Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula

Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula

Number 17. Lists letters that have arrived. Apologises for upsetting her about food but things are much better now if largely vegetarian. He appreciates her efforts to organise food parcels. He writes that he is coping well. Asks her to enquire if Red Cross could include some medicines in parcels. Mentions food parcels, his health and requests item to be sent. Notes he is persisting with violin.

1942-09-03

Two page handwritten letter

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EValentineJRMValentineUM420903

No. 17 3-9-42
My Darling Ursula: Yours missives 1-13 here. Many thanks for seeing to the tobacco business but I don’t want you or Father to send too much between you. I’m very sorry if I upset you on the food question but it was pretty grim when I wrote. Now things are much better although the diet is 95% vegetarian. The season partly accounts for the improvement & we expect reversal of fortune in due course & any result of your many appeals will be SINCERELY appreciated. I really am coping quite well just now feeling cheerful and quite fit but not indulging in much violent exercise.
I could do with one or two medicines, perhaps you could get the Red Cross to send an Invalid Food parcel containing them & some food too. (Please don’t think I am dying though) I want (1) Argotone for my senses have lately shown a tendency to disappear again. (2) Something for heartburn which I get pretty badly at times (3) Something for bladder weakness which has affected me and many others. I often make several visits a night & unbroken slumber is rare. The Red Cross of Boots will give you the ‘Gen’ on the food & medicines parcels
Am afraid my attendance at daily prayers didn’t last long but I go to Sunday services regularly & have joined the Church choir (don’t laugh). I dropped the idea of shorthand & chose English Literature which will be much more congenial. We hope to start soon. Looking forward to the Agriculture & am reading a book on the subject now. Loved the photo of you & Frances together & also your tales of her achievements. Please include a pipe in my next parcel. Still only 3 letters from the Valentines. Have I offended them? Did you get a letter from the Father addressed to me at the time I was shot down & on that subject? I f so, what did he say? Struggling very hard & painfully on the fiddle. Hope to get one of my own soon. Lucky for you not to be able to hear my awful efforts. But my teacher is quite satisfied. Don’t tell Barnet how often you hear from me & don’t mention it to me either. Expect me home for your 28th birthday, but not much before. Freeman’s cousin is not here, are you sure his name is Freeman. Had a photo taken today & might be able to send if it comes out but am not promising.
Always longing for you, Yours always, John
Your postcards, letter cards & letters all take the same time.

Mrs U.M. Valentine
Lido
Tenterden Grove
Hendon, London N W 4
England
From
John R.M. Valentine
450
Lager-Bezeichnung
M-Stammlager Luft 3

Censor stamps Gerpruft 32 Examiner 3575