A note on the letters. The transcripts may include abbreviations or spelling inconsistencies and errors. We have chosen to transcribe the letters as they appear so that they are an accurate reflection of John Oldfield’s style and personality. We have also included his original page numbering. Where language is used that we would deem offensive, those words have been replaced with XXX.
W.A.Oldfield ESQ.J.P
SANDSEND
NR WHITBY
Yorks
England
March 19.42
Captain JB Oldfield
‘’C’’ Company
5th Bn. The Green Howards
M.E.F
My dear Mum and Daddy,
I wrote an air mail letter card this morning but think this may reach you sooner. I am now in no.8 General Hospital where Kathleen Oldfield’s sister is. Feeling absolutely fit and, just waiting to have my legs seen to- am very comfortable and am in no pain and living off the fat of the land. Altogether being very well attended to. My wounds are nothing very much, a few punctures in the leg from a Grenade- but they picked the metal out the same day and pumped God knows what into me, and all the places are healing up very quickly. It happened on Saturday. I don’t think it will be worth writing to me here as before your letters would arrive I expect I shall be back with the Bn. Don’t worry- I feel disgustingly well!
God bless and all my love to you both,
Yours
Johnnie