Sunday, 7th January 1945

My Dear Mother & Father,

For a change I have something exceedingly interesting to write to you about this week.  Last Tuesday Jim & I saw our first "talkie" in over 4½ years!  It was entitled, "Life Begins for Andy Hardy", and starred Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland & Lewis Stone.  As a picture it was quite average - but as a sensation for us hermits it was simply stupendous.  It was shown in the camp theatre on a projector presented to us from, I believe, the YMCA.  We hope to see 2 new pictures per month.

Your letter dated 29th Oct I received yesterday.  I am very pleased to hear all is well at home. Both Reg Tomkins and Arthur Clough are both regular writers, they both appear to be quite content with life - I am sorry to hear that Arthur has lost a brother.

You won't realise how keen I am about becoming a shopkeeper - I hope, that after you have got over the first shock you will both be just as keen as I am.  On hearing of this Jim's only criticism was, "It isn't a job for a single man"; I told him that would soon me remedied.  At the moment I am discussing Building Societies with a solicitor. 

All my love to you both & Dorothy.

Your loving son,

Arthur

On this day:

In Italy... There are some limited operations by British 8th Army to complete the Allied hold on the south bank of the Senio River. San Alberto is captured by British and Canadian troops. The wet weather and a lack of reinforcements and extra supplies prevents the Allied armies from launching any large scale offensives at this time.

On the Western Front... The attacks of the US 8th Corps of US 1st Army, along the line of the Ourthe west of Houffalize, record progress around Laroche. German attacks in Alsace also continue with some success south of Strasbourg in the area around Erstein.

On the Eastern Front... In Hungary, German forces capture Esztergom, some 25 miles northwest of Budapest in their attempt to relieve the German led garrison in the capital.

In London... Stalin, in response to Churchill, indicates that the Soviet timetable for a new offensive will be no later than the second half of January.

http://www.onwar.com/chrono

 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0033832/

Friday, 5th January 1945

My dear Mother & Father,

The above date tells you that we are well advanced into the new year.  I didn't expect to see this year in these circumstances, however it can't be helped, we must just make the best of it.  During the past few days I have received the following letters: Dorothy of 22nd Oct, Dad's of 14th, and yours of 15th Aug + 1st Oct. 

In your Oct letter you mention of meeting chaps repatriated from here who seem to know everybody but me.  Well that is quite likely for I do not go around much here and I spend nearly all my day at school; although I have lots of friends they are mainly Londoners or Colonials.  I think the reason that so many know Jim is because there are such a lot from his unit here (there are 4 from mine) who live in the district. But there is one chap who you should have seen last September by name of Anderson, a CSM in Jim's unit, to whom I was speaking before he left here.  He promised to visit you and Mrs Duffy.

Some more are expecting to leave here this month, and there is one chap who has promised to visit you by name of Bentley, from Port Sunlight.  I realise how much it must cheer you up to hear from somebody who knew me here.  

We hear you had a very cold Christmas and that the Mersey Ferry was stranded on a sandbank.  It is also cold here, but not nearly as cold as it could be.  I have received no parcels since July last year, but we know that at one period your were not allowed to send them.  

Both Jim & I are in the best of health & spirits, I hope you are all well.

Your loving son,

Arthur

On this day:

In the Bonin Islands... Admiral Smith leads a force of cruisers and destroyers to shell Iwo Jima, Haha Jima and Chichi Jima. There is a simultaneous attack by USAAF B-29 Superfortress bombers.

In Burma... Shwebo is taken by the British 2nd Division of British 33rd Corps (Stopford) as the advance to the Irrawaddy River continues.

In the Kurile Islands... Admiral McCrea leads three cruisers and nine destroyers to bombard Suribachi Wan.

In Moscow... The Soviet government gives formal recognition to the Polish Lublin Committee as the Provisional Government of Poland. The USA and Britain declare their continued recognition of the Polish government in exile, based in London.

In Liberated Greece... The fighting between the British and the Greek Communist forces comes to an end in the Athens area. Field Marshal Alexander and British political representatives arrive in Athens for talks with the Communist leaders and the Greek government.

On the Western Front... In the Ardennes, the US 3rd Army reports reduced activity on its line while US 1st Army continues its attacks. There are German attacks just north of Strasbourg. Eisenhower's decision to divide command responsibility for the Allied defenses around the bulge between Montgomery in the north and Bradley in the south is made public.

http://www.onwar.com/chrono/

Sunday, 17th October 1943

My Dear Dorothy,

This morning I received your wedding-photographs.  You all look splendid.  But you especially, take the praise, you look truly wonderful.  How I wish I could have been there.  You look really charming.  Ken certainly knows how to "pick 'em"!  Both Ken and his people look very pleasant & homely.  Is that his little sister in front?  She is very pretty.  What pleases me most of all is how well & happy Mum & Dad look, although I know that practically all the time they were thinking of me, despite that however, they look really well & very happy.  Bill & Anne too look quite pleased & well settled down to matrimony. 

