Minehead First School
- War news at this time was good: on 22nd and 23rd March US and British forces crossed the Rhine at Oppenheim.
- By this time it was clear that Germany was under attack from all sides. On the 27th the Western Allies slowed their advance and allowed the Red Army to take Berlin. On the 29th the Red Army entered Austria. Other Allies took Frankfurt; the Germans were in a general retreat all over the centre of the country. On the 31st General Eisenhower broadcast a demand for the Germans to surrender.
45 King George Road
Minehead
31st March 1945
My darling John,
Well, here I am in bed again but with a difference: I have a fire in the bedroom, not because I am exciting but because Anthony is ill, he has measles! I have been up with him all week at night with a cough and on Thursday night out came the spots! I rang Dr.Bain up on Good Friday to come. He had not turned up at eight pm and as Anthony’s temperature was very sneaky 103 I got worried. Anyway, he cme today. He says he jas got it mildly and to keep him in bed until his temperature is normal for twenty four hours.
Anthony seems better today. He is a little interested in food. When I give it to him he does not eat much. His temperature is almost normal now and so soon he will be abe to get out of bed. Then after48 hors he can go out but not if his cough is still there. He is in quarantine for 14 days from last Thursday night.
No wt answer some of your queries. Yes, the £30 monthly is ok and also the £100 has arrived. The amount in the bank is about £400. Of course I paid your dad £115 so I think I am doing well, don’t you? That is with your £100 received of course. As regards investments I have asked your dad and mine and neither of them will advise us as it’s a risky business and so the money is in the bank. I think it had better stay there until you come home now as that will be so soon.
With regards to the tobacco. I sent you two half pounds and Mother sent you half a pound. Shall I send you any more? Oh, Russell says can yo bring him back some cigars or cheroots or something. He loves cigars John and they are so expensive.
With regard to towels sand sheets, well darling, I would be very glad if you could bring some home as household linen is very very expensive and practically non-existent, esp[ecially sheets and I do badly need at least two pairs of single bed sheets for Anthony’s bed and also my double sheets are wearing out now after seven years of hard going. Also can yo get pillowcases and tea towels? I shall be grateful for anything you can bring. Towels and tea towels are on coupons here and if we want them we have to give up our precious clothing coupons for them so you can imagine the state of the linen cupboard these days! My mother would also be very grateful for anything you could bring her home as she is as badly off as I am. Of course she would want to pay you.
By the way my mother is coming all the way from London on Tuesday to look after Anthony while I go to the Fireman’s Ball on Wednesday 8pm to 2am. Then she is returning on Thursday. I am wearing my long green velvet evening gown.
I got the bed back from Bury over two years ago and that is the one in the back bedroom with the wooden dressing table from Anthony’s suite. In Anthony’s room is the bed and the little chest of drawers belonging to his suite.
We need several things in our home. The armchairs very badly need upholstering I am afraid. We are endeavouring to get a decent lawn for you but the dogs and Anthony don’t agree! Russell has taken over the kitchen garden while he is here and I do the flower garden, the lawn, the fruit trees and the strawberry beds.
Did I tell you Girlie has had a miscarriage? Well, she has. She wrote telling me all the details.
Re the business. Mr.Hart wants your testing room divided into two, one for a testing room, one for an office.
I wonder how the war situation will e by the time you receive this. Why, it might even be over. or very soon eh? And then what? How would that affect you dearest? Have you heard anything about coming hone yet?
Anthony has just said, “Give Daddy my love won’t you?”
Do you think I had better bring my green velvet gown wen I come to meet you?
Byt the way I sent off a parcel to you on Wednesday, your birthday parcel. I am wondering if it will follow you out there and find you’ve left and then follow you home again! Watch out for it in about eight weeks or so time.
My Jake is a wonderful dog. Dr.Bain is absolutely “gone” on him. He adores spaniels and kept telling me what a beautiful dog he is. He seemed surprised to think he was mine. Everybody goes nuts on him. I do hope you ill love him. He’ll sit for hours waiting for someone to throw his ball for him.
As i sit here in our bedroom by the fire I can imagine how wonderful it will be when you are here with me and we are going to bed.
Well, John darling we have been married almost seven year of which we have really been married only two. Here is wishing yo Happy Wedding Anniversary and may you be home long before the next.
Dr.Bain wanted to know all about you and said we have been separated for a large slice of our lives.
Russell’s records are either highbrow or hot jazz stuff or strict dance tempo. Bussell taught Maurice the basic dance steps while he was here. I do hope he will be able to give you some lessons as Russell is such a good dancer, He likes me to partner him as no one else down here knows his steps.
Have you sent Mrs.Jones any tea yet and what about the Briggs’s?
My mother is busy getting read for your homecoming. You know she real;ly does think the world of you darling and so does Dadda. Mother always refers to you as “dear old John.”
It is now Monday. Somehow I simply have not been able to finish this letter. This afternoon Anthony got up and came downstairs but you know he has got terribly thin and he won’t eat. He is now looking forward to my mother coming tomorrow.
Russell planyed the first potatoes today. Maybe you will be home to eat them with us darling.
The wallflowers are out in the garden nw, also the forget-me-nots, primroses and polyanthuses an now the marigolds are coming out and the irises.
