Letters from Stalag VIIIB

Sunday, 4th April 1943

2012-03-11T17:21:00.000+01:00

My Dear Mother & Father,

Two letters to acknowledge this week, one from you dated 28/2 and one from Dot dated 7/3. I am very pleased to hear that everything is OK. at home, that is the main thing as far as I am concerned. Burt & I are very well indeed, so there is no need for worry on our behalf.

We have just had a week of rain but today dawned bright & clear and remained so the whole time.

How will you occupy your time after the war when POW committees cease to exist? We are very thankful though for the good work you are doing; without the Red Cross life would not be worth living.

I am glad to hear that Dorothy has temporarily change her mind about enlisting in the WAAF. I am afraid the disadvantages out weigh the advantages.

The news is good to hear lately so keep it up. I hope you can understand this.

Until next week my love and wishes. Please remember me to the relations and Bill & Anne,

Your loving son,

Arthur.

During April 1943;

Over Germany... British Bomber Command aircraft drop 1300 tons of bombs on Kiel during a night raid.
Over Britain... German aircraft drop mines in the Thames Estuary.

In the Solomon Islands... In an effort to disrupt the American buildup, Japanese Admiral Yamamoto mounts an air offensive known as Operation I. The Japanese 11th Air Fleet, based on Rabaul, Kavieng and Buin is reinforced by pilots and aircraft of the carriersZuikaku, Shokaku, Junyo and Hiyo. This leaves the Imperial Navy with almost no trained pilots. The attacks begin with a raid against Guadalcanal and Tulagi by 180 planes in which a destroyer and two other vessels are sunk.

In Tunisia... Axis forces are rapidly retreating from the Wadi Akarit Line. Patrols of the British 8th Army and the US 2nd Corps meet on the road toward Gafsa.

In Germany... Hitler and Mussolini meet at Salzburg over the course of the next five days (April 7-11). Among other topics discussed, they decide they must continue to hold on in North Africa.

Over the Solomon Islands... An aircraft carrying the Commander of the Japanese Combined Fleet, Admiral Yamamoto, is shot down by P-38 Lighting fighters over Bougainville. Yamamoto is killed. This action is the result the interception of a coded Japanese message announcing a visit by Yamamoto. The Japanese fail to deduce that their codes are insecure

In Tunisia... A massive convoy of 100 transport aircraft leaves Sicily with supplies for the Axis forces. At least half the planes are shot down by Allied fighters.

Sunday, 14th March 1943

2012-03-04T21:35:00.000+01:00

My Dear Dorothy,

Your letter of 30th Jan to hand and I must say it was quite a shock to hear of you joining the WAAFS, now the war will soon be over. Providing you look after yourself, I think you have done a very sensible thing, because working long hours in a factory (not to mention night shifts) is not very conducive to good health. What particular branch have you joined? Perhaps your next letters will tell me more. Who knows, maybe in a few months time I will be writing to Srgt. Dorothy Evans. The main thing is having a reasonable commander, pleasant companions and healthy billets- I wish you all of these.

I was very pleased to hear about Bill taking his chiefs course, I wish him the best of luck. Mother's 17th Jan letter is also here + yours 19th Jan. I am very pleased to hear all is well at home.

Burt and I are in the 'pink'.

In conclusion Dot once again the best of luck to you in your new job, look after yourself,

Arthur.

On this day;

In the Atlantic... In a series of convoy battles over the next week (March 14-20), 21 ships of 140,800 tons are sunk from convoys SC-122 and HX-229. About 20 of 40 U-boats will make attacks and the convoy escorts will fail to sink a single German U-boat. The German intelligence service, B Dienst, has provided solid information on the routes of these two convoys.

Monday, 15th Feb (Postcard) & Sunday, 7th March 1943 (letter).

2012-02-25T23:36:00.001+01:00

Dear Dorothy,

With a mouthful of chocolate (it will all be finished by tomorrow) I thank you and Mum for letters of 10th Jan + 15th Nov respectively. Yes the mail question has improved a lot over the past few days. At the moment we are receiving 1/2 Red Cross parcel weekly, but I believe we can expect 3/4 in the near future. I don't know what we would do without them.

