Letter from Donald Baker to his mother

Letter from Donald Baker to his mother

Reports arrival of a number of her letters and mentions that Egyptian food parcels were coming through regularly. Writes that he had had two clothing parcels and discussing post routing. Mentions two book parcels. Explains recent incorrect announcements of his death. Thinks he would farm in future could not put up with office job.

1942-08-19

Handwritten prisoner of war letter form

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SBakerDA19210428v20093

[six ink stamps]
[postmark]
[underlined] MIT LUFT POST AB KAIRO PER AIR MAIL [/underlined]
[underlined] PRIORITY I [/underlined]
[underlined] Kriegsgefangenenpost [/underlined]
MRS. C. BAKER
CHARLTON
INYAZURA
S. RHODESIA
S. AFRIKA
[postmark]
[two ink stamps]
Absender:
Vor und Zuname: P/O DONALD ARTHUR BAKER
Gefangenennummer: 665
Lager-Bezeichnung: M.-Stammer Luft 3
Deutschland (Allemagne)
[page break]
19TH AUGUST 1942
My Dearest Mother
This month I have received 7 letters from you so far – dates varying from 12TH April to 24TH Mar. Am fairly sure that I have received all your letters up to that date now. Also one from Harry dated 8:4:42. The Egyptian food parcels are coming through regularly taking anything from 6 – 9 weeks. Have received two clothing parcels so far both from Rhodesia House. Do you send yours via Cairo? I think that would be best, as if you send them via England they will probably be stopped by the British R. C. in view of the fact that Rhod. House also send parcels. Have also received two book parcels – not very good books. Fag parcels also come through occasionally. Did you get a telegram refuting my death? It seems that a girlfriend got information of my death from the Red Cross so when I heard that, I sent a cable from Geneva saying I was fine, just in case you heard the same thing. Apparently there was a mistake somewhere. I hope very much you did not hear that as I expect you are worried quite enough about me without that. Sent a card to Dad last month suggesting I should farm after the war & asking his opinion. Don’t think I could put up with an office job again and farming really appeals to me more at the moment than anything else. I hope the end of this is not far off ‘though it seems to be doesn’t it. Very much love to all dear mother – your loving son
Donald