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.