Letters, diaries and photographs from World War II

Wharncliffe

2nd December 1945

My Darling Janie,

The “present” situation has much improved since I last wrote to you.

I went down to B.B.Evans and Kilburn in general on Saturday afternoon—on my way up to Evie’s, and looking around I found you quite a nice Christmas present. I always can see something for you but as for anyone else I fall quite flat.

I did pick up quite a nice cruet set in bakelite which can go to someone.

Russell came home for a few hours at the weekend and turned over all his old toys to Anthony and so I spent all Sunday afternoon going over the stuff. I cleaned and built up a Meccan aeroplane that was in excellent condition (in fact as good as new). That present can come from Uncle Russell.

There are quite a lot of trains: an engine which I am now having repaired, a tender and three coaches in good condition, plenty of rails, a footbridge and a railway bridge, slight repairs being carried out and finally a station and all the little items to go no it, a good Hornby engine and the Frog aeroplane all being saved, a chemistry set and a floodlight outfit I’m bringing down to be put away and finally the Pick-a-brick is being kept in London for when he is staying in London so that all seems to be organised.

I’m trying to get a lampshade for your parents. I have sent the book to my father. It’s too late to get something for Maurice, I’ll get him something when he gets back. That leaves Russell, David, Evie and Stephen. I shall just have to into Woolwich each dinner hour until I’ve got everything.

Provisionally I’ve arranged about Christmas and so Christmas at Wharncliffe with Evie, Stephen and David and the following day at Evie’s place. Your father is arranging seats for a Panto Thursday or Friday.

And how is the cough my sweetheart? I do hope that you are both well again.

I don’t propose to bring any civvies down with me but use what I have got down there. I’ll have things to carry without bringing clothing as well.

Newsflash: my appointment with the specialist is on Wednesday 5th so that will come immediately after Guard.

All my love is yours my sweetheart and our little boy’s.

Not so long now and I shall sleep in comfort again.

And I’m still your very own,

Johnnnie xxxx

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Not to be reproduced without permission
johnfinal.jpgJanie Askew

John's wife

johnfinal.jpgAnthony Askew
First son of John and Janie

johnfinal.jpgRussell Barker Janie's Brother
johnfinal.jpgGirlie Askew

John's younger sister

johnfinal.jpgMaurice Askew

John's younger Brother

johnfinal.jpgStephen Barker

Janie's Cousin

johnfinal.jpgEvelyn Barker

Stephen Barker's wife

davidfinal.jpgDavid Barker

Janie's cousin

freda.jpgFreda Cobley

Janie's cousin