

How about this leave, I hope everything will be arranged to suit you and that things will soon be made quite clear.

You must have had a very hectic time at the show it is a wonder you were able to change so many times in such a short while, that should have been a job for Ern and then the show would have gone on for about a fortnight.

I hope my letters have now caught up, I am a day behind with this one, but I thought there would be one yesterday and that is the reason I waited so pleased don’t think I have neglected you.

I was pleased to hear in your letter No 48 that your cold was a good deal better and that you had got your voice back and that you were helped by the aid of the microphone.

I see you were down for the 4^th but that might mean the 6^th but I don’t want to think it will be held up for several weeks and no doubt the uncertainty will get on your nerves anyway let’s hope for the best and perhaps it is as well you found out the mistake that your name was put a month too early.

Here’s hoping you will get your leave so as it will mean you are only back a few weeks and then comes the great day which you have been looking forward to.

How about the show, it gives us pleasure to hear that the reception of it was the best you had and it was nice that the team spirit was there so as to make it go with a swing.

You certainly must have been the star turn with 7 appearances and the 6 changes, and I expect you were nice and tired when it was all over.

Did you have our records on the desert island scene?

I hope there were no ill effects to the upper lip with the moustache being pulled off.

We were very pleased to hear your own composition was a great success and I hope the remaster of Freda the first has now died down although I think it was a great compliment.

It is nice to know that there are some officers with a sense of humour, and I have no doubt it pleased you all.

I think that will be all now so as I can get it posted without wasting any time.

Heres’ hoping you will soon have some definite news, and everything will be cleared up to your satisfaction.

Will now say Cheerio and conclude with all our love Mum & Dad

P.S. Bert brought over last night one large & six small, so have enclosed 4 of the small ones. Dad

28/2/47

Dear Don,

I have received No’s 69 & 70. It is indeed a bit of a knock after looking forward to things being so different.

We can quite understand how you feel about it and I feel I cannot express myself.

However, keep cheerful and hope for the best, things may not be so bad as they appear.

I hope you were able to defer the going till Thursday so as you could be at the demob party to cheer yourself up.

I will look forward to the parcels coming and I hope they will all be delivered safe and sound.

I trust the next few weeks will pass pleasantly for you and that events in due course will prove to be to your advantage.

Cheerio, keep smiling, all our love Mum & Dad

3/3/47

Dear Don,

I have received 71 & 72. I was pleased to hear you were able to be at the party and also to get up in time the next morning. I expect it wants some explaining how you done it.

May good luck attend you being my wish it pleases me to know you got in touch with George. So, as you were able to do things in style and by the time you get this you will be comfortably settled.

I have no doubt getting into conversation with the WAAF was another stroke of luck which will prove itself in course of time.

I shall be pleased to forward any letters which come from the Radar Ass:

I hope you will be able to get your leave on the 25^th and I think it would be best to defer writing to the firm until you are sure about it.

I know it would suit you best to see them while you are on leave but if you don’t I hope they won’t expect you to return to business until you have had a few weeks at home so as your will be able to look round and get used to things.

I hope the change in the weather has come to stay, it has not been too bad the last couple of days, but it still keeps cold.

Anyway, the sunshine will brighten things up for you, during your stay at Sylt.^VII

I am glad you were able to get the parcels away and will look forward to receiving them and shall advise you as they arrive.

I am sending the papers, the same as last week, but next week you will get the usual packet, as they have started printing them again.

I expect the busy time you have had and the rushing about has not left you much time for reading and I trust you will not be overworked during your stay.

I am still hoping that things will work out to suit you although we cannot always see it at the time, but I hope in your case it will prove a blessing in disguise.

Will now say Cheerio and conclude with my usual May “Good Luck” attend you always. All our love Mum & Dad

5/3/47

Dear Don,

I have received No 73 and I cannot find words to express how deeply sorry and concerned Mum & I are, at the treatment you have received.

Surely the powers that be could have deferred such a journey, till there was a break in the weather, and there are good reasons for the Germans thinking us mad.

I sincerely hope you will not unduly suffer in health, through the effects of the wretched journey, and hope that the promised fine weather is near at hand.

I expect it has delayed all your letters, it must seem a long time since you have heard from me and I hope all the letters will be forwarded to you, I shall be pleased to hear you have got them all, and I hope you receive this one, with as little delay as possible.

You will be pleased to hear parcels No 1 & 3 have arrived.

No 3 was a bit battered about, but the contents were intact, the sweets & chocs were in good condition and Mum sends her best thanks to you.

Of course, Ern had to be at home, and the postman had to ask him to sign for 3 pair stockings, so I expect that will make him curious, but no other remarks have been make. I cannot understand why the postman should open his big mouth

I expect you will hear about the weather we had yesterday and during the night and after your experiences, you don’t want telling what it was like.

It is thawing now, and I do hope that the time has now come for a chance especially for you, and that you are now settled comfortably and in decent quarters.

In conclusion, I must say, I agree with your sentiments.

“Roll on April 7 Demob” and trust this is the last of Bitter experiences.

Cheerio. Keep Smiling, all our love Mum & Dad

7/3/45

Dear Don,

I am pleased to let you know that all five parcels have arrived.

The one with your personal effects was well bashed about but the contents as per your letter were all intact when I checked them.

The sweets etc will be well appreciated.

As you will see, I started this letter yesterday but thought I would wait till this morning (Sat) to see if I heard from you.

I am pleased to say I received 74 this morning and am more than sorry to hear you have not received any mail and I hope with this, it has now caught up. It must seem ages since you heard from me.

I am pleased to hear the guard duty turned out to be for your benefit and also to hear the weather has improved, it is still awful here.

I can quite agree with you that you could have done without that move and I expect you are a bit unsettled, but I do hope you are now comfortably settled.

It is a great pity the overtime spoiled the music circle, but I expect you will see that it don’t happen again.

What sort of a crowd are you with? Are you able to have some of the pleasant times you used to have, I can picture the place being desolate after the bashing about it had, I do hope you will be able to let me know I am wrong.

The enclosed came this morning, so I thought I would lose no time in getting it away.

I hope you will get the Photos I posted in one of my letters, and that the rest of your stay, (if the weather permits) will be enjoyable to you.

We both hope you are quite fit and well, and that no aftereffects came from the result of the journey you had in the terrible conditions.

With all kind thoughts and best wishes, I will now say Cheerio and conclude with all our love Mum & Dad.

11/3/47

Dear Don,

I thought I would drop you a line, and I hope it will soon catch up with the others.

There must be a great delay in the post, unless it is more difficult, coming from Sylt.

The last received from you was on the 8^th and you wrote on the 3^rd so you can guess mum & I will be glad when things are normal.

We hope things are going well with you, and that you are comfortable.

Up till today, you have completed half your stay, so I expect you are now looking forward to getting back to the old familiar surroundings.