Love from Burt and myself,

Arthur

My Dear Mother and Father,

Sorry for neglecting to write last week but candidly I have not got a lot to say. Since writing last two of your letters have arrived a/17th Dec + 3rd Jan, but these are old, as you know, I have already answered (3 weeks ago) your letter of 26th Jan. Therefore until the February letters begin to arrive I will not have anything fresh to talk about.

I received a Dec. letter from A.Clough the other week with 2 photos from Burma, he told me about his broadcast from there but I was able to tell him that I already knew all about it. He looks very well.

Les Knowles' firm is very busy isn't it? That's the stuff to give them. Uncle Jerry's health is still very bad, although he attempts to pass it off with easy words, even though his condition is now plain to see.

I am very pleased to hear that you are all well & happy - you are no happier than us, that is impossible.

I am in the best of health and Burt is too.

Mrs Simmonds sent me 6 gramophone records (sent last August via Christina Knowles) but I will tell you about that next week.

Well, my 3rd German birthday is nearly here - will I have a 4th? Ah well! We can take it!

And now all my love and wishes to both of you, Dot & Bill.

During Feb and March 1943

On the Eastern Front... In the Caucasus the Soviets capture Krasnodar. To the north, west of the Don River, Shakhty, Kommunarsk and Krasnoarmeskoye are all occupied by the advancing Red Army.

In Tunisia... Troops under the command of Rommel, now commanding the Italian 1st Army, join the Axis offensive. A detachment of the 15th Panzer Division, along with Italian armor, strikes Gafsa and captures the town. Most of Rommel's forces are defending the Mareth Line where the last of the rearguard is now arriving from Libya.

In the Solomon Islands... Operation Cleanslate. Troops of the US 43rd Division (commanded by General Hester) occupy Banika and Pavuvu in the Russell Islands. There is no Japanese resistance. By the end of the month about 9000 American troops occupy these islands.

In the Atlantic... Convoy ON-166 is attacked by U-boats over the next five days (February 21-25th). It will lose 14 ships of 85,000 tons. One German U-boat is sunk by the convoy escorts.

In Norway... The Norsk Hydro power station near Ryukan is badly damaged by a sabotage team of Norwegian soldiers who have been parachuted in from Britain. This plant is known to be in use by the Germans to produce "heavy water" for atomic research.

In Burma... The Chindit force is making slower than expected progress because. In part, this is the result of a concern for finding clearings for supply drops. It is later discovered that it is possible to recover supplies in jungle areas.

In the Bismark Sea... A Japanese convoy of 8 ships, carrying the 7000 troops of the 51st Division (General Nakano), escorted by 8 destroyers, is sighted by Allied forces. Planes from the 5th Air Force (General Kenney) attack the convoy. The Japanese are heading for Lae from Rabaul.

Over Germany... Battle of the Ruhr. In the first of a series of bombing raids against the German Ruhr industrial area, RAF Bomber Command sends 443 aircraft to attack Essen, losing 14 aircraft.

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Sunday, 7th February 1943

2012-02-19T21:12:00.000+01:00

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.

Monday, 30th November 1942

2012-02-12T19:44:00.000+01:00

My Dear Mother & Father,

Please excuse my not writing a little more frequently but it has been a little difficult. I received yours of 18th Oct last night with one from Bill dated 13th Oct. I am very pleased to hear you are all well, my own health is excellent.

I expect you already know I am no longer with Burt? He is still in the main camp but I am once again acting as interpreter in a small working camp, the number of which is on the back. I do no manual work, but my other duties fill up the day, I am able to keep warm which is the main thing, for as I write a howling blizzard is raging outside.

The boots, blanket and pyjamas are worth their weight in gold. All I need in future parcels is soap, dentifrice, razor blades etc, hankerchieves, socks and of course plenty of chocolate.

We all have very strong hopes of spending next Xmas in dear old England, we all know that we have a marvellous day in front of us, until then, come what may we can take it all.

Whilst space remains I must not forget to wish you both and Dorothy too, a Happy Xmas and in the coming year, full health and happiness. I know you will be thinking of me on Xmas-day. A

On this day;

In the Solomon Islands... The Battle of Tassafaronga. American attempts to stop the regular night supply run of the "Tokyo Express" under Admiral Tanaka again develops into a major battle. Tanaka has 8 destroyers and Admiral Wright has 5 heavy cruisers and 7 destroyers. Wright uses radar to find the Japanese force and fire the first salvo. However, the American attack is ineffective with only one hit on a Japanese destroyer which sinks later. The Japanese sink one cruiser and damage 3 very seriously. Despite this success, Admiral Tanaka is reprimanded for failing to deliver the supplies needed by the starving Japanese forces on the island.

