Letter from Donald Baker to brother Harry

Letter from Donald Baker to brother Harry

Writes he is OK and asked that he persuade mother and father that he was OK despite shock when he was reported missing. Says he misses freedom and worried that time would hang, but in fact he had plenty to do. Hopes he would see them all in England after war. Say tell family to write to him and reminds of strict censorship. Get details from Red Cross and send cigarettes.

1941-12-28

Handwritten prisoner of war letter form

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SBakerDA19210428v20063

[underlined] Kriegsgefangenenpost [/underlined]
[postmark]
LUFT POST
AIR MAIL
[two ink stamps]
MR HARRY BAKER
“CHARLTON”
INYAZURA
S. RHODESIA
SOUTH AFRICA
Absender:
Vor und Zuname: DONALD ARTHUR BAKER.
Gerangenennummer: 662
Lager-Bezeichnung: M.-Stammlager Luft 01
Deutschland (Germany)
[page break]
28th November 1941
Dear Harry,
Just a few lines to let you know that I am well and to ask you to persuade Mum and Dad that I am absolutely O.K. as it must have been a shock to you all that I was missing especially Mother who always worries so much. Of course I miss the freedom & life generally but we are well treated and Red Cross parcels augment our food rations so that, honestly, we have tons to eat. Was afraid that time would hang heavily but not so. Games, lectures and opportunity to learn something useful take up time & we cook most of our own food. Don’t know yet what to learn. Opportunity permitting it would be grand if I could meet Mum & Dad in England after this and go back with them. How is Betty? Tell the family to write, as letters will be most welcome. Censorship is strict which you must remember. Get details from Red X. & send some cigarettes. Again must stress that you really must not worry about me. Keep smiling. See you after the war. Much love to all – Donald.