And now please settle and argument between Jim & I.  Who is the girl between Mum & Ann.  At first I was hopelessly puzzled, but after a long scrutiny it suddenly flashed through my mind that it may be Betty Evans.  I am right?  If so, she has changed considerably.

Well, I am very proud to have such a charming sister, and such happy and very healthy looking parents, long may they remain so.  Thanks for your letter of 3rd July.  And now goodbye for the present.

Love to you, Mum & Dad, your loving brother.

Arthur

My Dear Mother & Father,

Two letters to acknowledge from you this week namely  9th July &15th August.  I also received a letter from Dot which I have acknowledged by the same post as this.  

However, I must repeat myself and say how well & happy you both look, that means a lot to me.  I am pleased to hear my photograph has arrived, and readily forgive the "insult" about the shadow on the lower part of my face; actually it is rather a good one, as far as moustaches go, but whether I leave it on for the great union remains to be seen!  Your remark re me getting thinner caused loud protests from Jim, he reckons that at the moment I would top the scales at 14 stone!!  What do you think of that?  

It gave Jim a great deal of amusement to hear about he & his wife my try for a daughter when he comes home.  Anyhow, he's told me to tell you it won't be his fault.  He said, "it just shows how they talk about us", meaning he & I.

The January parcel containing the hold-all & slippers has not yet arrived.

All my love,

Arthur.

On this day:

On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces breakthrough the German defenses around Kremenchug. Other Soviet forces cross the Dniepr south of Gomel and capture Loyev.

In New Guinea... The Japanese mount another air attack on Allied positions in Oro Bay and sustain heavy losses in aircraft and crew. The Japanese counteroffensive around Finschafen continues to be held by Australian forces.

In the Pacific... The last operational German auxiliary cruiser,Michel, is sunk by the American submarine Tarpon off the Japanese coast. The German raider has sunk 17 ships during its cruise.

In Italy... The advancing US 5th Army takes Liberi and Alvignano.

Tuesday, 14th September 1943

My Dear Mother & Father,

I am very sorry to hear of Uncle Benni's business being taken (censor's date stamp obscures 3 small words)....suggest competition; still we did say his bark was much worse than his bite. I expect Uncle Jerry will be forced to hand over his soon - that's the worst of this chain-store affair. *

Yesterday was Burt's birthday and we celebrated to the best of our ability; it really is surprising what a good quality cake one can make from ground-up biscuits, raisins and a little margarine, and what a difference molten chocolate when spread as icing over the top!  The appropriate refreshment was however conspicuous by it's absence.  As Jim says, we will celebrate his next birthday altogether in the good old fashioned way.

I have had no letters from you for about 3 weeks but I am fully convinced that everything is OK. Betty Evans dropped me a line which I am answering today.  Jim and I are in excellent health and spirits and hope to be with you in time for your (mum) next birthday.  Hoping that both you and Dorothy are in the best of health.

Arthur

* Benni, is a referral to Benito Mussolini and possibly to this from Wikipedia

On 24 July 1943, soon after the start of the Allied Invasion of Italy, through the Ordine de giorno Grandi Mussolini was defeated in the vote of the Grand Council of Fascism, and the day after the King had him arrested.  On 12 September 1943, Mussolini was rescued from prison in the daring Gran Sasso raid by German special forces.

Jerry refers to the Germans and one assumes that Arthur is hoping for the same outcome.

On this day:

On the Eastern Front... The Germans announce the evacuation of Bryansk although fighting there continues. In the Caucasus, there is heavy fighting over the town of Novorossiysk in the Kuban Peninsula. In Italy... On the Salerno beachhead fighting continues. Allied air and naval support contribute to preventing a German breakthrough. To the south, the British 8th Army reaches Bari in the east and beyond Belvedere in the west. In the Mediterranean... Free French contingents land on the island of Corsica, harassing the German garrison that is evacuating. In the Solomon Islands... On Vella Lavella, American and New Zealand forces are advancing. Reinforcements are sent to the US battalion on Sagekarasa because of Japanese attacks. In Occupied Greece... At Cephalonia, the Italian "Acqui" Division continues to resist German forces. http://www.onwar.com/chrono

Sunday, 7th February 1943

My Dear Mother & Father,

3 letters and one parcel to acknowledge and thank you for this week, I also received 200 cigs from Mrs. Simmonds.  The letters are yours of 27 Dec and one from Bill of 17 Nov.  A very successful post-bag.

Thank you very much for the parcel; needless to say I have a mouthful of chocolate now, beside the 3lb you put in, the Red Cross added a 1/2lb slab, maybe the packer knows me?  Are parcels are still being sent to us?  The route was interrupted in November I was wondering if it was open again.  Will you include short and pants in the next one and if possible a little more soap?  Although I know the soap must be difficult to get or you would have put more in the October parcel. Razor blades too are very scarce.  

Please write to RHQ and ask them for a cap badge and two regimental shoulder tabs (not I.G. but 'Irish Guards' written in full).  One of our chaps received these the other day.  As for everything else, I have quite sufficient.  

