In war news at this time on the 4th December the British Home Guard was stood down. By December 5th the Allies were in control of Ravenna, Italy. On the 14th Japanese defenders in Palawan in the Philippines killed over 100 American POW’s in the Palawan Massacre and units of Air Group 80 from USS Ticonderoga flew seven strikes against Japanese positions in northern Luzon in the Philippines. On the 15th Americans and Filipinos landed troops at Mindoro island in the Philippines.

In this letter:

Mr. Palmer was the locum optician in Cranmers Opticians in Minehead, who covered for John while he was away in the army.

Miss Warren was the receptionist in Cranmers Opticians.

John Pickford was one of the partners in Cranmers Opticians, John’s employers.

45 King George Road

Minehead

15th December 2017

My own darling John,

Really, the reason I am commencing at this time of night is because I want you badly and if you were here I expect you would want me. But the time is 12.30 and I have just got into bed after a lovely hot bath. As i creamed my face and rubbed hand cream into my hands I thought suppose you were here as well. Oh well, here I am in bed, smelling deliciously of face cream and hand cream in and no one to appreciate it, not that I want anyone to appreciate it except you darling. Gosh, I had better stop and put the light out otherwise this whole letter will be the same strain and you may not care for it or would you? As I sit here writing I think how lovely it will be when you are home and I am writing in bed, writing to you to come to bed. I can imagine you coming in and making me stop as I am straining my eyes in this soft light. Then you sit on my side of the bed and put your arm around me and hold me close to you. Oh darling John I long as you do for those days to come again. But the are not vey far away now.

Well, here I am again. I have been very busy and so this letter has not got finished but this time I am trying to. it is Sunday evening. I have just pit Anthony to bed after his bath. He fixes the towel around him like you do and struts around the bathroom pretending he is you. But I have other things to tell you ending your prompt attention. So here goes. I know that I am going against what I said I would do but this time it is not of my making. As you know Mr. Palmer is being married on the 21st February next. Well, Miss Warren has told me that Mr.Palmer is going to ask for another rise in salary after he is married. At least he told her so. Well, as I pointed out to her snd she thoroughly agreed, that if it was only you to be asked you would agree at once only unfortunately Mr.Pickford in Yeovil would have ti be consulted and that they perhaps are not keen to raise salaries. But John if you will take my advice you will write at once to Mr.Pickford suggesting that Mr.Palmer’s salary be increased when he is married. Miss Warren went on to say that Mr.Palmer gets about £6.00 to £6.10s weekly. Income tax decreases that to about £5.00 to £5.10s then he pays his landlady £2.10s and what is left he will have to support his wife etc.By the way she is coming to stay in Minehead for two or three weeks with Mr.Palmer. Miss Warren says Mr.Palmer is always talking to her (Miss W.) about his expenses etc. and seems rather dissatisfied or rather will be if he is refused a pay rise and Miss Warren says what would they do if he left. Now please Miss Warren particularly asks you not to mention his name in your letter to Mr.Pickford in Yeovil. She said she hinted all this in her last letter to you and she has asked me ti mention it to you again. I know Mr.Palmer is is rather money worried as when I walk home with him he is on all the time about the shop-how well it is doing and his expenses. He often says to me, “It must be nice for you having money coming in from the shop. You will be a rich young lady” I assure him that I actually won’t be but he does not believe me. Just recently he told me that he always used to have a bonus at Christmas but since he asked and got his pairs Mrs.Cranmer only sends him a letter of thanks now. I don’t want you to worry but if I were you I should do something to pacify Mr.Palmer just in case he gets so discontented that he thinks about leaving. 

I have had to pay another twenty seven shillings and sixpence to have the radio put in order. Still, when you come home you can decide whether we need a new radiogram.

