Letters from Stalag VIIIB

eBook promotion

noreply@blogger.com (POW16783) — Sun, 09 Mar 2014 22:56:00 +0000

Letters from Stalag VIIIb eBook is being featured on Tuesday March 11th 2014 at eBookSoda, a new readers' site where they'll send you ebook recommendations tailored to your taste. www.ebooksoda.com.

2 more places to purchase the paperback.

noreply@blogger.com (POW16783) — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 06:36:00 +0000

The paperback book, Letters from Stalag VIIIb, is now available here and from through the Lamsdorf Remembered website here. P&P is included in the price on our website.

Thank you for your interest.

The paperback is ready!

noreply@blogger.com (POW16783) — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 14:24:00 +0000

The paperback version of Letters from StalagVIIIb is ready to purchase.

Please be kind enough to leave a review if you read it.

Thank you.

Blog is now an eBook.

noreply@blogger.com (POW16783) — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 10:08:00 +0000

Great news, we've now published the blog as an eBook and in the New Year will be publishing the paperback.

Letters from StalagVIIIB

I hope Arthur would be pleased with what I've done, and am very happy that his letters will never be lost and his history will carry on.

If you do decide to buy and read the blog, please leave a review on Amazon so that others will have an idea about the book.

Thanks,

Kathy, Arthur's daughter.

Book of blog published tomorrow.

noreply@blogger.com (POW16783) — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 17:02:00 +0000

The book of this blog will be available on Amazon tomorrow we hope. Here is a preview of the cover meanwhile.

Thank you Ryan of Love Your Covers for the brilliant design based on a Red Cross Parcel.

Thursday, 26th April 1945 (Stalag 383, Bavaria)

noreply@blogger.com (POW16783) — Sat, 27 Jul 2013 17:51:00 +0000

My Dear Mother & Father,

Here is the letter, for which you have waited so patiently, for five long years. At 3.30pm last Sunday afternoon one of General Patton's flying columns overran the camp and released us. Once again I am a free man!

According to latest information, we will be transported from here by lorry or bus within six days to an airfield, and then flown back to rest camp in England. There we will be cleansed, medically examined, re-clothed and, possibly within 48 hours, sent home on six weeks leave. I hope this reaches you in sufficient time to give you fair warning. Do your best to lay in a good supply of fresh fruit & vegetables, also some fish; I am absolutely fed-up with tinned stuff. I should be with you about May 4th.

The last time I heard from you was last December when I received a letter dated first week in November, therefore I do not know how you are at home. I do hope you are all well, for we have some wonderful months ahead of us. I shall soon be making acquaintance with Dorothy's husband, and my nephew, and re-newing it with Anne. Tell the relations I shall visit them all, I hope they are all well. Dorothy had better visit the hairdresser and lay in some summer frocks, I shall be taking her around a lot - until I find somebody else, that's going to be a most difficult piece of work. I would like Dad to try and get his holidays during May, we can all go away somewhere.

I am afraid I have no news of Jim, we were seperated last January (23rd) when the Germans forced the main camp onto the march, I was excused because, at that time, I was employed in the camp hospital. We were evacuated by train 3rd March, after living for 6 weeks 10 miles from the Russian front-line!

And now, dear parents, cheerio until you receive the telegram announcing my arrival in England.

Love,

Arthur

On this day:

On the Western Front... The British 2nd Army completes the capture of Bremen. US 3rd Army units take Regensburg while other elements enter Austria. In the south, the French 1st Army reaches Lake Constance.

On the Eastern Front... In the continuing Soviet advances in the fighting in Berlin, the Dahlem and Seimensstadt districts are captured. Other Soviet units take the port of Stettin on the Baltic coast and Brno in Czechoslovakia.

In Italy... US 5th Army units head north from Verona toward the Brenner Pass and west toward Milan. The British 8th Army has crossed the Adige River and moves northeast toward Venice and Trieste.

In Liberated France... Marshal Petain is arrested when he crosses into France from Switzerland.

In the Philippines... There is a further American landing on Negros, this time by units of the Americal Division in the southwest of the island. The troops advance well inland before encountering Japanese resistance.

In Burma... Armor of the British 14th Army capture Toungoo in the drive south from Meiktila to Rangoon

In the Ryukyu Islands... On Okinawa, the US 24th Corps attacks the along the Japanese held Maeda Escarpment (Shuri Line). American armor reaches the reverse slope.

http://www.onwar.com/chrono

Sunday, 7th January 1945

noreply@blogger.com (POW16783) — Sat, 27 Jul 2013 15:50:00 +0000

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

Friday, 5th January 1945

noreply@blogger.com (POW16783) — Thu, 04 Jul 2013 13:14:00 +0000

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/

Thursday, 28th December 1944

noreply@blogger.com (POW16783) — Mon, 13 May 2013 09:45:00 +0000

Dear Dorothy,

Another Christmas has past and gone for me without the charming accompaniment of wine, women and song. What a lot I have to make up for! Our Xmas [holiday/meal?] was quiet for us this year, maybe because we had to to tighten our belts for some weeks before, but luckily parcels did arrive on the 20th and we all received half a parcel. Usually we commence putting little things to oneside some weeks before, but this year we couldn't do that. On the other hand, I think all of us expected to be with you again, but of course news was just the reverse.

