Postcard from John Valentine to his wife Ursula

Postcard from John Valentine to his wife Ursula

Number 145-2. Awaiting news of progress with house. Writes of preparing his daughter for eventual liberation. Comments on atrocious weather. Recent arrival of tobacco parcel.

1944-01-09

Two sided handwritten postcard

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EValentineJRMValentineUM440109

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STALAG LUFT III
LAGER “A”
9th January 1944

My darling. No mail from you alas, since last year. I eagerly & anxiously awaiting news of progress with the house. I don’t know if I shall ever be free again but should I return I’d like to give Francis a grand present so that she will be able to associate my appearance with something pleasant & possibly get to love me on the strength of it. If & when my day of liberation approaches, would you search around for something she would really treasure, buy it & keep it [inserted] hidden [/inserted] until I come on the scene. The weather here continues atrociously, lots of Slush, fair amount of cold – most unpleasant. I’m keeping very fit though. Had a cig parcel from ‘The Wardens’ (bless them) my first for about 4 months I hope you are well & Frances too

John

[page break]

145/2
[two ink stamps] [postmark]

M [underlined] RS [/underlined] U.M. VALENTINE
[deleted] c/o LITTLE CLOSE
FELMERSHAM
[deleted] DEVON ROAD [/deleted]
BOTTRELLS LANE
[deleted] SALCOMBE, DEVON [/deleted]
CHALFONT ST GILES
ENGLAND
BUCKS.

Sgt J.R.M. VALENTINE
450
STALAG LUFT III
LAGER “A”

End of transcription