This writing is perfectly awful. I know but I do s want to get this letter off tomorrow.
Do you my hips are positively aching with the continuous running up and downstairs to Anthony since he has been ill. And my back, lifting Anthony up in bed etc., is making itself felt now. Still, the war news is good and I have tons to be thankful for.
As soon as the war is over I am going up to town to do my shopping in case you come home quickly.
Anthony now has his school blazer. It is grey bund with blue and the badge worked on the pocket and he is proud of it! He told me that Sister Margaret, when fitting it, said “My goodness you do look a darling Anthony in it!” (Hush! I haven’t had the bill yet!) I have bought him some grey shorts to go with it so he is all ready to meet you darling. Oh, I do hope you will think I have made a man of him and not a sissy. At any rate I have done my best to be father and mother to him for the four long years you have been away so don’t be too strict in your judgement.
I must stop now. Take great care of yourself sweetheart.
All my love is yours sweetheart, you know that.
Hoping to see you soon. NO HARM IN HOPING, EH?
Always your adoring wife,
Janie xxxx
In war news at this time 16th March saw the German offensive in Hungary end with another Soviet victory. On the 19th March there was heavy bombing of important naval bases in Japan, Kobe and Kure and on the 20th Mandalay was liberated by the Indian 19th Infantry Division. Also on this date Tokyo was firebombed again.
In this letter I have been unable to find out what WASBY stands for. REME is Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.
SEAC = possibly South East Asia Command?
45 King George Road
Minehead
21st March 1945
My darling Johnnie,
You know I originally bought this writing paper to send to you and here I am using it myself! However, I will try to get you some more.
Do you realise that in two days’ time Russell will be twenty-two and he hasn’t a girl yet, except me!
I am writing thus sitting up in bed. Does that give you a big thrill John? I should get a bigger thrill if you were lying beside me.
This morning I received four pairs of silk stockings from your father. They really are beautiful darling and I am terribly thrilled. Before he went to Jamaica he said he would try and send some and so now dearest I shall be able to thrill you more on our honeymoon won’t I? He must have known!
We are going “all out” in the garden now to have it nice for your return, which cannot be very far off considering the German position.
I think I told you Russell has passed his exams but he did not pass the Admiralty board so in all probability he will get a commission in the army. That is, of course, if he passes the WASBY. Then he will try for the REME.
In your latest letter you tell me I am not to go to Dr.Raby any more until you get back and go into the matter. But why John? Haven’t you any faith in him any more? The longer I leave it before I go again, the more painful it is likely to be afterwards. Look, I have promised you and him that I will be good, do as he says for that three months or whatever it is. Isn’t that sufficient for you? Darling, I don’t want to have my back X-rayed, really I don’t. Please don’t make me John and am I allowed to visit Dr.Raby and have I to wait until you come with me? Please reply John and don’t be cross will you?
It is Thursday 9.30 am. Anthony is at school and really this is the first time I get to myself. I have just read through what I wrote in bed last night. Naturally I will do as you wish about not going to Dr.Raby, although he says the longer it is “out” the longer it will take to stay in. Only don’t take four more years to come home. Let’s be hearing from you over this.
I have written to my mother about you wanting to meet Anthony alone and don’t worry dearest we will arrange it. I wonder how long we shall be able to keep away from him. And darling we simply must take him back a present. Also a day or so in London with Anthony will enable you to take him out to the toy shops and perhaps buy him another little gift. This would greatly impress Anthony. He would probably “take you” as he knows London as well as he knows Minehead. You could also buy him a new dressing gown at the same rime as he insists on waiting for one until you can go with him. Strikes me that I shall be oddment out but I won’t mind John as long as you and Anthony, the two I love best in the world, are happy. It will seem very strange having to ‘share’ you with Anthony. Still, the nights will be our very own darling, at least for a while before we have another infant yelling his head off just when we are cosy! Pity babies can’t be born old enough to sleep though from seven till eight the next day. Still, we won’t be worried bu that for a while will we?
What a strange letter you will think this is. Well. I am in a strange mood! At the moment I want you so badly I don’t want to share you with Anthony or yelling babies!
Evelyn has gone up to Birmingham to see Stephen and also see the psychiatrist at the psychiatrist’s request. She is going to let us know about it. The specialist thinks that Evelyn would do Stephen good. Your doctor doesn’t think you need your wife by any chance?? Well, tell him, I want YOU badly!!
Anthony fell off his three wheeled bike on Tuesday and has a nasty cut about four inches above his knee on the inside. It made me feel quite sick when I saw it. However “Uncle Russell” did it up for him (he made no fuss with Russell) with a large chunk of elastoplast.
When Anthony “works” in the garden I always pay him for his help. Yesterday he earned tuppence as he helped with his wheelbarrow to move soil and carry turfs.
Anthony circa 1945
Well, I think I have written enough.
Russell has got a rise at his job of seven shillings and sixpence. Mr.Kemp badly wants him to do full-time. He says that Russell is doing more important work than he would in the forces!
Thank you darling for the SEAC papers. I am lending them to Mrs.Beale up the road as her husband is up the front at Burma. He used to be a hairdresser in Bagleys, for haired chap, name Clifford Beale.