This son of yours is getting quite terrible. He wants a sister and can’t understand why he has to wait until you come back. He talks about her all day and to other people. He is not a bit keen on a brother. He wants a sister and wants her called Elizabeth and she has got to have blue eyes, brown straight hair with two bows in it and is to have a white silk dress. He often “writes” a letter and seals it in an envelope and brings it to me, pretending it is a letter from his sister and then he reads it to me. He usually adds that she says she is looking forward to coming and living with him and wants to know when she can come. Miss Waren assured him yesterday that he would have one “one day” but he said “Oh get out of it, I want Elizabeth NOW!” Well, there is another problem for you darling. I have managed to get him to agree to wait until Daddy comes home and he then added ‘Yes and my daddy will go and get her from Dr.Bain as soon as he gets home”!!! What do you think? I have just been up to his room and he greets me with “I have just been thinking about my sister and she is a dear little thing and I love her as much as I love you and Daddy.”

Anthony Askew circa 1944

Oh, John darling, I do so love you and long for you but it’s not long now.

All my love my darling husband.

Have a good holiday and give the Kilburns my love.

I have received the tea you sent, thank you so much.

Always your adoring and loving wife,

Janie xxxxxxxxxx

69 LAA Reg RA w/s section REME

SOUTH EAST ASIA

29th November 1944

My own darling Janie,

Two nights ago sweetheart I had the loveliest letter from you. I  didn’t open it it’ll I got in bed and I read it there. There is nothing special in it sweetheart but you sound much happier and that makes a tremendous difference to my happiness out here.

I do so love fussing and caring for you darling and tending to your happiness and I have been helpless these last three years to do anything and then when I see from your letters that you were so unhappy I am miserable too because it’s my fault and I can’t do anything about it. Ever since I received that letter a trim little vision in green slacks and a yellow shirt, green shoes and a scarf around her hair has been dancing in front of me. You know that she has some grey hairs and I found them most attractive. I do wish I had a photo of this vision. It could hardly fail to be a very pretty picture.

Describe yourself again my sweet  as you sit writing to me. 

Oh yes, darling I had a letter from Winifred Taylor the other day and she told me all she saw of Anthony. She said he was very tall and looked strong as well but she also said that he talks too fast and does not bother to pronounce his words. Now she’s the third to tell me that and I am a little concerned about it sweetheart. I do hope that you are getting him over this stage sweetheart, say by pretending to be hard of hearing and making him repeat everything slowly and carefully.

Yes darling I recollect seeing large coloured advertisements of the shoes you mention and they really must look most attractive. In fact, as I have already observed, my wife must be an exceedingly smart piece.

I was over in the direction of the Kilburn’s place last week on business and of course looked in for tea. Jan made a great fuss of me. She is a little darling. At one time she had to be persuaded to sit next to me, now she has to sit on the same chair and on my knee. And I now have the honour to be differentiated from all the other uncles by being “My Uncle” even though I am getting stricter and stricter with her. Nathalie would laugh if she read this as she maintains that Jan is as good as gold until I appear, which I tell her is a pretty poor excuse. They are dears and make such a fuss of me. They seem to treat me quite differently from anyone else.

Local tea plantation owner Jack Kilburn’s wife Nathalie with their daughter Jan

I still love you terribly, more than ever, and I still want to be

Your Johnnie xxxxx

In war news at this time November 23rd saw Metz in France taken, and Strasbourg, in eastern France liberated by French troops. On the 24th the USS Intrepid was hit by kamikazes for the third time and other American ships were heavily damaged On November 25th the Japanese took Nanning in south China, and in the 26th the war in Italy was at a stalemate, partly because of heavy rains.

The reference to Grace in this letter is because John’s brother Maurice’s wife had recently died.

45 King George Road

Minehead

26th November 1944 

My darling John,

Well, here I am again. It is 10.35pm and I have had ny bath and supper and now sitting by the tiny fire that’s left in my dressing gown (ready for bed in fact) I am writing to you. I have on my old pink woolly dressing gown, you remember the one (I am saving my new one for you) and an old nightie that has a lace bodice to it. Oh, and I have on my bed jacket that I had in hospital- thrilled? I don’t suppose you are really. 

I have to go again to the dentist on Friday 2.30pm and have a tooth filled. The joke is about a month ago Mr.Ducheaune examined my teeth, scaled them and said “Nothing else to do. Come back in six months’ time.” I found this one myself the day after and believe me it nags too. I have to take Anthony with me as I have no one to leave him with. He is a very good boy. He always says, “You can trust me Mummy. I will be good.” and honestly he is Darling. Mr.Ducheaune likes him but says he looks like a “LAD”. 