School is taking up a lot of my time these days. In two weeks time I sit for a preliminary examination in advanced German, and in four weeks time I am to take the Royal Society of Arts exam in advanced German. IN February, I am going to start doing a little less German but more French with the addition of Bookkeeping. The latter, of course, is in connection with my proposed future occupation mentioned in my letter of 10th inst. I am very keen about this venture indeed, and do hope I can find an openiing somehwre. I am not labouring under the illusion that it is an easy life and that one just has to stand behnd the counter and watch the money roll in! On the contrary, I am prepared to work hard & long. I am also aware that there are plenty of pitfalls for the beginner, but I am being put wise to a lot of things now. I would like you to write to me as much as you can with ref. to the above.

Love to Mother & Dad & you,

Your loving brother,

Arthur.

On this day:

In Italy... The US 5th Army, fighting in the Serchio valley, has pulled back from the town of Barga in response to German counterattacks.

On the Western Front... AEF Commander in Chief General Eisenhower meets with British 21st Army Group command Field Marshal Montgomery to coordinate the counteroffensive in the Ardennes.

Over Germany... About 1200 B-17 Flying Fortress bombers, escorted by 700 fighters, attacked Coblenz and other targets. Late in the day, Bomber Command bombs Cologne.

On the Eastern Front... In Hungary, Soviet forces report the capture of additional outlying areas near Budapest.

In Athens... British Prime Minister Churchill agrees to recommend the establishment of a regency to the King of Greece.

In the Philippines... Mindoro airfield becomes fully operational.

www.onwar.com/chrono/

Sunday, 10th December 1944

noreply@blogger.com (POW16783) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:46:00 +0000

My Dear Mother & Father,

After 4½ years of thinking and worrying about a future occupation for myself, I think I have at last hit upon an idea, which I will be in a financial position to carry through and to which, I am sure, I can reckon with your support. My original idea of becoming a policeman I gave up quite a long time ago, chiefly owing to my age: 26 is the age limit for the force. Fortunately, in this place one meets chaps from all walks and classes of life: from bank managers to safe breakers; from goldminers to ranch owners. But I do not intend to become any of these!

During the past few weeks I have made the acquaintance of a chap, who at 30 years of age, owns three shops and a motor transport business in Charlton (London). He tells me that for £150 to £180 I could purchase the “goodwill” of a sweets.tobacco.newsagent business, including perhaps a further £30 for interior fittings and existing stock; in all a layout of £200. This would be a one- window, high street shop, with two or three living rooms; the rent should be about 35/- weekly, according to the site. My idea is not to buy a new concern in some new housing-estate, that would be too risky for a beginner, but an old established business that has been in the same hands for a number of years, this alone is proof that it is a paying concern.

[I will continue this on another letter- I hope Mr Censor keeps them together!]

[This is a continuation of another letter-I hope you get them both together, otherwise you won’t know what I am talking about].

In view of the fact that Dorothy (from whom I expect much help) is already in trade, I wonder if she would check up the facts I have given with her employers, and write and tell me what class of a business I can expect?

Of course my figures are 1939 peacetime. Naturally, I am fully aware that in order to make a success of this it calls for long hours and hard work on my part, but the fact that I would be doing it for myself is a great consolation. My savings at the end of this year (1944) I estimate at £400. Please let me know, when you answer this letter, once again how much money you have banked for me. I shall be receiving a statement of my army account from my paymaster shortly, so I shall be able to calculate an accurate account. Well, so much for that!

I received an old August letter from you during the week- the mail service is bad, but we have been informed that our mail will now be sent from England to Switzerland via France, perhaps that will bring an improvement.

Both Jim & I are in excellent health & spirits, and I hope the same is the case at home. Many happy returns to Dad & Dorothy, all my love to you, your loving son.

Arthur

On this day:

In the Philippines... On Leyte, the US 77th Division captures Ormoc, the main Japanese base on the island. Japanese forces are now mostly concentrated around Palompon.

On the Western Front... The US 7th Corps (part of US 1st Army) launches an attack west of Aachen directed at Duren. To the south, US 3rd Army continues to defend its bridgeheads on the Saar River.

In Moscow... Following a recent visit by the leadership of the French Provisional Government (including de Gaulle, Bidault and Juin), representatives of the French and Soviet government sign a treaty of alliance.

www.onwar.com/chrono

Sunday, 5th November 1944

noreply@blogger.com (POW16783) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 14:21:00 +0000

My Dear Dorothy,

I am in luck this week, having received 4 letters: 2 from you 6/8 & 24/9; 1 from Mum 6/9 and 1 from Bill 25/8. After receiving yours of 24th Sept, I reckon I must be about up to date with mail, although I do believe there is mail up to 15th Oct in the camp. It has to be hoped that you are receiving my mail just as well; I write very regularly, as I know you at home do.