Your dad has sent Anthony another book, on flying this time. When you write to him you might mention how thrilled we are with his gifts and how grateful we are as now I can go all glamorous for you. Tell him that.
Well, must stop now as it has gone eleven and I haven’t done a thing yet.
Take great care of yourself.
Oh, Maurice is going to save his leave now and spend it down here when you arrive. Do you mind? He seems to think you will be home by June/July. We all might go on the Norfolk Broads again in July as my father is very keen and would like to go. Maurice wants to too.
All for now.
All my love is yours. I’d give you more if you were here you know that.
I love you best in the world darling,
Your very own,
Janie xxxx
War news at this time March 9th saw US firebombs hit a number of cities in Japan, including Tokyo. On March 1th Nagoya in Japan was firebombed by hundreds of B-29s. On the 15th V-2 rockets continued to hit England and Belgium.
In this letter Maurice was John’s younger brother. At the time of writing, his wife Grace had recently died of Diabetes.
Mr.Palmer was the optician who covered for John while John was away in the army.
45 King George Road
Minehead
17th March 1945
My darling John,
Thank you darling for all your cheerful letters. They are a tonic I assure you.
Maurice came down last Tuesday and left here this morning by the 9.10 train. I went and saw him off on my bike.
I think he enjoyed himself. I did my best to make him at home anyway. Joyce and John Pickford were staying down here at the Sundown Hotel so they were around a bit. Russell went to the flicks with Maurice and the Pickfords on Wednesday evening, Then on Thursday morning Maurice, Russell and I had a coffee in Newcombes and in the afternoon Maurice and I went to Dunster and walked up the Sugar Loaf and Grabbist, down Alcombe Combe and had to rush to meet Anthony from school. We thoroughly enjoyed the walk though. Then in the evening Joyce and John came over. On Friday after taking Anthony to school, Maurice and I caught the 9.10 train to Taunton and went up to Taunton School to join him and you as Old Boys.
Taunton School, Taunton
Maurice had a talk to one or two of the masters, nice-looking Mr.French (I like him) and Mr.Williams. it was very funny, they all seemed to think I was Maurice’s wife!! Mr.Williams said “You have chosen a very pretty wife with the very pretty name of Winifred) By the way I paid for Maurice’s membership as well as he is very short of money. I told him to pay you just when he likes. I hope I did the right thing. They are sending the Old Boys’ magazines to you direct. I explained we had a small boy hoping to come to the school one day. They were very interested and badly wanted him when he is seven years old but I would not agree. By the way there is a three year waiting list to get in there so Mr.Williams suggests you don’t waste too much time before putting his name down. I watched a little boy of ten working in the carpentry shop and all I could see was my Anthony there. You know John it will be a terrible wrench for me to part with him and have him there and I shall worry terribly about him. I am not looking forward to to one bit. They have six new tennis courts. The headmaster is leaving next term.
Russell has been busy teaching Maurice dancing.
Maurice Askew, John’s younger brother
Whenever Maurice and I were alone we talked about Grace. I let him talk. He told me he goes out now and then with one of the WAAF’s as it gives him a feeling of relaxation to do so but that anyone else compares badly to Grace and that he would have to go a long way to finds someone who compared favourably with her. I pointed out that was because he was not looking in the same place as where he found Grace. I meant in a church somewhere or something like that and that set him thinking and he finally agreed that I was right. So darling I don;t really think that you and Girlie have any need to worry about Maurice on that score. I tried to warn him against grabbing the first girl who sympathises. He knew what I meant. You know it is veto strange how people just seem to like to confide in me. Why, I don’t know, but they do. I leant Maurice your overcoat while he was here. I hope you approve. He said he is going to save his leave now until you come home and then he would like to spend it down here with you and me.
Oh by the way, Russell has passed his exam. Isn’t that grand? So he is not going to join up as a regular. He hopes to get in the Navy as a midshipman.
Jack Ridler arrived home on Friday from three years in India. Also the husband of that blonde who works in Ridlers and has also been in India for three years.
Did I tell you that Mr.Palmer had got a job in Taunton, to spend half his time in Taunton and half at the Sidmouth branch but he can’t find rooms in Taunton yet.
Maurice tells me (in confidence) that Girlie is trying to start a family but she is not quite sure herself yet as it is very early days yet.
Well, it is Sunday 6.30pm and I must soon put Anthony to bed, I have tons to do before you come home, all the house is re-decorated now, except the bathroom.
You know I simply can’t realise that you will most probably be coming home fairly soon. I shall really have to start in earnest and get my outfit sorted out otherwise I shall have nothing to wear and you would hate that wouldn’t you? Oh John darling I do love you so much and I am so glad you have agreed about postponing my back treatment for a while. You know, I was terrible afraid you would not agree.
Having Maurice down here, he is very like you now in his ways etc. I realised it with a jolt how like you he is and it upset my equilibrium somewhat.
Maurice tried to curb Anthony once or twice, especially sucking his fingers and holding his shawl. This upset Anthony and me terribly because Anthony came sobbing to me and I did not know what to do. Oh darling I do beg of you once again to go easy, very easy, on the disciplining of Anthony. I am afraid Maurice did more harm than good. But what worries me is that Maurice did as I know you will do. I do so want Anthony not to be afraid of you.
