Letters to America

Monday, October 5th, 1942

My darling Joan,

We are late with our letters to you this week. Daddy is just finishing off one to Uncle Carl and will put his to you in that. John wrote you a little letter and drew a camel and other things but Anne accidentally cut it before she knew it was his letter.

Last Sunday Keith and Peter came to tea with their mummy and daddy and John had a nice time with Keith. We had not seen them for over a year, because they cannot use their car(1) and the journey is rather difficult with a heavy baby, but Peter can walk now so that makes a difference. Auntie Olive came to tea yesterday and stayed until after tea today. She has to take Nanny back with her to her mother’s for a week or two. I took Auntie Olive to Pat’s Pantry at Pinner this afternoon – she loves knick-knack(2) shops and has wanted to go for a long time but every time she comes over, it either rains or something else turns up. I thought maybe I’d see something for you for Christmas but there is very little there now and not much that is suitable except books. I did get a paper model to build that I think you’ll enjoy. I showed Auntie Olive your last letter and she enjoyed reading it. She said you write very good letters. Mrs Kemp was also interested in your letter dear, especially the bit about Booker Bill(3) being called a Sergeant. Janet had never said that and didn’t say much about your visit at all.

Well how have you been getting along this week darling? Hope you have had a jolly time with your friends and also enjoyed your school time. Anne has a very bad cold again this week end but is much better today. I had a letter from Uncle John today and he had been having a game of tennis with his captain and very much enjoyed it. Do hope you are all well. My love to Auntie Mary and Teddy and Sandy.

With love and kisses from

Mummy
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  1. Most food, clothing and fuel was rationed and even things which were not rationed were often very difficult to find in the shops. Every man, woman and child was given a ration book with coupons. These were required before rationed goods could be purchased. Because petrol was rationed, private cars could only be used very rarely.
  2. Knick-knacks are small objects which people keep as ornaments or toys, rather than for a particular use.
  3. Booker Bill was a dog.