Letter to Douglas Hudson from his parents

Letter to Douglas Hudson from his parents

Writes of current winter weather and wonders what it is like where he is. Writes of boys facing discomfort in severe weather and full of gratitude for the few who have done so much for so many. Continues to describe some activities . Writes about coping when people were missing and helping others in same situation. Concludes catching up with news and gossip.

1940-12-12

Two page handwritten letter and envelope

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EHudsonP-HEHudsonJD401212

[underlined] Prisoner of War Post. [/underlined]
Kriegsgefangenerpost
[two postmarks]
755052 J. D. Hudson (Sgt. Chef.)
Camp de Sejour Surfeille
S/courert Commandant D’arme
El Kef.
Tunisie
Nord Afrique.
2872 Q.H.
[page break]
From
Mrs Hudson
10 Moorside Road
Kensal
Salford 7
England.
[two postmarks]
[VA 27 stamp]
[inserted] 28-1-41 [/inserted]
[page break]
[inserted] 13 [/inserted]
10 Moorside Rd.
Kensal
Salford 7
England.
Thurs. 12th Dec.
My dear Douglas.
Today we have a real winter’s day – thick fog this morning & a very severe frost. And I am wondering how you are faring – if the sun is still shining for you & if it is comfortable & easier to bear than our severe winter. We think so much at this time, of all the dear boys who are facing the discomfort of this wintry weather, with courage & high endeavour, & our hearts are full of gratitude to “the few, who have done so much, for so many.” A memorable phrase which has made history! I had a very nice outing yesterday to Hale Barns in Cheshire. I went by bus all the way & passed along the roads that we have travelled so often & so happily together & I was thinking of you all the time. You will be wondering who is at Hale Barns. It is really a rather long story beginning at the time when you were reported missing & I was so physically & mentally ill. Mrs Clayton told a very sad story of a little girl of 19
[page break]
(wife of a soldier) who was expecting her first baby & was very worried about a home Our Doctor came in just at the time & I said if only I had known before she had gone away I would have given her a home & cared for her until she was well. (I thought that caring for someone in need would help to relieve the burden of my own sorrow.) Doctor had remembered what I said & came the other day to ask if I would like to help another little girl who was in trouble & I am expecting her to live with me for a few weeks from Dec. 29th. She is very sweet & pretty & was quite excited yesterday about coming to stay with me. It is strange to think that she will probably be away again & starting life anew before you get my letter. Mrs Clayton came on Tuesday, very much better in health again. She had not heard from John, nor had she written to him since he was home. Little John from No 8 is home today for Christmas holidays & I’ve been remembering how we used to count the days to your holidays when you were at Boarding School. Had a cheery letter from Mrs Holmes. She is hoping to have Geoffrey home for 48 hrs at Xmas. Lucky person! Now love Goodnight once again. All love from Mother & Dad (who is having his usual nap)
755052 J. D. Hudson (Sgt. Chef.)
Camp de Sejour Surfeille
S/courert Commandant D’armes
El Kef
Tunisie
Nord Afrique