So some of your men are coming home? I wonder when you will come, if you yourself have any idea. Then I start thinking of where and how we shall meet each other. I shall be terribly nervous John and probably talk a lot of nonsense and as I sit here and imagine you taking me in your arms and kissing me. Well, I realise how badly I want and need you my love. Russell says I’m so nervy and makes allowances for all my shortcomings.
Oh, Joyce’s baby is expected end of June I think. She does not show at all because I think she’s always fattish. She seems very calm. I only hope I shall be as calm when I am that way again. I often think that if I had had another baby soon after Anthony I should not have worried. It’s getting on for six years now since Anthony was born.
Well, I really must stop and get Anthony to bed as it’s seven o’clock. He is making an awful mess playing some game.
By the way, why not send Mrs.Jones some tea? Her address is 88, Girton Avenue, Queensway, London NW9. Also, what about the Briggs? 146 Ainsworth Road, Bury, Lancs.
Elsie is going to live at Cincinnati after the war and wants us to go and see her. She is now Mrs. Schurmer.
Freda’s bull terrier died last wee from an epidemic that was going around dogs in town.
We are busy in the garden these days sowing seeds, digging etc. Although actually Russell is doing all of it.
Well, sweet, I must stop as Anthony seems precariously near breaking the window in his game.
All my love sweetheart is yours. God bless you and bring you home soon.
Ever your loving wife,
Janie xxxx
PS I have arranged with my mother for you to meet Anthony. Mother won’t “know” you. Oh John, I wonder what your first reaction will be when you see him. Remember, you will have to find Mother first otherwise you won’t know if it is Anthony or not. Can’t I join Mother and Anthony and “not notice” you joining us a bit later? I do so want to watch Anthony and you together. Bless both of you. I love you both terribly.
PPS All being well, if Russell is still here, we are going to a Grand Ball at the Regal on April 4th. I shall probably wear my green velvet evening frock. Russell hates going yo dances without me as I am the only one who can dance his intricate steps!! I have asked Mother if she can come down and look after Anthony.
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
In war news at this time on 12th February Peru declared war on Germany and Japan and on the 13th the Battle of Budapest ended with Soviet victory, after a long defence by the Germans. On the 13th -14th Dresden was firebombed by Allied air forces and large parts of the historic city were destroyed. On the the 1945 Bombing of Prague took place: American planes bomb the wrong city. The 15th saw Venezuela declared war on Germany and Japan and on the 16th American paratroopers and Philippine Commonwealth troops landed on Corregidor Island, in Manila Bay. Once the scene of the last American resistance in early 1942, it was now the scene of Japanese resistance. On this date also American naval vessels bombard Tokyo and Yokohama.On the 19th
Turkey declared war on Germany and Japan and on the 26th Syria declards war on Germany and Japan.
Notes: Mr.Palmer was the locum optometrist who covered for John in Cranmers Opticians in Minehead while he was on active service. Mr.Pickford was one of the other business partners.
45 King George Road
Minehead
27th February 1945
My darling John,
Today I had a letter from your father, the first since he left here. He says he has written to you and hopes to hear from you soon.
Well, I went up to London and back in one day last week. Mr.Raby put me right again and hurt me incidentally more than he has done before. He said this time that when the war is over and you are home and I can stay in town he thinks he could get me right in three months providing I was under his constant supervision and did as I was told. When he says “cure me” he means that my back won’t misplace so easily as it does now.
I got to Mother’s at about 1.45pm, Dr.Raby came at 2.30pm and went about 3pm and as he went he told Mother that I was to hurry very very slowly to my train. By the time we got to Swindon my back was aching so much I felt sick. I leave you to imagine how it felt when I eventually got holme at 10.45pm!! I ached for two days, day and night, and all I wanted to do was to lie flat!!!! Russell looked after Anthony whilst I was away and put him to bed as well. It was grand to be in London again. There is really no place like it John.
I have heard from Maurice and he is expecting his leave in about a fortnight’s time.
Anthony loves his school and seems to be getting on ok there. He now knows some French songs.
St.Theresa’s Convent School, now Minehead First School
Mr.Palmer is back from his honeymoon and his wife is with him but I have not seen her yet.
We went to see the film “Western Approaches” today. It really is a very good film. It worries me though that Russell might have to go through those ordeals.
Western Approaches is a Technicolor 1944 docufiction film directed by Pat Jackson. It is the fictional account of 22 sailors adrift in a lifeboat. They are able to signal by Morse code their position. A nearby U-boat receives the signal along with a friendly vessel which changes course to go to their rescue. The captain of the U-Boat decides to wait in ambush with its two remaining torpedoes. Before the rescue ship arrives, the U-Boat’s periscope is spotted by the lifeboat. The U-Boat fires its torpedoes just as the rescue vessel is alerted to the U-Boat’s presence.Much of it was shot in the Irish Sea. Sailors rather than professional actors were used.
I am sorry your face has been painful and I hope by now it is better.
Stephen is in hospital in Warwick for his nerves.
Tomorrow evening Mr. and Mrs. Floyd from next door are coming in. They are middle-aged but Russell and I like them very much and between ourselves we refer to them as Jim and Olive (that’s their names).
