War news at this time the 3rd March saw Manila fully liberated.
Also on this date the Battle of Meiktila, Burma came to an end with General Slim’s troops overwhelming the Japanese; the road to Rangoon was now cleared.
On 4th March Finland declared war on Germany, backdated to September 15, 1944.
Mr.Palmer was the locum optometrist in Cranmers Opticians while John was away in the army.
Same as usual
4th March 1945
My Darling Janie,
Very many thanks for your letter dated 23rd February. It was a very sweet letter indeed. I shall reply to it later on.
I received a letter from my dad today and he seems to be full of beans. He says he has written to you. He hasn’t as yet received a letter from you.
All goes well with me here. The weather is definitely getting warmer. In fact full battledress isn’t really necessary now.
Yesterday I received two parcels of tobacco from you darling. I received four tins of ‘4 square’ Blue tobacco. I’ve a tin of Three Nuns ti finish before I get cracking on it. The other packet has four tins Barneys mixture but I can only guess that it was from your mum and dad and Russell, So you can see that I am very well off for tobacco sweetheart.
Now here’s something to tickle your ears. Another thirty five of the lads I brought out with me from England are now on their way back to England again. But of course none of them are officers and that makes a great deal of difference. But still it shows the direction in which the wind is blowing. Nevertheless continue only to expect me when you see me, then there will be no disappointment.
This Sunday has again been a pleasant easy day with ideal weather. You really wouldn’t believe there was a war on around here.
So glad Russell is enjoying his job. Do tell me more about it.
I’m reading a Sinclair Lewis book called Bethel Merriday. I think you might enjoy it my sweet.
Harry Sinclair Lewis (February 7, 1885 – January 10, 1951) was an American novelist, short-story writer, and playwright. In 1930, he became the first writer from the United States to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Do let me know what records Russell has been adding to the collection. I shall be interested to know what stuff he goes for.
The Mrs.Palmer-to-be seems to be causing the old man a pretty average number of headaches, poor old chap. I suppose I shouldn’t ave any sympathy for him but I have.
I’m so glad that Anthony is really enjoying school now and I’m glad darling that you are giving him some tips to look after himself.
Anthony was at school in St.Theresa’s Convent in Minehead, now Minehead First School.
I’ve been thinking sweetheart, I hope that my bike is in some sort of order and will be able to do another turn before it goes where all good bicycles go. You see it will be rather far to walk home to lunch and back and even if we had a car it would be too short a run for car. So I’m thinking that the bike will have to come bad into use again.
I’m sorry that your back is troubling you again or should say continues to trouble you sweetheart but I dip wish you’d leave treatment until the buzz bombs are done and then spend a week or two in town.
When I get back we really must get cracking on some treatment really seriously. We can’t have it going on indefinitely like this.
Well sweetheart I do hope you’ll excuse this slightly shorter letter in view of the fact that I’ve been doing better of late and am rather tired.
All my love you know is yours sweethearts and our little boy’s. Take great care and I still remain your very own,
Johnnie xxxx
Leave a comment