We both hope the weather conditions have not make it too bad for you and we would like to think that better weather will soon be with us.

I hope when I hear from you again, you will be able to tell me you are close up with the mail as we know the feeling when you are waiting for a letter.

Cheerio all our love Mum & Dad

12/3/47

Dear Don,

I was hoping to hear from you today, and Mum & I are getting quite concerned with the delay.

Perhaps after all there is a good reason for it, and I was wondering if the letters are delayed till they are called for and taken inland before posting.

As you can guess we are getting anxious to hear how things are going with you and I hope all my letters have reached you. The enclosed letter came this morning, so I thought I would send it to you, together with the reply I sent so as you can deal with the matter. We do hope you are keeping fit and well and I suppose by this weekend, I should be writing to your old address and that you will be in a position to let us know if you will get a spot of leave before you are demobbed.

Well Don, I hope I have not unduly worried you, but I am sure you will appreciate Mum’s feelings in the matter, when the postman walks past without calling at 27.

I sincerely hope everything will turn out for the best and that things will go as you desire.

With kind thoughts and best wishes. Cheerio, all our Love Mum & Dad

Copy of Reply

12/3/47

Dear Ernie,

I have received your note for Don and have posted it on to him.

His anticipated arrangements have somewhat been altered and I am unable to tell you anything definite.

I hope he gets it in time to be able to send a reply, for you to receive it before the 21^st inst.

Both Mrs R & myself send our kind regards and trust you are well.

Yours sincerely,

J Redhead

13/3/47

Dear Don,

We were more than pleased to have received No76 this morning. No75 has still to come, so we have the reason for the delay.

I do hope this is the end of your privations, it is more than disgusting to send men to a place like that, the conditions I should think being more like Siberia and I hope that you will soon get the benefit of the thaw, we are experiencing today.

I am hoping the ration lorry has been able to get through in time to prevent going on war rations, and also the mail will soon be up to date.

I sincerely hope you have suffered no ill effects, from the conditions etc and that I shall soon be hearing you have returned to Gutersloh.

I am afraid to express my feelings over the matter.

Your bank book arrived this morning crediting you with £48.0.6 up to Oct 31^st and 4/- for 2 months interest.

I don’t think I can say much more, and I want to get this posted with as little delay as possible.

So will say “Cheerio” and hope this experience will soon be a thing of the past, although I feel sure it will take a long time to forget.

Here’s hoping our worries will soon be over.

All our love Mum & Dad.

15/3/47

Dear Don,

No 75 arrived yesterday, I am hoping by now you have received the belated mail.

I hope you had an enjoyable time at the Squadrons celebration.

I think perhaps by Monday or Tuesday I had better address your mail to your previous address, so as to save any delay.

I have no doubt you are looking forward to the 22^nd and that you will have quite enough to remember your stay at Sylt. I hope we have seen the last of the terrible weather, and a change for the better has come to stop.

The sudden change in the weather the last few days has knocked me off my perch with a dose of the “flu” but I am pleased to say I am feeling a bit better now.

We are still hoping there will be a spot of leave for you and I am looking forward to hear you have got your mail right up to date.

Will conclude with best wishes and saying Cheerio, all our Love Mum & Dad

17/3/47

Dear Don,

This morning I received No78 a little later on No 77 arrived and I was certainly pleased to hear from you.

I don’t think I will mention anything about the weather, from bitter experiences I think we can come to a mutual understanding.

As regards the floods and the water business, which you will no doubt hear about, which affects us, please don’t worry, as I can assure you Mum is taking every precaution and is boiling every drop before we use it.

These are certainly very trying times and I hope things will be a lot better by the time you get home.

The “Sun” has broke the spell of not being able to report the arrival of any music since Feb 14^th with } The Wind Blew My Salcetic back to Me

} I’ll never Leave You Again

You must have anticipated my thoughts, as I suggested in my letter no 72 it would be best to address your letters after the 16^th to your old address.

I shall be very pleased when I hear you have got them all, and that none will be missing especially the ones containing the Photos’, Waaf Papers Radar Ass, and Ernie Marshalls letter.

I am pleased to hear the ration lorries got through and I hope you have had enough food without having to resort to the war rations

I am sorry to hear about the time dragging slowly and I can guess what these periods of inactivity mean to you.

You say you have received no67, I expect you are wondering what the six missing letters contain but I sincerely hope everything will be straightened out by the time you get back to Gutersloh .

I am pleased to hear you derived a certain amount of pleasure from your visit to the music circle and that you had transport both ways.

I trust you will find the Anglo-German discussions groups very interesting, these different things certainly make a break.

I hope when you hear the April demob signal rumours is confirmed you will find that everything is in your favour and that we shall soon receive the letter that will cheer Mum up, more than anything else.

You can tell them to tack the lost leave on to your demob period

Yesterday morning one of your musical friends Reg (who is in the army) called to enquire about you. He told mum he was stationed at Kingston-on Thames and hopes to be demobbed in July. He also told her that Ken was out in Malaya.

I hope you can call them to mind, we don’t know their surnames.

Mum enquired about Les (Salvation Army incident during practice) but Reg says he has not seen him for some time.

Well Don, I suppose I must come to a stop so will say cheerio and conclude with all our love Mum & Dad

20/3/47

Dear Don,

I have today received no’s 79 & 80.

The outlook looks a little more pleasant and I trust you had a good day on Sunday, going through the mail and that you have got all the letters etc.

The story you have told for the Wing Mag, should make very good reading.

I hope you are now back at Gutersloh and are trying to forget your visit to Sylt.

We are very pleased to hear you have had some decent grub and have no doubt the new issue was very welcomed at the time.

I see you had a good time in your guard duty and expect the dog was a more welcomed visitor that the O.O.

I am pleased to tell you your certificate came this morning.

Now I am wondering since you have returned to Gutersloh if there is any chance of leave, but perhaps I am hoping for too much especially if you will be home for good in a few weeks.

I do hope we have seen the last of the bad weather, there will be a good many remember the winter of 1947.

I am pleased to say things are not too bad at home, mum is managing fairly well and the water co thinks things will be alright in about a fortnight.

Cheerio and the best of Luck. All our Love Mum & Dad

22/3/47

Dear Don,

I expect by now you are nicely settled down and having a busy time with your accumulated mail.

I hope you have got over the experiences of the last few weeks.

The weather here, the last few days have been quite spring like but the intermittent showers have prevented me from getting out.

I should like a day or two out in the sun so as I can shake off the aftereffects of the ‘Flu’.

We were going to Littleport in the Fen District with Walter & Olive tomorrow (Sunday) but this has had to be postponed on account of the floods.

I have received from Victoria } That’s the Beginning of the End

} My Sugar is so Refined

Both mum and I are looking forward to hear some definite news as regards demob.