Mrs.Hinton (George’s mother) has given me several roots from her garden so I should have quite a show this year.
I have been trying to get a beach hut as you seemed keen but they all seem to be booked up this year!
Sorry darling I have had to leave this for a couple of days and so have other news for you. Evelyn tells me that there is a young Pickford on the way!!!
I have had a letter from your da. He has a secretary and a car and now is getting a chauffeur.
I received your letter dated 15th February yesterday. Yes, I do give the devil his due about the business. Do you ever doubt me of being fair?
So you want to stay in London for our honeymoon. Of course you realise that Anthony will be in London too and at most a couple of miles away from him? Do you think we shall have sufficient willpower to stop from even going in that direction on the off chance of a peek at our darling son? That is one of the main reasons Anthony has agreed (for the moment) to stay with Mother is because I have promised him he can go to Grandpa’s station and play with the red and green large lantern!! Where would you like to stay and remember if you choose a posh place we have to have the clothes to carry it off.
Later on after the war Evelyn wants to have Anthony to stay with her during the holidays!!! I mentioned it to him and he said no, he wanted to stay with Daddy!! Oh yes, my love, you are going to come right into your responsibilities as a father with a big bump. It will probably momentarily make you feel years older to have son Anthony’s age. I was thinking in bed this morning that if you had been beside me asleep I would have tickled the end of your nose and told you it was a mosquito taking a little walk or even a jungle bug! And then tickled you again!
You would laugh if you could see what I am collecting for our honeymoon: things like hair clips, soap, comb, hankies etc., all those things that are difficult to get now.
Have you any idea when you will be home? Honestly now. You say you will give me a month’s notice. Well, by the time your letter arrives it will be almost fourteen days instead.
Well I must stop and do some work as it is nearly 10am. Anthony loves his school and seems to do a lot of French!! Did I tell you he is 3 feet ten and a half inches tall and weighs three stone nine pounds.
All my love my dearest John,
Your own,
Janie xxxxxxxx
In war news at this time the 8th February saw Paraguay declare war on Germany and Japan and on the 9th the Colmar Pocket, the last German foothold west of the Rhine, was eliminated by the French 1st Army.
In this letter Miss Warren was the receptionist at John’s optical business, Cranmers Opticians in Minehead; Mr.Palmer was the locum optometrist who covered for John while John was on active service.
Mr.Pickford was one of the other partners in the business.
45 King George Road
Minehead
Phone Minehead 443
9th February 1945
My Darling Husband,
This afternoon I received your letter dated 28th January. So you are a footballer now? Well, well, I bet you look “natty” in your shorts and “nattier” without them!!!!!
What did you think of the jam? I hope you liked it. Also, did you look at the children’s gift? I hope so.
Jan and Pru Kilburn with their mother Nathalie. Daughters and wife of local tea plantation owner Jack Kilburn. John spent many happy times at their house and Janie always sent the children Christmas and Birthday presents.
Anthony has not been to school at all this week. I was up with him on Sunday night so on Monday morning I took him to Dr.Bain as he had such a terrible cough. Dr.Bain said not to send him to school but out in the flesh air as much as possible. Thank God he is much better now and eating a little better. Dr.Bain thought it was whooping cough. Anthony has been grumbling because I kept him from school.
I hear from Miss Warren that the job Mr.Palmer was getting at Torquay has fallen through and so now he has got to advertise for another post.
Mr.Pickford has sent me the 1943 balance sheet to sign. You know that I think that your share of the profits should now be paid over to you and not pit to raise the capital of the business.
I understand from Mr.Pickford that a fellow from Yeovil is taking over for you, name of Gaylor, aged 23, at £7 weekly plus percentage of business done, That’s far more than Mr.Palmer is paid isn’t it?
Russell has taken on a part-time job at Mrs.Kemp’s place. He starts on Monday. At present he is helping me decorate the house ready for your homecoming. Does that make it seem nearer darling? Russell has not heard about his exam etc yet. But any day now he expects it.
I hear from my mother that Grandma is about the same. She is in Paddington Hospital. Also Mother tells me that Elsie is expecting Michael home from France any time and they are getting married by special licence. Elsie has a white wedding dress. She paid £17-10-0d for the going away frock of turquoise blue.
Oh, at school last week, Anthony coloured the best duck in his class and he is very proud.
I have not heard any more from Maurice yet.
By the way Stephen is getting troops ready for India and also going himself and Mother says she thinks he is rather worried about his career as he is not getting any younger. He saw the Medical Officer and he sent him on to a specialist as his nerves were in such a bad state and the specialist has advised Stephen to go into hospital and have a complete rest. But I don’t think Stephen is going.
Russell is trying his hand at building a wall!…where I keep my wood.
At my feet while I’m writing this is my dog Jake or as I always call him Flaky Pastry! Really darling I have never known a better tempered dog. He does not growl however much he is pulled about and he is very very lovable. Russell is very fond of him. He seems to spend all his time wagging his tail and yet he is a very good house dog. I’m sure you will like my Flaky Pastry alias Jake alias Monty (he responds to all these names!) Truly, a wonderful dog.
(Saturday morning). Have just measured Anthony for you dearest and he is roughly 3 feet 9 and a half inches tall and weights 4 stone six and a half pounds. He seems to be growing rapidly but not gaining weight much.