Well we are all settling down to spend yet another German winter-and are they cold. We have had plenty of rain lately and cold winds, but yesterday and today we had glorious sunshine. Naturally we are all disappointed and a little glum after such an excellent summer, but after enduring four and a half years imprisonment I am sure that the next six or eight months will not be difficult for us. I am afraid I do not know the Edwards you mentioned, who had been repatriated, but a C.S.M from Jim's regiment went home in September who knows me. Be he left he very kindly promised either to call on you or to write to you, maybe by now you have met him or at least heard from him.

Well, we have just been discussing you all for the past hour - Stan Davies from Magazine Road just dropped in, he has gone now and sends his best regards to you all. I showed him your wedding group and he said how well Mum & Dad looked and how pretty you were.

All my love to you, and Mum & Dad, regards to Ken.

Wishing you a Merry Xmas and a Very Happy New Year.

Arthur.

On this day:

In the Philippines... Three groups of US Task Force 38 (Admiral McCain) strike Japanese targets on Luzon and in the nearby waters. American losses are listed as 25 planes and the aircraft carrier USS Lexington is badly damaged by Kamikaze attacks. The Japanese losses are estimated at about 400 planes, 1 cruiser sunk (by an American submarine) and another cruiser badly damaged and beached.

In Greece... British forces land at Salonika.

www.onwar.com

Sunday, 29th October 1944 (Postcard)

noreply@blogger.com (POW16783) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 20:44:00 +0000

My Dear Mother & Father,

A few lines in reply to Dad's letter of 10th Sept which I received yesterday. Very pleased to know all is well at home. Jim & I are in excellent health and good spirits. Today is a very wet, cold Sunday, but we manage to keep warm.

Les Knowles made two or three night visits last week, but was very quiet about it. Rugby & Football is in full swing at the moment, but will soon be stopped by the snow.

Best love to you both & Dot.

Arthur

On this day:

On the Western Front... On Beveland, the Canadian 2nd Division reaches Goes in the ongoing battle for the Scheldt by Canadian 1st Army. Inland, Breda falls to the Polish 1st Armored Division.

In the Philippines... On Leyte, elements of US 24th Corps capture Abuyag, south of Dulag, while Catmon Hill is cleared and the advance to Dagami continues. At sea, carrier groups under the command of Admiral Davison and Admiral Bogan conduct air strikes. In two days, they destroy almost 100 Japanese planes for a loss of 15 American aircraft. The carrier USS Intrepid is damaged by a Kamikaze attack.

www.onwar.com/chrono

Sunday, 22nd October 1944

noreply@blogger.com (POW16783) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:28:00 +0000

My Dear Mother & Father,

It is two or three weeks since I last wrote. I have been putting it off hoping to receive a letter from you, but so far none have arrived now for about five weeks.

The weather is wet & cold and it is dark at 4pm. We are all preparing to spend yet another continental winter in this camp, it will be my 5th Christmas here. Still, it was a glorious summer in every respect, it definitely decided the ultimate result. Providing food parcels continue to arrive, as they have done up to now, we need have no worries over the approaching winter, I have sufficient warm clothing.

The biggest winter problem is how to spend all this spare time. In summer one can sit in the sun and read, but reading here in winter is difficult owing to bad light. However, as far as I am concerned my time passes quite easily and comfortably at the camp school. It seems very difficult to concentrate here, nearly everybody remarks about that. Les Knowles has now become a regular visitor, have seen him face to face quite a few times now, he knows exactly where to find me, so worrying about what might happen is unnecessary.

Well save a Xmas pudding for my birthday, I should be with you by then. Jim & I are both in the best of health and have promised ourselves to make up for this in a few months time. Please remember me to the relations, etc and Bill + Anne.

Love to you both and to Dorothy.

Your loving son,

Arthur.

On this day:

In Finland... Soviet forces of the 14th Army (part of Karelian Front) reach the Norwegian border.

On the Eastern Front... In Hungary, forces of the Soviet 2nd Ukrainian Front (Malinovski) reach Baja on the Danube, south of Budapest.

On the Western Front... Elements of Canadian 1st Army complete the capture of Breskens on the south bank of the Scheldt estuary. In southern Holland, the British 12th Corps (part of British 2nd Army) attacks toward Tilburg.

In Italy... Canadian troops of the British 8th Army capture Cervia.

In Liberated France... The administration of General de Gaulle is recognized as the de jure Provisional Government.

In the Philippines... On Leyte, US 10th and US 24th Corps both record advances. The US 7th Division, on the right flank, approach Abuyog.

