Letter from Donald Baker to his mother

Letter from Donald Baker to his mother

Writes that he was now in the north camp of Stalag Luft 3. and describes new location. Mentions 12 Rhodesians in new camp and talks of accommodation. Mentions there was more entertainment and good talent in new camp. Reports arrival of letters and catches up with news.

1944-02

Handwritten prisoner of war letter form

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SBakerDA19210428v20143

[underlined] Kreigsgefangenenpost [/underlined]
[inserted] [underlined] MIT LUFTPOST AB KAIRO [/underlined] [/inserted]
[two ink stamps]
[date stamp]
An MRS. C. BAKER
CHARLTON
Empfangsort: INYAZURA
Strasse: SOUTHERN
Kreis: RHODESIA
Land: SOUTH AFRICA
[two ink stamps]
[underlined] Gebührenfrei! [/underlined]
[date stamp]
Absender: Vor- und Zuname: F/O. DONALD A. BAKER
Gefangenennummer: 665
Lager-Bezeichnung: M.-Stammlager Luft 3
[underlined] Deutschland (Allemagne) [/underlined]
[page break]
2 [missing number] TH February 1944.
My Dearest Mother, Am now in the North Camp of Stalag Luft III and have had time to settle down. This place is considerably larger and holds about 1500 officers. There are about 12 Rhodesians in the camp so it has been quite good to see them especially those I had known before. Unfortunately Ant & I were separated, and am now in a room with five South Africans. There is nothing to [indecipherable word] as far as comfort is concerned between the last camp & this, but there is more entertainment here & some very good talent. Am continually meeting fellows I had known at the other camps Ive [sic] been to, so have hardly had time to get into the “Rut” that one gets into after a month or so. Had a few more letters from you making 10 so far this month but none dated later than 12.12. They are mostly Sept & Oct. letters – been delayed somewhere, but it was good to receive them. Had a letter from Uncle Jack, telling me about poor Aunt Bess’ mishap & Aunt Ella being unwell too, which is very sad. Uncle Jack & Aunt Annie both fairly fit I was pleased to hear. I hope Phyllis is quite fit again. Anthony has had a few letters from home too. He was put in a room of strangers here & was not too happy at first, but is settling down again. Ken Wilson is in the same barrack as he is. Well mother am keeping fit & trust you are all that way too. Much love to everyone, Your loving son Donald.