I don’t think I have much else to say only that I hope you are quite fit & well.

Cheerio. All our Love Mum & Dad

24/3/47

Dear Don,

Today I have received No’s 81 & 82.

Having checked up it seems no’s 62 & 68 are missing but perhaps by now things have straightened themselves out.

I see you got Ernie Marshalls letter and I should like to know if you have got the photos. I think they were in No 64 and also have you got the forms from the Radar Ass. No 68.

I have received all the parcels and perhaps by now you have received my letter confirming this.

I think this is about the worst hold up of letters you have ever had, but I am more than glad it won’t be for much longer.

It would certainly be nice to have a leave it would give you a chance to bring things home that would save being overloaded at demob time.

Perhaps you will be able to get some definite news soon, but I was thinking it might be possible to have a car to meet you at Euston and it will give you time to think how matters can be arranged.

I can see how difficult it will be to cope with all your kit etc but I hope you will think of a way out that will help you in the matter.

I might mention that no72 was the last letter I sent to Sylt. So you will know where you are when you get back.

I have made a note of the 8 weeks May 13, 3 weeks April 8^th so will now hope for the best and I trust things will turn out that will be most suitable to you.

I can only say as I said in my previous letter, I hope you are now comfortably settled down and that your return journey was more enjoyable than the outward journey a few weeks ago.

Both Mum & I hope you have not suffered any ill effects from your experiences in the past few weeks and the waiting to see you period, will not long be delayed.

I will send the papers off as usual today.

Here’s hoping that everything will go well with you.

Cheerio and the best of Luck. All our Love Mum & Dad

LEAVE

17/4/47

Dear Don,

We were very pleased to hear from you so quickly and to learn you had a fine crossing.

I am sorry to hear you have not been made up, but I shall still hope.

I hope you will soon be on the job you want, filling in your release book.

Certain parts of the Budget is good, but he is trying to make a nation of non-smokers and I can see a good many giving it up if only for a time but it is jolly hard luck on the poor old pensioners whose only comfort is a pipe of tobacco but at the same time if people stopped smoking for about a fortnight something would soon be done about it.

Having lost 56 million on the beer, he couldn’t very well put that up.

I was sorry to hear Bruce^VIII got such a bashing, and I said to mum after the first round, I should not have been surprised to have seen the towel thrown in during the second or third round.

Well Don, I hope you have got settled down by now, and that things will go the way you wish, and that it will not be long before you are back for good.

This morning I received from FD&H } Down in Evergreen Valley Just Before I fall Asleep

} Pancho the Cuban Heel

} Poor Pedro

I think that’s about the lot so will get it posted at once and hope you receive it as quick as I got yours.

Cheerio and all the best of luck All our Love Mum & Dad

20/4/47

Dear Don,

I was pleased to receive no 2. It is evident there are no delays in the post now.

I expect the papers were a bit old fashioned by the time you got them.

I am glad to know you are well satisfied with your bargain and I trust it will prove good value in course of time.

I hope you are not being overworked and that you are able to spend your time in a pleasant way.

How’s the smoking going, are you reducing the overtaxed luxury?

Let’s hope you soon hear something of the releases, and I hope things will go well with you when you go to the section on Monday or Tuesday.

I hope you have been enjoying the same weather we have been having but there was a change yesterday a bit dull and cold. This morning opened out a bit windy but bright and I am hoping it will get better during the day.

Soon after you left on Monday Sid came to do the roofs so I hope there will be no more running water in the bedroom.

I think that is the lot so will say Cheerio and conclude with all our Love Mum & Dad

21/4/47

Dear Don,

No 3 arrived today and am pleased to hear you have started filling in the forms.

I hope the note with the papers will speed things up.

We listened in for the blow up but only heard the commentary and had to imagine the bang.

I am glad you did not have too much to do as on duty, and I think they might have had the inspection before you got back but I expect you did not have enough time to get untidy and as you say, I hope it will be the last.

JD&H have sent for a further sub and I have sent that by the same post.

I suppose we have had too much fine weather and last night we had rain it was steady enough to do the garden good and today there is plenty of wind about.

Mum had a go at the football and got the most points, but I am sorry to say not sufficient for a dividend.

It would be very nice to have a pickup before the end of the season so we will still hope.

I hope the remainder of the time you have to stay will be enjoyable to you and that it will soon pass.

Well Don, I think that’s about all this time so will say Cheerio, all our Love Mum & Dad.

23/4/47

Dear Don,

I have today received no 4.

We are all glad to learn things have turned out so well and trust May 10^th will be the definite date and no doubt the streets of London will be gay with decorations to welcome you.

Of course, they can be left up for May 11^th wen the Royal Party returns.

I hope you had a very enjoyable trip on Sunday and that you had fine weather for it.

The weather here has not been too good, windy and showers the last few days with an occasional burst of sunshine.

I trust there were no major incidents while you were orderly in the Naafi and I hope the one telling off done the trick. It must be decent beer to have an effect on the chaps.

Well Don, I hope everything will now be plain sailing and that nothing will happen to put you behind. The best of luck to you.

Cheerio, all our Love Mum & Dad.

26/4/47

Dear Don,

I was hoping to have heard from you today and both mum & I hope everything is well with you.

Wednesday I got your last letter and it seems a long time since we heard from you. So we must look forward to Monday morning.

Tomorrow (Sunday) we hope to go to Littleport with Walter and Olive and to make arrangements for the holidays the first week in June.

Ern spoke to Mum and this week will suit him so I hope everything will turn out alright.

I have quite a lot of music to report.

Chappell } The Sea

} I can’t believe it Was All Make Believe

Lawrence Wright } Sweetheart

} Nobody Loves my Baby Like Me

} Among My Souvenirs

} The Peanut Vendor

Also a Song My Love is only for you.

I am sending a further sub to them on Monday.

Another Flightpath has come but I have received no letters to be forwarded.

I must finish now as I want to get it posted having left it rather late.

So will say Cheerio, and trust you are fit & well. all our Love Mum & Dad.

28/4/47

Dear Don,

After Saturday’s letter No 5 I feel I must write off at once to save you wondering what has happened. You will no doubt be surprised to learn I received No’s 5,6, 7 altogether this morning.

Both mum & I certainly feel better after receiving them and I do hope you will receive this before you leave.

I was very pleased to hear you had a good time at Winterberg

We are very pleased with the latest developments and I trust you kick off today with a clean bill of health at 1.30 and everything after to go off according to plan.

As you say I don’t think you could have got a much earlier date and I am pleased that the usual good luck has been in attendance.

Well Don, I am more than sorry to have to tell you that Littleport is off. We had a very nice time there yesterday and there was a big crowd there including a great number of relatives.

When mum discussed the matter of holidays Mrs Lester had to tell her it could not be done owing to her health the doctor telling her she has got to have a break so you can guess how we feel about it.