In North Borneo... The Japanese fleet assembled at Brunei sets sail for the Philippines with the intention of destroying the American invasion fleet. The Center Force (Admiral Kurita) includes 5 battleships (including Yamato and Musashi), 12 cruisers and 15 destroyers. The Southern Force (Admiral Nishimura) includes 2 battleships, 1 cruiser and 4 destroyers. It is to rendezvous with the 2nd Striking Force (Admiral Shima) from Japan.

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

3 Postcards dated Tuesday, 19th September, Monday 25th September and Wednesday, 4th October.

noreply@blogger.com (POW16783) — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 19:52:00 +0000

My Dear Dorothy,

A few lines to let you know, Jim and I are in the best of health and spirits, and to acknowledge receipt of your letter of 16th July and Mum's of 2nd August. Thanks for the warning about Miss Riley! I certainly will have to look after myself when I get back won't I? Good to hear Mum aired my clothing the other day - don't worry, I shall soon be commandeering the best chair in front of the fire again.

All my love to Mum & Dad and yourself.

Arthur.

My Dear Mother & Father,

A card to let you know that Jim and I are in the best of health etc. I hope the same can be said of you. I have had no more Auguts mail yet, but September mail (from 1st to10th) is beginning to arrive, so I am fairly certain to get one or two in the next few days.

It is really cold today and also wet; I think the weather is reminding us that winter isn't far away, but I am hoping that my dream of an armchair by a warm fireside comes true!

My Dear Mother & Father,

I received Dad's letter of 20th Aug yesterday. Very pleased you are at last receiving my mail, I try and write at least every week, but an occasional stoppage must be expected.

We put the clocks back on Monday and now it is dark at 6.00pm. t is also cold and wet, in fact quite wintry Well Xmas is getting nearer. Do you think I will be with you? There's still a chance.

Glad to hear you are all keeping well. Jim & I are in the pink.

Love to you both & Dot.

Your loving son,

Arthur.

During late September early October 1944:

In the Palau Islands... On Peleliu there is heavy fighting around Mount Umurbrogol. Japanese forces are continuing to hold against the US marine attacks. On Angaur, there is intensive fighting between American troops and the small Japanese garrison.

On the Western Front... Operation Market Garden continues. In the morning the British 30th Corps reaches troops of the US 82nd Airborne Division at Grave. The combined force advances toward Nijmegen. At Arnhem, the British 1st Airborne Division continues to hold. Meanwhile, in Brittany, the last German resistance in Brest comes to an end.

On the Eastern Front... The Soviet offensive in the Baltic continues. Forces of the 3rd Baltic Front capture Valga in Estonia.

In Occupied Denmark... A general strike continues in protest of recent deportations by German authorities.

On the Western Front... Operation Market Garden ends. The remnants of the British 1st Airborne Division are evacuated from the north bank of the Rhine. During the night, 2400 of the 10,000 men are removed. About 1100 have been killed and 6400 captured by German forces. A few are sheltered by Dutch families. Meanwhile, other elements of British 2nd Army capture Helmond and Deurne, a few miles east of Eindhoven. On the Channel coast, the Canadian 3rd Division (an element of Canadian 1st Army) attacks the German garrison trapped in Calais.

From London... Allied propaganda exhorts the estimated 12 million foreign workers and slave laborers in Germany to rebel.

In Berlin... Hitler orders the formation of Volksturm (citizen militia) units to assist in the defense of Germany.

On the Eastern Front... In Estonia, Soviet forces capture the Baltic port of Haapsalu.

In Occupied Yugoslavia... Partisan forces occupy Banja Luka.

In the Palau Islands... On Peleliu, US forces employing flamethrowers and tanks advance in the north of the island toward Mount Amiangal. On Angaur, pockets of Japanese resistance persist near Lake Salome.

On the Western Front... German forces counterattack elements of US 1st Army (part of US 12th Army Group) that have broken through the Siegfried Line defenses. The American forces hold the attack.

On the Eastern Front... Soviet troops of 3rd Ukrainian Front capture Pancevo on the north bank of the Danube River, east of Belgrade, Yugoslavia. Other Soviet troops reach Vladimirovac and link up with partisan forces nearby.

In Greece... Allied forces land on the Peloponese near Patras. Other forces occupy Greek islands in the Aegean Sea.

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

Sunday, 10th September 1944

noreply@blogger.com (POW16783) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 12:22:00 +0000

My Dear Mother & Father,

My usual Sunday letter to you, hoping as always, that it finds you all in the best of health and spirits. Maybe Dorothy is wondering why this letter isn't addressed to her, well I am waiting for a letter from her, I am almost sure to get one next week.

You might be please to hear I sat for the Royal Society of Arts Examination in German (Matric Standard, Preliminary) and much to my surprise, passed top of all other candidates with 87 marks out of a possible 100! Please note though, the exam was a preliminary only and no certificate is therefore awarded. However, as a result of this I am now eligible to enter for the Advanced Standard, which they expect to hold maybe this month.

Very please Bill & Anne are temporarily settled down in their own apartments, it must be exceedingly difficult to hit if off with in-laws, particularly when a child appears on the scene.