In New Guinea... The American forces attacking Japanese positions at Buna make their first real headway.

In Burma... The advance of the British 123rd Brigade in the Arakan has now reached Bawali Bazaar. Extremely bad weather slows the advance and makes road building very difficult.

In Japan... The German raider Thor is destroyed by fire in Yokohama harbor ending a cruise which sank 10 ships totaling 56,000 tons of shipping in 10 months.

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Sunday, 27th September 1942

2012-02-05T19:43:00.000+01:00

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, 13th September 1942

2012-01-29T22:18:00.000+01:00

My dear Dorothy,

I can't remember if I wrote to you last week or Mother & Father, however, as I have received two letters from you this week (dated 28/7 and 18/8) I address these few lines to you.

While I have space please write-or ask Mum- to Aunts Em and Emily and thank them for their letters, at the same time explain as soon as I get a spare card I will answer.

Burt and I had a good laugh when we read about the "Twenty big black bulls charging". What did they turn out to be? Calves? Yes, I heard about Owen & Nell "superintending" the birth of Charlie's first - certainly in capable hands!

The weather has now broken, it has become rainy and a little chilly in the evenings, we will soon have winter here, and what winters. April and May clothing parcels are now arriving so I am looking forward to receiving my April parcel very shortly. Well do you think I will be with you this time next year? I certainly hope so, three years of this is quite sufficient, it's surprising what one can put up though.

Burt sends his kind regards. Until next week all my love to you, Mum & Dad. I am very well and hope you are all the same.

Arthur.

On this day:

In North Africa... The airfields at Benghazi and Barce are attacked by British units of the Long Range Desert Group. The British also attempt an amphibious landing at Tobruk, it is repelled with heavy losses.

In the Solomon Islands... On Guadalcanal, the Japanese attacks intensify. The American forces hold them off with difficulty, aided by effective artillery support.

In the Arctic... Convoy PQ-18 leaves for Archangel. It is provided with a large escort including a carrier, fares much better than the last convoy (in June). It loses 13 ships in the course of the voyage (September 12-18), but the Germans will lose 20 planes and 2 U-boats.

Sunday, 6th September 1942

2012-01-22T21:51:00.000+01:00

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, 30th August 1942

2012-01-15T11:12:00.000+01:00

My dear Mother & Father,

Your letters of 20 & 28 July arrived yesterday, I am pleased to hear you are receiving plenty of my letters and that you are all well, I am very well and for the past weeks the sun has shone everyday, consequently I am as brown as a berry. And now for a few answers to your letters.

I have just been told there is a book parcel for me to collect tomorrow.

Norman has written and I have answered,

Please thank Aunts Mabel and Emily for their kind help in knitting the blanket.

If it only costs 1/3 please send 200 cigs, they are very valuable indeed.

Did Bill manage his leave? I hope he had a good time.

You always seem to put just the things I require in my parcels and judging from your list of contents in the parcel you sent in July it comes right up to the mark. Please don't send me any more clothing (socks excepted), I have a considerable amount now. Just toilet requisites and chocolate, I could do with a shaving brush and another pair of slippers.

Congratulations to Charlie and Winnie. Isn't Mrs S a terrible writer? I am glad you are in touch with her.

I have much more to say, but that must wait till next week. Regards from Burt,

All my love,

Arthur.

On this day;

n North Africa... Rommel runs into resistance. A final attack designed to clear the British from Egypt begins. However, British General Montgomery's preparations make a difference. The formations have been reconstituted, the intelligence concerning the Germans' position is better. Rommel begins the attack with his armored units, sending them through British minefields between Alam Nayil and Qaret el Himeimat. The defenses are better than expected and progress is slow. Although Rommel has been reinforced with the German 164th Division and some paratroop brigades, he is still short of supplies and has committed this attack on the promise of supplies to come.

In the Solomon Islands... At Guadalcanal, the American forces receive 18 more fighters and 12 dive bombers.