I expect Ern will now see what other arrangements can be made.

I hope your parcel will arrive in good time and I expect you will have quite enough to carry by the time you get on your final train journey home,

I hope you will be as lucky as the other chap and get a decent suit.

So now we can look forward to May 6^th and I hope you will receive this before you leave and that you will know what has caused the delay.

So will now say Cheerio and conclude with all our love.

I: Wikipedia
Sir Benjamin Smith (29 January 1879 – 5 May 1964) was a Labour Party politician
A driver of one of London’s first taxicabs, Smith became the first organiser for the London Cab Drivers’ Union. He was national organiser of the Transport and General Workers’ Union from its formation in 1922 until he was elected to Parliament in 1923. He was sworn in as a member of His Majesty’s Most Honourable Privy Council in 1943. This gave him the Honorific Title “The Right Honourable” for Life.
Smith was Member of Parliament (MP) for Rotherhithe from 1923 until 1931 and from 1935 until 1946. He served as Minister of Food in the 1945 Attlee ministry until his resignation in May 1946 to become Chairman of West Midlands Coal Board.

II: Further information can be found in Hansard. Atlee gave a statement on Demobilisation (Rate of Release) and then a wireless statement that evening. The aim was that by end 1946 all men under 30 would be called up except those in essential production, and all men called up before 01.01.44 would be released in 1947.
In November 1960 the last men entered service, as call-ups formally ended on 31 December 1960, and the last National Servicemen left the armed forces in May 1963.

III: http://www.davenportcollection.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Peter-Waring-magic-comedy-crime.pdf
Peter Waring–magic, comedy and crime1916 -1949. From 1943 Peter Waring was one of the new generation of British magicians. He was smart, sophisticated and full of charm. He performed standard tricks in an entertaining manner. As his career progressed, he spent more time as a compere and graduated to radio comedy with other up-and-coming entertainers.

IV: Wikipedia
Arthur Deakin CH CBE PC (11 November 1890 – 1 May 1955) was a prominent British trade unionist who was acting general secretary of the Transport and General Workers’ Union from 1940 and then general secretary from 1945 to 1955.
Deakin was born in Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire, in 1890. He began his working life at the age of 13 at the Dowlas Ironworks. He became an active trade unionist during the First World War and a full-time official in 1919. In 1932, he became national secretary of the General Workers National Trade Group within the TGWU and in 1935 became assistant general secretary. In 1940 he effectively took over the position of general secretary, following the appointment of Ernest Bevin as a cabinet minister. Deakin’s period as general secretary was marked by a consolidation of the powers of executive, occasional serious outbreaks of unofficial strike action among union members and a fierce anti-communist line.
Deakin was due to retire in November 1955 but on 1 May 1955 Deakin was addressing a May Day rally at the Corn Exchange in Leicester when he collapsed, he was dead on arrival at hospital.

V: Wikipedia
Evelyn John St Loe Strachey (21 October 1901 – 15 July 1963) was a British Labour politician and writer.
A journalist by profession, Strachey was elected to Parliament in 1929. He was initially a disciple of Oswald Mosley, and, feeling that the Second Labour Government was not doing enough to combat unemployment, joined Mosley in founding the New Party in 1931. He broke with Mosley later in the year, so did not follow him into fascism. Strachey lost his seat in 1931 and was a communist sympathiser for the rest of the 1930s, before breaking with the Communist Party in 1940.
During the Second World War Strachey served as a Royal Air Force officer, in planning and public relations roles. He was once again elected to Parliament as a Labour MP in 1945 and held office under Clement Attlee as Minister of Food (he became an unpopular figure because of food rationing) and as Secretary of State for War. He continued to be a Labour MP, generally as a supporter of the party’s right until his death in 1963.

VI: Wikipedia
It’s That Man Again (or, commonly, ITMA) was a BBC radio comedy programme which ran from 1939 to 1949. It was written by Ted Kavanagh and starred Tommy Handley in comic situations often related to current war news. It featured popular characters such as Colonel Chinstrap and Mrs. Mop and generated certain catchphrases that long outlived the series. ITMA was credited with sustaining wartime morale. Twerp! On Wednesday, 19 February 1947, Mrs Jean Mann introduced the epithet “twerp” to the House of Commons when referring to Tommy Handley during a debate on supplementary estimates
Jean Mann JP (née Stewart; 2 July 1889 – 21 March 1964) was a Scottish Labour Party politician and a campaigner for better housing and planning. She was the third female Labour MP in Scotland.
Mann was educated at Bellahouston Academy in Glasgow and became an accountant. Married with five children, she was a councillor on Glasgow Corporation from 1931 to 1938, where she served as Housing convenor.
In the Labour landslide at the 1945 general election, Mann was elected as Member of Parliament for Coatbridge.
On 19 February 1947, Mann introduced the epithet “twerp” to the House of Commons. She objected to Molly Weir, who played a Scottish girl (Tattie Mackintosh) on the show, “pursuing” Tommy Handley. Mrs Mann commented that in her day, no Scottish girl would be seen chasing a twerp like Handley. The next day, ITMA responded by opening the show with the overture revamped to “It’s That Twerp Again”.
Her memoir, Woman in Parliament, recalled the difficulties facing women MPs and their efforts to improve legislation for women and families.

VII: Wikipedia
Sylt is an island in northern Germany, part of Nordfriesland district, Schleswig-Holstein, and well known for the distinctive shape of its shoreline. It belongs to the North Frisian Islands and is the largest island in North Frisia. The northernmost island of Germany, it is known for its tourist resorts, as well as for its 40-kilometre-long (25-mile) sandy beach. It is frequently covered by the media in connection with its exposed situation in the North Sea and its ongoing loss of land during storm tides. Since 1927, Sylt has been connected to the mainland by the Hindenburgdamm causeway.

VIII: Wikipedia
Bruce Woodcock (18 January 1921 – 21 December 1997) was an English light heavyweight and heavyweight boxer from Doncaster. He held the British and Empire heavyweight titles from 1945 to 1950 and was the European heavyweight champion 1946–1949. He fought unsuccessfully for a World title in 1950.
In March 1947 he successfully defended his European title against Stephane Olek, but a month later suffered his second loss, against Joe Baksi at the Harringay Arena in a fight billed as a final eliminator for the World title. He was floored three times in the first round and twice in the second and yet tried to come back before the referee stopped it in the seventh. He was later found to have suffered a broken jaw during the first round of the fight, requiring a stay of almost two weeks in hospital.
07/07/2021
Letters Between Don and his Brother Ern
Letters Between Don and his Brother Ern

The Following letters sent by Don to his brother Ern were saved by Ern in the On Active Service Envelopes.

Only two letters from Ern to Don were saved so I have included them in this section.

1876276 AC Redhead

Section 27

6107 S.E.

R.A.F.

