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Showing posts with label POW. Show all posts
Showing posts with label POW. Show all posts
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.
Sunday, 19th September 1943
My Dear Mother & Father,
Received your very welcome letter of 5th Aug the other day. Fancy the doctor rescuing Uncle Benni almost from death's door - I think it is only a temporary recovery though, he will never be able to shake off that illness now. Glad to hear good news of Uncle Joe - he must be a great worry to his competition, especially at a time like this.
Please thank Auntie Emily for her kindness in knitting the socks. I have received no July letters from you yet, therefore when you talk about Bill convalescing, I am in the dark. Re the photo, I am afraid I must disappoint Mrs Simcox. The chap sitting in front of Jim is named Weight and the one in front of me Walker. Therefore I don't think it can be her son. We might have some more taken shortly.
We held a "Grand Variety Concert" last night, the whole show lasted 2¾ hours, and of course Sunday is a day of sport. Two football matches were played during the day - England v Scotland and England v Dominions. England won both matches, both were very exciting.
I am in the very best of health and spirits. Regards from Jim. Love to you all.
Arthur
On this day:
Over the Gilbert Islands... American land-based Liberator bombers attack the island of Tarawa.
On the Eastern Front... Northeast of Smolensk, Soviet forces capture Yartsevo and Dukovschina.
In Italy... A British 8th Army unit (5th Division) takes Auletta.
In Occupied Greece... At Cephalonia, the Italian "Acqui" Division resists German forces seeking to disarm it.
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, 27th September 1942
My Dear Mother & Father,
Received yours of 16th August and am very pleased to hear you are all well and enjoying lovely weather. We too are still enjoying lovely weather but, of course, much cooler than it used to be; the nights are now drawing in, darkness falls at 8.00pm.
The parcel sent in May arrived today- Burt drew it and signed for it whilst I was having a bath, so don't be surprised when you see his name on the receipt card! The boots are just perfect for a continental winter - but what a weight - do you know there are 157 studs in each boot? I'll come home in them! You refer to the January parcel in the above letter - in case my acknowledgement of it has gone astray, I received it last June.
I have just spent an enjoyable two hours listening to a very interesting lecture entitled, "A New Yorker in New York" given by an American POW. Another of our pastimes is the theatre and I enclose a photograph of a scene in a recent production.
Once again I close with regards from Burt - we are both very well and hope to be with you about this time next year.
Love,
Arthur
On this day;
In New Guinea... The Australian offensives forces the withdrawal of Japanese troops back down the Kokado Trail.
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. |
2 postcards, Sunday, 26th July 1942 and Sunday, 23rd August 1942
26th July 1942
Dear Mum & Dad,
A letter from you both this week dated 14 June and 7 July resp. On Friday I received my February parcel all present and correct, also a games parcel from the Mayor of Birkenhead, and tomorrow (Monday) I collect a cigarette parcel, I do not yet know who sent it. As you see I can't grumble.
I am very well and hope these few lines find you and Dot the same.
Love,
Arthur
On this day,
|
| In the Pacific... About 400 miles southeast of Fiji, the American aircraft carriers Wasp,Enterprise and Saratoga rendezvous with the invasion force for Guadalcanal. It is the most powerful force the US Navy has yet assembled in the Pacific. In Berlin... In discussing oil exploration and resources, Hitler notes about the Soviets that "there is a lot we can learn from them." |
23rd August 1942
Dear Dorothy,
First of all apologies for this scribble, but whilst playing a game yesterday I hurt my ankle and consequently I must rest in bed. I have received your letter of 9th July, and mothers of 9 + 13 July. Next week I will write a letter although I have not a great deal to say. We are enjoying glorious weather. Have I got the address right this week?
Love to all,
Arthur.
On this day,
On the Eastern Front... German Army Group B reaches the Volga controlling a five mile front between Rynak and Erzovka. Soviet resistance is heavy. Meanwhile in the Caucasus, German mountain troops reach the summit of Mount Elbus, but do not control the area. The mountain valleys and passes are heavily defended by locals reinforced by units of the Red Army.
In the Solomon Islands... . In an attempt to cover the ferrying of supplies to their forces at Guadalcanal, both the Japanese and the American send major warships.
http://www.onwar.com/chrono/
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.
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 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.
Undated, April 1942 (2nd undated letter)
My Dear Dorothy,
Five letters this week, after a long pause, 2 from Mum of 8 + 22 March, 1 from Dad of 7th March and 2 from you of 8 +29th March; also the 2 photos arrived okay. Now you should know whom I mean by "my girl".
I am very pleased to hear Bill arrived home none the worse in health and that the marriage took place without a hitch. He certainly wasted no time, well I don't blame him a bit, anyhow it's all over now and he is once again away from home, I thought he would have got more than 6 weeks leave. Has he gone back to the same place? I let Burt read your letter of 29/3 discussing the wedding, when I told him who Ken was he couldn't get over it, he still thinks you a schoolgirl, of course I told him you were the boss now at 554.
So you have a new job? I'm glad you like it. You have all jumped to the conclusion that I will be married as soon as I get home, this is not so. We have never spoken about that, anyhow she is still too young, only 12 months older than you. Although her letters are frequent and very affectionate it can be a case of absence makes the heart grow fonder; she is very beautiful.
