Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula

Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula

Number 51. John apologises for upsetting Ursula in previous letters. He has received a second American parcel. Mentions he is proud of her of her working in a factory but urges her to be careful. He talks about the care within camp by the Germans. More photos have been sent form home. Had further letters from relations and send thanks.

1943-02-05

Two page handwritten letter

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EValentineJRMValentineUM430205

NUMBER 51 5/2/43
My Beloved Ursula: In my last letter I made some remark about Peter & Chris on a photo which may have hurt you & I want humbly to apologise if it did. I didn’t think sufficiently carefully before writing – you see any mention of Peter is to me like waving a red rag to a bull. I now have my 2nd American parcel the senders are GRISTEDE BROS of New York. They are unknown to me but if you can find out who is responsible, would you please give them my very best thanks. It wasn’t a large parcel but the contents are delightful – especially some onion flakes which brought back an almost forgotten taste. I have been turning over in my mind, since you latest batch of letters, the idea of your working in a factory over & above all you other manifold interests. I cannot say how much I admire you for it – it makes me realise more & more what a wonderful wife I have (Pity Peter hasn’t some of your spirit.) But for heavens sake darling be careful I don’t know the potentialities of these machines but I’ve no doubt they can have nasty habits. You have probably guessed that we are extremely well treated here. The German officers who run this camp without exception trial us very properly & with a great deal of sympathy. The same applies to NCO’s & men with whom we get on very well. Admittedly, supplies of many things are not abundant but that is not the fault of those who run the camp – who give us quite a few concessions in one way & another. All the photos I have had in you 6 letters this week have given me endless pleasure please thank Bar sincerely. Might I suggest that you number any future photos so that if they arrive in a bundle I shall be able to let you know which is missing. Had a letter from Auntie Harme today, dated 13th Nov Would you please thank her for writing & also for the cigs which she has sent but haven’t arrived yet. All my love to you dearest I yearn for you always. John
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[underlined] Kriegsgefangenenpost [/underlined]
[sticker] EXAMINER 3638 51-851-W.H.H. Ltd. [/sticker]
An MRS U M VALENTINE
LIDO
Empfangsort: TENTERDEN GROVE
StraBe: HENDON
Kreis: LONDON NW4
Land: ENGLAND
Landesteil (Provinz usw.)
[postmark] GEPRUFT 64 [/postmark]
[underlined] enfrei! [/underlined]
[sticker] P.C.90 OPENED BY [/sticker]
Absender:
Vor- und Zuname: Sgt JRm Valentine
Gefangenennummer: 450
Lager-Bezeichnung: M.-Stammlager Luft 3
[underlined] Deutschland (Germany) [/underlined]
[page break]