You will be very pleased to know that Burt & I are once again re-united. He is i/c this working party and I am 2nd i/c and interpreter, we are living very well.  We were talking about Dot last Friday (29th).  How old is she now 20 or 21? 

I am glad to hear you had a good Xmas and that Bill turned up.  Let us hope that the only absentee will be present next Xmas.  We are very happy here now.  Keep on digging it's almost in sight.  

Burt and I now wish you a continuation of good health to both you and Dot, I will write to Bill next week. 

Your loving son,

Arthur

On this day;

n the Solomon Islands... On Guadalcanal the US 161st Regiment continues a cautious advance. The Japanese proceed with their evacuation.

On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces capture Azov at the mouth of the Don River. In the Ukraine they capture Kramatorsk, south of Slavyansk.

Sunday, 6th September 1942

My Dear Dorothy,

Four letters to acknowledge and than you for this week, also the first record parcel and a book.  The dates of the letters were; from Bill 20/7 (please write and thank him, I have no spare letter cards at the moment), from Dad 2/8, from you 3/8 and from Mother 6/8, a very nice post bag don't you think?

The four gramophone records are "red hot" - 1. Reginald Foort playing a medley of "Smile Tunes", 2.Hutch (Hatch) playing and singing, "You're in my arms" and "That lovely weekend", 3. Two numbers, "Green Eyes" and "Bamborita" (?) and last but by no means least Tommy Dorsey and his band playing, "Do I worry?" and "I guess I'll have to dream the rest"; needless to say these last two tunes are now being whistled and sung all over the camp.

The book was called, "The Spirit of London" and contains 150 full page photographs of London scenes, of course the Guards appear four times.  These photos have revived many memories.

I hope Dad has now forgotten his stomach troubles, thank goodness mine has gone! I am glad Mother received my little present and that she is pleased with it, I wish I could do more.

Burt sends his very best regards and couples his thanks with mine for the cigarette parcels you are sending.

I am very well, we are having glorious weather.

Love to Mum & Dad,

Arthur.

On this day;

On the Eastern Front... Elements of German Army Group A capture Novorossiysk. In North Africa... The fighting around Alam Halfa ends. The Germans have fought their way back to their original positions. German intelligence reports that the British 8th Army is scheduled to receive large reinforcements and supplies. Rommel begins to prepare an elaborate labrinyth of boob traps and minefields as well as barbed wire defenses.

Sunday, 17th May; Monday, 25th May; Sunday 31st May, 1942.

3 postcards.

Dear Dot,

A few lines thanking you and mum for your letters of 13th and 5th April respectively.  I have just answered 2 letters from Bill & Anne, they do seem to have enjoyed themselves.  Is the wedding group photo on the way? Burt is also waiting to see it.  Tell mother another pullover and pyjamas will be very acceptable. 

I am very well, love to Mum & Dad & you.

Arthur.

My dear Mother & Father,

I have received no letters from you this week, so am saving my letter card until next week, hence this week the postcard.  Today is Whit Monday, and tomorrow I commence my third year as a POW.  

The sun is now really beginning to shine; of course my thoughts this week have been at Thurstaston. 

 My health couldn't be better, love to you both, Dot and Mr & Mrs Evans.

Arthur.

Thurstaston

My dear Mother & Father,

Another few lines hoping they find you, as they leave me, in the very best of health.  I received no letters from you this week so will save my letter until next week.  We are now receiving mail from England dated 10th May so I am expecting quite a few from you next week.

Enjoying very hot weather.

Love to Dot and yourselves.

Arthur.

During May 1942

On the Eastern Front... Marshal Timoshenko's offensive is halted east of Kharkov by forces of the

German 1st Panzer and 17th Armies (Group Kleist).

In Germany... The battle cruiser Prinz Eugen arrives at Kiel.

In Burma... The Chinese 6th Army in retreat is pursued by the Japanese across the Salween towards for Kengtung.

In the Occupied Soviet Union... Before Moscow, the Germans launch a major anti-partisan offensive, Operation Hanover, to clear the Bryansk-Vyazma railway. For six days, 45,000 German and allied troops search for an estimated 20,000 partisans. Many partisans and civilians are captured and killed.

In India... General Stilwell arrives in Delhi after a 140 mile retreat through the Burma jungle. In a press interview he is quoted say: "I claim we got a hell of a beating. We got run out of Burma and it is as humiliating as hell. I think we ought to find out what caused it, go back and re-take it."

In the United States... When the Royal Canadian Air Force's 115th Fighter Squadron lands at Alaska's Annette Island, a US Customs officer refuses to let the pilots out of their planes until they pay duty on their arms and equipment. It takes a message from Secretary of State Cordell Hull granting the Canadians Distinguished Foreign Visitor status to end this idiocy.

In North Africa... The embattled British 150th Brigade is overrun by forces of the Afrika Korps in the course of the battle over the following day. This victory opens the Axis supply lines.

From the United States... In an attempt to reinforce the Pacific Fleet, battleships Colorado andMaryland sail from San Francisco.

http://www.onwar.com/chrono