Letter from Douglas Hudson to his parents

Letter from Douglas Hudson to his parents

Writes that he still has not heard from them and wonders if everything is alright with them. He suggest various ways they might get in touch: through the American consul Tunis, British consul Tangiers and Red Cross Geneva. Some compatriots have received letters or heard wireless broadcasts on forces empire programmes but not him. Reports that he is well and playing bridge speaking French. Wishes mother happy birthday. Reports receiving a post card from Red Cross stating they had forwarded a letter from him to his parents and sent an enquiry about his parents health to the British Red Cross.

1940-11-29

Three page handwritten letter

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EHudsonJDHudsonP-HE401129-02

Royal Air Force. 755052. Sgt. Chef.. J.D.Hudson.
Camp de Séjour Surveillé.
LE. KEF.
TUNISIE.
AFRIQUE DU NORD.

29-11-40
My Dear Mother & Dad,

I am still without any news from you & I am wondering if you are both well, & if everything is going on all right at home. I have written quite a number of letters since I have been here and I do hope that by now some of them will have reached you.

If I were you I should try sending letters to me c/o the American Consul – Tunis, & address some envelopes via [inserted] BRITISH CONSUL [/inserted] TANGIERS, & others via the Swiss Red Cross, Geneva. Some of the chaps have received a few letters from home already & it seems a little strange to me that I am still without news. Also if you have not already done so try and send me a cable c/o the American Consul – Tunis, also make enquiries about the possibility of sending letters by Air Mail. There will be no harm done in trying these various channels. Some of our chaps have also had wireless programmes broadcast

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on the Forces Empire Programme, with the usual favourite tune. Although we do not hear these programmes we are advised by the authorities who have heard them.

There is little I can tell you, except assure you that I am perfectly well & persevering with my Bridge Playing, & speaking a horrible French which definitely serves it’s purpose however, and gets me along. I hesitate to attempt Arabic, and am given to understand it would take years anyway.

I don’t suppose this letter will arrive before Christmas so I hope you will have as good a time as possible under the circumstances. I shall think about you, & also at New Year. I also wish Mother a very happy birthday & am only too sorry I cannot send a present along. However, one of these days there will be rejoicings & reunions which will be appreciated all the more by absence now.

And so until next Friday when I shall send a post-card – cheerio. I shall write another letter in two weeks time.

My thoughs are always with you and I send you all my love,

[underlined] Douglas [/underlined]

P.T.O

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PS How strange, I have just this moment received the following p.c. from the Swiss Red Cross at Geneva:-

“We have received your letter dated 18-10-40, & beg to inform you that we immediately forwarded your letter to your parents, & also sent the British Red Cross a message enquiring about your parent’s health. As soon as we receive any information we shall forward it to you at once.”

A bit more encouragement!

[underlined] Douglas. [/underlined]