"Grapes of Wrath" arrived the other day, many thanks. I smoke a little so any cigarettes you care to send will be very welcome. The weather is very changeable these days, cold intervals, wet and sunny intervals, we are all looking forward to sunny days now, continental winters are terrible.
I am in the very best of health and wish you, Mum and Dad the same.
Arthur.
During April 1942
During April 1942
In Burma... Mandalay is bombed heavily. The British continue to withdraw up the Irrawaddy Valley.
In the Philippines... After a short lull, the Japanese renew their attacks on the Bataan Peninsula, where an under equipped American and Philippino force has retreated to their final defensive positions. The attack begins with a lengthy bombardment of allies positions and they are forced to retreat again.
In Germany... The RAF drops the first two ton bombs on the city of Essen.
In the Indian Ocean... The British Far East Fleet withdraws to the Persian Gulf from bases in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) in response to the superior Japanese forces operating in the area. Most of the Japanese forces are returning to the Pacific.
In the Philippines... About 12,000 Japanese land on Cebu. The small number of American defenders retreat inland.
In the Mediterranean... Malta's precarious position continues. German and Italian bombing continue. When the USS Waspaccompanied by HMS Renown, two cruisers and six destroyers attempt to deliver 47 desperately needed Spitfires to the island, thirty per cent of them are destroyed immediately after landing.
In the Southwest Pacific... Japanese carriers,Shokaku, Zuikaku and Shoho leave Truk for the Coral Sea to take part in Operation Mo, the invasion of Port Moresby.
In Burma... British forces destroy the bridge at Ava after retreating north of the Irrawaddy Valley.
Sunday, 8th March 1942 (postcard)
My Dear Mother & Father,
I have received 21 letters this week. What do you think of that? All dated Jan except one from Dorothy dated 8th Feb which arrived 2nd March. 2 Dec letters from Bill. The November parcel has not yet arrived. I will get a letter next week and answer in detail then.
I am very well and hope you all are the same.
Yours loving son,
Arthur
On this day;
| In New Guinea... Japanese invasion forces land at Lae and Salamaua. http://www.onwar.com/chrono |
3 Postcards from Kriegsgefangenlager (POW Camp)
Monday, 3rd November 1941
My Dear Mother + Father,
I must acknowledge receipt of 2 letters dated 8 + 30 Sept, books, "Man of Property" + "Cruises and Cargos", also your July parcel, which arrived all correct. The vests make a great difference, snow is everywhere. What can you buy Bill+Ann for me, upto 2 guineas? Hoping you are like me "in the pink".
Arthur.
Sunday, 7th December 1941
My Dear Mother +Father,
Your letters of 13th + 6th Oct and Dorothy's of 13th arrived the other day, so pleased to hear you are all in good health, I couldn't be better. Thanks for the POW news you heard at the entertainment, also about the Irish Guard band (ah memories!).
Your Xmas cards are here.
Your loving son,
Arthur
Monday, 12th January 1942
Dear Dorothy,
Thanks so much for your letter of 2nd Nov. Now when am I going to receive some more snaps, especially of you and Ken together- the eldest brother definitely has a right to demand information, so little sister confide in your big brother.
Remember me to all in (????). All my love,
Arthur
Saturday, 30th August 1941
My Dear Mother & Father,
My "fan mail" amounted to 9 letters this last week. 2 from you 16+30 June, 3 from Dot 1 + 31st May and 15 June. 1 from Aunt Em. 1 from my pal in my Bn and 2 from lady friends, it's fine to be receiving letters like this.
We received 600 parcels yesterday so we are alright now until beginning November, I am having plums, damsons and custard for tea tonight.
Thank you very much for the snap of you and Dad, I will write to Dorothy Mary next week and thank her for the photograph, she is very pretty. Could you send me a couple of Bill, I hope you and Dot send some more of yourselves. I wish it were possible to send one of myself. You could then see for yourselves how well I am keeping. Whose is the tie Dad is wearing, I somehow recognise it?
Please send me two more towels when you can and a pair of gym shoes size 91/2, I am glad you are sending plenty of woollen stuff, I will need all of it.
I hope you are enjoying yourselves, it is marvellous weather here.
All my love,
Arthur
On this day,
On the Eastern Front... Near the Leningrad, the German forces capture Mga, securing the last railroad link between Leningrad and the rest of the USSR.
Monday, 6th January 1941
My dear Mother & Father,
Once again I am sending you a few lines to let you know that I am in the best of health. We are now in the midst of winter here, and in comparison if it differs a great deal from an English winter. There is much more snow, so much more that it is a common sight to see people going to work on skis or snowshoes, and you do not have that damp clammy weather with fog. More times than not it is sunshining and snowing simultaneously.
Christmas and New Year have now come and gone, there are fifty of us here and we had quite an enjoyable time, of course we had to make our own amusement but what helped a great deal was a Red Cross parcel which we each received from England. I can assure you that my Cadbury's chocolate did not last long.
And now I must draw to a close, I hope you are both well, also Dorothy and Bill. I am still anxiously awaiting to receive a letter from you, but I am expecting one any day now. Now don't forget no worrying, have courage.
All my love,
Arthur.
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