Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula

Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula

Number 1. Writes that he is starting new numbering system, last was 59. Records letters and comments he has received and says books from Sweden are welcome. Writes they had outbreak of fleas and of effect on him. He has now recovered from illnesses and has played soccer. Mentions he is putting on weight and an upcoming show. Mentions camp has developed a complex internal organisation and describes it.

1943-03-02

Two page handwritten letter

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EValentineJRMValentineUM430302

NUMBER 1
2-3-43

Darling Ursula: For reasons which may or may not be obvious, I am starting a fresh series of numbers for my letters. The last was 59. I had letters from Horace Seaton & Roy Cowdry today but can’t spare letters of thanks. The former seemed to be very taken with the photos of Frances & (strange to say) me. Roy also writes enthusiastically about Frances – she is still a “little duck”. He also mentions the walnut cabinet which he says “will fill a NITCH in our new home”. My capitals. If you can spare the time, I’d be glad if you would proffer thanks. I also had most friendly letters from Mr & Mrs A. S.V which I will duly acknowledge. The books from Sweden might come from their friends or from H.G.S. It was kind of the sender anyway – books are ever welcome here by the librarians. I’ve had a series of minor[?] misfortunes recently. First of all we had a mild outburst of fleas in which I was one of the affected. The Germans assisted in taking prompt measures but by that time I developed a plague of spots from some minor blood disorders so that I couldn’t be sure if the fleas had gone. Then I spilt boiling water on my foot which despite immediate attention blistered. Two or three days later the whole turned septic but is now responding to treatment. Then I caught a heavy cold which was followed by a fresh disappearance of my senses. From everything except the last I have more or less recovered. I have had a couple of games of soccer now & am hoping to play regularly. I have to confess that I’m putting on a lot of weight nowadays – possibly the large quantity of spuds consumed is the cause – but whatever it is I am certainly much heavier than in the autumn & my face is getting very fat. Will you still love me if I come home “completely circular”. Tomorrow we are going to be entertained by a farce “For the Love of Mike” which has been given a good reception so far. Each show here runs four nights so that every man in the camp may see it. This camp is developing an incredibly complex internal organisation. Education, entertainment, sport, religion, gardens [one indecipherable word] for exchange of Red X food – apart from management. We now have a daily news sheet giving details of camp happenings. Altogether its[sic] an incredible[?] place – everybody rushing about (more or less) in an effort to forget he is here. But can he?? I’ll leave the answer to you. I’m always longing for you dearest & for Frances, John

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[reverse of letter]
GEPRUFT 64

Mrs U M VALENTINE
LIDO
TENTERDEN GROVE
HENDON
LONDON NW4
ENGLAND

[/reverse of letter]

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