B.L.A.

29/11/44

Dear Ern,

I have met a chap who knows a good deal about coin collecting & he was very interested when I told him about that coin you had. He would like to see it, but of course that is a little impracticable. Maybe you could let me have a drawing of it & I’ll let you know what he says about it.

According to him the “Encyclopaedia Britannica” devotes quite a lot of space to numismatology. If I had known, he collected coins I could have shown him yours while in England but it’s too late now.

I had a treat this evening. The Squadronaires visited us & gave nearly 2 hours of music. I was in my element. They played several of my favourites including the good old “South Rampart Street Parade”. I hope we get some more shows of a similar nature. They are always worth seeing which is more than can be said for the majority of Ensa shows.

There is a faint hope that we may soon be getting our long -deferred Trade Board. But after 9 months I’m beginning to feel doubtful about the result, unless I get an opportunity to get some Genning up hours in. if he doesn’t give it to us this time, I shall keep binding him about it. I’m cheesed off after 9 months of waiting, especially when I know of chaps who passed out after me, but went to a unit with a good officer, who are all Lacs, two are now corporals & one is expecting his third stripe. I don’t envy them their tapes but is not fair on all us chaps to be denied a chance of our props for a song.

How are things going with you these days? I hope your leg is not giving any trouble now. Please pass on my compliments to Jean.

Cheerio & all the very best Don

Signed by censor DK Mallek

1876276 AC Redhead D.J.

Section 27

6107 S.E.

R.A.F.

B.L.A.

12/1/45

Dear Ern,

I wonder if you would do something for me. You see we have found some hidden talent in one of the lads. He is quite good at hairdressing, & as the camp barber never call regularly thus leaving all of us needing haircuts most of the time, he said that if we could get some equipment, he would cut our hair. Therefore, if you could obtain the following stuff & let us have it, we would all be very much indebted to you.

The equipment he requires is a follows;

3 cutting combs

1 pr OG 5” scissors

1 pr 000 clipper

1 pr 1 clippers

He says that he prefers BERMAN clippers if you can get them.

However, if you can get a Pr of FORFEX electric clippers complete with 3 cutting heads he would rather have that than the 2 pairs of manual clippers.

I hope you are able to do something for us in this. If you are successful in obtaining them don’t forget to enclose the receipts & I suppose you had best register the parcel. Also, you had better make sure you are permitted to send such stuff over to here. It would be a dead loss if it were confiscated.

I’ve not yet heard from you about that win of yours.

Well I’ll dry up now, hoping to hear from you soon. Give my regards to Jean. Cheerio Don

Signed by censor RA Cowling

1876276 LAC Redhead D.J.

Section 27

6107 S.E.

R.A.F.

B.L.A.

12/3/45

Dear Ern,

I am sending you my pipe which I have broken again. You will see it has gone in exactly the same place as before. Do you think you will be able to get it repaired for me again?

If you are successful don’t bother to send it back to me as I have obtained another. This time I’m breaking it in gradually – not trying to do it all at once as I did with my last one, I learnt a lesson then.

Have you been able to get the other things I asked for? Please let me know one way or the other, so that I can let my pal know.

I’m hoping that my leave will be coming off in July, but I’m not sure so don’t say anything about it yet. I did very badly in the ballot – 908 out of 1031. Still my 48 will soon be along now, & that will make a break – a decent bed for a change & really good food.

Well Ern let’s hear from you soon. Give my regards to Jean.

All the best Don

Initialled by censor EH

1876276 LAC Redhead D.J.

Section 27

6107 S.E.

R.A.F.

B.L.A.

18/3/45

Dear Ern,

Many thanks for your letter which I received today.

Dad said in one letter that you had been unable to get the things I required & since then my pal Norman had a look round & he did see some in one shop, but to buy them you need to get a permit, so of course it was impossible for him to get them.

Norman asked me to convey his thanks to you for trying & he hopes you weren’t to inconvenience by your endeavours on his behalf.

I think it best now to leave it at that.

Now as regards the watch, thanks very much for getting it going, but I think it will be wiser not to send it over. It may not arrive in the same condition as that in which you sent it, & anyway I’m looking around over here for a watch. Incidentally you can get quite reasonably priced alarm clocks over here. Any use to you? If so just let me know & I’ll attend to it.

I’m sorry about the coin but at last you have the satisfaction that you hadn’t invest any money in it. It was just a chance that didn’t come up to expectations

The story of your researches should be worth hearing when I get the opportunity.

I’ve been having a game with my cycle lately, in the last fortnight I’ve repaired 6 punctures & 2 broken links in the chain so this afternoon I took it down & gave it a thorough overhauling. It runs much easier now & I’m painting it up. I’m also fixing up lights so I would like a couple more spare bulbs.

I have sent my pipe off to you & you may have received it by the time you get this.

Jokes:-

Definition of a gentleman – a man who can change gears in an Austin 7 without having his face slapped.

He gave her a string of pearls. “They’re beautiful” said she “Have they the old-fashioned catch”

I met a girl called Pasion & so I made a date. I took her out to dinner & gosh how passion – ate.

I’ve been getting some gen on driving lately, it’s been all theoretical but it should be simple for me when I get an opportunity. I’ll have to see Walter about it.

Well cheerio for now Ern, remember me to Jean, Ernie send his regards,

All the best Don

NB no censure signature as in ACTIVE SERVICE ARMY PRIVILEGE ENVELOPE.
27 Edinburgh Rd

Plaistow E.13.

11-4-45

Dear Don,

I hope you find the enclosed suitable as I have been working rather in the dark about them, fortunately one of the fellows at work had a pair of service type specs & I have made these to suit accordingly.

My first idea was an arrangement that would work on a hinge, & lift at right angles to the lens of specs, so that you would have protection, even if you were not looking through them i.e.
but this would entail a small fitting on actual specs, probably on the nose-piece & in the circumstances I don’t think the M.D. would like it.

You will be able to wear rings on inside or outside, but I actually made them to fit inside as they have a better appearance, also there isn’t so much chance of them falling off
Open paper marked X carefully & you will see plan of fitting, leave the left one I have sewn in, & fit the Right in your specs as show, first. Remember the two flats on side of rings always go on the arm side of lens when fitted inside as shown.

Lastly the clips should not have to be bent when either putting on or taking off as there is enough spring tension so just ease them slightly.

Jean & myself were delighted with our presents & wish to thank you & Jean will be writing you I think so I’ll enclose a few lines in that.

Cheerio for now, Ern.

Ps the other lenses I have enclosed are a lighter colour but there is a grain in the material & vision is wavy, so don’t use them if you find it so.

22.8.45

Dear Don,

I am pleased to be able to send you the required certificate of your C.D. Service as you will see I have the actual date which I found in a diary (15^th July 1940).

