Letter from Alan Green to his parents

Letter from Alan Green to his parents

Alan writes from Stalag Luft 3. He lists food to be sent in Red Cross parcels.

1942-07-09

One handwritten envelope and letter

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EGreenAWGreenWH-[Mo]420709-0001,
EGreenAWGreenWH-[Mo]420709-0002

[inserted] Written 9.7.42 [/inserted]

[underlined] Kriegsgefangenenpost [/underlined]

Mr & Mrs W.H. Green
“Hollingworth”
Firs Estate
Kenilworth Road
Coventry
Warwickshire
England

[sender] Pilot Officer Green
(number not yet allotted)

[inserted] OPENED BY EXAMINER 3083 [/inserted]

[page break]

9/7/42

My Dear Folks

I hope that by this time you will have had some news of me, and will have ceased to worry, - it being 3 weeks now since I descended upon Deutchsland – I have very little news for you, except to say that I have met some old acquaintances in this my new & I think permanent camp. I now consider myself very lucky to be still breathing, and am therefore in no position to grumble at my predicament. All the same, I would like to be in England & still scrapping.

[underlined] You will now have received all my persona stuff, [/underlined] and I would ask you to keep it in good condition as I may need it again sometime. Please smear my gun with grease (including bore & breach-block) and see that it does not rust. As for my car, I leave it to you, you may like to run it during the summer, or may deem it better to sell.

I made an error in my last note, in saying that you could send me food. This is incorrect. Please donate £10 to the “Red Cross” on my behalf, and state that you want a certain number of invalids comforts parcels sending to me – say that they should be sent as often as possible, and that you will make a further donation later. Stress that they must consist of Robinson's Barley, Groats, Quaker oats, or substitute, and tinned milk. Also some Halibut oil capsules and laxative pills – e.g. Pil Cholelith. These things will ensure that I do not suffer from the stomach trouble which you remember I experienced during part of my training.

The Red Cross will inform you of the manner in which clothes parcels may be sent. I understand that a little chocolate can be enclosed, but please make enquiries first. My love to Basil by cable please, and belated Happy Returns to Gwen.

Your Loving Son.
Alan