We have not seen Les Knowles for a week or two, they say he is terrifically busy elsewhere, and very effectively too by all accounts. The weather has now turned somewhat cold and rainy after about 2 months glorious sunshine. A cold wind was blowing this morning as a reminder, I presume, of what winter can be like; last winter though was extraordinarily mild. But I hope, in company with thousands of others, to be sitting before a cosy fire in an armchair telling you all about it this coming winter.

Jim & I are in the very best of health & high spirits.

All my love to you both and Dorothy.

Your loving son,

Arthur.

On this day:

In Moscow... Finnish representatives sign an armistice agreement with the Soviet Union that provides for the restoration of the 1940 frontiers and reparations to be paid by Finland.

On the Eastern Front... The Soviet 1st Belorussian Front attacks German forces defending Praga, a suburb of Warsaw.

On the Western Front... Canadian elements of British 21st Army Group attack German-held positions near Zeebrugge. Troops of the US 1st Army (part of US 12th Army Group) enter Luxembourg. Along the English Channel coast, the battleship HMS Warspite and monitorErebus, shell Le Havre. General Eisenhower, commanding the AEF, accepts a proposal by Field Marshal Montgomery (commanding British 21st Army Group) to conduct a series of airborne assaults to capture bridges in Holland and allow a rapid advance to the Rhine River (Operation Market Garden).

In Italy... The US 2nd Corps (part of US 5th Army) attacks toward Futa and Il Giogo Passes to the north of Florence.

In the Philippines... Three groups of US Task Force 38, with 12 carriers, conduct air strikes on Japanese airfields on Mindanao Island.

In India... The Commission of Inquiry into the Fort Stikine disaster (April 14th) publishes its findings. Faulty loading of the ship, the captains negligence and uncoordinated emergency services are all noted as contributing factors.

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

Thursday, 7th September 1944

noreply@blogger.com (POW16783) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 14:13:00 +0000

My Dear Mother & Father,

Wonders will never cease! After a letterless interval I received 3 letters from you yesterday, namely 2 from you Mum dated 15th & 30th May and one from you Dad dated 25th July - yes July! All through these long pauses I never really worry, I feel so confident that you are always in the best of health. It is heartening though to get letters.

Yesterday we waved goodbye to another party of lucky chaps, who before you receive this, will once again be with you in dear old England. They left with very mixed feelings, of course their hearts were bursting with joy at being liberated, but they seemed sorry at having to leave us behind. It was particularly touching to watch two friends of over 4 years standing bravely saying cheerio to each other. Anyhow, we know we shall soon be following. I can know, only to well, imagine your feelings when you see these cheering chaps passing the house. Please excuse their high spirits. In these first days they are, without exception, the happiest men in this world. Never mind, you shall soon be running up to that bus on the corner of Magazine Road to meet me, I've pictured that scene dozens of times.

I see you have sent the 15th parcel, I wonder if I shall receive it! According to my interpretation of your letters, relations between you and Mrs W.T.Evans are somewhat strained, I can assure you that will not be so with Mrs A.C.

All my love to you both & Dot.

Arthur.

On this day:

On the Western Front... In Belgium, forces of 21st and 12th Army Groups cross the Albert canal east of Antwerp. Elements of US 1st Army (part of US 12th Army Group) are approaching Liege.

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

You can find the Blog on Lamsdorf Remembered where there is also a discussion forum and the We'll Meet Again pages. At Lamsdorf Remembered we are now able to accept submissions for the WMA pages. You can contact us using the Contact Us tab on the site. Thanks in advance for visiting.

Wednesday, 3rd May 1944 (Postcard) & Monday, 7th August 1944

noreply@blogger.com (POW16783) — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 10:28:00 +0000

My Dear Dorothy,

Your letter of 19th March to acknowledge and thank you for. Received 2 parcels each of 200 cigs yesterday (1 Capstan, 1 Players). Unfortunately, there were no cards inside to say from whom they were from. The Capstan usually come from you tho?

The weather is very breezy with warm or showery periods. The heat of summer will soon be here. As usual Jim & I are in the best of health and sincerely wish the same to all you at home.

Arthur.

On this day:
In Tokyo... Japanese Admiral Toyoda is designated Commander in Chief of the Combined Fleet. He replaces Admiral Koga who was killed on March 31st.

In Burma... The British 14th Army captures heights above Maungdaw-Buthidaung road in the Arakan.

Over Nazi Europe... During the night, RAF bombers target an army depot at Mailly, near Rheims (Germany), aircraft stores at Montdidier (France), an ammunition dumps at Chateaudun (France) and Ludwigshafen (Germany). A total of 49 aircraft are lost.

In the United States... The production of synthetic quinine (anti-malarial) by young Harvard scientists Woodward and Doering is announced in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

In Occupied France... French resistance members burn 100,000 liters of acetone in the Lambiotte plant, Premery.