Contents of Red Cross Food Parcels WW2

2 postcards, Sunday, 26th July 1942 and Sunday, 23rd August 1942

2012-01-08T20:12:00.000+01:00

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.

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Sunday, 19th July 1942

2011-12-30T20:11:00.000+01:00

My Dear Mother & Father,

I have five letters to acknowledge this week dated 10, 21 & 28 June and two from Dot a/21&28 June. So, as you can see, the mail is well up to date this end. I write to you every Sunday and can't understand why such long intervals between my letters to you should happen, it is very rarely I miss a week; still as long as you eventually receive them all well and good, one must be thankful for small mercies here.

Fancy having to pay a price like that for pyjamas, of course I wouldn't have asked if I had dreamt they were anything like that. My January parcel is still on the way I am afraid. Seemingly there was a big hold-up of all parcels at Lisbon for the first 3 or 4 months of this year, food parcels as well as clothing were there and we felt the pinch, but now I am glad to say they are arriving once more.

Dorothy sounds very busy lately, she is certainly doing her bit, more than I had chance to do. Please thank her for writing, I will write to her next week.

I came out of hospital 2 years today, my wound is now completely healed and gives no trouble.

The garden should be looking very nice now, it has been rather rainy and cold these last few days, still roll on winter, I think it will be my last in this country.

I am in the very best of health and spirits (Burt included) and wish you, Dad and Dot, also Bill the same.

Love,

Arthur

On this day;

On the Eastern Front... German Army Groups A and B make rapid progress. They have captured the towns of Kamensk and Voroshilovgrad and have reached the Don River as far east as Tsimlyansky.

From Germany... The final two U-boats left operating off of the American eastern seaboard are reassigned. They have had no successes due to improved convoy operations.

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Sunday, 5th July 1942,

2011-12-18T23:50:00.000+01:00

My Dear Dorothy,

Thank you so much for 2 very nice letters dated 25th May 7 1st June, and please thank Mother for hers of 31st May. From all accounts you are a very busy young lady at the moment, you certainly are doing your bit; not much time for courting is there?

Is it Chester way or in the opposite direction in which you work, Burt and I are very curious. Please do send cigarettes and tobacco, they will be most welcome. February parcels are now arriving in large numbers so mine should be here in the next few days. Letters to the 20th June are now here.

About books. If any particularly good books are issued please send a copy, only now I am back in the main camp I have access to numerous books, so actually I am not short of reading matter. From 9.00am to 1.00pm daily I go to school, where I am learning German, French and Shorthand. The school tutors are mostly university tutors at home, for example the French tutor teaches French at Sydney university and the Shorthand tutor is from Pitmans staff and holds a certificate for a speed of 220 wordsper min, the world record is 260.

Love to you, Mum and Dad, I am in excellent health. Your loving brother,

Arthur

Sunday, 5th July 1942,

2011-12-11T20:19:00.000+01:00

My dear Mother,

In the hope that these few lines arrive on or around your birthday I address this letter to you alone in order to wish you very many happy returns of the day and a very happy birthday. Some weeks ago I filled in a form which authorised my Paymaster to credit you with £10. Have you received this yet? It is meant as a small gesture of appreciation for all the things you have done for me, and for all the things you would do if you were allowed. The one condition that I make is that you spend this money on yourself, although it won't go far these days, nevertheless I hope it buys a little extra comfort and enjoyment to you.

While I am talking about money, would you be good enough and write to the Regimental Paymaster, c/o RHQ, giving my regimental number, rank and name and ask him (a) How much money I have to my credit up to the end of this month, and (b) my daily rate of pay, this information will be given to you on demand. I should have a nice little nest egg by now which ought to come in useful when all this is over.

I am writing to Dot by this post, so will close now wishing you and Dad the very best of health and happiness.

Arthur.

On this day,

On the Eastern Front... German General Hoth's 4th Panzer Army reach the Don River near Voronezh. To their left, General Weich's 2nd Army makes progress against the Soviet defenders.

In the Arctic... Without defensive escorts 13 vessels from the British convoy PQ-17 are sunk by Luftwaffe and U-boat attacks. The German heavy ships approach, but return to port when their presence is made unnecessary by the success of the air and submarine attacks. The sister convoy QP-17 sails into an Allied minefield in the Denmark Straits and loses 4 ships.

http://www.onwar.com/chrono

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

2011-12-08T12:25:00.001+01:00

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.