Well I must hurry out and ge the shopping as it is the weekend. It is raining out (believe it or not I am writing this on the floor and now Flaky Pastry is positively sitting on this letter licking my pen. He wants a game and he has already bitten or pretended to bite my ear.
I have pushed him off now. It was too much of a good thing, even for me, and now he is worrying Anthony while he is trying to play with his plasticine. Now he has come back here.
Don’t forget we have got to decide where we are going to spend our holiday. I wonder where I shall meet you. Can you imagine that meeting darling? I am saving my coupons up for something new to wear for that great occasion. I want a small fur coat but then I want lots of things!!! Anyway I shall have to start looking around as soon as I can get to town. I am seriously considering running up to town and back in a day to see Dr.Raby as my back hurts me rather. Russell will mind Anthony. I should leave on the 9.10am train and get back about 10.30pm. That is, if Dr.Raby will see me in the afternoon.
Anthony has been a perfect little scamp lately!!!
Well, all for this time. Lots of folks ask me when you will be home.
All my love sweetheart and take great care of yourself.
God bless,
Always your very own,
Janiexxx
PS No kisses on your recent letter. Don’t you love me any more?
War news at this time was encouraging. On the 28th January the Russians completed the occupation of Lithuania and on the 31st crossed the Oder River into Germany and were now less than 50 miles from Berlin. The same date saw a second invasion on Luzon by Americans and the whole Burma Road now opened as the Ledo Road linkage with India was complete. On the 1st February Ecuador declared war on Germany and Japan and on the 2nd .nval docks at Singapore were destroyed by B-29 attacks. February 3rd saw the Battle of Manila begin.
45 King George Road
Minehead
4th February 1945
Phone Minehead 443
My Sweetheart,
I have out our phone number at the top in case you have lost it and as things are going now in Germany, what with the Rissians’ amazing advances, and ours, you might get hime sooner than you think and then wish you had our number so there it is: 443. You had better memorise it. The war news is certainly very cheering don’t you agree? You will soon be coming home darling.
So you want to run two cars do you Sir? And where do we garage it, let alone buy it? And golf etc? You know you do make me laugh darling. Where is the money coming from? Anthony’s education has already begun at £5-5-0 per term plus extras and as he gets older naturally his education will cost more and then Taunton School fees and then possibly college after that. My,my, it looks as though we shall finish in the Workhouse. Goodness alone knows, if we have another son, how do we educate him? Anthony still wants to be a doctor by the way and that costs an awful lot. I hope this works well and truly into that darling head of yours when you think in terms of cars etc!!!!!!!
Taunton School, Taunton
You ask me if you intend staying in this house. Well, darling, I put it to you can we afford thirty shillings plus rates weekly after this war. Personally I don’t think we can and I am hoping that perhaps we shall be lucky enough to find one a bit cheaper or that Mrs.Cranmer will agree to us still having the rest of the flat. This way you see the house only costs us about fifteen shillings weekly including rates. But if we don’t get the rent money then I rally don’t think we can afford it here in spite of it being very cosy etc. Perhaps I worry too much about Anthony’s education finances but I do so want him to have every opportunity we can give him. You know if Jan and Pru are coming to stay with us regularly this house just won’t be big enough, especially if Nathalie and Jack stay here as well.
I have been giving Anthony a lesson in how to punch. He tells me a boy in his class (kindergarten) punches him and so I have told Anthony that next time he does it to punch him back HARD and he will! Don’t worry, I won’t fight all his battles for him, although I won’t say I feel rather callous. I teach him to respect little girls but fight the boys only if they hit him first. He seems so young and unprotected when I leave him at school but he loves it there. He talks about the “Reverend Mother” and “Sister” and his teacher is very patient. They have several teachers. The one who is very patient is a Miss Chapman who lives somewhere up the Parks. She is about twenty-five and she takes their coats, shoes etc off and puts them on and teaches them some things. Then a nun plays the piano for their “band” and singing and another teaches them French and another other things. They have a prayer every day, something about “Oh, Angel of God” etc. Anthony is a bit hazy about it. He can practically count up to 50 now and already knows some French like “Good morning, Good Night, Daddy” etc. He comes home and Russell questions him on what he has done. He knows all about Noah and his ark and how he built it and why and the lions, monkeys etc., etc. they took in together with margarine and bread and Scott’s emulsion, (this is Anthony’s version) and tea and sugar and butter and jam etc and they lived in there for forty days and forty nights and then they sent out a bird to see if it was still raining and it died and then they sent out another and it lived and so they came out and that was how Jesus got rid of all the wicked people! He will also hold forth on Cain and Abel and Isaac and Esau (with all the actions).
Note: Still produced today. Scott’s Emulsion is a proprietary adulteration of cod liver oil. Cod liver oil has long been believed to have a tonic effect on the human circulatory and respiratory systems. Part of the success of Scott’s Emulsion was that it used glycerine to sweeten the powerfully bitter taste of pure cod liver oil.
St Thersa’s Minehead, now Minehead First School
Russell is still here and is thinking of taking a part-time job as a pastime. He has not heard his results yet. He is also going to help me redecorate the rooms ready for your homecoming. We are starting any day now. I have not heard any more from Maurice so have just drooped him a note. I am so glad you had a good holiday. How was Diana??!!