Anthony was talking about Jesus the other day and I happened to mention that Jesus is with Daddy as well. Anthony said quite seriously, “Oh, yes, I expect he comes down from Heaven in a parachute doesn’t he?” What he now wants to know is how does Jesus go up to Heaven other than in an aeroplane and why once we go to Heaven why can’t we come down again. Also how did Jesus make his (Anthony’s) nose and what with. Also do they have nice toys to play with in Heaven and food and what are the shops like etc., etc. (All these questions straight off.) I had to explain about Grace to him, you see. He knew about it and I didn’t want him to get the wrong impression. Now he wants to know if dogs die, when will they die etc. and also he was worried about when he would die. I told him Jesus did not call people to Heaven until the people wanted to go. That soothed his little mind. He ties me up in knots over things though. The latest question tonight was how is a geyser made and how does it work. He hardly plays with toys these days. He draws, traces and colours all day long. I am convinced he will learn very quickly how to read and write. He traces paragraphs out of his books (the reading) and he draws very well now. I tell you he gets endless colouring and tracing books. Now I have hit on the idea of tissue paper for him to trace what he likes. He wants to go to school badly because, he said tonight (tapping his book), ‘then I can learn to read my books myself’. He has unearthed a beginners’ reading Phonics Primer (one of Maurice’s) and sat with it for ages. I endeavoured to teach him. In the end he traced a whole page of writing out of it. I have it in my hand. I wish you could see your son’s efforts. By the way, after he had done this he complained his eyes were all wet (watering I think he meant). Is this eyestrain? He can tell you the definition of an island, the capitals of England, Germany and France. Also that England is an island. He seems to be wanting to learn all the time especially if I encourage him, he runs for the Geography Atlas. He will be a marvellous companion for you Darling. When you write do tell him that when we had him we wanted a little boy badly. He is always asking me this question.

Oh, by the way, he asked me, was he born, where was he before he was born and how did Jesus send him? Why is a chicken laid in a shell and a dog is born like he was and how was he born? Well, John, I don’t quite know what to tell him. Shall I tell him, next time he gets on this subject, that Jesus sends babies into their Mummies’ tummies to keep them warm because they are so tiny and when they are bigger the Mummies go to a doctor and he gets it out, or what? Or do you think he is too young yet? I really am in a dilemma. I dare not risk him asking my mother as she will definitely tell him the wrong thing. He says he wants a baby sister badly and he will call her SANDRA.

I took him to see Pride and Prejudice on Saturday and he was absolutely thrilled the whole way through. He has fallen for Elizabeth (Greer Garson)  in it and keeps on asking to see it again.

Well, all this letter seems to have been devoted to your wonderful son. I am now in bed. It’s 11.50. I have got my bedside light on and have my pink bed jacket on. All ready for you Darling. If only you were downstairs finishing your last pipe before coming up. I expect as the boiler is hot you too would have liked a bath and then fresh and warm from it you would come striding in.

I simply must close now Darling.

All my love sweetheart.

Do come home soon. We need you badly.

Always your adoring wife,

Janie xxxxx

In war news at this time on 23rd November Metz in France was taken, and Strasbourg, in eastern France, was liberated by French troops. On the 24th the first B-29 originating from Tinian, in the Marianas, raided Tokyo.
:On this date also the USS Intrepid was hit by kamikazes for the third time and other American ships were heavily damaged. On the 25th the Japanese took Nanning in south China. On the 26th the war in Italy was at a stalemate, partly because of heavy rains. On this date also Heinrich Himmler ordered the crematoriums and gas chambers of Auschwitz II-Birkenau dismantled and blown up.

As usual

26th November 1944

Darling Janie,

It’s vey late and I don’t know if I’ll be able to finish tonight. I’ve been out all day for the last three days and as a result am very tired but here goes.

Yesterday I received a tin of sweets from the firm who are sending Anthony a parcel and if it’s any indication he should enjoy his.

