11th June 1940

Leeds 6
11th June ‘40

My Darling Mum

Many happy returns of the day! It’s impossible for me to get hold of a card to send you, dear, so this letter will have to do instead. I’m very sorry too, that I’m not able to send you a present, but directly I visit a shop, I shall get something for you. If there is anything in particular that you want please let me know, & I’ll do my best to oblige. Otherwise I shall choose something for you.

I don’t delude myself for one moment in thinking that you will have a very happy birthday.

Italy’s declaration of War will cast a gloom over the occasion that cannot be lifted. All the same, though you may not have had much happiness in your heart, dear, you may rest assured that your own dear ones are thinking of you especially, & lovingly, at the same time giving thanks to God for such a wonderful mother, selfless, considerate & kind. So as I give you a big written kiss X, I praise God for your like & pray that you may be preserved in Heavenly peace to enjoy those many years you will spend with us if the Lord tarry. And remember dear that “God’s tomorrow is a day of gladness” & His joys shall never fade, though the weary earth be grey with age & a barren wilderness where no birds sing & no flowers bloom & the voice of Man silent because of condemnation. How good it is that we have anchored the barges? Of our lives in the Seas of Eternal Love, just waiting for the glorious moment when we are summoned to enter the Desired Heaven & embark on he evergreen shore. No withdrawal there, dear! “What a day of rejoicing that will be” Hallelujah!

And now, dear, I must say a very big `thank you’ for that delicious parcel that you sent me. One might have thought that it were my birthday on seeing the lovely fruit & chocolate. When I first saw the parcel, I wondered what on earth there was inside & half suspected that it contained a very large game. I was jolly thankful when I found it didn’t, as I shouldn’t have found room for it.

You probably knew that I had more than a lurking affection for tomatoes eaten as fruit, so you need not have worried at the thought that I might laugh. The laugh may be on the other cheek, but assuredly the tomatoes (or rather quite a few) are inside! That was subtle, wasn’t it? Groans.

As for my not feeling too great, you will be pleased to know that I feel a good deal better now, & my chin doesn’t ache now. In fact it has practically healed, so I should think that I shall soon be out of this place. And I shan’t be very sorry either.

I have received your letter dated Sunday for which many thanks. I don’t see anything, however, about Olive. Apparently you have got something to tell me about her.

I haven’t got the time just yet to reply to the Riddies? Tell them that I shall write tomorrow.

I’m so glad that you had such an enjoyable week-end. Did you write that a Lord Thorold gave the message at the church? Is that his Christian name or is he a peer? I believe I’ve read about a Rev E.H. Thorold somewhere, but can’t quite place him. Probably in the obituary notices!

I didn’t have he Daily Telegraph on Saturday as the news vendor had sold out all the D.T.s, so you can send on that article by Mortlock.

Was that siren you heard, the one from Colchester, or has Gt Horkesley one of its own? I think that I would rather have an air raid than hear that Colchester siren. Its moral effect is far worse than any bomber.

The parcel of fruit, by the way, arrived yesterday morning, Monday, but as Sunday I like every other day here, its late arrival didn’t matter in the least.

Regarding the photograph which you suggest, you will realise that I can’t have it taken until I get out here & even then I may be moved too quickly for the photo to be developed. Like everything else, I shall see what I can do later.

And as that’s about all that I’ve got to write, I’ll say Good-bye & God bless you dear.

With lots of love

Your very devoted Son

John xxxxxx