Showing 68 results

Reflects on whether his time in the POW camp has been wasted time. Mentions that the cinema came to the camp. Refers to the camp production of 'Yeomen of the Guards' and its director, Bob Lawrence, who gave all the performers a Christmas card.

Mentions correspondence with Tom, Peter and his parents. Tells them that he has sent them a portrait photograph. Reports that his wallet, given to him by George and Dorothy, was stolen, and with it photographs that he planned to send to Betty, Sis, Willie and Mabel, etc. Refers to Wendy and Francis' wedding. Asks whether folk dancing still happens in the old village and mentions that he tried to teach some to the other soldiers. Reports that he is at a rest camp for four days, and he and Gus attended a gramophone recital. Sends news that Osborne had his eyes re-tested and will escape the next battle. Refers to correspondence with Kath who is in an A.A. Battery in the West Country.

Reports that he is sitting at a table where people are eating and playing cards. Assures them that he is keeping busy, transcribing Brahm's waltzes for military band and teaching Greek. Mentions that he has had good sleep and cooked a potato and fish pie for he and Dick [Morgan]. Hopes to regain some of the weight that he lost whilst fighting in the desert but regrets that he will lose his tan. Wishes for a letter from his family.

Reports on his allotment. Writes that he has received his parents first parcel and cigarettes from Mrs Clegg and from the Fusiliers' Association. Informs his parents that his friend William Jeffrey may contact them. Sends news that he has temporarily given up Military Band solo clarinet and Wally Lewis has taken his place.

Thoughts occasionned by the launch of the second front. Enthuses about the visiting Civilian Internees band. Sends news of the Orchestra and his allotment. Mentions that he is not in the mood for writing letters.

Tells anecdotes about life in the POW camp, including a description of Sergeant Jones, the director of music. Reports that he is getting fat and the allotment is doing well. Asks his parents to write to his Regimental Paymaster for a statement of his protection as a stretcher-bearer under the Geneva Convention.

Thanks his parents for their July parcel, especially the pyjamas. Details a popular series of Light Orchestral concerts in which he has recently been involved. Asks for news of Deryck Viney and how he came to be in the army.

Describes preparations for New Year's Eve. Mentions that he is organising a military band tour of the barrack rooms, a series of public lectures on the Achievement of Greece and Rome and another chamber music concert. Reports that the Colonel of his Battalion has been repatriated due to the wound in his arm.

Describes and reflects upon soldiers, including him, relaxing on a beach by the Mediterranean. Refers to correspondence with Mrs Hulbert, Auntie Brierley, his parents and Betty, who has sent him a poetry magazine. Remarks on the engagement of 'the little flower' to 'her queer consort'. Asks whether they will have a double wedding with F and W [Francis and Wendy]. Sends his love to the Arnaps. Asks his mother to write to Willie and Mabel.

Thanks them for their letters. Remarks on the heat. Writes that he is learning to swim underwater. Reveals that he has had news that Betty is engaged, having written five weeks ago to tell her that he was not thinking of marrying her. Announces that he has turned down another offer of Officer training, with Major Doulton's approval. Describes his washing day. Hopes that Francis and Wendy's wedding was a success.