Well, I’ve now done three years and five months and a pal of mine who is high up says I stand a good chance of coming home next summer. I personally feel that this depends mainly on if the European war ends before Christmas. Anyway it’s a very pleasant feeling. Also as a matter of interest a laddie who has to do with these affairs frequently comes around for a drink so I’m not merely a number, though of course he couldn’t favour me in any way.

And now, young lady, how are you feeling? You are an extremely naughty girl straining yourself. I’d far rather the garden were all weeds than you do any straining. Anyway I’m quite sure you didn’t train your heart, they simply don’t strain easily, muscles maybe, anyhow, take care, not much use my taking care of myself if you don’t.

The colonel said to me the other day “I didn’t know you were married Askew.” 

“Yes,” I said, “And I have a boy aged five.” He also has a son aged four who he  has never seen. He reckoned I should make use of this month’s leave at home but I said “Not likely.” I hear that the British press is making a fuss of the scheme. The men’s reactions here immediately, “No fear, let’s get our overseas service over and dome with and get home for good.” As I said I don’t like the idea as I feel it is likely to interfere with the repatriation for those who have done a long spell overseas. It may be a sop for the British public but for the average chap out here useless, the attitude being, if we’ve got to stay a little longer out here OK, only get us home as soon as you can.

Oh, Darling, it won’t be long now. Keep your chin up and look forward to those kisses of mine.

All my love sweetheart and to our little boy.

God bless you both and I remain your very own,

Johnnie xxxxx

In war news at this time on 23rd November Metz in France was taken, and Strasbourg, in eastern France, was liberated by French troops. On the 24th the first B-29 originating from Tinian, in the Marianas, raided Tokyo.
:On this date also the USS Intrepid was hit by kamikazes for the third time and other American ships were heavily damaged. On the 25th the Japanese took Nanning in south China. On the 26th the war in Italy was at a stalemate, partly because of heavy rains. On this date also Heinrich Himmler ordered the crematoriums and gas chambers of Auschwitz II-Birkenau dismantled and blown up.

As usual

26th November 1944

Darling Janie,

It’s vey late and I don’t know if I’ll be able to finish tonight. I’ve been out all day for the last three days and as a result am very tired but here goes.

Yesterday I received a tin of sweets from the firm who are sending Anthony a parcel and if it’s any indication he should enjoy his.

Well, I’ve now done three years and five months and a pal of mine who is high up says I stand a good chance of coming home next summer. I personally feel that this depends mainly on if the European war ends before Christmas. Anyway it’s a very pleasant feeling. Also as a matter of interest a laddie who has to do with these affairs frequently comes around for a drink so I’m not merely a number, though of course he couldn’t favour me in any way.

And now, young lady, how are you feeling? You are an extremely naughty girl straining yourself. I’d far rather the garden were all weeds than you do any straining. Anyway I’m quite sure you didn’t train your heart, they simply don’t strain easily, muscles maybe, anyhow, take care, not much use my taking care of myself if you don’t.

The colonel said to me the other day “I didn’t know you were married Askew.” 

“Yes,” I said, “And I have a boy aged five.” He also has a son aged four who he  has never seen. He reckoned I should make use of this month’s leave at home but I said “Not likely.” I hear that the British press is making a fuss of the scheme. The men’s reactions here immediately, “No fear, let’s get our overseas service over and dome with and get home for good.” As I said I don’t like the idea as I feel it is likely to interfere with the repatriation for those who have done a long spell overseas. It may be a sop for the British public but for the average chap out here useless, the attitude being, if we’ve got to stay a little longer out here OK, only get us home as soon as you can.

Oh, Darling, it won’t be long now. Keep your chin up and look forward to those kisses of mine.

All my love sweetheart and to our little boy.

God bless you both and I remain your very own,

Johnnie xxxxx

In war news at this time on 20th November Hitler left his wartime headquarters at Rastenberg, East Prussia, never to return and went to Berlin, where he would soon establish himself at the bunker.

In this letter Maurice was John’s younger brother. His wife Grace had recently died of diabetes.

As usual

22nd November 1944

My own darling Janie,

Today I received your letter dated 15th November. Also one from Anthony and one from my Dad.