I would also like to mention that you should retain this, if possible, in your possession for future reference, in any case I have copied it out, also the ref:- letters AZ/VD. The Defence Medal should I think be given to us & several more of the old members as I hear there are 1500 or more now being struck for our boro, but I’d rather your service in C.D. go to your credit in reforming your group number as you no doubt do, to date that is 5 years 1 month odd.

Now the war’s almost finished I do not see why you should be retained in the service for you have every reason to be out, regarding your studies etc. there is one consolation for you it seems that everyone fit, & in certain age groups will even now have to do some service even though they may have changed their civvy jobs for war work several years ago, this service will not be in their favour, so when you are out it will be for keeps.

Up to now I have not been able to make the wireless cabinet etc owing to lack of wood, but I did get a plug the same as our own, so we are now able to work either set without trouble. I had to replace the dish light & up to now it is alright. I haven’t seen it myself but I was told only today that a fellow made a complete cabinet of “Perspex”. But I’m rather curios to know what will eventually happen when it gets warm.

You may remember some ages ago I made you that angled screwdriver, but was unable to get the case hardening material, well at last a chap has taken it in one of our depts & will get it done (with cyanide I believe) so I will be sending it on to you.

I will be writing again on any advancement with wireless, & I hope once again that your group number will now be reconsidered in your favour.

Cheerio for now Ern.

1876276 LAC D.J. Redhead,

‘M’ Section

6021 S.E., 140 Wing (Main)

B.A.F.O., R.A.F.,

C/o B.A.O.R.

27-8-45

Dear Ern,

Many thanks for your most welcome letter, & thanks also for getting the certificate of service. I suppose I should feel highly honoured as Charles E Linfield signed it personally.

I agree about retaining it but I am rather doubtful as to whether this will be possible as I expect they will make out another form from the one I have filled in & it will end:- see appendix A, & the appendix will be the cert. you know the usual bull attached to these things. Actually, as I believe I have said before I would rather be without them, but as they are there you might as well have your entitlement & be the same as everyone else.

I should have thought that 1500 wouldn’t go far in W.H. because from when you started operating No 90, (remember the fire station visit) till May 42, which was the last date to qualify for the 3 years there would be far more than 1500 who joined. Of course, thought a lot would drop out & not complete 3 years, I was forgetting that.

Still I suppose it will be the same as the service stripes. It’s all very well when you’re in uniform to go about like a rainbow coloured zebra but when you’re in civvies you’d shrink from drawing attention to yourself.

It would be very nice if it all helped to reduce my release group no. if CD service counted, I should be in R.G. no. 37. Which would help a lot.

To tell you the truth though, although I really do want to get out I do want to get through the Forces Prelim Exam because it means a hell of a lot to me when I’m out & I’ll never get another chance to obtain the prelim. Certificate to any professional body. Still if some “gen” I got today is correct I should have time to complete it even if my number was 37. I don’t know whether its “pucka” or “duff” gen but it was to the effect that from January to June 46 groups 23 to 28 will be released & then 2 groups a month which would put 37 group out during Nov 46. As it is 53 group will be out in July 47 at that rate which is 7 months more than my estimate a couple of weeks back.

I sincerely hope that its incorrect because another 2 years will just about drive me crazy.

As it is, they are training boy apprentices as Radar Mechs, obviously there aren’t any Radar types who are dim enough to sign on as regulars or so far, I haven’t met one anyway.

Of course, the new call up will help a lot & I think there are a lot who would be o.k. for Radar amongst them but the snag is the time taken to train them.

I suppose the new mechs will start arriving about next June & we can hope for an increase in rate of demobbing then. Anyway, we shall have to wait & see.

The dial light in the radio is across half the heater winding i.e. 3.15 volts but a bulb between 3.5v to 4.5v is o.k. for it, in fact even a 6v bulb would be ok. Getting the right plug is a help. Have you heard any more interesting short-wave stations lately? I got a decent piece of wood last week, for a cabinet but I’m having to use it on my rig. You’ll see it when I bring it home. I knew of a chap who somehow or other coloured some perifex pink & made a cabinet.

It was stuck together with acetic acid & looks fine. The heat inside a radio isn’t sufficient to affect it. I’ve tried & it needs quite a lot before you can bend it.

Funny you should mention the angled driver. I picked up a piece of suitable rod at Epinay & was going to make a temporary one, but I lost it in transit somewhere. Now I’m trying to find time to make a key saw out of some broken hacksaw blades

Walter seems to be strongly forging ahead. We’ll have to start something soon, we can’t let him get too far ahead of us.

I had a letter from Ernie today (you remember him) he sends his best wishes to you.

I’ll show you his letter when I come home it’s well worth reading. He had a leave in Paris with some friends recently & got himself in some awkward situations. First of all he found that the girl whose place he was staying at wanted to marry him & trying to get himself out of that he got himself into compromising situations with 2 sisters who were friends of Raymonde . Still I’ll let you read it yourself & have a good laugh.

Well although I’m not going out much as you will have gathered from my letters, I’m managing to enjoy life. I like Belgium but in some respects it’s not as favourable as France !!!!

It costs a lot more to live here. Your money goes like wildfire. what I do is change my pay into Postal Orders except for the odd few bob & then when that’s gone by not borrowing, I can live within my means & still save.

Is it right that there has been a lot more gen about Radar in the papers recently I never see any except what’s sent. I suppose most of it is lousy as usual.

I got another good description of the atomic bomb from the New Your Herald Tribune which I am sending. When you’ve read it please keep it for me. Did you see the newsreel with pictures of an A.B. exploding? The same newsreel showed an Aussie squirt a flame thrower on a Jap – it nearly made me sick. A few pictures like that & the Belson ones showed occasionally would help a lot in preventing wars.

It’s a pity that films didn’t come out as well. The 2 taken indoors weren’t even worth printing.

Well cheerio for now, give my regards & best wishes to Jean, Don.

1876276 LAC D.J. Redhead,

‘M’ Section

6021 S.E., 140 Wing (Main)

B.A.F.O., R.A.F.,

C/o B.A.O.R.

16-9-45

Dear Ern,

I won’t try drawing your letter in style of the cutting you enclosed, too much of a strain.

Take one notebook will be o.k. I think. Originally, I thought I might need more but now I don’t think more than one will be necessary.

You seem to have had a bit of trouble with the screwdriver & I must thank you for it.

If I get a chance of any more ply I’ll cut it to convenient sizes & bring it home with me. If I finish my test set before my leave it will be extra protection for it. Now I’m back in the workshop I get a chance to do some work on the set during the day so there’s a chance I might have it finished in time. Anyway, I’m pretty sure my leave will be a bit later than I thought now I’m back in workshop because I shall be on a different test.

