Letter to Mrs Thomson from Norman Overend's cousin.

Letter to Mrs Thomson from Norman Overend's cousin.

Introduces himself and explains how he had knowledge of letters from the Thomson to Norman Overend's parents and was now writing back. Mentioned that he had been in England and in hospital in Scotland before sailing back. Mentions Norman's brother Frank was back in New Zealand. Makes some memorial comments about Norman giving his life. Thanks them for their letter and offer to stay with them and thanks them on behalf of his Aunt Anslie (Norman's mother) for their letters.

1945-11-22

Three page handwritten letter

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EOresondDWRThomson[Mrs]451122

68, Bordesley ST.,
Linwood
Christchurch N.Z.
22 November 1945

Dear Mrs Thompson
You will most likely be surprised to hear from me, & perhaps at a loss as to who I am, but when you see the name, maybe you will remember writing to me some months back. Today I received these returned letters from the U.K. base P.O one being your letter of the 31/8/45 written from Glasgow to me c/o N.Z base P.O London. My mother asked me if I had had word from, but I said maybe I have left the county (as you presumed) before you had received my Aunt’s letter (Mrs A Oversend).
Yes, I am Norman’s cousin, I was in England after being repatriated, later whilst on my leave
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I spent 12 days recovering from an operation in Oldmill Woodland hospital Aberdeen & later at Ballogies Aux Hospital Aboyne Aberdeenshire maybe you will have known or have heard of these places, but I left Scotland by the Red Cross Train for Bristol leaving England 10th July on the “Oranje,” so of course youll see that I sailed & was in NZ here on 14th Aug. about a fortnight before you had written me. You mentioned about Normans brother Frank, well maybe you have heard he is back in this country again.
Its certainly pretty tough about Norman but these things happen still we know that if he’s gone he’s given his life like many of our pals, for the good of the cause. Well theres not much more for me to say, only to thank you very much
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for your letter an invitation to stay with you. I’m sure we could have a good time together.
I certainly appreciate the kindness of he “Scots”
I can imagine how hard it was for you to write to my Aunt, but rest assured they will be very grateful to you.
Well, hoping you receive this letter & youss folks are well
I’ll say cheerio.

Yours Sincerely
Davies Melville R. Overend