My dad says that Maurice is taking things very well, as he pit it “without resentment or self-pity” and I must say I’m profoundly glad to hear it. And now my Dad is on the move, strange isn’t it? Your caution in not telling me where Dad is going is very creditable but in this case wasted as I know his address, besides which he has talked of nothing else for months in his letters. But you have told me when he went which he didn’t so now I have all the details.

Apparently this is Russell’s big week. I do wish him every success and hope he gets the Navy, in spite of being REME myself.

Today I played soccer with the lads, officers and NCO’s versus the men. It was a grand game and even appreciated by those who play the game properly. I shall ache all over tomorrow. Nonetheless I shall try and make it a weekly fixture. It’s good for us all.

Our fireplace is a great success now that it has dried out and it keeps us all as warm as toast and looks fine. I do all my evening work up here these days in comfort.

All being well I shall  be going on leave on 30th December. I have two weeks’ leave and shall be allowed seven days for driving. I hope to go in the Jeep as I have several bits of business to do en route. If I can work that then I shall leave on the night of the 29th and drive non-stop to Dehing. It took us four days in convoy. 

All my love to you sweetheart and to our little boy. Thank and kiss him for his lovely letter.

Your adoring husband,

John xxxx

PS PLEASE DARLING TAKE GREAT CARE OF YOURSELF!

In war news at this time on November 6th Franklin Delano Roosevelt won a fourth term as U.S. president and the aircraft carrier USS Lexington was heavily damaged by kamikaze attacks. On November 9th General Patton’s troops and tanks crossed the Moselle River and threatened Metz. On November 10th V-2 rockets continued to hit Britain, at the rate of about eight a day. On November 12th after numerous bombings while anchored in a fjord at Tromsø, Norway, the German battleship Tirpitz was  sunk and on the 17th the Germans gave up Tirana, Albania which was liberated by local partisans.

In this letter Mr.Palmer was the optician who covered for John in his optical business while John was away in the army. Miss Warren was the receptionist.

19th November 1944

My darling, darling John,

Yesterday I received your letter dated 9th November. You know you can write beautiful letters, excepting where you “try to be funny” but that’s not often so I forgive you. It makes me laugh though because precisely where you try to “show off” you spell the words wrongly and that lets you down with a bump dearest!!!!

Have you received my letter about Anthony going to school and asking whee to send him? I am waiting for your reply.

I have just witness to David and to Stephen. Mother had a letter from Stephen recently and he says he’s seen PLENTY of damage and the drains are awful. He also says he is speaking quite good french now. Anthony has sent David a letter similar to the one he sent you. By the way Anthony is eagerly awaiting a reply to his letter. Bless him, it took him ages to draw as he carefully considered what you would like him to draw.

Mr.Palmer has received your letter reference your to being back in the business for two years. I managed to smooth over his anxious thoughts over this. Don’t worry darling neither he nor Miss Warren will let you down. I go to the shop most days (Anthony simply refuses to go by and they do so spoil him). Mr.Palmer is very very fond of him and gives him sweets and Miss Warren draws things for him. Mr.Palmer and I have walked home together once or twice so you see how friendly we are. So don’t you worry about the business. I think darling (forgive me if I’m wrong) that you are rather inclined to underestimate my powers of persuasion over people if I care to exert my personality. I knew you would be worried about the business now but ( and I don’t boast) Miss Warren and Mr. Palmer are very fond of me and i do all I can to adhere them to us so that they will NOT let you down. Forgive me, I did not mean to mention business affairs to you after that last never-to-be-forgotten eye-full you gave me last time but I mention it this once to put your mind at rest. I have however told Mr.Palmer that if all goes well you hope to be home in about six to eight months and then you can settle things with him. He is certainly satisfied with this arrangement so don’t worry. If you don’t agree with what I’ve told him well do please realise I had to say something to explain your letter away.

My muscles or whatever I strained are OK again now. I have still got neuritis but really I ought to have seen Dr.Raby months ago. That’s one of the things I want you to talk to Dr.Raby about: will my next baby put it all wrong again? No, don’t misunderstand me sweetheart I am NOT trying to wriggle out of having any more children. Do you know last night (all of it I should think) I dreamed I was having another baby and in hospital-ugh! I think I must have had indigestion. I woke up and went to sleep and still went on dreaming. Anyhow, morning came and I was still in the throes of “having it”. It somehow brought back those nightmare days before Anthony was born. Do you remember them? I thought I was going to die and in the end I did not care. I can’t say I’m exactly eager to repeat the dose but I suppose that’s one of the things for which I was born.

