Letter from Donald Baker to his mother

Letter from Donald Baker to his mother

Writing from Stalag Luft 3 where he arrived previous day. Catches up with news of friends. Disappointed at being sent back but living conditions were more comfortable there. Reports arrival of letters that arrived while he was at XXIB. and comments on content. Writes bout his future and his getting hair cut off and does not think they would be home that year.

1943-04-13

Handwritten prisoner of war letter form

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SBakerDA19210428v20114

[underlined] Kriegsgefangenenpost [/underlined]
[inserted] [underlined] MIT LUFTPOST AB KAIRO [/underlined] [/inserted]
[four ink stamps]
[date stamp]
An MRS. C. BAKER.
CHARLTON
Empfangsort: INYAZURA
Strasse: SOUTHERN
Kreis: RHODESIA
Land: SOUTH AFRICA
[underlined] Gebührenfrei! [/underlined]
[ink stamp]
Absender:
Vor- und Zuname: P/O DONALD ARTHUR BAKER
Gefangenennummer: 665.
Lager-Bezeichnung: M.- Stammlager Luft 3
[underlined] Deutschland (Germany) [/underlined]
[date stamp]
[page break]
13TH April 1943
My Dearest Mother, Am writing from Stalag Luft 3 & have just arrived here yesterday. Anthony Parker has not come yet but expect him pretty soon. He was very fit when I last saw him. Was rather disappointed at being sent back here as I would rather be sent to a new camp each time. It passes a month or so usually just getting used to new conditions whereas I know this place inch by inch practically. However living conditions are considerably more comfortable here & I received five letters from you today which makes up for a lot. Letters range from Jany. 12TH to Feb 3rd. Also received about the same number while at XXIB during March. Was sorry to hear that Dad has trouble with his nose but was relieved when you said the radium treatment had improved it. You all seem to think that I shall be married or something in England. I don’t think you need be afraid of that. Was amazed to hear that Issy Kaplan is married, had not heard before. Is it a Yiddish girl? My hair took 4 1/2 months to look normal again so I had it off again a couple of weeks ago. It is so much more comfortable & is no trouble brushing. It doesn’t look like getting home this year but we are all confident that it won’t be long after Xmas. I wish so much I could with you then, but it will be a very pleasant surprise if I am. However one never knows. Am glad you liked the snap of me. Have not yet received the Xmas ones from you. Well, Cheerhio [sic] for now dear mother. Keep Smiling all of you. Shall write again as soon as we get our next letter forms. Much love to you all from your loving son Donald.