Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula

Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula

Number 170-27. Writes that new camp is not bad but congested. Unable to find anywhere to practise violin although he has not made much progress. Mentions a letter from her posted end May has arrived. Continue to write to Luft 3 although they are not there. Writes that he is in mixed Army Air Force camp and is depressed and has a cold. Hoping for photographs of her.

1944-08-19

Two page handwritten letter

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EValentineJRMValentineUM440820

STALAG LUFT III
20th August 1944

[censored approximately four lines] The new camp is not bad – no worse anyway, than previous ones although congestion is once more the order of the day. We have quite a pleasant view of the countryside & are permitted to walk over the whole area of the vast camp instead of being strictly confined to our own pen[?] I have alas, be[sic] [been] unable to find anywhere to practice & it looks as if I shall have to give it up for the time being. It’s a great pity, after all I’ve put into it but I’ve no alternative as yet. As a matter of fact I’ve done very little since I left Luft [indecipherable] a month ago but I have realised with absolute clarity how little progress I’ve made since I started I couldn’t play even the simplest of tunes if I tried – which I haven’t. All my fond hopes of playing with you I’ve sadly but firmly relinquished. One glorious surprise of the last week was receipt of a letter from you dated 28th May. Several are missing, the previous one being 26th March but it was nevertheless grand to hear from you again. I hope the others come & also the snaps you mention as enclosed therewith. The one of Pat Hodson & offspring [one indecipherable word]. Please continue to write to LUFT III although we are not there. Our camp houses a mixture of Army & RAF NCO’s. The Army boys get regular mail in quick time. Many of them have July letters now!! During the past month, when the war news has been so thrilling, I’ve been profoundly depressed. One reason of course was my inability to occupy myself with the fiddle. To crown it, I developed a foul cold & cough followed by a spell of vomiting & sickness. I felt extremely weak for a day or two but am feeling a lot better now although a little “tottery” after my enforced fasting. I’ve never before been so idle as I am now & I hate it intensely. Naturally, during the long hours on my bed, I’ve thought of you a lot & have stuck[?] up a row of photos of you & F to look at for encouragement. Fondest love, John.

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[reverse of letter]
GEPRUFT 71

MRS U. M. VALENTINE
FELMERSHAM
BOTTRELLS LANE
CHALFONT ST GILES
BUCKS
ENGLAND

[/reverse of letter]

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