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.
1997-37-7-5-60
MRS. V.E. OLDFIELD. CAPT. J.B. OLDFIELD.
SANDSEND. P.G.N.35 PM.3400
NEAR WHITBY
Letter No.6. 20. July 42
My dearest Mum, Daddy & Jumbo – I will try this week to make my letter not a “gimme” one except for one or two lines. Can you please arrange for a regular supply of tobacco and cigs to be sent twice a month and to total 1 lb tobacco and 300 cigs each month – to be paid from my account and bought from Harrods or somewhere out of bond. Quite cheap I believe that way. Chocolate parcels may be sent ad lib also. Clothes – (please cancel my tweed jacket – if sent don’t worry – ) Corduroys and sweater I should like very much and anything arm in time for winter also a couple of coloured stocks if poss. There that’s all ! Next week I’ll try not to mention the subject. I am feeling very fit and am quite settled in in my new quarters with John Fane, Daybell and Ward and manage quite well, we are all in a 14th Century Carthusian monastery and live rather like studies at school- in fact everything is rather like school all over again, with a feast when red X parcels come. Am using my enforced leisure by drawing and am going to attend agricultural classes when they start. I miss your letters v. much and am looking forward to getting them soon, they take anything from 2 to 6 weeks from England. Please send photographs and ask everyone to write look after yourselves and don’t worry.
All love Johnnie.