I’ve given up bothering about demob now, it’s not worth it. You might just as well sit back & wait now. I’m at least satisfied that I shouldn’t have to do more than another 16-18 months. Don’t forget that the groups they are coming to now are the biggest of the lot & will take longer to dispose of than the later groups which haven’t got so many chaps in.

Well now about these ideas I mentioned in my other letter to mum & dad. I was having a talk with another of the boys this morning & we got round to discussing laziness. we both maintained we were the laziest of the two & as we couldn’t decide we got on to things we would like to have to help us be lazy & while thinking up things I got the following bright ideas. I’ve already mentioned one to you, but I’ve never thought of the details but today it all seemed to come in a flash.

What I was wondering if you would do was to make some decent plans out of my notes as you have far more idea of that than I have. You could also suggest the various materials & for my part I can work out theoretical circuits for the electrical parts & we can test them sometime later.

Of course, I’m not sure whether they are entirely original but I think I’ve got a new angle on it.

Don’t forget to let me know if you get any ideas, especially in the electrical line because that’s one thing atomic power can’t touch. It might generate electricity but it couldn’t work a radio.

Well lets know what you think of them, cheerio Don

I’ve mentioned this one before but in a simpler form.

Its an electric alarm clock which besides starting a buzzer which will continue until you stop it, will also do all or any of the following things, depending on what switches you set the night before.
1. Light an electric fire
2. Boil water & make tea
3. Switch on a toaster
4. Switch on a radio.
The general idea is that you have a control box with a switch for each thing marked ON & OFF & when you go to bed you set the clock for whatever time you want & whatever you want done in the morning, you put that switch to ON. As for the buzzer, fire & radio are concerned you needn’t do any plans but what I would like a plan of is a try for the toaster etc. (details later)

Of course, you can have on of these efforts which only does say No’s 1 & 5 or 1,2 & 3 or 5 & 2 so there are lots of different devices to be made. Then you can have the tea & toaster either singly for a bachelor or girl or double for married people so there’s bags of scope.

Now for the tray
1. It can be merely standing on a bedside table
2. It can be fitted on a swivelling extendible arm to come round in front of you. This is the arm I mean.
Lazy tongs I think they are called
the tray can be taken off the arm.

To prevent the milk jug & teapot being knocked over & spilt. They are weighted at the bottom or are fixed on an upright arm so that you just swivel them. To hold them still you have a rod sticking from the jug lower down on the upright arm you have a stop & a spring clip. (drawing on back)
The drawings aren’t much good, but you’ll probably get the idea.

What you can do better than I is to decide how to fix the details of the jug & clip etc. the jug must be possible to remove for cleaning. Also, the teapot.

You can use some staybright metal for the jug but about the teapot you’ll have to get another opinion. I don’t know whether you could use metal for that.

The jug will need a lid.

I can fix a device to switch off the teapot element when the water boils & dip a bag containing the tea into the water*. The tea holder will be held under the lid or a lever & when the element is switched off the lever will descent.

In the tray recesses will be cut for the saucers & sugar bowl (sugar bowl needs lid) & butter dish (needs cover). the toaster can be fixed but easily removable & have a covering so the bread can be put in overnight.

For the sugar & butter you could have metal cans screwed in the tray with a glass interior.

I think that’s all you want to get cracking on the design.

I saw an idea recently worth remembering. It’s a pilot lamp always burning by every switch. It takes about a 1d worth of electricity a year.

My other idea is a tie rack. Most chaps these days seem to tie permanent knots & it isn’t easy to hang them all so they can be seen & yet get at anyone easily. My first idea was a tube fixed permanently to the ceiling by one end

(A) & a rod fixed at end (B) to a glider similar to those used on heavy curtains.
The idea is to hang the ties on the tube & when you want one some way in you put all the ties before the one wanted on to the rod, pull out the rod, take off the wanted, then push back the rod.

Then I thought that the ties would catch in the gap between the rod & tube, but that can be got over by have a double runner, with the rod on one runway & on the other a strip of the top of the tube. Then all you do is slip the ties not wanted over the strip pull out strip & rod the trip preventing the ties catching. Then pull out the strip & leave ties on the tube.

I think its quite a neat idea. Of course, some sort of dust cover is necessary.

Well let’s know what you think of the idea.

* https://www.tea.co.uk/the-history-of-the-tea-bag

   The material shortages of World War 2 stalled the mass adoption of tea bags in Britain, and it was not until the 1950s that they really took off. The 1950s were a time when all manner of household gadgets were being promoted as eliminating tedious household chores, and in keeping with this tea bags gained popularity on the grounds that they removed the need to empty out the used tea leaves from the tea pot. The convenience factor was more important to the British tea-drinker than the desire to control the length of infusion time, hence the appearance of tea bags that did not have strings attached.

1876276 LAC D.J. Redhead,

Radar Section ‘M’

6021 S.E., 140 Wing

B.A.F.O., R.A.F.,

C/o B.A.O.R.

12/4/46

Dear Ern,

I think it’s about time I dropped you a line & as I’m on guard tonight it’s as good a time as any. I’ve hit lucky tonight & got the job of runner – no patrols to do – just stay in the guardroom & take charge while the Corporal’s away.

I keep meaning to send you the prefabricated radio cabinet, I’ll do it as soon as poss. I’ve marked all the pieces on what will be the inside so you can see how it goes. The wood isn’t too good but I’m going to make some wood filler to cover up the worst flaws.

I’ve found what was wrong with the set I’ve just built. One of the coils was broken. When I’ve completely finished it should be whizzo. I’ll be able to start on Walters set then, I’ve got practically all the parts.

Thanks, forgetting the pipe for my pal. Have you been able to send mine for repair yet?

Can you send me a couple of cigarette rolling machines – nothing special it’s just that I want 2. Let’s have them soon please.

Do you remember me telling you about some girl my pal’s wife knew, who wanted to know all about me? I’ve started to write to her. She seems quite a nice kid from her letters & photo. She’s 21, named Gwen, lives at Romford.

The demob news is good 39’s out in June, & they are going to announce the programme up to September before the Easter holidays. I reckon to be out in Oct or November. I hear that the end of the year will see round about 56 group out.

We are getting 4 days off for the Easter break – Friday to Monday.

My next leave should be due in June I think, it’s something to look forward to anyway. I expect I’ll get one more in after that & then it’s the one-way journey home.

Cheerio for now, remember me to Jean. Don

1876276 LAC D.J. Redhead,

Radar Section ‘M’

6021 S.E., 140 Wing (Main)

B.A.F.O., R.A.F.,

C/o B.A.O.R.

23-5-46

Dear Ern,

Thanks for getting the sunglasses & valve bases for me. I will see you about them when I am home next month.

I’ll note what you say if I have to alter them, but I think they should fit because horn rims are pretty well standard in size I think.

The lead solders & marketing sounds quite interesting. Maybe we can do something worthwhile between us.

Have you had any luck with the dagger yet?