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

My Dear Mother & Father,

We have just spent a very happy August weekend - the weather being glorious. Yesterday we held a "Carnival" - practically every allied country was represented by a tableau, then there was individual fancy dress, a pipe-band and a military band; it really was a splendid effort, particularly in these circumstances where a piece of cloth is very precious. Then in the afternoon a fun-fair was held, all the various POW organisations had a stall, Merseyside & District was represented by an "Arcade". Guess the weight of the cake - coconut (artificial) shies and all the others were there. The Carnival reminded me of Bootle May Queen and the fun-fair of Founders Day.

Today was given over to athletic-championships which were preceded by a visit from Les Knowles and Co, a wonderful sight. No world records were made, but some very good performances were set up. Tomorrow we have a test match - England v New Zealand - and on Thursday South Africa v Australia - on Friday an All- Star baseball Canada v USA - on Saturday the volley-ball final Athens v Palestine.

We are all bubbling over with health & spirits and hope to be soon re-united. Till then my love to you all.

Arthur.

On the Western Front... German forces begin a significant counterattack from east of Mortain, opposite US 1st Army (between US 7th and 14th Corps). Elements of German 2nd and 116th Panzer Divisions spearhead the offensive. Mortain is recaptured. Heavy Allied air attacks prevent more significant advances by the German forces. Meanwhile, in Brittany, the US 8th Corps (part of US 1st Army) attacks the German garrisoned ports of Brest, St. Malo and Lorient. During the night, Canadian forces (part of British 21st Army Group) launch attacks southwest of Caen after a preparatory bombardment involving over 1000 RAF heavy bombers dropping more than 3000 tons of bombs on German positions.

On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces advance in the Carpathian foothills and capture Sambor, southwest of Lvov.

In the Mariana Islands... On Guam there is heavy fighting along the entire front as US forces attack Japanese positions.

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

After much hard work from Arthur's granddaughter Jo, the revamped website Lamsdorf Remembered is now live. We are pleased to announce that after a very long hiatus, we are now accepting submissions for the website. There is also a small discussion forum, available for anyone to join. Please take a look and let us know you've visited. Feedback gratefully received as there are still some tweaks that need to happen.

Sunday, 23rd January 1944 (Postcard) Sunday, 20th February 1944 (Letter)

noreply@blogger.com (POW16783) — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 11:52:00 +0000

My Dear Dorothy,

Many thanks indeed for two parcels each containing 200 cigs which I received during the last few days. My letter card I have sent to Arthur Clough (2/Lieut) from whom I received a Nov letter in which 'a very good photo' of him was enclosed. He is very well and wishes to be remembered to you all.

Until next week, my love and wishes to you all at home.

Love Arthur.

On this day:

In New Guinea... Australian forces in the Ramu valley advance up the Finisterre Range toward Shaggy Ridge, taking Maukiryo. Allied air superiority in the area influences the battle.

In Italy... There are now about 50,000 Allied troops concentrated in the Anzio beachhead. General Lucas commands. German resistance is light but the Allied forces advance slowly. Meanwhile, Kesselring believes it is possible to maintain the Gustav Line defenses at the same time as containing the Anzio landings. The commander of the German 10th Army, von Vietinghoff favors a withdrawal from the southern defensive line.

From Berlin... The German High Command allots German reserves from France, northern Italy and the Balkans as well as the German 14th Army headquarters to organize defenses around Anzio. Within a week a total of 8 German divisions are concentrated in the area.

My Dear Mother & Father,

After 4 or 5 weeks of silence two letters have arrived; one from Dad dated 3rd Jan and one from Dot 9th Jan. Bill also sent one dated 10th Jan which I shall answer today; a letter I received from a London friend (correct-female) is of 17th Jan! The postal authorities have surpassed themselves. Unfortunately the letters you wrote from 7th or 8th Dec to the end of Dec , have not yet arrived, therefore I am still in the dark about how you spent Christmas.

Jim received his November parcel yesterday, so mine too is not far away. A few days ago we received a lot of sports kit from the Red Cross (our fairy-godmother) amongst which was a complete set of football boots, stockings, jerseys and shorts, sufficient to equip two teams - you should have seen the boys training out today. England V Scotland is the fixture.

Every letter I get from Dot tells me she is either "expecting Ken home on leave in a few days" or "Ken is on leave again" or "Ken has been home for a few days and has now gone back". He must be a wizard at wrangling leave - I know how difficult it is, and according to my mates I was a good wangler. She talks of ice-skating - I absent mindedly walked outside the door the other day, it took me about four minutes to finally hit the gorund, but during those 4 minutes I think I performed every evolution known to ice-skaters!

My love to you all.

Arthur.

On this day:

On the Eastern Front... The Soviet 2nd Baltic Front (Popov) launches a new offensive toward Kholm, spearheaded by the 22nd Army. German 16th Army, part of Army Group North, is unable to contain the assault, in part because of the army group shifting of forces northward in support of German 18th Army in recent weeks.

