Letter to Douglas Hudson from his parents

Letter to Douglas Hudson from his parents

Writes of message from Red Cross which asks them to cable American consul in Tunis with which they comply saying they are well. Previously enquired if cables possible but told cables were not allowed for prisoners of war. Comments on winter weather and catches up with news and gossip.

1941-02-03

Two page handwritten letter

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EHudsonP-HEHudsonJD410203

[inserted] 25 [/inserted]
[inserted] 5-4-41 [/inserted]
10 Moorside Road
Kensal
Salford 7
England
Monday. Feb 3rd. 1941.
My dear Douglas.
This morning we had a letter from the Red Cross in London enclosing a message from the International Red Cross in Geneva that you wished me to cable to you C/O The American Consul Tunis. So I went straight away to town & sent away a cable assuring you that we are well & sent all our love. I cannot tell you what joy it gave me to send a message that I know you would receive in a few hour’s time. I know just how terribly anxious you will have been, waiting for news of, or from, us, all these long months. I have told you in previous letters that [deleted] all [/deleted] I made every possible enquiry about getting a cable thro’ to you but was told that cables were not allowed to prisoners of war & when last week I asked from the Red Cross in Mcr if it would be possible to get in touch with you through the American Consul I was told that was not allowed except on very urgent matters & then it must be sent through International Red Cross. Now tonight I am feeling very happy indeed at the thought of you having news from us so soon.
[page break]
The wintry weather here, continues, & I had to make the journey to Manchester shod in the old Wellingtons, of most joyous memories but I did manage to keep upright for which I was truly thankful. Ryder & Dutton’s communication arrived this morning, with many deductions. I went in to see them & said many things to relieve my mind, but the only satisfaction I got was that an adjustment would be made next quarter. Mr Dutton asked very kindly about you. I [underlined] was [/underlined] surprised, as I did [inserted] not [/inserted] know that he knew I had a son. Probably young Ryder has told him. By the way I’ve not seen him for many months so conclude that he is “away”, too.
I took two helmets back to the R. X. today I finished mine yesterday & my young guest has also made one & we are again at work on two more. Now it must be Good night love as it is getting late. With all love as always from
Mother & Dad.
755052 Sgt. Chef. J. D. Hudson,
Camp de Sejour Surfeille
S/courert Commandant D’armes
El Kef
Tunisie
Nord Afrique.