Diana Franklin, daughter of one of the local tea plantation owner’s
I have to go to the dentist again on Thursday. He managed to save that other tooth for a while but I can’t chew on it. I am rather anxious about Anthony’s teeth. He still sucks his fingers you know and one of his front two teeth is protruding just a bit. I have told Mr.Ducheaune an he says it will affect his permanent teeth if not caught but I can’t stop him sucking his fingers. He does not do ut at school but so great is the strain on him that as soon as he gets in he commences to suck them and gets terribly irritable and nervy if I stop him. I have now told him that a band will have to go around his tooth if he continues!!
Well darling, let’s forget our responsibilities as parents for a moment and think about ourselves. Where do you want us to spend our honeymoon?and in a hotel or private apartment or what? Oh, darling it will be wonderful to meet you again and to feel and know that I belong to you again.
Well, take great care of yourself, you will be home soon. By the way, what did you mean about Diana’s “attacks”? Oh. Anthony’s sweets have arrived and they are a great success. Thank you dearest very much.
All my love my dearest husband.
I love only you and long for you.
Your adoring wife,
Janie xxxxx
In war news at this time the 1st November saw British forces occupy Salonika, Greece, and distribute food in Athens, which was experiencing famine; and “Operation Infatuate”, an Allied attempt to free the approaches to Antwerp began: amphibious landings took place on Walcheren Island.
45 King George Road
Minehead
1st November 1944
My darling John,
I have received another lovely letter from you on Monday. I am so glad to hear you are well and happy. I wonder what is in those two extra parcels you have sent us! Do tell me, there’s a dear, what Anthony’s is. I do hope you will receive my parcels (2) by Christmas. I have my doubts though as they were posted rather late. I was trying to get you a diary so sweetheart if they don’t turn up until after Christmas, well, you will forgive me won’t you? By the way in them you will find a present each for Jan and Pru. I thought that you could either send them or take them when you go on leave. For Jan I got two rather nice books. Anthony badly wanted them. For Pru I got a lovely bunny made in bright yellow velvet. It cost me twenty two shillings and six but that was the only thing I could get worth sending. I got it at Floyds and he said to me “Go on mrs.Askew, you can afford that.” It has lovely long ears. I do hope she will like it. Let’s see, she will be a year old on the 19th November won’t she?
Jan and Pru Kilburn with their mother Nathalie, wife and children of local tea plantation owner Jack Kilburn
That son of yours is going around telling everyone now that he is going to have a brother and a sister!! and they understand him! Mrs.Clark (Beach School) adores Anthony. She declares he is far too advanced (mentally) for his age and warns me to be careful and see he does not overdo learning at school. She has a grandson aged eight months but it’s all “Anthony” when we meet. Everyone says Anthony is the image of Russell to look at. Talking of school, or were we? Anyway we simply MUST talk about school for a bit. Look here, everyone seems to consider St.Theresa’s school the best for small children. The fees are four guineas per term (more as they grow older). It is by far the largest school in the county.
St.Theresa’s Convent, Townsend Road, Minehead, now Minehead First School
They don’t teach them religion. That is, they have Scripture but there is a special Catechism class for Roman Catholics. I think the nuns take some of the lessons and they call them “Mother so-and-so”. Well, there is Hamberies. The headmistress is about sixty. Only about twenty pupils go there and people don’t think much of it. St.Alwins I don’t know much aboit. But Mrs.Godfrey knows one of the teachers there and is going to get the low-down on it. Well, there you have the three schools. What do you think? PLEASE do answer this. I mean, this is as much your concern as mine. I really don’t know what to do. If St.Theresa’s wasn’t run by Roman Catholics everything would be OK but still it does seem a modern school and lots of little boys go there. I want your opinion. Then if it is to be St.Thersa’s Convent, well, I shall have yo to back me up against my mother and your dad. It’s the nearest to home, you see.
Mrs.Ball (her husband used to be a hairdresser in bailey’s, a blond man) tells her that one of their officers is packing up to come home because he has done over three years abroad. How does this affect you? I saw your friend Janet Shrives recently. She showed me an air graph card you had sent. I had to verify your address for her so I expect you will hear from her about same time as this. She asked me when you were coming home. I told her I DID NOT KNOW. If you’ve told her differently it’s just too bad!! Deirdre is a sweet little girl but extremely tiny. Anthony towers over her head and shoulders above her.
I managed to get Anthony a pair of shoes (black). I wanted brown. After a few days’ wear on one shoe he has won down to the stitching! They are size 10 and none too big. He does look a big boy in them and his grey turnover top socks.
Oh, yes, so you are anticipating spending six months in London. Oh, darling that will be marvellous but what about your son’s education during that period and also where shall we stay in town? Strange you should ask me where we were going for our honeymoon as I was going to ask you in this letter. We have got to go to London afterwards to collect Anthony. Also, where will you disembark I wonder?