From Japan... A Japanese small carrier task force consisting of two light carrier and two cruisers leave port in Hokkido. Their mission is to carry out a diversionary raid in the Aleutian Island off the coast of Alaska.

From Hawaii... American submarines move into patrol positions as part of the countermeasures to the expected Japanese attack on Midway.

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 and Maryland sail from San Francisco.

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Undated, April 1942 (2nd undated letter)

2011-12-04T13:43:00.001+01:00

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

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 Burma... British troops including the 7th Armored Division assume position around Meiktia to stem the Japanese advance. Chinese troops from the 200th Division are sent as reinforcements. However, the refusal of another division to withdraw under orders from General Stilwell makes the position of these troops vulnerable.

In Canada... The Mackenzie-King government holds a national referendum on introducing conscription for overseas service. The proposal receives majority support but there is substantial resistance in French-speaking province of Quebec; 72% of the French-speaking voting population oppose the proposition, compared to 80% in favor of it among English-speaking voters.

In Washington... President Roosevelt outlines measures for putting the United States economy on a wartime footing.

In Moscow... Molotov, the Commissar for Foreign Affairs, issues a new note on German atrocities on the Eastern Front.

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.

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Undated letter (probably April, 1942)

2011-11-27T17:35:00.000+01:00

My dear Mother & Father,

Your last letter is dated 22nd Feb, but the mail has quickened-up so much this past week (letters dated 12th March are already here) that I expect at least 2 from you this next week.

Now I have some good news for you. I am living with Bert Duffy. I have left my working-party and am now back in the main camp. The camp has altered considerably from what it was when I first came here. We have a beautiful church, staffed by 6 or 7 padres, a military band and organ provide the music. Last Sunday I was able to attend Holy Communion for the first time since being made prisoner; I also attended this morning. A school, where every subject conceivable can be studied, is also in full operation, I am learning German and studying Geography. All the tutors incidentally have degrees after their names. Four or five different orchestras ranging from symphony to swing have been formed, and I can say quite honestly they are 'tip top'. Time, the enemy of every prisoner of war, can quite easily be made to pass quickly here. We are enjoying beautiful sunny weather.

All my love to you both, Bill and Dot.

Arthur.

In April 1942

In Burma... Japanese advances near Toungoo continue and the Chinese are forced to retreat. The Japanese also heavily attack British positions near Prome.

In the Philippines... the Japanese resume major attack on the Bataan Peninsula. The American and Philippine troops have 24,000 of the their men ill due to short rations (1/4 of normal ration size) and tropical diseases.

In the Mediterranean... The Italian cruiser Bande Nere is sunk by the British submarine Urge north of Sicily.

From London... Admiral Cunningham is appointed to serve on the Combined Chiefs of Staff Committee in Washington, he leaves the post of commander of the British Mediterranean Fleet.

In New Guinea... Japanese invasion of New Guinea continues with landings at Sorong and Hollandia. They go almost unopposed.

http://www.onwar.com/chrono

Sunday, 18th January 1942

2011-11-20T19:25:00.000+01:00

Dear Bill,

Received from you last week 3 letters 8 & 27 Oct and 7 Sept, so pleased to hear you are so well. Please remember me to Jarvis Whittaker and ask him to remember me to his brother Norman.

I wonder when you receive this if you are still single? Or, perhaps henpecked! Luckily when I get home I will have a married brother to go to for advice; and who knows perhaps a married sister!

We are deep in winter's icy clutches here -25 (centigrade) below and snow everywhere. I expect you would give anything for a little snow? Are you busy at the moment? I bet you are, I wish I was in your shoes; oh to have another go.

Yes I am, as you term it, doing a line with a London girl, but quite candidly I think it's a case of "absence makes the heart grow fonder" on both sides; although she is sensible and intelligent, her letters are very affectionate, time alone will tell.

To you Bill, and to Ann, I wish you all happiness, harmony and the very best of health for all time. Write often, I am always delighted to hear from you.

Your sincere brother,

Arthur.