If any of the stuff I send is useful to you just take it, & the films may as well be used.

I’m glad to hear you have been able to get the pipe away for repair.

I’ve wound a mains transformer that gives out 6v 12v 18v 24v & 30v so we can fix up some low voltage circuits at home like bells & other odds & ends. I’m also working on some power packs for car radios, winding transformers for them as well.

What do you think of these sterling vouchers they are going to give over here, after 1^st August?

I have completed my 3 years(last Saturday) so I now get a 1/3 rise to 7/9d a day.

They booked too & dated it a day early, from the 17^th instead of the 18^th.

Group 39 are out in June. Roll on November and let me get home.

Well I must push on with the radio Ern, so cheerio & thanks for getting me the things, all the best, Don

1876276 LAC D.J. Redhead,

Radar Section ‘M’

6021 S.E., 140 Wing (Main)

B.A.F.O., R.A.F.,

C/o B.A.O.R.

20-6-46

Dear Ern,

Here is that “gen” I said I’d let you have about compassionate leave. You apply to the nearest Army Welfare Officer, SSAFA (Soldier Sailor Airman’s Families Assn).

A.H.S. or I.S.S. What they mean I don’t know, or a Police Station. Take documentary proof give my number rank name & address & also let me know.

There is something else I would like you to do. They want proper evidence about Defence medal service now, would you get forms DM1 & DM3 from a post office & get them completed by the local authority & let me have them then please.

Did you get the mould & do that first lot of riders o.k.?

We hitch hiked back to camp from Munster this morning as our lorry wasn’t due till about 6pm.

We did the trip in 2 ¾ hours in 3 lifts. We did the last part of the journey in a German Labour Corps lorry (we are forbidden to do this actually) & just onside Gutersloh the driver cut out on to the wrong side of the road round a corner & forced a little staff car up a side street to avoid a smash. This car immediately chased us & as we were doing over the speed limit, we made the driver stop. When the car came up a Wing Commander, a Squadron Leader & a Corporal came out – & the W/C was the Gutersloh district Proctoct Marshal – the big cheese himself. He was in a frightful rage & bound us all rigid, took the drivers name & number (a German driver) & told the Corpl who was with us to see the driver reported to the Gutersloh military Police. He could have charged all of us too, but he was in such a rage with the driver he seemed to overlook that. However as soon as he left all of us except the corporal got out & left. We didn’t want to get involved in any trouble & I expect nothing will come of it.

If they do say anything, we shall all deny we were on the wagon & as they didn’t take our names etc, they have no proof of it.

Well cheerio for now, my regards to Jean, Don

1876276 LAC D.J. Redhead,

Radar Section ‘M’

6021 S.E., 140 Wing

B.A.F.O., R.A.F.,

C/o B.A.O.R.

1-10-46

Dear Ern,

This is to wish you all the best for the 4^th. I’ve fixed up that briefcase & I only hope I get it before I leave here on the 8^th. I may even be able to line up another as well. Still I must see what happens.

I had a fine time at the dance last Saturday in the Sgts mess. The music was wizard & I got gloriously merry on an injudicious mixture of Beer, whisky, cognac, Gin & champagne. I went in the wrong room when I got back to the billet & left my pals talking from 1.15 till 1.45 then couldn’t sleep so read a book & even then despite a terrific hangover I was up for breakfast. Still, I’m glad I don’t make a habit of it – getting merry I mean, not getting up for breakfast.

We have another dance Wednesday but that is a beer only effort so I don’t suppose I shall suffer any ill effects from that.

I have got another radio going & if I get it finished in time I hope to bring it on leave next Tuesday, well cheerio for now, Yours Don

1876276 Cpl D.J. Redhead,

Radar Section ‘M’

6021 S.E., 140 Wing,

B.A.F.O., R.A.F.,

C/o B.A.O.R.

2-1-47

Dear Ern,

I was very pleased to get your letter today. Thanks a lot for going to Jones for me; it was a great pity you were unable to see him, but I have decided to forget all about it until I am home again. I shall decide then whether to go & see him or not.

Thanks a lot also for going to all our trouble with the lighter, but as you say, they are certainly well worth looking after.

I have mentioned in my letters home all about the Xmas festivities & the show. I expect you have seen them. In my letter today I have given the latest demob gen. it is bang-on, 51 out in March. I think I shall be out in the first half of this year. Anyway, you can read the full gen in that letter.

Despite the fact East Ham is much nearer, I don’t suppose you viewed your move with much favour. I don’t think I would have done so if I had been in your position.

I expect mum was rather surprised at winning a prize, let’s hope it’s a foretaste of some worthwhile successes in the family’s dabbling’s in speculation.

I must tell you about our latest clash with the Station Warrant Officer. He came to our show Boxing Day & apparently enjoyed it very much ————— until we got to the two turns where we guyed him. After that he shut up like a clam & lacking the moral courage to express his opinion by walking out, he sat thought he rest of the show in silence. Since then he dropped one or two rather resounding clangers at various times & today when he was witnessing officer at Pay Parade he was in a foul temper.

He started off by inspecting the first batch, he let off a stream of foul language & then it seems he recognised Ray as being “Centurion Swiftus” in our little play “Dear Swiftus” —- the SWO’s name is Swift ——- & took the opportunity to give Reg a read dressing down for no reason whatsoever.

When I went on parade, I don’t know whether or not he recognised me, but he looked me up & down, but was unable to find any fault.

The finale came at teatime when we found that instead of bods piling in for tea at any time after 4, you had to have a chit to get served before 5.

This of course caused terrific queues, so Ted Utley & I barged in to see the Catering Officer whom I know quite well. We were told that he went on leave yesterday & it seems that this order has originated from Discip, i.e. W.O. Swift. So we came to the conclusion that Swift has stuck his neck out & needs fixing. We then heard that two corporals have sent in statements that a Senior NCO (Swift) swore at them on pay parade in the presence of airmen, which is a very serious offence. This gave Reg (who is also a Cpl) the idea of putting in a statement that he was told off by a S.N.C.O. in the presence of airmen, which is another very serious offence.

Ted & I have decided as our contribution, to see the Padre (whom we are on very good terms with) & ask him to see the Group Captain about Swifts swearing in front of boys of 18 who have only just joined.

If he can get out of that little mess we have cooked up for him I shall be surprised. It’s marvellous the things you can do when you have a pair of tapes on your arm. The G.C. already hates Swifts guts because he is strictly anti-frat & Swift & another W.O make a practice of going off for dirty weekends.

I think the least he will get is a posting & if we have any luck at all he will lose his rank.

I’m looking forward to my next leave to get things straightened out at the office, besides which I feel at the moment that I could do with a nice long rest after the hectic holiday we have had.

I guess I’ll pack in here & climb into the pit. Give my regards to Jean & best wishes to you both,

Don.
24/06/2021
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