The transcript which follows 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.
1997-37-7-5-24
Airmail Letter Card Capt. J.B Oldfield
W.A.Oldfield .Esq. J.P “C” Company.
Sandsend, 5. Green Howards
Near Whitby, M.E.F.
Yorks. ENGLAND
April. 20.42
My dear Daddy-
Thank you so much for your book, “Oh ! It’s nice to be in the Army” Wh. arrived with Mums parcel of cakes and Pipes. I am reading it now and find it as good as you say – amusing and yet very instructive and well written, am thoroughly enjoying it and altogether thank you very much for a damn good little book. I can’t agree with him about the men not wanting to be well informed – we have always found them more than
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rum to know “what’s on “ and therefore go to some trouble to discuss News and get it over to them as best we can, and have found it more than worth the trouble. In my own Company there is only one wireless which for want of a better place and at the same time be in fairly central, is kept at Company H.Q. and every evening time all from 10 to 20 of the men sitting outside listening. Every Platoon always sends and Envoy in with out fail, and neighbouring detachments have often come in to listen too. The Senior N.C.O’s particularly take a great interest in the war, possible developments, and improvements in tactical questions nearer home and I can’t think our chaps are very different
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from any others. We get no papers at all of course and a fading wireless is our one and only link with the outside world, perhaps that makes a difference.
Many thanks for the interesting letters and news, and not least your little skit on fire watching night, which I thoroughly enjoyed and found most amusing and am sure you mustn’t have felt disappointed in it. I always think you should take up your writing on a bigger scale.
Very pleased to feel in touch with you all again and to know all is well with you. Write as often as you can Dad, Godbless and
My love,
Johnnie
J.B.Oldfield