On this day;

Germans beaten back by Soviets

On the Eastern Front... Troops from the South and Southwest Front attack crossing the Donets. Their aim is to swing south to the Sea of Azov trapping units from the German 6th and 17th Armies. In the Crimea, Germans have renewed their offensive to capture Feodosia. Northward, in the Moscow region, the Valdai Hill Offensive continues, Red Army units have reached to within 70 miles of Smolensk and threat Velikiye Luki.

http://www.onwar.com/chrono

Sunday, 8th March 1942 (postcard)

2011-11-13T12:42:00.000+01:00

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)

2011-11-05T21:51:00.003+01:00

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

2011-10-30T13:46:00.000+01:00

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.

http://www.onwar.com/chrono

Tuesday, 1st July 1941

2011-10-11T11:38:00.000+02:00

My dear Mother & Father,

Just a few lines hoping that you, Dot & Bill are all in the best of health as I am at the moment.

The sun has been shining gloriously lately but rain has fell this last couple of days. Could you please include a pair of gym shoes in my next parcel. I am very fit and healthy and have no worries.

Your loving son,

Arthur

On this day;

On the Eastern Front... In the Baltics, units of the German Army Group North take Riga in Latvia while to the south other German troops are already well beyond the Dvina River, making for Ostrov. Farther south, to the east of Minsk the Berezina River has been crossed and the advance continues.
From London... General Auchinleck is appointed to command the British forces in the Middle East. General Wavell takes Auchinleck's old post as Commander in Chief in India. Churchill blames Wavell for the failure of the Battleaxe offensive. The British government also recognizes that the Commander in Chief, Middle East, has had substantial political responsibilities in addition to his military duties and to avoid the distraction this has caused in the past Oliver Lyttleton is appointed minister of state, resident in the Middle East.
In Syria... Troops from General Slim's 10th Indian Division move into northern Syria from Iraq.
In the North Atlantic... Aircraft from the United States Navy start antisubmarine patrols from bases in Newfoundland.

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

Monday, 2nd June 1941

2011-10-02T21:10:00.001+02:00

My dear Mother & Father,

It is more than a month since I last wrote to you and have received since then 2 letters from Dot and 1 from you (dated 13/4/41, 20/04/41 &27/04/41). You might lock the kitchen one Sunday morning and stop Dad from getting down the garden path, it is a long time since he wrote, though I did note the excuse in your last letter saying, "He was going to drop you a line but Uncle Albert came &Uncle Tom & Aunty Em last Sunday". Well, I will forgive him this time. Please give my thanks to all those people who are calling on my behalf and sending me parcels, it is very kind of them. While I am on the subject here are 3 books I would like."The First Hundred Thousand", "Carrying On After the First Hundred Thousand" & "The Last Million" all by Ian Hay.

We received sufficient Red Cross Food Parcels last week to enable every man to receive one per week for the next 7 weeks, so we are very well off. I had for breakfast this morning (Whit Monday), Egg (made from egg powder, Bacon, Beans and fried bread; Tea:- Stewed fruit & custard, Bread & Jam; Supper:- Xmas Pudding with Treacle, Pancakes, "What a mixture!" I can hear you saying.

We have just spent a gloriously hot Whit weekend and are very sunburnt. Now I must close, I hope Bill is in the very best of health, indeed all of you, I couldn't be better.

My love to all,

Arthur

On this day;

In North Africa... Vichy France grants the Axis powers the use of the port of Bizerta for unloading non-military supplies for their forces stationed in North Africa.

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

No visible date. April, 1941

2011-09-25T23:58:00.001+02:00

My dear Mother and Father,

Your letters are arriving here very quickly now, yours dated 30th March arrived here just before dinner today, one chap received one dated 5th April, isn't that fine?, just 3 weeks old. A fortnight today, Easter Sunday, I received my 2nd parcel from you in which everything was present and correct. I cannot thank you enough on paper for your goodness and kindness towards me, my one ambition now is to show you in every possible manner just how much I appreciate all that you have done for me. A chap couldn't wish for a better mother and father. I realise too that this must be a very worrying and anxious time for you but please, no worrying on my behalf, I am very strong mentally and physically, and quite capable of looking after myself.

For the last 7 months I have been English Commander (under a German Officer of course) and interpreter over a party of 80 men, so you see I have very much the same little worries and responsibilities as I had in England, you would be surprised how many times during a week chaps come to me for advice on almost every subject under the sun, also when there is a strong argument and they can arrive at no decision one will say, "Ask the Sarg then", and my word is taken as final, we are quite a happy family.

