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John Martin's memoir
The story of John Martin's last operation, how he was shot down, escaped the aircraft and was captured. He was interrogated at Dulag Luft in Frankfurt then transferred to various Stalg Luft camps. His story covers in his life until he was repatriated…
Letter from John Valentine
![EValentineJRM[Recipient]440319.jpg](https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/square_thumbnails/1281/20619/EValentineJRM[Recipient]440319.jpg "EValentineJRM[Recipient]440319.jpg")
Relates that representative of Swedish Y.M.C.A visited his camp recently bearing enquiries about his well being. The visitor a Mr Soderburg asked if he needed anything and he asked for a violin bow as well as tooth paste and socks as his wife's last…
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Number 50(167). First letter from the new camp. He mentions the journey to the camp and the conditions on arrival and is very disappointed that there is nowhere suitable for fiddle practice. Mentions new camp has better surroundings and potential…
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Number 46. He writes of an upcoming transfer to prisoner of war camp named Heidekrug as far to east as possible in Germany, the likely transportation there and the subsequent change to living conditions and mail arrangements. He also writes about his…
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Number 47. Writes that his new address will be Stalag Luft VI, although he hasn’t yet got a date for departure and he is worried that he will not be able to send as many letters. He mentions price limits on house buying and that he had sat his…
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Number 48. Writes that they should depart for new camp on or before 10 June. Notes that letters should be addressed to Stalag Luft VI but parcels still to Stalag Luft 3. Says he is looking forward to change as he has been outside camp only once.…
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Number 51. Describes conditions in new camp. Mentions they no longer cook their own food therefore little distraction from monotony. Mentions difficulties in continuing with his violin. States that mail will be slow for a few weeks, comments…
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Number 54 (111). Writes that new camp is not as good as last due to lack of facilities which will take a long time to develop. Mentions new barracks housing 26. Asks her to see if anyone would would send his new hut leader some cigarettes. Worried by…
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Number 56-113. He writes that some of the mail and some parcels have arrived. He has been practising playing the fiddle wherever her can find a place to practice. He is much less busy than at previous camp. A placard saying “Per Ardna ad Aqua”…
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Number 58-115. Discusses correct mailing addresses. Mentions his sense of taste is improving and talks about tobacco. Speculates on possible future after the war believing staying with previous firm will give them best standard of living. Therefore…
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
No 60-117. Writes about receiving letters (number censored) and how they and photographs cheer him. Thanks her for parcels and discusses future clothing requirements. Speaks of her problems over housing and promises to increase financial allotment.…
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Number 63-120. Thanks her for letters and efforts on his behalf. Writes of poor weather and his tribulations in finding somewhere to practise his violin. He is still in need of strings and music. List items from last parcel which were appreciated and…
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Number 65-122. He writes about Ursula purchasing a new house for them and discusses financial matters. Mentions new British medical officer and treatment he is receiving. Sends request for contents in Swiss contacts to arrange for Rolex watches to be…
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
No 67-124. Reports her letters and photographs that have arrived. Regrets that house purchase has fallen through. Discusses possible ways forward. Writes he is still having problems with learning violin. Catches up with family/friends. Sends thanks…
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Number 70-127. Thanks her for letter and annoyed that his letters are not reaching her. Mentions financial issues list requirements to be sent, Mentions weather and state of camp. Wishes her merry Christmas.
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Number 71-128. Discusses house purchase and that he will endorse any decisions she makes. Mentions financial issues, arrival of books and continuing study of violin.
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Number 73-130. Writes that he has given her power of attorney and post office withdrawal form sent via Red Cross. Discusses financial issues. Mention that he received music and reports issues with his violin.
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Number 78-135. No letters from her. Reports on weather and state of camp. Writes he is living with excellent crowd of fellows and goes on to describe some. Mentions persisting with violin averaging four hours a day of practise but handicapped by lack…
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Number 81-138. Complains about lack of mail and that he does not seem to get replies to his. Discusses house purchase and finances. Mentions letter he has letter belonging to Polish prisoner and to wish all his Polish friends well for 1944. Comments…
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Number 83-140. Hopes she enjoyed her birthday. Still waiting definite news of house purchase and mentions financial tax matters. Weather now freezing which is improvement on previous slush. Mentions two resolutions one to do more fiddle practise but…
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Number 85-142. Writes of potential house purchase and problems ahead. Discusses financial matters and instruction sent about RAF pay through Red Cross. Discusses name for new house. Puzzled about watch she is wearing. Mentions his lack of religion…
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Number 144-1. Congratulates her on progress with house. Mentions family illness, time to get into London from new home, and catches up with family friends. Thanks for violin strings. Mention proposed writing schedule. Reminisces on wedding four years…
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Number 149-6. Delighted to get letter posted 28 November with news that they have moved into new home. Ask all about it and discusses home creating she will have to do. Mentions fellow prisoner has not heard from wife for four months and could she…
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Number 151-8. Reports arrival of 4 letters and all the news about new home and provides much advice on gramophone and financial issues. Mentions health issues and wishes for the end of winter.
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Number 153-10. Reports latest letters to arrive and comments on contents, especially her efforts with new house. Mentions weather and snow for five months but now beginning to thaw. Comments on his struggles to learn violin. Concluded by saying how…