Joe’s Letters, WWII: “Tickets for the Panto”

It’s Armed Forces Day tomorrow. Please spare a thought for our servicemen and women, past and present.

One of my Uncle Joe’s letters will be posted to this Blog each and every Friday until they are done. Please see below for a link to Joe’s full story and the other letters in this series so far.

Joe and crew have experienced their first few bombing raids over Germany, the first of which ended in disaster. Joe is flying out of Chedburgh in Suffolk, New Year 1945.

 Letter from mum; 1st Feb 1945

Letter transcript:

“Sunday night.

Dear Joseph,

Well son, here is the last of your washing, as you know I can only do it at the week-ends, so I hope you have been able to manage. I had your letter from Liverpool, but have not heard from you since, I can only hope your journey wasn’t too bad. You wouldn’t be sorry to get there after such a long journey.

How’s work going down now? According to the news you are all being kept very busy, but thank God the end is definitely in sight I think , and I hope.

I took Brian into town yesterday to book some seats for the annual family trek to the Panto, after waiting two and a half hours I managed it, for the matinee on Weds’ week. How did you get on at the one you saw in Liverpool? Did you have a good show?

I had a letter from home last week, they were hoping to see you, but I have just answered the letter and explained that you went on Sunday but perhaps you will see them next time. In the meantime take care of yourself son.

So wishing you goodnight

God bless you,

Love from Mother xxxx“

Even a world war can’t hold back a good old British Pantomime at Christmas time! It sounds like it’s a popular one too if Olive had to spend two hours trying to get tickets!
To read more about Joe’s letters please follow this link. There you will find the full selection of letters to date, as well as more information about his fascinating yet ultimately tragic story. He was our family hero. He IS our family hero. If I knew how to complete an effective RAF salute, I would salute you now, Joe. Long may your memory live in our family stories. I hope to post a new letter from Joe’s correspondence with his Mother here every Friday until they’re done. It will be a turbulent and heart-wrenching journey. Subscribe to the Blog to make sure you don’t miss any of it.

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