Darling, don’t jump at me when I only wondered if you could possibly bring me home a pair of silk stockings for our honeymoon. I haven’t a pair. Still, you will have to get used to me without stockings as I have been for the last three years. I prefer to go without rather than wear the awful artificial muck on sale here. But don’t worry about it. It doesn’t matter. The only reason I asked you was because John P. managed to bring Joyce home stockings, among other things. As long as you come home safely that’s all that really matters. Still, you will have to get used to seeing my varicose veins in my legs showing or else I shall have to wear my slacks.
Anthony wants to learn how to swim. I told him he must wait for you.
All my love, God bless you and bring you, the best husband ever, safe home to us my darling. Anthony and I adore you and I really long to feel married again,
Janie xxxxxxxx
In war news at this time on the 15th October the Allied bombardment of Aachen in Germany continued, the first major battle on German soil. On the 16th the Red Army and Yugoslav partisans under the command of Josip Broz Tito liberated Belgrade and the Red Army forces were also in East Prussia. On the 18th Hitler ordered a call-up of all men from 16 to 60 for Home Guard duties and on the 21st Aachen in Germany was occupied by U.S. First Army; it was the first major German city to be captured. The 23rd to the 26th saw the Battle of Leyte Gulf: The United States Third Fleet and the United States Seventh Fleet won a decisive naval battle over the Imperial Japanese Navy in the Philippine Islands. On the 23rd October the Allies recognised General de Gaulle as the head of a provisional government of France.
B-29s were now using Tinian Island, in the Marianas, as a base for the systematic bombing of Japan and Soviet forces in cooperation with Tito’s Partizan forces, liberated Novi Sad in Yugoslavia. On the 25th Romania was fully liberated by Red Army and Romanian troops.
45 King George Road
Minehead
25th October 1944
My darling John,
Well, you will see by the date that today has been a great day- our wonderful little son is 5 years old today. Bless him. He certainly beat his record today by the number of times he said, “I do wish my Daddy was here.” I nearly blubber. He was so sincere about it. And, oh darling, your beautiful airgraph to him arrived THIS MORNING. Yes, we missed you terribly today. Anthony has his five candles on his cake. He badly wants me to send you a piece but sweetheart it would not keep long enough as it is a wartime recipe I used. We turned out the lights when the candles were lit and there we sat with your photo in the middle, looking at the cake. Oh, John, I do thank God for him. He is a grand little fellow and I do so want you to come home and guide him in the right steps. You know it’s all wrong for a boy to be brought up entirely by his mother. I do my best but he needs his Daddy’s “outlook” on things as well as mine. There is the problem of his schooling to be considered now. How I wish I could leave this to you. Still, I’ll once again do my best. Mrs.Godfrey is going to find out particulars of St.Alwins for me. I fancy either there or Hambries (in Blenheim Road, colours mauve and white) or the Convent. Everyone says the convent is the most popular but I don’t somehow care for it. Anyway I thought that if I sent him to either one or the other two, say, for a couple of terms until you come home it would be a good idea.
St.Theresa’s Convent, Townsend Road, Minehead, now Minehead First School
Goodness knows where we will send him for a Preparatory School before he goes to Taunton School. There isn’t one here.
Do you feel the father of a five year old boy darling?Oh, I say, I got Mother to buy Anthony some building bricks and send them to Anthony as if from you, supposed to come from India. He was thrilled but he almost caught me out as I told him that you as you are in the jungle you could not get me any stockings or undies. He said almost as soon as he received “your” bricks, “But Mummy, I thought you said Daddy could not buy things in the jungle!” I quickly said “Oh, but Daddy has been saving these bricks for you for a long time Darling.” He accepted that.
He is learning his alphabet and can almost count up to twenty. I can’t let him go to school knowing nothing. Did I tell you he has agreed to stay with Mother whilst I met you? Mind you, he’s not keen. He seems to have deeply rooted in him the idea that when you come home I won’t want him, in other words that he will be sold. We shall have to be very careful with him you know John. I want you to make a great fuss of him and want him with you as much as possible. Children have an uncanny knack of reading between the lines. He is so looking forward to meeting you with me you know John and it’s only since I asked him if didn’t he think he would like to stay with Mamma and see Grandpa’s station etc while I found you that he thinks he will be odd. Still, I have hinted that no doubt you will bring him a present home and that I will bring him one as well and that seems to have smoothed him over. I mean, I can’t explain to him WHY he has to stay with Mother.
Russell is coming down this weekend. Alas, I shan’t be able to go to the dance with him as there is no one to mind Anthony. Mother says she can’t manage this weekend. Oh, John, I am longing to dance with you.
I see that they are trying very hard to get the Army service overseas cut to three years as quickly as possible.
Did I tell you that Bill Cheek has been moved back to Bridgwater again? At present Mary and the baby Roger are staying with her mother.
You know I shall be terribly lonely when Anthony goes to school. I was going to get a job but with you coming home comparatively soon I don’t quite know what to do.
Sorry sweetheart I certainly have no film to send you. Can’t get any at all, haven’t been able to for years.
You know what I am looking forward to amongst other things is having you sitting in the armchair opposite me as it is now, only now it’s empty.
Well, darling I must close as it’s 10.15pm and I must have my solitary supper and away to bed.
Still, I’m not complaining, you’ll be home soon, God willing.
All my love sweetheart. Take great care of yourself for Anthony and
Your adoring wife,
Janie xxxxxxx