Transcription
123 Averil Rd.,
Scraptoft Lane,
Leicester
Dec. 27 1944
Dear Frank & Alma,
Thank you for your letter of a week ago, please forgive me for being a little late in answering, but xmas as you know is a very busy time.
Yes Alma we did already know the sad news of " Chuck" when your letter came, but it was late in November before I heard, then it wasn't anything official, only all of my letters were delivered to me with "Deceased" stamped on them, we were all very grieved with the terrible news & even now I can't bring myself to realise that I shall not be seeing Charles ever again.
All ready I have written to his commanding officer, but I still await the reply & all the information. I ? will he send on to you. Dad has made numerous inquiries both at the Red Cross & from some of the fella's at the camp, he met one who knew "Charles" & said that he was killed out right by a bullet, of course Alma we don't know how true it is, only dad said he seemed to know Charles very well as he happened to be with him the day he sent you the purple heart home, dad asked this buddie where Charles had been wounded - he said - well it wasn't exactly a wound, only they were all in a dug-out when a shell exploded & the blast twisted Charles knee-cap, he said Charles never mentioned it to anyone as he didn't consider it was a wound, he never told me either when he came home from Normandy - he didn't limp or anything tho.
According to what we can gather Alma, the chances of Charles having been buried in a decent grave are good, its not as tho he was blown to pieces & his body not being found, but of course we have no confirmation regarding anything have we.
Do hope these few little bits of news will relieve your mind just a little & any further news of Charles will be sent on to you. I do miss him so much, & he was always in my heart & mind over xmas, I was thinking of you too, who didn't see him for such a while, before he lost his life, we all thought such a lot of Charles & your loss is also our loss, the enclosed list of names of fella's, are a few names that were killed along with Charles, may you know some of them, I don't happen to know any of them.
Did you know Charles friend - Frank Van-DerMey? I had a letter from him about 3 weeks ago, really I don't think Charles was quite the same after Frank went back to the States. They went thru a lot together, and I imagined he would be lonely, altho he used to go about with s/sgt. Leo Holloway - he was a grand fella' did you know him.
Charles was never one for doing a deal of talking, but he had a heart almost as big as two & always a joke & a smile ready, I believe he used to love to come around home & just sit by the fire, listening to the radio, drink never really worried him, we used to go to see a film once every week, usually on a Tuesday, those nights I miss more than any.
Well both, I'm an awfull one for writing letter, but do hope these few lines will help just a little.
My happy memories of Charles will live on with me forever, and I will continue to write if its O.K. by you.
How are Charles nephews? he often talked to me of them, he did love them so, if I remember, one was named Bill, tell them they had one of the best uncles a kid could have.
Must close for now & sending you my very best wishes for a bright & happier 1945.
Remaining
Very Sincerely Yours.
love. Jean