think that one of their methods of creating panic will be by gas. You must be prepared for real mass air-raids on London too, as they will hope to cause as much confusion as possible. Very likely, they will come from the West by aeroplane, because they will not expect to find so much resistance there. Be prepared, however and whichever way they strike, and follow the instructions on your leaflet ‘If the invader comes’ carefully. Have you cleared the office of inflammable materials? Did you tell your neighbours about putting out fires caused by incendiary bombs? Do you know how to use a stirrup-pump? If I were you, I should see your warden about these matters.
I am afraid it would be impossible for us to come down to London now. I have already missed a great deal through my mumps, & I am stilly busy catching-up. I could not afford to come down now. Besides, we are faced with the most critical weeks of the British Empire, & I think it would be to our mutual advantages if, for the time being, we should stay-put. What about you coming sown to see us though!
I have just heard (3-7-40) that instead of summer holidays, we shall have Mondays & Fridays off throughout July.
We shall have no P.L.s’ camp this week-end – but we might go camping all the same. The trouble is that the six-form boys (for only they are going this week-end) do not want John to go with them. But I shall do my best to persuade them.
Well I shall leave off now, to post the letter. I am afraid it always takes come time to get a letter finished & posted. If you can please send my tent down. Don’t forget to put money in the next letter, & please write two notes (one to Mr. Redfearn & one to the Scoutmaster) that you give me permission to be A.R.P. messenger.
Lots of love from,
Andrew
13 July 1940
Dear Mum & Dad,
Thank you for the letter & the money inside it. (Not for the grumbling about not writing).
I am afraid I have a bit of bad news but don’t worry. John fell on his arm while running and split the radius and the ulna (two bones in the forearm). John was playing on Thursday night, & while running, he slipped on a bit of wet wood. I[t] was all out-of-shape, & John thought it was dislocated. He went straight to Dr. Campbell, who told him to go to the hospital at 10.30 a.m. At the hospital he had two X-ray’s taken & the Doctor found that it was broken. He put it in plaster (gipsz) & then applied a large arm sling. HOWEVER, PLEASE DON’T worry, he did not even cry when it happened – it does not hurt much, & the situation is far from serious, in fact it is quite a lucky accident (‘But it’s not a proper fracture’ – shouts John) – hence can you see that he is all right.
I had my first wages today, together with your 2/- however, result of day’s spending leaves me with 2½ d . Here – my statement of account – all important items:-
tyre
3/3
inner tube
1/-
soap & toothpaste
8
toothbrush
1
debts paid
9
5/9
John’s books
4
stamp
2½ = 6/3½
– balance = 2½ as stated.
So please, as soon as you can in your next letter, send us something if only 1/-, because I owe Mrs. Kelly 3 d for a broken plate, & Mr. Kelly 3 d for a pump-connector.
By the way, I did receive the parcel.
Please send the money for going home soon, because I want to book my seat a week in advance (14/-).
My trousers look more like a piece of rag, because it is in pieces (more or less) so please send Uncle Eugene’s old trousers, & John’s watch, cub hat & Jersey, because he wants to give it to Mrs. Robbins (most likely she will give John a few shillings for it).
With lots of love,
Andrew (& John)
P.S. John cannot write, his right arm being in plaster. And DON’T worry !!!!!!!!!!! A.
6 September 1940
Dear Mum & Dad,
I have not had any letter from you since Friday, & I should like you to write more often, especially as there are a lot of air-raids in London & in view of the numerous casualties, it causes me some anxiety with regard to your
I am afraid it would be impossible for us to come down to London now. I have already missed a great deal through my mumps, & I am stilly busy catching-up. I could not afford to come down now. Besides, we are faced with the most critical weeks of the British Empire, & I think it would be to our mutual advantages if, for the time being, we should stay-put. What about you coming sown to see us though!
I have just heard (3-7-40) that instead of summer holidays, we shall have Mondays & Fridays off throughout July.
We shall have no P.L.s’ camp this week-end – but we might go camping all the same. The trouble is that the six-form boys (for only they are going this week-end) do not want John to go with them. But I shall do my best to persuade them.
Well I shall leave off now, to post the letter. I am afraid it always takes come time to get a letter finished & posted. If you can please send my tent down. Don’t forget to put money in the next letter, & please write two notes (one to Mr. Redfearn & one to the Scoutmaster) that you give me permission to be A.R.P. messenger.
Lots of love from,
Andrew
13 July 1940
Dear Mum & Dad,
Thank you for the letter & the money inside it. (Not for the grumbling about not writing).
I am afraid I have a bit of bad news but don’t worry. John fell on his arm while running and split the radius and the ulna (two bones in the forearm). John was playing on Thursday night, & while running, he slipped on a bit of wet wood. I[t] was all out-of-shape, & John thought it was dislocated. He went straight to Dr. Campbell, who told him to go to the hospital at 10.30 a.m. At the hospital he had two X-ray’s taken & the Doctor found that it was broken. He put it in plaster (gipsz) & then applied a large arm sling. HOWEVER, PLEASE DON’T worry, he did not even cry when it happened – it does not hurt much, & the situation is far from serious, in fact it is quite a lucky accident (‘But it’s not a proper fracture’ – shouts John) – hence can you see that he is all right.
I had my first wages today, together with your 2/- however, result of day’s spending leaves me with 2½ d . Here – my statement of account – all important items:-
tyre
3/3
inner tube
1/-
soap & toothpaste
8
toothbrush
1
debts paid
9
5/9
John’s books
4
stamp
2½ = 6/3½
– balance = 2½ as stated.
So please, as soon as you can in your next letter, send us something if only 1/-, because I owe Mrs. Kelly 3 d for a broken plate, & Mr. Kelly 3 d for a pump-connector.
By the way, I did receive the parcel.
Please send the money for going home soon, because I want to book my seat a week in advance (14/-).
My trousers look more like a piece of rag, because it is in pieces (more or less) so please send Uncle Eugene’s old trousers, & John’s watch, cub hat & Jersey, because he wants to give it to Mrs. Robbins (most likely she will give John a few shillings for it).
With lots of love,
Andrew (& John)
P.S. John cannot write, his right arm being in plaster. And DON’T worry !!!!!!!!!!! A.
6 September 1940
Dear Mum & Dad,
I have not had any letter from you since Friday, & I should like you to write more often, especially as there are a lot of air-raids in London & in view of the numerous casualties, it causes me some anxiety with regard to your