In the Marshall Islands... American carrier aircraft from Task Group 58.1 (Admiral Reeves) attack Japanese targets in Jaluit Atoll. The fighting on Eniwetok continues. The nearby island of Parry is shelled by US naval forces.

In Occupied Norway... A ferry carrying a stock of heavy water from the Ryukan hydroelectric plant to Germany is sunk by resistance fighters acting on instructions from the British government and the Norwegian government in exile. The cargo is lost. Heavy water is used in atomic research.

www.onwar.chrono

Sunday 9th January 1944

noreply@blogger.com (POW16783) — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 14:05:00 +0000

My Dear Dorothy,

I received four letters yesterday: 1 from Aunt Em dated 6th Nov; 1 from Dad dated 31st Nov; and 2 from you dated 13th Nov & 5th Dec. It makes me very happy to learn you are all so well & cheerful at home. I think in these days we can regard ourselves as a lucky and fortunate family, we shall all be able to re-unite (poor Aunt Nell excepted) just like the old days; and who knows, maybe with one or two little additions? Now don't blush! No, I don't expect you are.

According to what one hears Ken is in for a very busy time shortly, especially if he is stationed at home. Uncle Joe is doing very well indeed; I hear very heartening reports about Les Knowles's firm, they must be working overtime, they are here brushing up.

Dad tells me of the repatriated prisoners who arrived home; have you spoken with any of them? I very much doubt if any of them knew me. Although 3 chaps who were with me on this working party were repatriated, but they live in Scotland. One hears talk of an exchange but I don't place much faith in it.

Please thank Aunt Em (I will write to her next week) and Dad for their letters, and give my kind regards and best wishes to Bill & Anne. Burt and I are in perfect health and the best of spirits.

All my love to you Dot, and Mum & Dad.

Your loving brother,

Arthur.

On this day:

In Burma... Allied forces overrun Maungdaw on the Arakan front.

In the Solomon Islands... On Bougainville, American engineers complete a second airfield at Piva.

In Italy... Two divisions of the US 2nd Corps (part of 5th Army) attack Cervaro and Monte Trochio, to the east of Cassino.

On the Eastern Front... The Soviet 1st Ukrainian Front (Vatutin) captures Polonnoye, halfway between Berdichev and Rovno. To the south, the 2nd Ukrainian Front (Konev) captures Aleksandrovka.

http://www.onwar.com/chrono

Sunday, 28th November 1943 (Postcard) Sunday, 2nd January 1944 (letter)

noreply@blogger.com (POW16783) — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 13:09:00 +0000

My Dear Mother & Father,

Dad's letter of 10th Oct to hand, very pleased to hear you are all well & receiving plenty of visitors. I can just imagine the gathering with Mabel presiding!!

Les Knowles has got himself very disliked - Jerry is more than annoyed about it. Jim and I are both "in the pink".

Love to you both & Dorothy,

Your loving son, Arthur.

On this day:

In Italy... The British 8th Army launches an offensive across the Sangro River. The assault begins with an air and artillery bombardment. A new bridgehead is established and the 8th Indian Division penetrates as far as Mozzogrogna. The defending German 65th Division is badly shaken by the offensive but German reserves have assembled behind it.

On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces make significant gains northwest of Gomel, near Zhlobin. To the south, German forces are threatening the Soviet hold on Korosten.

In Iran... The Teheran Conference begins. Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin and their staffs meet for the first time. The Americans appear to be attempting to distance themselves from the British during the discussions.

My Dear Mother & Father,

A few lines to let you know that Jim & I are in the very best of health & spiritis, and sincerely hope the same can be said for you and Dorothy.

The New Year has started here very cold & wintery, for the past two days it has been blowing almost a blizzard, the wind has stopped now though. Owing to the shortage of mail from you I am finding it a little difficult to make this letter sensible and interesting. The last letter I received was 2 weeks ago dated 25th November, therefore letters written by you during the first 3 weeks of November can't be far away.

Very pleased to hear the old football team did well last year, I can see them entering the final in the spring - and won't there be a noise! I see Alex is now captain of the Southern League, a slow but sure team. We have some footballers here who were actively playing a couple of months ago, after hearing what they say, the old team is bound to win the final.

Please give my regards to Bill and Anne, I should be an Uncle when you read this. Best wishes also to Ken.

I hope by next weekend to have heard from you.

Love to you both and Dorothy.

Arthur.

(The old team appears to reference to the Allies. Southern League and Alex referring to General Harold Alexander and 15th Army Group part of the Allied invasion of Italy ("We have some footballers here......" referring to recently captured troops).

In New Guinea... US Task Force 38 (Admiral Barbey) lands 2400 troops of the 126th Regiment (General Martin) of the 32nd Division at Saidor. Both the airfield and the harbor are secured. An Allied cruiser and destroyer force, led by Admiral Crutchley, provides cover for the landing. To the east, Australian forces advance to Sialum.

