Letter to Pat Thirkell from Robert Hanslip

Letter to Pat Thirkell from Robert Hanslip

The letter is written from a Prisoner of War camp, Stalag Luft 1, in 1941. He says he is recovering from his burns and is feeling better. He looks forward to getting home and sends his best wishes. Several fellow prisoners of war are mentioned by first names or nicknames plus another, for whom no information was available, by surname. The addressee, Flight Sergeant Pat Thirkell served with 44 Squadron and was KIA on 8 May 1942.

1941-10-16

One double sided handwritten sheet

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EHanslipRThirkellP411016-0001, EHanslipRThirkellP411016-0002

EXAMINER 6757

MIT LUFT POST,
PAR AVION,
BY AIRMAIL

[postmark]

[underlined] Kriegsgefangenenpost [underlined]

[Stamp]
Mit Luftpost Par Avion

An PAT THIRKELL ESQ.,
c/o 39, TOPSFIELD PARADE,
Empfangsort CROUCH END,
Straße LONDON, N.8.
Land: ENGLAND
Landesteil (Provinz usw.)

[stamp]
[missing word] RUFT 44

[underlined] Gebührenireil [/underlined]

[Page break]

P.C.90
OPENED BY

Absender:
Vor- und Zuname: SGT ROBERT HANSLIP. R.A.F.
Gefangenennummer: 600
Lager-Bezeichnung: Stalag Luft [deleted] 2 [/deleted] 1

[underlined] Deutschland (Allemagne) [/underlined]

[Page break]

16/10/41

Dear Pat,

So sorry I have only written until now, but I thought it would be better. I expect you understand. You know probably now the events of our famous night. I was very lucky, thank god. My burns, which seemed at first bad, are now completely gone, and I feel fairly fit & well. Drake is here in my room. You remember him also many others who remember you. I have given them all your thoughts etc. So glad you hear your car’s O.K. My people have told me, they are writing to you & that father saw you etc. My car is also waiting for “the” day. We are definitely going to see each other when “this” is all over, and oh boy! What a time. Know nothing about Mercer. So sorry old man. Please remember me to Joyce etc. Dunbling sends his best wishes. He’s O.K; and “stocks” & “baldy” are too. Keep well old man, I’m with you in thought. Keep cracking, and get me home quickly. I will write as often as I can. I am always, your best friend, etc.
Robert Hanslip SGT.

P.S. I’m learning German very well.