The Silletts have a wonderful baby girl aged eight months and Anthony and I spend ages looking at her through the window.

Oh dearest, I must stop.

God bless you my darling. Need I tell you my love is all yours?

Your adoring wife,

Janie xxxxxxxxxx

Letter 19th November 1944

In war news at this time on November 6th Franklin Delano Roosevelt won a fourth term as U.S. president and the aircraft carrier USS Lexington was heavily damaged by kamikaze attacks. On November 9th General Patton’s troops and tanks crossed the Moselle River and threatened Metz. On November 10th V-2 rockets continued to hit Britain, at the rate of about eight a day. On November 12th after numerous bombings while anchored in a fjord at Tromsø, Norway, the German battleship Tirpitz was  sunk and on the 17th the Germans gave up Tirana, Albania which was liberated by local partisans.

In this letter Mr.Palmer was the optician who covered for John in his optical business while John was away in the army. Miss Warren was the receptionist.

19th November 1944

My darling, darling John,

Yesterday I received your letter dated 9th November. You know you can write beautiful letters, excepting where you “try to be funny” but that’s not often so I forgive you. It makes me laugh though because precisely where you try to “show off” you spell the words wrongly and that lets you down with a bump dearest!!!!

Have you received my letter about Anthony going to school and asking whee to send him? I am waiting for your reply.

I have just witness to David and to Stephen. Mother had a letter from Stephen recently and he says he’s seen PLENTY of damage and the drains are awful. He also says he is speaking quite good french now. Anthony has sent David a letter similar to the one he sent you. By the way Anthony is eagerly awaiting a reply to his letter. Bless him, it took him ages to draw as he carefully considered what you would like him to draw.

Mr.Palmer has received your letter reference your to being back in the business for two years. I managed to smooth over his anxious thoughts over this. Don’t worry darling neither he nor Miss Warren will let you down. I go to the shop most days (Anthony simply refuses to go by and they do so spoil him). Mr.Palmer is very very fond of him and gives him sweets and Miss Warren draws things for him. Mr.Palmer and I have walked home together once or twice so you see how friendly we are. So don’t you worry about the business. I think darling (forgive me if I’m wrong) that you are rather inclined to underestimate my powers of persuasion over people if I care to exert my personality. I knew you would be worried about the business now but ( and I don’t boast) Miss Warren and Mr. Palmer are very fond of me and i do all I can to adhere them to us so that they will NOT let you down. Forgive me, I did not mean to mention business affairs to you after that last never-to-be-forgotten eye-full you gave me last time but I mention it this once to put your mind at rest. I have however told Mr.Palmer that if all goes well you hope to be home in about six to eight months and then you can settle things with him. He is certainly satisfied with this arrangement so don’t worry. If you don’t agree with what I’ve told him well do please realise I had to say something to explain your letter away.

My muscles or whatever I strained are OK again now. I have still got neuritis but really I ought to have seen Dr.Raby months ago. That’s one of the things I want you to talk to Dr.Raby about: will my next baby put it all wrong again? No, don’t misunderstand me sweetheart I am NOT trying to wriggle out of having any more children. Do you know last night (all of it I should think) I dreamed I was having another baby and in hospital-ugh! I think I must have had indigestion. I woke up and went to sleep and still went on dreaming. Anyhow, morning came and I was still in the throes of “having it”. It somehow brought back those nightmare days before Anthony was born. Do you remember them? I thought I was going to die and in the end I did not care. I can’t say I’m exactly eager to repeat the dose but I suppose that’s one of the things for which I was born.

The Silletts have a wonderful baby girl aged eight months and Anthony and I spend ages looking at her through the window.

Oh dearest, I must stop.

God bless you my darling. Need I tell you my love is all yours?

Your adoring wife,

Janie xxxxxxxxxx