Letters, diaries and photographs from World War II

 

My darling Janie,

Well, I’m being fairly inundated with cheerful letters from you. No, this isn’t a complaint, I like it.

There’s a snag about your visit to London. It rather looks as though we are going to get Regimental Duties on Saturday afternoon and so I may not be home until later. The Regimental side of this workshop seems to be going through an awkward stage and making things as difficult as possible for the lads. It’s a kind of periodic disease in these large establishments.

I’m now quite resigned to doing no work and getting a good deal of study done in the office, which I share with my boss. I have him in my clutches at the moment as he wants a pair of bifocal lenses out of me and I’ve straightened his spectacle frame for him. 

I went to see the Medical Officer today about my back. He says it’s a spot of fibrosis and though it doesn’t matter much he is referring me to a specialist. He said something about massage and infra red heat treatment so that should keep me occupied and amused.

I’m not able to attend the Refraction Hospital yet as the builders are in but if I’m still here in September I shall do so then.

The two-month cram course is a full-time job and will start as soon as they have students so I shall have to leave that until I’m demobbed. I’m going to book as soon as they’ll let me as I feel there’s going to be a hell of a queue.

It would certainly be better for me if you came on Sunday but I felt it would make the changeover too quick at Minehead. However, come on Sunday if you think it’s ok but I shall assume you are coming Monday evening unless you tell me it’s going to be Sunday, say by telegram.

I must meet you at the station as taxis are very difficult.

Look sweetheart, if you can’t answer Girlie’s letter and not offer, then don’t answer the letter. I’ll talk to you about this next week.

Here’s a good joke:

First Girl: I shall be glad when these utility undies are finished. I like silk next to my skin. What do you like best?

Second girl: Skin!

So long my love. All my love is yours and Anthony’s.

And I’m still your own,

Johnnie 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