Arthur is on the right, standing.

I am in the very best of health and spirits, wishing you all the same,

Arthur.

Sunday, 16th March 1941

2011-09-15T22:39:00.001+02:00

My dear Mother & Father,

Today is Sunday, I am writing this letter feeling very well off for I am in possession of a Red Cross parcel (my 3rd), have received this week of letters (3 from mother dated 8/10/40, 3/11/40 and Air Mail 26/1/41 and 2 from you Dad dated 11/4/40 and 5/1/41; 1 from Dorothy d/ 22/12/40 and 1 from Muriel dated 6/11/40); finally your parcel arrived yesterday correct in every detail. Thank you very much you seemed to have thought of everything, it really couldn't have been better, and thanks for your Xmas card.

So sorry to hear that up to the 26 Jan you had not received my letters for 3 months, of course I expect by now everything is normal in that respect, I like you, write weekly. Dad must thank and remember me to Joe Birket and George Davies and anybody else who asks after me, it is very kind of them. Please thank Dorothy for her 'news bulletins', she would make a good news reporter. Next Friday is my birthday so the parcel came in good time.

It is beginning to get warmer now, we are having lovely sunny days and the scenery here is beautiful. My health couldn't be better, I only hope that you both and Dorothy and Bill are the same, now no worrying over me, write often, send parcels whenever you can, all my love,

Arthur

On this day;

In the North Atlantic... Kretschmer's U-99 and Schepke's U-100 are both sunk in a convoy battle. These sinkings, combined with the loss of Prien ten days previously, are a severe blow to the morale of the U-boat crews as well as a serious military loss because of their unusual ability. The sinking of U-100 is symbolic as being achieved with the aid of new radar equipment. Kretschmer is captured after his ship is sunk.

In East Africa... A small British force arriving by sea from Aden in two light cruisers, two destroyers and seven other vessels lands and captures the port of Berbera. The capture takes only a little time and immediately afterward they begin to advance inland. There are alos British gains in the battle around Keren. The 5th Indian Division, which has been unable to advance on the first day, now takes the Dologorodoc position south of the Keren road. The next five days are dominated by Italian efforts to mount counterattacks.

In the Balkans... The Italian offensive is called off. In the past few days they have incurred 12,000 casualties and taken absolutely no ground. However, the Greeks have been compelled by the Italian offensive to do nothing to strengthen their forces which face the German threat elsewhere.

http://www.onwar.com/chrono

Sunday, 23rd February 1941

2011-09-08T21:28:00.000+02:00

Dear Dorothy,

Last Tuesday afternoon, 18th February, I received your Christmas card which you posted on the 9th October, 1940, since then I have received nothing else, but I now have the satisfaction of knowing you have heard from me, and therefore there must be more letters on the way for me. It is impossible for me to describe the feeling I got on recognising your handwriting, seeing something I once knew when everything was good, to have something I can keep before me all day, knowing that it has been at home with you, Mother and Father, it was almost like being home again. Never mind, as long as the day comes when once again the five of us will all be seated round the same table under the same roof, all as we used to be, then God will have been good. I have no grumbles, we are being treated very fairly, are able to keep clean and tidy. I am learning German very proficiently and at the moment am acting as interpretor for 80 men. I have no intention to let this time slip away wasted. All my love to you, Mother, Father and Bill.

Arthur.

On this day;

In Athens... The Greeks agree to accept a British force which at this stage is intended to be 100,000 men with suitable artillery and tank support. The Greeks are very reluctant to accept anything less since it would not be enough to fight the Germans off and would only encourage them to attack. The disposition of the British and Greek forces is also discussed. The British prefer a position along the line of the Aliakmon River but the Greeks are unwilling to give up the territory which this line does not cover. No final decision is made -- a serious omission in light of later events.

In East Africa... In Somaliland the main Italian forces defending the line of the Juba River have been defeated. General Cunningham's troops are now advancing very rapidly toward Mogadishu. There is a small Free French landing in Eritrea.

In Occupied Holland... The SS raid on the Jewish Quarter of Amsterdam is completed. About 400 Jews are arrested and deported to the concentration camp at Buchenwald in Germany.
http://www.onwar.com/chrono