Letter to prisoner of war John Valentine from his wife Ursula

Letter to prisoner of war John Valentine from his wife Ursula

Writes wondering about the their near future and mentions her plans to return home in a fortnights time. Writes of some other purchases she made a recent auction and that she has has her hair permed again. Concludes with family gossip and that tenants have left their house.

1944-09-18

Two sided handwritten letter card

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EValentineUMValentineJRM440918

Start of transcription
[inserted] 11/11 [/inserted]
DATE Sept 18th 1944
My darling Johnnie,
I wonder how much news you get to hear these days – enough to cheer you up, I hope. Sometimes I even let myself imagine your homecoming – but not [underlined] too [/underlined] often, it doesn’t pay! Life here is quieter now that Peter has gone back, but tomorrow Barbara comes down for a fortnight & I think when she goes back we shall probably go home too, all being well. Did I tell you that among my purchases at the auction sale some weeks ago was a large feather bed, for 19/-. I have now been to work on this, cut it in half, using one half for a cot mattress for Frances, & the other half I have made up into 3 pillows & 2 cushions. Quite good value, since I had to pay £1 for one feather pillow from a shop! I have also had the front of my hair permed again – do you remember I had it done in Ayr ages and ages ago when we were still young & foolish? It is only when I am down here that I can have any hairdressing done since Frances can be left with Grannie. We were so sorry that Ann didn’t come to stay here after all, but Grandpa wired that travelling was too difficult. I have now had keys
[page break]
made for the wardrobe I’ve bought & the trunk, so they are all ready to go when we do. The tenants have left Felmersham now, but I’m not letting it again, the risk of damage doesn’t seem worth it for so short a time. I’m anxious to get back but it doesn’t seem wise just yet. I [underlined] do [/underlined] hope it will all be intact for you.
All my love dearest, Ursula.
[stamp GEPRUFT 69]
[postmark]
[postage stamp]
RANK & NAME: W/O. J.R.M. VALENTINE
[stamp PASSED P.W. 9180]
PRISONER OF WAR No.: 450
CAMP NAME & No.: STALAG LUFT III
COUNTRY: GERMANY
FROM
Mrs Valentine
Little Close
Devon Road
Salcombe
Devon