On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces capture Radovel, west of Korosten, just 18 miles from the 1939 Polish border.

In the Bismark Archipelago... On New Britain, the American 7th Marine Regiment launches attacks to expand its beachhead near Cape Gloucester but fails to meet its objectives.

http://www.onwar.com/chrono

Sunday 24th October 1943 (Postcard) & Sunday 31st October 1943

noreply@blogger.com (POW16783) — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 20:08:00 +0000

My Dear Mother & Father,

A few lines to let you know that yesterday I received your August parcel (my 12th) all correct, even down to the 5lbs of choc. and thanks very much for the chevrons. I received a new suit of battledress a few weeks ago and this week I am to receive a new greatcoat, so the chevrons couldn't have come at a better time.

Love,

Arthur.

My Dear Mother & Father,

Three letters to acknowledge this week 25th, 26th and Dot's of 29th August. I am very pleased to hear all is well. Jim and I are "in the pink". We said goodbye to 2000 wounded last week and I expect by now they are once again in dear old England. The best of luck to them poor chaps, they certainly deserve it.

My wound, of course, is practically unnoticeable and therefore I do not expect to be sent home because of it.

Dorothy tells me in her letter that Dad has got a **** (cannot make out the word). I do feel sorry for him sometimes, left alone with two women in the house, he should change places with me for a while, I haven't heard the proverbial nagging tongue of women for 3½ years, but I assure you it is no blessing.

Bill hasn't written for sometime now but I expect he has made up for lost time now he has recovered from his illness. My stomach is in perfect condition.

Well I must soon be wishing you Xmas greetings again - yes the fourth one in Germany. Incidentally snow fell some days ago for a few hours, it has since disappeared for a while.

My love to you both & Dot, regards to Bill and Ann.

Arthur.

On this day:

In the Bismark Archipelago... Allied aircraft raid Rabaul, New Britain Island, for a second time in two days. One Japanese destroyer and five merchant ships have been sunk in the raids.

In Italy... Elements of the US 5th Army capture Sant'Angelo.

http://www.onwar.com/chrono

Sunday, 17th October 1943

noreply@blogger.com (POW16783) — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 17:17:00 +0000

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, 26th September 1943

noreply@blogger.com (POW16783) — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 18:47:00 +0000

My Dear Mother & Father,

A few lines written on a wet cold Sunday night, to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 25th July. During the past few days I have also received 2 parcels of 200 Capstan cigs, owing to the fact there are no cards enclosed inside now I do not know who they are from, whether from you or Dorothy, anyhow thanks very much. No! I will not forget the clothing coupon I owe you.

How's this for memory? Does Dad still remember I owe him 10/- which I borrowed from him on Sat 10th May 1940? Funnily enough, I have never forgotten that.

Incidentally, the censor took objection to you naming the place where Bill is convalescing, in your above letter. Re: the strawberries, we read about them occasionally in books, this is the nearest we ever approach anything like that. The same goes for carrots & onions.

Well, Jim and I are in the very best of health & spirits. I hope you are all the same at home. It's now 3 months to the last war Xmas. Please remember me to friends, neighbours and cousins.

Arthur.

On this day:

In New Guinea... Japanese forces launch unsuccessful counterattacks against the Australian brigade around Finschafen.

In the Mediterranean... On the island of Corsica, Free French forces occupy Ghisonaccia airfield. The German garrison continues evacuating.

In Italy... The advance of the British 10th Corps (part of US 5th Army) advances without resistance. The German rearguard has withdrawn, because all German forces inland have successfully been pulled back. To the east, the 13th Corps (part of the British 8th Army) enters Canosa on the Ofanto River.

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

Sunday, 19th September 1943

noreply@blogger.com (POW16783) — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 14:02:00 +0000

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.

http://www.onwar.com/chrono

Tuesday, 14th September 1943

noreply@blogger.com (POW16783) — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 16:15:00 +0000

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

Letters from Stalag VIIIB

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Thursday, 26th April 1945 (Stalag 383, Bavaria)

Sunday, 7th January 1945

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Friday, 5th January 1945

Thursday, 28th December 1944

Sunday, 10th December 1944

Sunday, 5th November 1944

Sunday, 29th October 1944 (Postcard)

Sunday, 22nd October 1944

3 Postcards dated Tuesday, 19th September, Monday 25th September and Wednesday, 4th October.

Sunday, 10th September 1944

Thursday, 7th September 1944

Wednesday, 3rd May 1944 (Postcard) & Monday, 7th August 1944

Sunday, 23rd January 1944 (Postcard) Sunday, 20th February 1944 (Letter)

Sunday 9th January 1944

Sunday, 28th November 1943 (Postcard) Sunday, 2nd January 1944 (letter)

Sunday 24th October 1943 (Postcard) & Sunday 31st October 1943

Sunday, 17th October 1943

Sunday, 26th September 1943

Sunday, 19th September 1943

Tuesday, 14th September 1943